how often should men get a haircut

How Often Should Men Get A Haircut? The Truth About Timing!

Think looking good is all about clear skin and crisp suit? Think again, handsome—your haircut's just as crucial.

A fresh cut can change your whole look in seconds, making it one of the most powerful tools in your style arsenal.

But here's the kicker: timing it right makes all the difference. Go too often, and you're burning cash; wait too long, and you're one shaggy week away from channeling 2020 lockdown vibes.

So, how often should you actually visit the barber? We reckon it's time to break it down.

How Long Does a Haircut Last?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, hair grows an average of half an inch per month.

But the longevity of your cut comes down to a few key things—your style, hair type, and how fast that hair of yours grows.

As a rule of thumb, super short haircuts need a touch-up every couple of weeks, while slightly longer styles can last up to four.

Haircut Style Type Frequency
Most Short/Medium Styles General Every 3-4 weeks
Buzz Cut Very Short Every 1-2 weeks
High and Tight Very Short Every 2 weeks
Fade (Low, Mid, or High) Short Every 2-3 weeks
Caesar Cut Short Every 3 weeks
Undercut Short/Medium Every 3-4 weeks
Side Part Medium Every 4-5 weeks
Pompadour Medium Every 4-5 weeks
Longer Styles  Long Every 8-12 weeks

Why Do Haircuts Look Better After a Week?

Ever notice how your cut seems to hit its stride about a week after you leave the barber? You're not imagining it.

Fresh ends can look a bit too blunt and sharp right out of the chair, almost like your hair hasn't had time to "relax." That initial look can be slightly stiff because your hair, right after a cut, lies in perfect lines.

Within a few days, though, your hair starts to soften and adapt, finding a more natural flow.

The cut relaxes, giving you that "lived-in" feel that's just the right balance between groomed and effortless.

Natural oils also start to redistribute, adding a subtle shine and a touch of control that can make your style look more intentional.

How Often Should You Touch Up Your Fade?

Fades are a classic, versatile style that look sharp on almost anyone—but they do require some work to stay on point.

The problem? When a fade starts to grow out, it can go from clean to "microphone head" fast. Those little hairs begin to stick out, blurring the crisp lines and making your fade look messy.

Here's your guide to keeping that fade razor-sharp:

  • Skin or Taper Fades: Every two weeks is ideal if you're after that ultra-fresh look. This fade has zero tolerance for overgrowth, so if you want to keep it razor-sharp, it's worth the trip.
  • 0.5 Fade: A bit more forgiving than a skin fade, a 0.5 can stretch up to three weeks before it starts to soften up. It's still a precise look but with a bit more leeway.
  • 1 Fade: If you like the fade but need a little less maintenance, a 1 fade can hold its shape for 3-5 weeks. It's a more flexible option that can grow out a bit without losing its style entirely.

Keeping a fade fresh takes a keen eye and regular trips to the barber, especially if you're after that polished, effortless look.

Pro Tip

If you want to keep your fade sharp without overspending, just ask your barber to clean up the sides on every other visit. It'll help you stretch the time between full cuts without sacrificing that crisp fade.

Does Getting Your Hair Cut Regularly Make It Healthier?

The short (and unhelpful) answer: yes and no.

Regular trims won't make your hair grow faster—that's a common myth. Hair grows from the roots, so cutting the ends doesn't impact the growth rate at the scalp.

But while regular haircuts don't directly affect how fast your hair grows, they do play a big role in keeping your hair looking healthy and full.

Here's why: over time, the ends of your hair take a lot of damage from everyday wear and tear—think styling, weather, and even just friction from collars or hats.

This leads to split ends, which can travel up the hair shaft, causing breakage and making your hair look thin and frizzy.

When you trim your hair regularly, you're getting rid of those split ends before they have a chance to do serious damage.

This helps keep your hair looking full and prevents the need for a more drastic cut down the line. Plus, trimmed ends give your style a clean, polished look that just screams "healthy hair."

So, what's the takeaway? While frequent trims don't speed up growth, they do help your hair look its best, keeping it strong and stopping split ends from making it look tired and worn out.

If you want to promote healthy hair growth, find yourself a hair treatment specifically designed for the job. 

