How Often Should I Go to the Hairdresser?

From trims and colour to treatments and touch-ups, we are always tempted to refresh our hair – but how often do you actually need a salon visit?
How Often Should I Go to the Hairdresser
Photo: Getty Images

Karl Warner, a British hairdresser at Beauty Spot Salon in Dubai, is the go-to expert when it comes to understanding how often you should visit the salon. With over a decade of experience working with all hair types in the region, one thing remains constant. As Karl explains, “No one is exempt. Whether it is dark, dense Arabic hair or finer, lighter European hair, the environment affects it all in the same way. The idea that some hair types require less upkeep simply does not hold here.”

Karl goes further, breaking down different hair types, treatments, and the ideal timing for various services, emphasising that the level of attention, consistency, and salon maintenance remains the same if the goal is healthy, well-presented hair. Great hair is not low maintenance, it is well maintained. In a region where sun, sea, and hard water continuously impact the hair, timing becomes even more essential.

Haircuts should be maintained every 6 to 8 weeks to preserve shape and structure. If you’re growing your hair, 10 to 12 weeks is the limit before it begins to lose intention. In this climate, heat and exposure dry the ends faster, meaning cuts lose their precision far sooner if left too long.

Root colour should be addressed every 4 to 6 weeks to keep the finish seamless. Natural light here is unforgiving, and even minimal regrowth becomes more visible. On top of that, hard water and sun exposure can alter tone quickly, making colour appear warmer or uneven if not consistently maintained.

Highlights require refreshing every 10 to 12 weeks to maintain brightness and clarity. In regions with hard water, blondes are far more prone to turning brassy, while sun exposure accelerates dullness and dryness, compromising both tone and condition.

Balayage allows for a softer maintenance schedule of 15 to 17 weeks, but this doesn’t make it low maintenance. Without regular glossing or care, brunettes can become overly warm or reddish and blondes brassy and dull . Sun exposure can leave the colour looking flat and oxidised rather than softly blended.

Treatments should be done weekly to maintain the integrity of the hair. Between hard water, UV exposure and frequent beach environments, moisture is stripped quickly. Without consistent treatment, the hair becomes porous, which not only affects condition but also causes colour to shift and fade faster.

Hair extensions require maintenance every 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the method. In this environment, it’s not just about regrowth. Sun, salt water and mineral build up can affect both the extensions and natural hair, impacting tone, texture and how seamlessly they blend.

In this climate, frequent salon visits are not excessive, they are essential. Hair is constantly exposed to environmental stress, and without consistency, it shows.

Truly polished, healthy-looking hair comes down to discipline, timing, and a clear understanding of what your hair is up against.