The Reason Why Chip Gaines Shaved His Signature Long Hair Will Make You Weep

Here's How Often You Should Cut Your Hair, According To Professionals

I’ll admit it — it had been eight months since my last haircut. My hair had lost its shape, my layers were nowhere to be found, and my ends were begging for mercy. Life got busy over the last few months and I was neglecting my haircare like never before.

My hairdresser could immediately see that I was beyond due for a cut and said I needed to get more taken off than I was hoping. I was definitely disappointed — I'd been working on growing out my hair for a while now, and it just felt like my hard work had completely gone to waste. He explained that getting consistent haircuts is the key to growing out healthy and strong hair, rather than letting it grow and grow until it eventually breaks. So let's dig into the top three things you can do to avoid this scenario!

1. Just Get The Dang Haircut

Also avoiding a haircut like I was? You might want to schedule one at your nearest salon. Like my stylist said, when you wait too long between trims like I did, you risk your hair becoming heavy, dull, and lifeless. When the hair is dry or even dead, it’s nearly impossible for it to hold a curl or style, essentially collapsing on you and taking on more and more heat damage all the while. I know the pain of spending time on a blowout only for it to fall minutes later — it’s the worst.

According to Jack, getting a haircut every 10-12 weeks is the best time frame or your ends will pay the price. Between blow-drying, curling, straightening, sun, and weather, our ends get dry and start to break without the proper care. Getting consistent haircuts allows hair to bounce back, shine, and perform the way we want in a healthy way.

2. Leave-In Conditioners Are Your Friend

His top piece of advice to keep your hair looking and feeling hydrated between trims? Invest in conditioning treatments. Jack swears by the Olaplex conditioning system, specifically the No 3 Hair Perfector. Made with patented OLAPLEX Bond Building Technology™, this conditioning treatment repairs and prevents damage in as little as three minutes. No 3 promises to reduce breakage and visibly strengthen hair, so it’s the perfect assistance to keep ends fresh between cuts. Another conditioning treatments I’ve used and loved for years is the Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask, which is designed to restore moisture, elasticity, and shine to dry hair.

3. Switch Up Your Shampoos

Switching shampoos frequently is a pretty hot tip that I honestly hadn't thought of. Our hair gets used to the same products and grows tired of them, resulting in lackluster locks. Jack’s advice is to switch brands after finishing every bottle of shampoo to bring life back to your hair. Have two brands that you’re loyal to? Even switching back and forth between them after every bottle should make a big difference in your hair. I’m a huge fan of the R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo, which makes my hair look thick and full, as well as the Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo, which is so hydrating and gives so much shine.

In the end, navigating your back-and-forth relationship with haircuts often feels like a rollercoaster ride between wanting that fresh look and cringing at the receipt. Luckily, by using conditioning treatments and switching up your products,, you can keep your locks healthy, shiny, and full of life between trims. But take a newly learned lesson out of my book: don't let your ends pay the price for procrastination and just book the haircut.

1. Long Length Shag with Choppy Layers

Zendaya's longer, slightly wind-swept style makes a nod to the ’90s, making it that much more fashionable. Who doesn't love a throwback? It looks a little more put-together than some of the previous cuts and on Zendaya it looks fab!! This picture was immediately saved on my Pinterest board for inspo the next time I go to the hairdresser. I can't wait to try this classy cut!

2. Grown-Out Roots

The shag cut is known for it’s low-key, high-fashion style, so what better way to rock it than paired with another hair trend: grown-out roots. Like Ellen Pompeo, you’ll look every bit the laid-back, cool girl.

3. Medium Length Shag

We can't do it better than the icon! Just ask for a simple shag with layers and front pieces and voila! You have the classic Alexa look.

In terms of what she asks for, in an interview with Vogue she said, "I visit the salon... I would say every six weeks. That said, I'm quite lucky and have shoots regularly, so I will often get a trim here and there." So the key to maintaining the perfect shag is frequent trims!

4. Swag with Eye-Grazing Bangs

Billie is absolutely killing the shag look here with a bit more heavy bangs and layers. Feel the moodiness with bangs that come close to the eyes. This sweepy haircut is easy to style because of its length and layers. Get a little messy with it – it'll add volume to your shorter strands.

5. Swingy Shag

Jenna Ortega looks absolutely stunning rocking this 70's-inspired shag! I, personally, like this style the best because it's so easy to not style and keep with the "messy-rocker-indie" vibe like Jenna has above. I love that she has the bangs a bit shorter and undone as well.