How Much Should a Man's Haircut Cost?

How much you'll pay for a cut depends on a few things: where you are, the style you want, and, let's be honest, the vibe of the place. Here's a quick idea to keep you grounded:

  • Big Cities: Standard Barber Cut: $40 - $70; Fancy "Sex in The City" style Salon or Intricate Cut: $100 - $200+
  • Suburban Areas: Basic cut: $20 - $40; Specialty Cuts or Mid-Range Salons: $50 - $70
  • Small Towns & Rural Spots: Standard Cut: $15 - $30; Detailed Cuts (fades, etc.): $30 - $50

How Much Should A Man's Haircut Be?

There's no hard and fast rule, but if you want to save money, go for a barbershop instead of a high-end salon—same look, less cash.

And if you're a regular, ask about loyalty rates to keep things fresh without the big price tag.

Can I Cut My Own Hair?

You might think you're Vidal Sassoon, but we're here to tell you—you're not.

Sure, you can handle a buzz cut or maybe a quick trim, but anything more? That's a DIY disaster waiting to happen, and it'll cost you more in the long run when you're back at the barber, begging them to fix it.

So, unless you're ready to risk uneven lines and random patches, stick with the pros. They'll keep you looking sharp without the "oops" factor.

Does Trimming Men's Hair Make It Grow Faster?

Nope. A big misconception in the hair world is that getting frequent trims will make your hair grow faster.

In reality, trimming your hair doesn't affect the rate at which your hair grows from your scalp. Hair growth occurs at the root level, so it has nothing to do with the ends of your hair.

Having said that, regular trims are your best defense against split ends and breakage.

Left untrimmed, split ends work their way up the hair shaft, making your hair look thin and uneven—and often leading to more breakage and a shorter look overall.

While trimming your hair regularly won't make it grow faster, there are other benefits.

Our friends over at Healthline explain that regular trims reduce split ends and keep hair healthier and fuller, preventing the need for drastic cuts later on.

Can You Get a Haircut Too Often?

If you're spending more time in the barber's chair than at your desk, you might be overdoing it.

While regular cuts are essential for keeping your style sharp, getting a trim too often doesn't allow enough time for your hair to grow out or recover. Plus, all those frequent cuts can add up quickly.

If you're set on getting a weekly trim, here's a tip: find a barber who doesn't charge top dollar for minor touch-ups.

Why pay a premium for something quick and simple? Better yet, try negotiating a loyalty rate if you're a regular visitor—they might be open to it.

Remember, keeping it fresh doesn't mean breaking the bank.

How Should Men Care for Their Hair Between Barber Visits?

A solid haircut is only part of the equation—the real trick is keeping that look fresh between visits.

For healthy, natural hair, ditch any harsh products and opt for natural shampoos and conditioners crafted with ingredients that work with your hair—not against it.

Here’s your wash routine: start with shampoo, lather up, rinse thoroughly, then follow with conditioner.

There’s no one-size-fits-all here—some guys need to do this daily, others can get away with every 2-3 days.

And don’t skip the conditioner. We get it—it might feel like a "girly" step, but trust us, it’s essential for keeping your hair soft and manageable.

Leave in Moisturizer

Instantly conditions and moisturizes coarse, dry hair, leaving it soft and easy to style.

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Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, a sharp haircut and solid grooming routine are more than just style choices—they're confidence boosters.

You deserve to look and feel like your best self. So, keep your cut fresh, your products clean, and your routine intentional. Because when you look your best, there's no limit to what you can do.

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Meet The founder

Clare Castles, a seasoned beauty therapist, international skincare lecturer, and former salon owner, foresaw the rise of men’s grooming trends in Australia before they took the world by storm.

With an eye for innovation and a heart for creation, Clare embarked on a journey of discovery into indigenous biochemistry, which soon blossomed into a passion for formulating exceptional skincare products.

This unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm led to the birth of VITAMAN in December 1999, marking the dawn of Australia's first true pioneer in men’s grooming.

To this day, Clare remains dedicated to VITAMAN's legacy of being the most innovative, effective, and natural men’s haircare and skincare product range available today.

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