There is no single right answer: it depends on how short your cut is and how sharp you like it to look. Short hair shows growth sooner, so the shorter the style, the more often it needs a tidy.
A rough guide by style
- Skin fades and very short sides: every 2 to 3 weeks if you like the fade crisp. After that the blend starts to soften.
- Tapers and classic short cuts: every 3 to 5 weeks.
- Scissor cuts and textured crops: every 4 to 6 weeks.
- Longer styles you are growing out: every 6 to 10 weeks, mainly to keep the ends and the neckline tidy.
- Beards: a shape every 2 to 4 weeks, with a little trimming at home in between.
Signs you are due a visit
- Your hair no longer sits the way it did on day one, even with product.
- The hair over your ears or on your neck feels fuzzy.
- The fade has grown into a solid line rather than a blend.
Stretching the time between cuts
Ask your barber for a slightly longer blend or a taper rather than a skin fade, and book a quick neckline and line-up tidy between full cuts. Many shops offer a short tidy for a lower price than a full cut, so ask what yours does.
Not sure what suits your routine? Tell your barber how often you would like to come in, and they can plan the cut around it.