How to Use Hair Dusting to Grow Your Hair Longer

You’re not alone if you dread scheduling routine trims in fear of leaving with a full-blown haircut. While regular trims are important maintenance in every hair care routine, they can make it hard to keep up with long hair goals. Lucky for you, there is a way to get the best of both worlds — removing dead ends without taking off too much length and it’s called hair dusting. 

We tapped Jonathan Colombini, celebrity hairstylist and L’Oréal Paris Creative Director of Style and Color for his expertise on the topic of hair dusting. Keep reading to get the full lowdown on this length-preserving, haircut technique.

What Is Hair Dusting?

Hair dusting is a method of trimming hair without having to part with length — sort of like a baby haircut. “Its main benefit is to specifically remove dry or split ends,” says Colombini. While a routine trim may cut off two to three inches of hair (or more), hair dusting only parts with the dry, damaged bits on the ends.

Hair dusting is actually based on an old technique that consisted of twisting sections of hair and using a candle flame to burn off the dead ends. Thankfully, the updated version opts for shears over flames and works wonders for natural hair and those looking to keep their hair healthy without sacrificing long strands. 

What Are the Benefits of Hair Dusting?

Hair dusting removes dead ends and allows you to focus on the parts of your hair that are split, overly dry or otherwise damaged. This technique allows you to keep your length and means you don't need to lose inches every time you get a routine haircut. 

Not only can this small trim improve the overall appearance of your mane but it can also make your hair more manageable. If you get annoyed by pesky flyaways, you’ll definitely be a fan of dusting as those unruly hairs are the ones this technique manages to get rid of. 

Is Hair Dusting Bad for Your Hair?

Hair dusting is not bad for your hair because it simply gets rid of the dead ends you don’t want while allowing you to maintain your long hair. It’s actually a win-win.

Is Hair Dusting Beneficial for All Hair Types?

All hair types can reap the benefits of hair dusting. “As a stylist, I may have to adjust my approach with curly hair, however all hair types and textures can benefit [from hair dusting],” Colombini continues. 

It should come as no surprise because regardless of your hair type, the less dead ends you have, the healthier your hair will be. If the goal is long hair, switching out your routine trims for hair dusting can do wonders to help you achieve that.

How Often Should You Get a Hair Dusting?

Colombini recommends a hair dusting every eight to ten weeks in place of a regular trim. If you’re unsure when to opt for hair dusting versus a traditional haircut, consider your hair goals. “When a client wants to maintain their length or grow their hair out I would suggest a dusting,” he says. “In cases when the existing hair needs reshaping or length taken off, then a traditional haircut would be a better fit.” 

A Hair Care Routine for Long Hair

Once you add consistent hair dusting into the mix, it’s time to switch up your hair care routine for products and practices that can help you to achieve long, healthy hair.

1. Use a Shampoo and Conditioner for Retention

For preserving length and growing out your hair, we love the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Restoring Shampoo for Long, Damaged Hair and the L’Oréal Paris Dream Lengths Conditioner for Long, Damaged Hair. This system seals split ends and protects damaged hair without weighing it down. Pair it with a conditioning leave-in like the L’Oréal Paris Dream Lengths No Haircut Cream Leave-In Conditioner to double up on split end prevention and reduce breakage.

2. Skip the Hot Tools

Regardless of your hair goals, you’ll never regret forgoing heat styling, but it’s especially important if you’re trying to achieve a long, healthy mane. So, put your hot tools on a hiatus and opt for heatless styles like beach waves or a messy bun. Those with curly or wavy hair can use a curl enhancer like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Super Curls Cream Leave-In or the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Super Curls Cream Leave-In to define their hair's natural texture.

For those times when you must use heat, make sure to always prime your strands with a heat protectant like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Serum Leave-In or the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Weightless Blow Dry Primer, Heat Protectant. Along with priming your strands, remember to use your hot tools on the lowest temperature setting and only pass through each section of hair once if possible.

Next: 10 Ways to Prevent Hair Breakage

Edited by: Reece Andavolgyi, Photo credit: iStock