Hair · Care guide
Why your ends snap, and seven small habits that keep your length
Hair that seems to stop at the same length for years is usually breaking at the ends. Here is what to change.
By Claire Whitman, Hair & Beauty Editor
Updated November 4, 2026 · 3 min read
Most women who say their hair "stopped growing" are not short on growth. Their hair breaks at the ends about as fast as it grows at the roots, so the length stays the same for years. The good news is that breakage is mostly about habits, and habits can change.
Seven habits that keep your length
- Detangle before you wash, not after. Wet hair stretches and snaps more easily. Work through knots while it is dry.
- Start at the ends. Comb the last few inches first, then move up. Pulling from the roots drags every knot down the strand.
- Stop rubbing with the towel. Press the water out with a soft towel or an old cotton T-shirt instead.
- Turn the heat down. Let hair air dry most of the way, keep the dryer moving, and use the lowest iron setting that works.
- Loosen up. Tight ponytails and thin elastics snap hair at the same spot every day. Try a soft scrunchie or a claw clip.
- Sleep on something smooth. A satin or silk pillowcase means less friction while you sleep.
- Condition the lengths, not the roots. Your ends are the oldest part of your hair and need it most. Gentle, sulfate-free cleansing two or three times a week is enough for most hair.
When to trim
A small trim every 8 to 12 weeks takes off split ends before they travel up the strand. If you are trying to keep length, ask for a "dusting": just the split tips, not a new shape.