It'll seriously work wonders to help hair grow longer and healthier.
About a year ago I went to get a much needed haircut. The stylist said I needed a good 3 inches off, which I was fine with, but long story short—it ended with my hair much shorter than I ever wanted and to add to my frustration, he had added shorter layers I so did not want.
Familiar story, right? So it's probably unsurprising that I spent the next many, many months refusing hair trims in an effort to keep my length, and researching how to make my hair grow faster. But you know what I should have been looking into instead? Hair dusting.
So, what is hair dusting? Not a hair cut, and not even a trim, hair dusting is a technique that you go strand by strand to remove split ends. Sound tedious? It's actually really not! Anyone can DIY it, and we've got plenty of advice and all the tutorials you need. So, keep reading to find out!
First Off, Split Ends
A split end happens when the tips of your hair start to fray and separate into two (or sometimes more) strands. Think of it as your hair’s SOS signal—usually from too much heat, styling, or just regular wear and tear.
When the ends start splitting, they don’t just sit there quietly; they keep splitting up the strand if left alone, which can lead to more breakage and less healthy-looking hair. It’s like when a favorite sweater starts to unravel at the hem—if you don’t take care of it, it only gets worse! Plus, when split ends break—you now have breakage.
‘What many call breakage happens when split ends cause the hair to snap off, leaving some strands shorter than others,’ explains celebrity hairstylist Cash Lawless. And while products can help smooth frayed ends, the only real fix for split ends is a trim.
Haircut for Split Ends, or Dusting?
If, like me, you would really rather not get another haircut (why do stylists always take off more than they say they will?!) The technique called "dusting" that can help you maintain your hair's health without sacrificing its length. The term “dusting” is a nickname for basically just giving your hair a tiny, itsy-bitsy haircut without losing any real length. By opting for a dusting session instead of a traditional haircut, you can keep your hair looking fresh and neat while preserving its current length.
Regular dusting sessions can help you achieve healthier, more vibrant hair without the need for frequent, substantial haircuts. So, if you're looking to prolong the time between hair appointments and maintain your hair's length, consider giving dusting a try.
But, Is dusting healthy for hair?
Absolutely, in fact, that is the whole point of dusting—to remove the unhealthy split ends to keep damage from spreading and helping hair grow healthier.
But hey, just a heads-up – dusting alone might not cut it if you're still putting your hair through the wringer with stuff like excessive heat styling, bleaching, or rough handling. These things can wreck your hair, making it dry and brittle.
To combat the damage, make sure to show your hair some love with masks and deep conditioning treatments. These can give your hair the hydration and nourishment it craves, helping to repair and strengthen it. Plus, they'll leave your hair healthier.
So, keep up with the dusting and throw in some masks and treatments—your hair will thank you for it!
Must Have Supplies for Hair Dusting
To begin with a dusting at home, you'll need the right tools, like sharp scissors made for cutting hair. Make sure you're working in good light and section your hair properly so you can trim it evenly.
Choosing the Best Scissors for Hair Dusting
Make sure to grab some scissors with super sharp, curved blades. They're the best for giving you those ultra-precise cuts without messing up your ends. Opt for a smaller blade size (think 5 to 6 inches) for more precision when snipping individual split ends.
My personal favorite go-to scissors for hair dusting are the Tweezerman styling shears. The area a great size, super sharp, and if you're just using them for the occasional trim, you may never need another pair.
Other Hair Dusting Helpful Tools
Fine-tooth Comb: Sectioning your hair will be a lot easier with a good comb.
Sectioning clips: Sectioning help isolate small sections, I love the Drybar Hold Me Hair Clips. They have a great "alligator jaw" design that keeps hair from slipping.
How to Dust Your Hair
The dusting technique you should use will depend on your hair curl type. Different curl types need different techniques to get the results you want. , Whether your hair is straight, wavy, curly, or coily(kinky), we are sharing all the details on how to dust your hair at home.
Before you start your DIY dusting session, it's a good idea to learn the right technique. If you're not sure about doing it yourself, it's always smart to ask a professional hairstylist for help. They can suggest the best way to do it.
A Little More on Sectioning Your Hair
With every hair type, it's important to section your hair. If you have really thick or coily hair, you may choose to just put all your hair back and just pull down one piece at a time. However, if you would like to section your hair like a pro, here's the easiest way to do it.
Part your hair down the middle from your forehead all the way to the back of the neck making to sections. Then separate each of these sections into two somewhere around your ears. Since you're not cutting a lot, it's not important for these to be perfect, but this will give you good, even sections to work with.
Dusting for Straight Hair (Type 1)
Straight hair is a hair type characterized by strands that grow without a natural curl, wave, or bend, creating a smooth, flat texture. This hair type is often classified as Type 1 in hair-typing systems and can range from fine and thin to thick and coarse.
