Trying to eliminate split ends without losing precious length can sometimes feel like fighting a losing battle. Even if you follow healthy haircare habits, a hair dusting or hair trimming may still be necessary to keep damaged ends from splitting further up your hair shaft. However, if words like “trim” and “dusting” sound awfully threatening, you may have a slightly skewed perception of what the cutting techniques truly entail.
To give us the lowdown on hair dusting and trimming, we tapped L’Oréal Professionnel artist and ambassador Jill Engelsen for everything you need to know. Keep scrolling to discover the difference between these two methods and how they can actually be your one-way ticket out of Split End City.
Hair Dusting vs. Hair Trimming: What’s the Difference?
Both dusting and trimming are hair-cutting methods that help maintain hair’s appearance, but they differ in their approach and purpose. Hair dusting selectively trims damaged or split ends all throughout the hair while preserving its overall length. Hair trimming, on the other hand, requires cutting anywhere from a half-inch to two inches from the ends of the hair. We’ll dive a bit deeper into each option ahead.
What Is Hair Dusting?
As mentioned, hair dusting (also known as surface dusting) involves snipping off frayed ends without altering hair’s length or shape. According to Engelsen, it typically calls for blow-drying the hair straight, pulling it taut, and cutting parallel across the hair to remove any small, damaged ends that stick out. “It’s a great way to keep the hair healthy throughout and not just the ends,” she explains.
While anyone can benefit from a hair dusting, the stylist notes that it’s an especially great preventative measure for anyone with naturally drier hair or who frequently undergoes chemical services (think perms or coloring). Getting ahead of those dry, frazzled ends can keep them from accumulating and requiring a more dramatic cut in the future.
How often should you get a dusting?
There isn’t a definitive answer for how often you need a dusting. It usually varies based on your hair type, texture, and styling habits—for example, tight elastics and excess hot tool usage will probably land you back in the salon more often than not. Generally speaking, though, if you start noticing that your hair is less lustrous or feels coarse to the touch, it may be time to give those dead ends the boot. Getting a surface dusting can restore shine and smoothness and lend your cut a more polished finish.
Good hair day by @karenkolors.
What Is Hair Trimming?
Hair trimming is when your stylist cuts a few inches from the ends of your hair to maintain a desired length, shape, or style. Trimming is essential for preventing split ends from traveling up the hair shaft, promoting length retention, and keeping your mane’s overall appearance neat and well-groomed. It’s worth noting that if you do need a trim, it doesn’t always mean you’ll see a great loss in length: Trims are all about maintaining the lines of your cut over time, mitigating the need for a more intensive one every time you stop by the salon.
How often should you get a trim?
Similar to a hair dusting, there is no hard-and-fast rule here. Many of us let our cuts grow like untamed hedges before asking a hair stylist to get them back under control every six months. But, unsurprisingly, this is not how Engelsen recommends handling your hair.
“As a general rule of thumb for keeping a haircut line sharp, you should come in as soon as every 4-6 weeks, as hair can grow approximately half an inch a month,” she says. “When the hair grows out of your head, that will affect the line on the bottom depending on the direction of your hair growth.”
If you’re wearing a short haircut, like a bob, Engelsen would like to see you in her chair every 6-8 weeks. Those with long hair are good for about 8-12, but having a grace period of several months doesn’t mean you should forget about your stylist entirely. Making use of dustings and trims will ensure your hair stays beautiful and healthy-looking, so try to create a consistent schedule and stick with it.
Good hair day by @luis_alvarez_images.
The Tool Matters
The tool used to dust or trim your hair matters almost as much as the technique. Professional stylists work to maintain the quality of your cut for future appointments, so they always treat your hair as gently as possible. And, while it might seem tempting to look in the mirror and run wild with your kitchen shears, Engelsen advises against it.
“We use uber-sharp, expensive scissors—which we call shears in hairdresser lingo—so if you are using dull scissors at home, you are cutting the ends off, but you’re tearing the hair, so you will just get split ends again right away. Our shears are sharp enough to cut the hair cleanly and give you longevity,” she says.
Our Favorite Products for Managing Split Ends
While regular dusting and trims are important, a good haircare routine can also help ward off split ends so your hair looks and feels its best between appointments. Below, discover some of our favorite products to help strengthen your hair and keep breakage at bay.
Biolage Professional Strength Recovery Shampoo and Conditioning Cream
When paired with Strength Repairing Spray, this creamy duo leaves hair three times stronger after just one use and with three times less breakage. The range, which is infused with vegan squalane ethically sourced from olives, aims to protect, strengthen, and provide intensive repair to weakened hair.
Redken Extreme Anti-Snap Anti-Breakage Leave-In Treatment
Distressed hair needs special attention, which is where Redken’s Extreme Anti-Snap Spray comes into play. It’s formulated with Redken's Strength Complex and fortifies and smooths the cuticle to reduce breakage and split ends. Hair will be left looking healthy, shiny, and resilient—even if it’s in need of a trim.
L’Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Protein Treatment Hair Mask
We love the versatility of this deeply hydrating protein hair mask: You can use it as a pre-shampoo treatment or as a post-shampoo hair mask. Either way, the quinoa-infused formula works to soften and strengthen hair while adding lots of shine.
Shu Uemura Art of Hair Izumi Tonic Strengthening Energizing Water
If you have fine or thin hair, swap out your thick creams and leave-ins for this strengthening rice water treatment that’s as light as water. The leave-in nourishes and smooths fragile hair, adds body and thickness, and improves elasticity.
Kérastase Première Masque Filler Réparateur Anti-Breakage Repairing Hair Mask
Minerals from hard water in your shower pipes can lead to persistent hair damage, leaving locks rigid and brittle. This luxurious mask rehydrates hair and visibly reduces the appearance of split ends for 98% stronger hair.* We recently sent an editor to the salon to see the Première range in action; see the results in our full Kérastase Première Review.
*vs. non-conditioning shampooMatrix Instacure Anti-Breakage Porosity Spray
High porosity hair means that your strands have gaps in their cuticle layer (often due to damage), and this makes them more susceptible to dryness, brittleness, and split ends. If you suspect you have high porosity hair, pick up this Anti-Breakage Porosity Spray from Matrix’s Instacure collection. The liquid protein and vitamin B5-infused formula helps fill in porous areas, visibly minimizes split ends, and reduces breakage by 60%.
Pureology Strength Cure Split End Salve
Help banish split ends on damaged, color-treated hair with the Strength Cure Split End Salve. We recommend using this product with the Strength Cure Shampoo and Conditioner to help care for your hair between salon trips.
Hair Dusting vs. Hair Trimming: The Bottom Line
By now, you should be armed with the lingo and information you need to maintain the cut you love. But if you’re still unsure which option is best for you, a trusted hairstylist is the ultimate resource. They can take the complexity of your cut into consideration, as well as your budget and lifestyle. For customized advice about the best routine for your hair, use our salon locator to book an appointment with a pro near you.
Next Up: How Often Should You Trim Your Hair? Here's What to Know
Header photo credits: SalonCentric
