The Hair Growth Cycle Explained: How to Maintain Your Cut Between Salon Visits

Ever wonder why your hair grows in cycles, or why some people seem to have fast-growing hair while yours feels like it takes forever? The hair growth cycle plays a crucial role in how your hair behaves, how often you need trims, and how to keep your style looking fresh between salon visits.

Understanding how your hair grows can help you make smarter haircare choices, whether you're trying to grow it out, maintain a sleek style, or simply prevent split ends. In this guide, we’ll break down the stages of hair growth, explore the factors that affect growth speed, and share pro tips to make your haircut last longer while keeping your hair healthy.

Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle

Your hair doesn’t just grow endlessly—it follows a structured cycle made up of three key phases:

1. Anagen Phase (Growth Phase)

• The active growth stage, lasting 2 to 7 years depending on genetics and overall health.

• About 85-90% of the hair on your head is in this phase at any time.

• The longer your hair stays in this phase, the longer it will grow before naturally shedding.

2. Catagen Phase (Transition Phase)

• A short 2-3 week period where hair growth slows, and the follicle prepares to shed the strand.

• Only 1-2% of your hair is in this phase at any given moment.

3. Telogen Phase (Resting & Shedding Phase)

• Lasts 3-4 months, after which the hair falls out to make way for new growth.

• Around 10-15% of your hair is in this stage at all times.

• Losing 50-100 hairs per day is completely normal as part of this cycle.

Understanding these phases can help explain why hair sheds, why it might appear thinner at times, and what you can do to support healthy growth.

How Fast Does Hair Grow?

On average, hair grows about half an inch per month (or 6 inches per year). However, this rate isn’t the same for everyone—several factors influence how fast your hair grows:

• Genetics – Determines how long your hair stays in the anagen (growth) phase.

• Age – Hair growth naturally slows as we get older.

• Diet & Nutrition – Nutrients like biotin, iron, and vitamin D support healthy hair.

• Hormones – Stress, pregnancy, and thyroid imbalances can speed up or slow down growth.

• Scalp Health – A clean, well-moisturized scalp encourages healthier growth.

• Hair Care Routine – Excessive heat styling, harsh chemicals, and poor hair habits can lead to breakage, making hair appear to grow slower than it actually does.

While you can’t change your genetics, proper care and nutrition can optimize your hair’s growth potential.

Does Cutting Hair Make It Grow Faster?

The age-old belief that cutting hair makes it grow faster isn’t entirely true. Hair growth starts at the scalp, not the ends, but regular trims do play an important role in maintaining long, healthy locks.

Here’s why trims are important:

• Prevents split ends from traveling up the hair shaft, reducing breakage.

• Maintains shape and structure, keeping your haircut looking intentional instead of grown-out and messy.

• Makes hair appear fuller and healthier, as dry, damaged ends are removed.

For best results, schedule a trim every 6-8 weeks, especially if your goal is to maintain a certain length or style.

How to Make a Haircut Last Longer

If you love how your hair looks fresh from the salon, you’ll want to make it last as long as possible. Here’s how:

Use Heat Sparingly

Excessive heat styling weakens hair, leading to dryness, breakage, and frizz. If you use heat tools, always apply a heat protectant spray and keep the temperature moderate.

Wash Less Often

Over-washing can strip your hair’s natural oils, causing dryness and faster fading for colored hair. Try shampooing 2-3 times per week with a sulfate-free shampoo to keep moisture balanced.

Use the Right Products

Invest in salon-quality haircare products to maintain your style longer. Look for:

• Hydrating shampoos and conditioners to prevent dryness.

• Leave-in treatments and serums to keep ends nourished.

• Dry shampoo to absorb oil and extend the time between washes.

Brush Gently

Use a boar bristle brush or a wide-tooth comb to minimize breakage and evenly distribute natural oils.

Sleep on a Silk Pillowcase

Cotton pillowcases create friction, which can lead to frizz and tangles. Silk or satin pillowcases help your hair glide smoothly, keeping your style intact.

Should You Trim Your Own Hair Between Salon Visits?

Tempted to snip a few stray ends yourself? While at-home trims might seem like a quick fix, they can lead to uneven cuts and unnecessary damage.

Instead of DIY trims, try these maintenance tips:

• Apply a serum or hair oil to smooth split ends rather than cutting them.

• Use a texturizing spray or styling cream to refresh layers and add volume.

• Schedule regular professional trims to prevent major damage from neglected ends.

If you absolutely must trim, use professional hair shears, cut in small sections, and focus only on the very tips—never attempt a full haircut at home.

The Best Salon for Haircuts in Bozeman

Keeping up with regular trims is key to maintaining healthy, stylish hair. And maybe we’re biased, but we have a great recommendation for anyone looking for a professional haircut. If you’re looking for the best salon for haircuts in Bozeman, finding a stylist who understands your hair’s unique needs is essential.

Our expert stylists specialize in:

• Precision haircuts tailored to your face shape and hair type.

• Personalized hair care recommendations to keep your cut looking fresh.

• Luxury treatments to promote long-term hair health and vibrancy.

Whether you’re growing out your hair, maintaining a specific cut, or just need a refresh, our team ensures you leave the salon feeling confident and stylish.

Keeping Your Hair Healthy Between Salon Visits

Your hair growth cycle plays a significant role in how your hair behaves, but daily maintenance and regular salon visits ensure long-term hair health. While you can’t speed up growth overnight, good hair habits, proper styling techniques, and quality products can keep your haircut looking great for longer.

The next time you visit the salon, talk to your stylist about customized haircare recommendations to maintain your style between appointments. And if you’re in Bozeman, book your next haircut at Canyon River Spa—for expert care and beautiful results.