Start with Dry Hair
First, start with smooth, dry hair. It's a lot easier to see the flyaways that stick out and need a trim when your hair is dry and straightened.
Section Your Hair
To section your hair, start by parting it down the middle from your forehead to the back of your neck, then make a horizontal part from ear to ear across the back. This gives you four sections—two on top and two on the bottom. Clip or tie each section to keep it separated and manageable. Work on one section at a time or you won't be able to be as thorough.
Twist Small Sections and Trim
Take down the first section. In order to make the split ends more noticeable, take about a centimeter sized piece. Twist it tightly until you see little hairs sticking out from the rest. Hold it firmly in place, then trim these hairs. You only need to trim off a small amount. Not more than 1/8 inch. The hair you trimmed should only leave a small pile of hair that looks like dust.
Continue this process through each of the sections until you've finished all of your hair, and you're done. See? So easy!
Dusting for Wavy Hair (Type 2)
Wavy hair has a natural "S" shape, sitting between straight and curly hair types, and it’s often classified as Type 2 in hair-typing systems. This hair type can range from loose, gentle waves to more defined, beachy textures.
Blow Dry Your Wavy Hair
Dry your hair. The easiest way to dust is on blown-out, straightened hair. So, to really get those split ends, take the time to blow dry it straight.
Separate Into Sections
It's always easier to work with wavy hair in smaller sections, so either keep lots of clips nearby and pull the rest of your hair back while you work on one small section at a time or section into four small sections.
Do this by parting your hair down the middle from your forehead to the back of your neck, then make a horizontal part from ear to ear across the back. This gives you four sections—two on top and two on the bottom. Clip or tie each section to keep it separated and manageable. Work on one section at a time.
Twist and Dust
To highlight the split ends, twist the initial section until you observe small hairs protruding from the rest, and then cut them off. Only a small amount needs to be trimmed, no more than 1/8 inch. This is called dusting for a reason. You should only have a small pile of dust when you're done.
Proceed with this procedure for each section until you have completed your entire hair, and then you are finished. It's that simple!
Dusting Curly Hair (Type 3)
Curly hair has a well-defined, spiral shape that ranges from loose ringlets to tighter curls, often classified as Type 3 in hair-typing systems. Curly hair naturally has more volume and bounce due to its spiral structure.
The best way to dust curly hair is the same as wavy hair. It's really best if you can blow dry it straight. If this is possible, see Dusting for Wavy Hair. If your curls are just too difficult to straighten, or you don't have time, keep reading.
Make Sure Hair is Completely Dry
Dry your hair. Although the easiest way to dust is on blown-out, straightened hair, you can still snip the split ends when your hair is curly—just make sure it's totally dry.
Work in Sections
It's always easier to work in smaller sections. Gather all your hair together, secure, and then work on one small section or coil at a time.
Stretch and Dust
Pull the small section tight. To push the split ends out and make them more visible, wrap the section over your finger. Trim the very tip of the strand (about a quarter of an inch) and any split ends you notice sticking out.
Repeat. Continue sectioning your hair, stretching the curl, and snipping the split ends until you've dusted every last section.
Dusting for Coily/Kinky Hair (Type 4)
Coily or kinky hair, also known as Type 4, has tight curls or zig-zag patterns that are often very dense and springy, ranging from small coils to a "Z" shape. This type of hair tends to be the most delicate and requires extra care.
Make Sure Hair is Dry
Dry your hair. Your hair doesn't have to be straightened, but it does need to be completely dry for the split ends to pop up.
Work on One Section at a Time
Focus on one small section at a time, and clip the rest away.
Wrap, Slide, and Trim
Pull it tight and cut. Wrap the section of hair over your middle finger and use your other fingers to keep the section of hair pulled tight (watch the demo below at the 4:43 mark). As you slide your hand down to the ends, trim any strands that stick out (again, only about a quarter of an inch).
Repeat. Continue the process until all of the sections of hair have been dusted.
How often should I dust my hair?
Hey, if your bathroom counter is full of hair dyes, curling irons, flat irons, and the latest trendy blow-dryer brush, chances are you've got some split ends. But don't stress, you don't have to give up your styling tools. Just remember to regularly dust your hair to keep it healthy (and use heat protectants, seriously).
I dust my hair about every 6 weeks and that's good for me. My hair has been growing out nicely and looks super healthy. I have wavy to curly hair and only use heat about once a week. So, if you spot any split ends before 6 weeks, go ahead and snip them off.
The final word: Is dusting better than a trim?
There's a reason for both. A trim can maintain the shape of your style, so you still want to get trims on occasion. A dusting just tidies up the ends without altering the overall style. So, if you're happy with your current look and just need a little refresh, hair dusting is the way to go for sure.
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