Talking about her new hairstyle with Teen Vogue Jenna said this, "When I told my hairdresser that I wanted to cut my hair, we were referring to it as a shag. And then people were saying, 'wolf cut.' What the hell is that? It’s kind of cute. It’s cute." We definitely think so!

6. Modern Shag with Ombré

To upgrade your ombré hair color, incorporate a few face-framing strands that are light from root to tip. The haircut will take the older ombré trend and liven it up a bit! We love how this dark-to-light, imperfect shag looks on Suki Waterhouse here! Definitely try this one if you want to look like the ultimate cool girl.

7. Short Retro Shag 

Let’s not forget that the shag is a throwback trend, after all. Opt for a more vintage appeal paired with less obvious layers, like this cut on Florence Pugh above. This simple hairstyle is simple but has a lot of layers going throughout in order to keep it looking natural and not-too-styled. All you need for this looks is some dry shampoo for volume and maybe some texture spray to give it some body.

Lea Michele as Rachel Barry

Without a doubt, the most notable thing Lea Michele has done since the end of Glee is FINALLY starring as Fanny Brice in Broadway's Funny Girl. It was a super meta moment that brought reality and Glee lore together, and the entire internet lost their minds. You can also watch her in Scream Queens and New Year's Eve. Lea is currently expecting her second child with husband Zandy Reich, and has been very vocal about her struggle with PCOS.

Corey Monteith as Finn Hudson

Before he was on Glee, Corey Monteith had roles on Smallville and Supernatural. He's also reportedly the inspiration behind Taylor Swift's "Mine" from Speak Now. You can also see him in Monte Carlo and Final Destination 3. Corey passed away on July 13, 2013.

Chris Colfer as Kurt Hummel

Chris Colfer is one of my personal favorite members of the cast of Glee, especially since Kurt is such a sweetheart. You can see him in Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie and RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars, and you can read his The Land of Stories book series! The actor and author has been in a relationship with Will Sherrod since 2013.

Jane Lynch as Sue Sylvester

Jane Lynch is one of the most iconic members of the cast of Glee thanks to her portrayal of Sue,and since the show wrapped, she's been involved with a number of other hit projects. You can see her in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Wreck-It Ralph, Selena Gomez's Another Cinderella Story, and Only Murders in the Building. The actress lives with her wife Jennifer Cheyn, who she married in 2021.

Jenna Ushkowitz as  Tina Cohen-Chang

Jenna Ushkowitz joined the cast of Glee after her run in Spring Awakening on Broadway. She's done a few other Broadway shows like Waitress, and won Tonys for as a producer on Once on This Island and The Inheritance! You can also see Jenna in Lady Gaga's "Marry the Night" music video, as well as Katy Perry and Nicki Minaj's "Swish Swish," and listen to her And That’s What You Really Missed podcast, which she co-hosts with Glee star Kevin McHale. Jenna married David Stanley on July 24, 2021 (Kevin was her "man of honor" — cute!!) and in June 2022, gave birth to their daughter.

Kevin McHale as Artie Abrams

In addition to starring in Glee (and listening to his And That's What You Missed podcast, of course), you can see Kevin McHale in Bratz, Zoey 101, and American Horror Stories. He's been in a relationship with actor Austin P. McKenzie since 2016.

Ali Stroker as Betty Pillsbury

Ali Stroker was a finalist for The Glee Project (a reality show that gave contestants the opportunity to appear in the show) before guest starring in season 4. Since the 2013 episode, Ali has starred in Lifetime's Christmas Ever After and also had a small role on Only Murders in the Building. The actress also became the first person with a disability to both receive a Tony nomination and award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for portraying Ado Annie in Oklahoma!

Dianna Agron as Quinn Fabray

After playing Debbie Marshall on Milo Ventimiglia's Heroes, Dianna nabbed the role of complicated cheerleader Quinn on Glee. She's also had roles in Burlesque, I Am Number Four, Ralph Breaks the Internet, and The Chosen One. In 2022, Dianna finished her third residency Café Carlyle which is sooo giving Quinn Fabray.

Alex Newell as Wade "Unique" Adams

Alex Newell stole hearts as Unique on Glee, and since the finale, they've also starred in Empire and Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist, as well as Broadway's revival of Once on This Island and Shucked (for which they became the first openly nonbinary performer to win a Tony).

