7 Signs It's Time for a Haircut + My Before and After Pics

I think we're all guilty of searching the web for advice on how to make our hair grow extra fast. In fact, I wrote a post all about this topic a while back when I shared my 21 Tips for Growing Long, Luscious Hair FAST! I still swear by these tips today, and will for sure be applying them now that I've finally decided to chop a big chunk of my hair off. Since my hair growth post went down so well, I thought I would tackle the topic of haircuts and give some of my tips and advice on knowing when it's time for the chop. Can you relate?

Before

1. You have a case of the split ends.
There are only so many products you can use to mask those fine, brittle ends - eventually a trim becomes necessary to restore health back into your strands. This time however, I knew I wouldn't be satisfied with just a trim since my hair was feeling extra dry from having it colour treated a few months back (more on that here). I thought of getting a bob (above shoulder length) which I did back in 2011 when I donated my hair, but last minute decided for a lob instead as it is easier for me to style.

2. Your hair loses its natural shape and starts looking really flat.
My hair is normally quite voluminous without me doing anything to it, and that also includes reaching for the blow dryer. I find that when my hair gets to a certain length, it starts looking lifeless, and that is when I usually throw it up in a bun or ponytail because I just can't stand looking at its sad state anymore. Next best option? Give your mane a breather and restore it back to its natural shape by cutting it and opting for some added layers.

3. No matter how many times you brush your hair, it keeps getting tangled.
Oh those stubborn, knotty strands! No matter how often I do hair masks and use deep conditioner, there comes a time when nothing seems to keep my hair from forming into that dreaded "hay look," as I like to call it. Just another sign it's time to get rid of the tangles altogether by saying goodbye to long hair for a while.

4. Your hair becomes harder to style and doesn't hold a curl as long.
When my hair grows to the point where it starts looking lackluster, I like to give it more dimension by styling it every so often, usually with my trusty curling wand (see me use it in my video here). My mane will look good for the first few hours, but despite using hairspray, the curls just don't last as long. My train of thought this time was: save on styling time and go for much shorter hair - problem solved!

5. The overall texture of your hair becomes rough, frizzy and dry.
I usually pride myself in having soft hair, so when it starts going all "unmanageable" on me, I cringe at the thought of having to deal with it on a daily basis. I am what you could call a minimalist when it comes to hair care. I only occasionally take the extra time to style it because honestly, I prefer taking that time to do my makeup, but that's just me!

6. You start losing more hair.
I always get more fallout when my hair hasn't been trimmed for a while, and it just seems to snap that much more easily. It is absolutely normal to have some hair loss, but when you can practically find a trail of your hair behind everywhere you go (okay, I'm exaggerating here), you know it's time for some one on one time with the hair cutting scissors.

7. You keep getting hints from your entourage that a hair cut is overdue.
Brutal honesty: it's inevitable at times, and for some reason my hair seems to fall victim to it when it isn't looking its healthiest. Whether it's your friends telling you your hair has gotten so long and asking if you are planning on chopping it off, to your mom very directly telling you your hair is really looking like an absolute mess (true story, still love you mom), a little push is sometimes what you need to just do it.

After

And there you have it - my before and after transformation with a simple haircut. My face is no longer overshadowed and is given new life. Don't you think my hair looks so much shinier and healthier? I am so glad I finally went for a chop and don't regret it one bit!

What do you prefer having: short hair or long hair? Let me know in the comments below!