The issue of natural hair trimming is sometimes a controversial one. The question of frequency, techniques and result from trimming are quite debatable. One thing that remains constant, however, is that at some point or another for some reason or another, the need will arise for you to trim your natural hair. Regardless of how diligent you try to be with your hair or how delicately you handle it, chances are you still may experience some amount of damage that may require you to do some measure of trimming.

The extent of the trimming will be determined by the extent of the damage. The real challenge is being able to identify signs that your hair is in need of a trim. Many persons just routinely trim their hair whether or not there is a need to do so. On the contrary, there are also people who have a grave need to trim and refuse to do so simply because they are not keen on losing length. This can defeat the whole purpose because if damaged hair is not trimmed it can sometimes cause the damage to migrate upwards along the strands leading ultimately to more loss of length.

The following are 5 trimming indicators that can help you determine when there is a need to trim:

1. Excessive Breakage

Have you ever noticed short pieces of hair on your shoulder after combing or brushing? If the answer is yes, then quite likely it is as a result of breakage. If the number of broken pieces of hair is not significant then there is no need to alarm. If, however, there is a large amount of hair and it occurs frequently, chances are you are experiencing severe breakage. Breakage can occur if you do not take proper care of your hair. Exposing your hair to excess heat from blow dryers, curling/flat irons or straightening combs can over time result in breakage. Stress, illnesses, hair color etc. are also possible causes of hair breakage. While there are ways to attempt to repair breaking hair, it is usually advised to get a good trim to put your hair back on a path to health and vitality.

2. Split Ends

Split ends are somewhat less easily identifiable but can be as equally harmful to your hair as breakage. In fact, split ends can eventually lead to breakage. Split ends occur when the protective cuticle is destroyed at the end of the hair, causing a strand to split into two or more strands. Split ends left unchecked is a recipe for disaster. Eventually, the hair will keep splitting further and further up the hair shaft causing more damage. The best approach to take is to snip those split ends off as soon as they are discovered in order to prevent them from getting worse.

3. Thinning Ends 

A good sign that your hair needs a trim is the presence of thinning ends. The ends of the hair are the oldest part of the hair and as it continues to get old it sometimes gets more weathered than the hair growing freshly out of the root or the hairs close to the roots. If you’ve also gone through a cycle of hair shedding then when those shed hairs start to grow back, you may notice that your hair has more volume at the roots and is thinner toward the end. High manipulation and rough handling of the hair can cause strands to break off at different points along the hair shaft. This can also result in the ends of the hair having a thinner appearance. In order for your hair to appear more voluminous, it is sometimes necessary to cut off those thin ends to achieve a fuller, thicker, healthier looking head of hair. Make an assessment as to the degree of thinness and if it is

extreme then it may be evidence that you need a trim.

4. Single Strand Knots

As mentioned in my last column, single strand knots are little nuisances that plague natural hair. These tiny knots or balls are formed on the ends of individual hair strands as a result of the hair coiling up and making a loop around itself, forming a knot. Single strand knots are regrettably irreversible and can only be addressed with the introduction of a pair of scissors. If tiny balls are felt at the ends of your hair don’t hesitate to trim them off as there is no other known remedy for getting rid of them.

5. Coarse/Rough Ends

Natural hair has a tendency to be dry if it is not properly moisturized. There are times when you may notice that no matter how much moisture is introduced to your hair the ends still feel dry and crunchy. If this persists after repeated attempts, then there is a good chance that your ends are damaged and require a trim.

Even though there are a lot of myths surrounding the subject of trimming, it is very important for you to understand that trimming has its place and serves a purpose. The need and frequency will vary from person to person.

Listen to your hair, it speaks a unique language and you will be able to best serve it if you can interpret those signals that it often tries to send you.

Candie's Natural Hairnamix was birthed a few months after Jamaican native Rossette "Candie" Allen began her natural hair journey in May 2010. She gears this column toward naturals, transitioning naturals, aspiring naturals and the naturally curious, sharing experiences, expertise and experiments while celebrating emancipation from chemical slavery.