Growing out your hair can sometimes feel like one step forward and two steps back. With length comes split ends, and with split ends comes the inevitable need for a trim.
And while our hair does feel healthier and thicker after said trim, it still takes away the length we’ve worked so hard to achieve.
However, what if we told you that there was a way to keep the length and ditch the split ends? Yep, it’s a thing. Introducing: hair dusting.
What is hair dusting?
Hair dusting is essentially a strategic micro-trim. Instead of length being cut away, only unhealthy breakage is removed from the hair. Speaking to Refinery29, hair stylist Sal Salcedo likened the method to “removing fuzz from clothes”.
Who is hair dusting suitable for?
Anyone who uses heat tools, colours their hair or applies any sort of friction, (basically anyone who has hair) is going to suffer from some degree of split ends and breakage. Hair dusting provides a way to clean up this damage, without having to undergo a traditional trim.
Can we do it at home?
While the professionals advise against it, technically, yes, you can. And thanks to the Internet, there are some decent step-by-step tutorials to walk you through it. Just make sure you’re using sharp and professional hair scissors.
Keen to try it? Here are some key things to remember…
- Dusting your hair is like weeding your garden. When you begin, make sure your hair is dry, smooth and sectioned. This will help you spot any flyaways that are sticking up and will act as a thorough guide for you as you trim.
- Twist before you dust. By twisting a small section of hair, you’ll immediately notice that pieces of hair begin to stick out; these are the spots to target and trim. Repeat this process until you’ve covered your whole head
- And if you’re not confident? Book in with your hairdresser and ask them to do it for you.
Watch this tutorial for a full breakdown of what to do, here.
Does hair dusting replace getting a trim altogether?
Hair dusting is considered more of a groom than a cut, so no, they do not negate each other. While a trim can give shape and depth to your haircut, through layers or length change, dusting shouldn’t make any difference to your style other than to remove split ends.
Main image credit: @negin_mirsalehi
Have you ever heard of hair dusting? Are you going to give it a try?
I don’t have a problem with hair length at the moment. It’s probably a couple of inches longer than I’d like.
I’ve heard of it, I am giving myself microtrims and a bit of ‘dusting’ until I get to my goal length, which will hopefully be before the end of the year.
I am currently growing my hair but I don’t think this is something I would be game enough to try as Ive had so many bad experiences with hair dressers in the past.
you could try it yourself though
Perhaps get a friend to do the back
Yes, didn’t do it in ages. Is it Olaplex? =D
I do this occasionally, but most of the time, I just do a regular trim. My hair is past my waist, so it’s easy to trim it myself.
Learnt something new. I would probably try deep conditioning and then decide if my hair still needed dusting.
It sounds interesting, but I wouldn’t attempt to do it myself.
This reminds me of something I’ve seen hairdressers sometimes do to clients in the salon – for me I just go for the big chop if I need it because my hair grows (or looks like it grows) fast because it’s so dead straight
My hair seems to grow fast too but this would be great for a lot of people
Sounds great, I definitely need to get this done!
What a good article and makes a lot of sense
I’ve been doing this for a while now, noticed my hair looks better for it
Never heard of this technique before but it sounds good! My hair could use it
Not sure if I’d be game enough to have this done
Wow I have never heard of Hair Dusting not really sure if I have the Confidence, to do this procedure myself will leave Hair Dusting to a Professional.
I didn’t realise there was a name for this technique.
You’d think it would be called a better name than dusting.
Cringing at the thought of doing anything like this that isn’t done by a great hairdresser.
I haven’t heard of the term but my hair doesn’t need it.
I would only get my hairdresser to do this.
I’m not sure I ever really need this – but then again, my hair length usually only varies by a few centimetres.
I’d like to try it but wouldn’t attempt it myself.
I’m growing my hair, its been 6 monthes since a cut though, i do my own fringe. probaably should get a style cut
I do my own fringe too.
Ha! Who knew it had a name? Not me. But I have been doing this forever, and it absolutely got my hair through Melbourne’s extended pandemic lockdowns.
I like the idea of this but don’t know if I would want to risk doing it myself. That reminds me I am about due for my next haircut
Sounds like a lot of effort, easier to just get the trim.
Never heard of hair dusting. My problem is my hair only seems to get to a certain length and then no more length. As my hair is thin and fine it just wouldn’t suit long anyway.
I have heard about this previously. I can’t say I’ve tried it myself.
Definitely not something I’d do myself.
I think its something I should try.
I don’t use hot tools or dye my hair and I have breakages.
I’ve heard of this before, but I don’t think it really works for curly hair, so I think I’ll stick to my curly hair specialist cuts lol
My hair length is always short these days
Never heard of the term, but have done this before…
I have never heard this before. I will try to do this for my daughters hair.
I cut my hair for the first time several months ago. I did such a bad job that I will leave hair dusting (if I ever need it) to a professional hairdresser.
Thanks for the info
Interesting! I’ve butchered my hair a few times now trying to give myself haircuts during pandemic… I can’t decide if I’m game to try doing it myself again!
I haven’t heard of this before.
I’m not game to trim my own hair – I’ll leave it to my hairdresser!