Hair Dusting 101: The DIY Secret to Longer, Healthier Hair by Trimming Split Ends at Home!
- OOF!
- Nov 13, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Oct 20
Kiss split ends goodbye.
About a year ago I went to get a much needed haircut. The stylist said I needed a good 3 inches off, and I agreed completely.
But, long story short, it ended with my hair much shorter than I ever wanted and to add to my frustration, he had added shorter layers I so did not want.
So it's probably not surprising that I spent the next many, many months refusing hair trims in an effort to keep my length, and doing everything I could think of to make my hair grow faster.
Let me tell you hair oiling and scalp massagers are now my best friends. But you know what helped the most? Hair dusting.
So, what is hair dusting? Not a hair cut, and not even a trim, hair dusting is a technique to remove individual split ends. Sound tedious? It's actually really not! Anyone can DIY it, and we've got plenty of advice and all the tutorials you need. So, keep reading to find out.
Trimming Split Ends: Haircut or Hair Dusting?
If, like me, you're trying to grow out some layers or go longer between hair cuts, hair dusting can be a great way to keep your hair healthy while growing it out. It really just depends on your hair.
First Off, What is a Split End?
A split end happens when the tips of your hair start to fray and separate into two (or sometimes more) strands. Think of it as your hair’s SOS signal.
When the ends start splitting they keep splitting up the strand. Plus, when split ends break—you now have breakage.
"What many call breakage happens when split ends cause the hair to snap off, leaving some strands shorter than others," explains celebrity hairstylist Cash Lawless.
And while products can help smooth frayed ends, the only real fix for split ends is a trim.
Haircut or Hair Dusting
The term “hair dusting” is a nickname for giving your hair a tiny, itsy-bitsy haircut without losing any real length. It's called this because when you're done there should only be a small pile of hair dust.
Do you have a lot of split ends and breakage? Has your hair lost its shape? Then you probably need to go in to see your stylist and get a hair cut. If your hair is pretty healthy, and you're happy with the shape, hair dusting is for you.
Regular hair dusting sessions have helped my hair look shinier and healthier. I find it very satisfying to cut off split ends, and it's so easy to do. So, if you're looking to prolong the time between hair appointments and maintain your hair's length, keep reading!
But, Is hair dusting healthy for hair?
Absolutely, in fact, that is the whole point of hair dusting—to remove the unhealthy split ends to keep damage from spreading and helping hair grow healthier.
But hey, just a heads-up – dusting your hair alone might not cut it if you're still putting your hair through the wringer with excessive heat styling, bleaching, or rough handling. These things can wreck your hair, making it dry and brittle.
To combat the hair damage, make sure to show your hair some love with masks and deep conditioning treatments. These can give your hair the hydration and nourishment it craves, helping to repair and strengthen it.
Want to know the exact ingredients you should be using for your hair type? Try our Hair Type Quiz to find out.
Must Have Supplies for Hair Dusting
To begin with a hair dusting at home, you'll need the right tools, like sharp scissors made for cutting hair. Make sure you're working in good light and section your hair properly.
Choosing the Best Scissors for Hair Dusting
Make sure to use scissors designed for cutting hair that are sharp. You never ever want to trim your hair with a dull blade since this can cause even more split ends.
Use a smaller blade size (5 to 6 inches) for more precision when snipping individual split ends.
My personal favorite go-to scissors for hair dusting are the Tweezerman styling shears. The area a great size, super sharp, and if you're just using them for the occasional trim, you may never need another pair.
Other Hair Dusting Helpful Tools
A Fine-Tooth Comb
Sectioning your hair will be a lot easier with a good comb, and will be necessary if you're using the comb method versus the twist method.
Sectioning Clips
Sectioning help isolate small sections, I love the Drybar Hold Me Hair Clips. They have a great "alligator jaw" design that keeps hair from slipping.
Sectioning Your Hair to Prepare For Hair Dusting
If you have really thick, curly, or coily hair, you may choose to just put all your hair back and just pull down one piece at a time. However, if you would like to section your hair like a pro, here's the easiest way to do it.
Part your hair down the middle from your forehead all the way to the back of the neck making two sections. Then separate each of these sections into two somewhere around your ears.
Since you're not cutting a lot, it's not important for these to be perfect, but this will give you good, even sections to work with.
Hair Dusting for Straight, Wavy, and Curly Hair
The hair dusting technique you should use will depend on your hair curl type. Whether your hair is straight, wavy, curly, or coily(kinky), we are sharing all the details on how to dust your hair at home.
Hair Dusting: Step By Step For Straight Hair (Type 1)
Straight hair grows without a natural curl, wave, or bend, creating a smooth, flat texture. This hair type is often classified as Type 1 in hair-typing systems.
Step One: Start with Dry Hair
It's a lot easier to see the flyaways that stick out and need a trim when your hair is completely dry.
Step Two: Section Your Hair
To section your hair, start by parting it down the middle from your forehead to the back of your neck, then make a horizontal part from ear to ear across the back.
This gives you four sections—two on top and two on the bottom. Clip or tie each section to keep it separated and manageable.
