If you tell your stylist that you only want 3 inches off, then they should only cut THREE inches. If they don't know how to measure, then just physically take your hair and show her how much you want off. If you hair is split, the only want to get rid of it, is to cut it off. Sealing them with silicones or other products is just a temporary fix, and usually doesn't work that well. :icon_wink