How to Trim Your Hair Using the "Search and Destroy" Trim Method

Split ends have you down? When you are trying to grow your hair out, trimming split ends is the last thing you want to do. The "Search and Destroy" trimming method can help you salvage some length while getting rid of split, damaged hair. Stop cutting off your hair progress and give the search and destroy method a try!

What is search and destroy trimming?

"Search and destroy" or (S&D) is a hair trimming method that was coined on Internet hair forums to describe hair trims that only target specific split hair shafts. Search and destroy trimming is just as the name implies: the trimmer searches through the hair, identifies split ends to snip, then destroys them with a pair of shears. In normal trims, an entire section of hair is trimmed to get rid of a few split ends. In search and destroy trims, individual hairs are singled out and snipped just above the split or hair fracture location, one hair at a time.

Benefits of the Search and Destroy Trim Method

Search and destroy trimming saves hair length and keeps pesky split ends in check. Most of us only have a few split ends sprinkled throughout our mane. The proportion of split, damaged hairs to healthy normal ones is often quite small. Since search and destroy trims only target and trim ends that are damaged and actually splitting, you avoid having to trim the neighboring healthy hairs which are typically the majority. You can trim through your hair without losing any noticeable length.

Another benefit of search and destroy trims is that anyone can do these! They require no skill whatsoever. If you can see a split, and know how to work a pair of shears, you are already good to go. Search and destroy trims are so light and noninvasive that they are barely noticeable. No one ever walks away feeling upset or having to adjust to a "new look" as is often the case with a standard trim.

Search and Destroy Method Steps

You'll need: Good lighting, 1 Sharp pair of hair shears/scissors, comb, and moisturizer.

Get your lighting. I find that the natural daylight in my car and even computer lighting works pretty well for search and destroys! Good lighting will expose your splits and help them show up better.

1.) First, section your hair into 4 quadrants by making a line from hairline to nape, and make another line from ear to ear. This should give you 2 front sections, and 2 back sections.

2.) Gently detangle the hair starting with one of the top 2 sections.

3.) Gather the section together, then slide your hand down the length until you have about an inch left to go.

4.) Flip the ends up, and scan them for split ends. Identify any bent (hard angle) ends that are about to snap, or hair that just looks like it has seen better days. Snip these hairs straight across just above the damage.

5.) Staying in this first section, part your hair in 1 inch intervals. Search for splits in each 1 inch mini-section. Snip the splits!

6.) Continue searching and destroying until section is complete.

7.) Moisturize the section, then twist the hair all the way down. Look for any splits you may have missed. They will be sticking out. Snip them!

8.) Repeat steps 2-7 in the remaining sections.

How often should you "search and destroy"?

Search and destroy trims should be done every 3-4 weeks, or whenever a split end is seen. These trims are perfect for hair maintenance in between your normally scheduled trims.

Search and Destroy Tips

In order to get the best out of search and destroy trims, you should start off using the method with fairly even hair. This method is for trimming maintenance, not for keeping hair hemlines neat. Full, blunt-looking ends typically require a full dusting or standard trim to start for shaping. Search and destroy trims will help you maintain you current style and length.