Step Three: Twist Small Sections and Trim
Take down the first section. Twist it tightly until you see little hairs sticking out from the rest. Hold it firmly in place, then trim these hairs. (If you have a lot of hair you may want to split the section into 2-3 sections).
You only need to trim off a small amount. Not more than 1/8 inch. The hair you trimmed should only leave a small pile of hair that looks like dust.
Continue this process through each of the sections until you've finished all of your hair, and you're done. See? So easy!
Hair Dusting for Wavy Hair (Type 2)
Wavy hair has a natural "S" shape, sitting between straight and curly hair types, and it’s often classified as Type 2 in hair-typing systems. This hair type can range from loose, gentle waves to more defined, beachy textures.
Step One: Blow Dry Your Wavy Hair
Dry your hair. The easiest way to dust is on blown-out, straightened hair. So, to really get those split ends, take the time to blow dry it straight.
Step Two: Separate Into Sections
It's always easier to work with wavy hair in smaller sections, so either keep lots of clips nearby and pull the rest of your hair back while you work on one small section at a time or section into four small sections.
Do this by parting your hair down the middle from your forehead to the back of your neck. Make a horizontal part from ear to ear across the back for four equal sections.
Clip or tie each section to keep it separated and manageable. Work on one section at a time.
Step Three: Twist and Dust
To highlight the split ends, twist the initial section until you observe small hairs protruding from the rest, and then cut them off.
Only a small amount needs to be trimmed, no more than 1/8 inch. This is called dusting for a reason. You should only have a small pile of dust when you're done.
Proceed with this procedure for each section until you have completed your entire hair, and then you are finished. It's that simple!
Hair Dusting For Curly Hair (Type 3)
Curly hair has a well-defined, spiral shape that ranges from loose ringlets to tighter curls, often classified as Type 3 in hair-typing systems.
Step One: Make Sure Hair is Completely Dry
Dry your hair. It's really best if you can blow dry it straight. Although the easiest way to dust is on blown-out, straightened hair, you can still snip the split ends when your hair is curly—just make sure it's totally dry.
Step Two: Work in Sections
It's always easier to work in smaller sections. Gather all your hair together, secure, and then work on one small section or coil at a time.
Step Three: Stretch and Dust
Pull the small section tight. To push the split ends out and make them more visible, wrap the section over your finger or use a comb and slowly work your way down the hair section. Trim the any split ends you notice sticking out.
Repeat. Continue sectioning your hair, stretching the curl, and snipping the split ends until you've dusted every last section.
Hair Dusting for Coily/Kinky Hair (Type 4)
Coily or kinky hair, also known as Type 4, has tight curls or zig-zag patterns that are often very dense and springy, ranging from small coils to a "Z" shape. This type of hair tends to be the most delicate and requires extra care.
Step One: Make Sure Hair is Dry
Dry your hair. Your hair doesn't have to be straightened, but it does need to be completely dry for the split ends to pop up.
Step Two: Work on One Section at a Time
Focus on one small section at a time, and clip the rest away.
Step Three: Wrap, Slide, and Trim
Wrap the section of hair over your middle finger and use your other fingers to keep the section of hair pulled tight (watch the demo below at the 4:43 mark). As you slide your hand down to the ends, trim any strands that stick out (again, only about a quarter of an inch).
Repeat. Continue the process until all of the sections of hair have been dusted.
Hair Dusting FAQs
What is hair dusting?
A tiny “micro trim” that removes visible split ends along the strand without changing your overall length.
How often should I hair-dust?
Every 6–10 weeks for most hair types, or whenever you notice frayed ends and extra flyaways.
Should I hair-dust on wet or dry hair?
Dry hair makes split ends easier to see, so you can be more precise.
How much do I cut when dusting?
About 1/8″ (just the frayed tips). If you’re seeing bigger splits or breakage, book a trim.
Is hair dusting safe for curly and coily hair?
Yes—work in small sections and stretch or twist each section so the split ends pop out before snipping.
Does hair dusting help hair “grow faster”?
It doesn’t speed growth at the root, but it prevents ongoing breakage, so you can retain length and look longer, healthier.
What tools do I need for hair dusting at home?
Sharp styling shears (not kitchen scissors), sectioning clips, a fine-tooth comb, good lighting, and patience.
Recommended Tools for Hair Dusting
Tweezerman Stainless 2000 Styling Shears (5.5”) — sharp, smooth cutting action; ideal size for precise dusting.
Drybar Hold Me Hair Clips — “alligator-jaw” clips that keep sections secure without slipping.
OOF! Heart-Shaped Silicone Scalp Massager — boosts scalp health and hair growth between dustings.
HALO 100% Cotton T-Shirt Hair Towel — gentle, low-friction drying to minimize post-wash frizz and breakage.
The Final Word: Is hair dusting better than a trim?
There's a reason for both. A trim can maintain the shape of your style, so you still want to get trims on occasion. A dusting just tidies up the ends without altering the overall style. So, if you're happy with your current look and just need a little refresh, hair dusting is the way to go for sure.