Melissa Benoist as Marley Rose

Melissa Benoist just starred in Max's Girls on the Bus (watch our interview with her here!), but she might be best known for the title role in The CW's Supergirl. You can also see her in Patriot's Day, The Longest Ride, and Whiplash. Like other members of the cast of Glee, Melissa starred on Broadway and made her debut as Carole King in Beautiful. After splitting from Glee co-star Blake Jenner in 2017, Melissa got remarried to Chris Wood in 2019 and gave birth to their son in 2020.

Chord Overstreet as Sam Evans

My personal favorite project from this Glee cast member is Falling for Christmas, which also stars Lindsay Lohan! You can also see him in iCarly, The Bold Type, and The Middle. The actor and singer dated Emma Watson in 2018, and in 2020, Chord released his song "Hold On," which has over 826 million streams on Spotify.

Jayma Mays as Emma Pillsbury

In addition to being a part of the cast of Glee, Jayma Mays has starred in Paul Blart: Mall Cop, Heroes, and Red Eye. She married Adam Campbell in 2007 and gave birth to their son in 2016. Most recently, Jayma starred opposite Amy Adams and Maya Rudolph in Disenchanted!

Amber Riley as Mercedes Jones

Amber Riley's Mercedes is one of the best parts of Glee (and her rendition of "Bust Your Windows" is among the best performances on the show!!). Since the end of the series, Amber has starred in The Wiz Live!, The Little Mermaid Live!, and Monster High. She won Dancing with the Stars season 17 in 2013, and released her RILEY EP in 2020.

Darren Criss as Blaine Anderson

Darren Criss won an Emmy in 2018 for his role in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, which is only slightly more impressive than his involvement in the viral, deep-cut production of A Very Potter Musical (kidding!). You can also see him in Melissa Benoist's Supergirl and Muppets Haunted Mansion. Darren married his longtime girlfriend Mia Swier in 2019, and the couple welcomed their first child in 2022.

Blake Jenner as Ryder Lynn

Blake Jenner starred in The Edge of Seventeen with Hailee Steinfeld and Haley Lu Richardson, as well as Supergirl and What/If. Blake married Melissa Benoist while they were both in the cast of Glee, but the couple divorced in 2017. In 2019, Melissa revealed in an Instagram video that she's a survivor of domestic violence + injuries she received from a past partner. Blake responded in 2020, revealing he had been the partner Melissa referenced.

Dot-Marie Jones as Coach Beiste

Not only does Dot-Marie Jones play a coach in the cast of Glee, but she's also a 15-time world arm wrestling champion IRL. You can see her in Lizzie McGuire,Material Girls, Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, and Killing It. Dot-Marie has been married to Bridgett Casteen since 2013.

Naya Rivera as Santana Lopez

Naya Rivera's Santana was one of the best characters on TV, and she had incredible vocal chops to boot. You can see the actress in Step Up: High Water, CSI: Miami, and Even Stevens. Naya passed away in 2020 while boating with her son Josey in 2020.

Heather Morris as Brittany Pierce

After you've binge watched Glee (again), you can see Heather Morris in Santa Fake, Cora Bora, Raven's Home, and So Help Me Todd. She competed in season 24 of Dancing With the Stars (she was also a backup dancer for Beyoncé, slay!), and shares two children with husband Taylor Hubbell.

Matthew Morrison as Will Schuester

Matthew Morrison has been in a number of musical productions outside of Glee, including the OG Broadway casts of Hairspray,The Light in the Piazza, and Finding Neverland. Most recently, he starred in Christmas movie Paris Christmas Waltz. Matthew shares two children with his wife Renee Puente.

Harry Shum Jr. as Mike Chang 

Harry Shum Jr. starred opposite Nina Dobrev in Love, Hard on Netflix, and you can also see him in Step Up 2: The Streets and Step Up 3D, as well as Everything Everywhere All At Once. He plays a small role during the credits of Crazy Rich Asians, and will reportedly star in a spinoff about his character and Gemma Chan's Astrid. He shares a child with wife Shelby Rabara.

Mark Wayne Salling as Noah "Puck" Puckerman 

Before joining the cast of Glee, Mark Salling starred in Walker, Texas Ranger, Children of the Corn IV: The Gathering, and The Graveyard. He also released his Pipe Dreams album after founding Pipe Dreams Records. Mark passed away in 2018.