Trimming Natural Hair- The Art of Dusting
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- March 12, 2014
WHAT IS DUSTING?
A dusting is where a very small amount of hair is trimmed off the ends of the hair. So little is removed that it looks like fine dust on the floor. Ends can be dusted to remove splits before they become out of control.
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HOW DO I DUST MY HAIR?
1. Take a small section of hair split it in two.
2. Twist the section of hair so that it’s neat and smooth. You may notice little hairs that are split poking out from the twist.
3. Dust by trimming just above the split ends.
4. Undo the twist and twist in the opposite direction in order to expose any other splits you may have missed.
5. Repeat this process throughout the entire head. There should only be a light ‘dusting’ of hair on your counters or floor.
NOTES
*One should dust their hair every 6 to 8 weeks to keep split ends under control.
* Hair shears are the proper tool for this process. Please keep your craft scissors far from your hair.
* Be sure to dust your hair under adequate natural lighting for best results.
* A beauty mirror with a magnified side is your best friend for those sections that are hard to see.
I know I’m overdue for a trim when detangling becomes a beast, and when I too easily run across split ends. So once every two months, I dust or micro-trim after my hair has been twisted. I survey the ends of each twist, and snip off the last 1/8 – 1/4 of an inch. This keeps my ends neat and detangling sessions quick, while maintaining maximum length. I trim more depending on the state of my ends, if I’m attempting to keep a bob shape and length (as I am now) and/or how long it’s been since the last session.
In between dusting sessions, “search and destroy” missions keep my ends sharp. I conduct “search and destroys” whenever I happen to grab a curl and can see more than a split end or two without straining. I do this while sitting in front of the TV, standing in the bathroom mirror, or even while on the internet. The lighting in all three situations is perfect! After snipping a few, I become anal and my sessions can last more than an hour. I cut just above the split or jagged end and apply moisturizer and oil as I go. After I finish, I’m usually on my way to re-style because it leaves me with a frizzy, undefined mess.
Be sure to only use hair scissors when trimming. This is VERY important! I purchase my scissors from Walmart, Sally’s or Ulta and they usually run me between $10 and $40. I hide them from Hubby and only use them for hair, to keep them sharp as dull scissors can do more harm than good!
