If you are serious about growing your hair long or are wanting to improve the growth and condition of your long hair, you must first look at your overall health as there’s no magic ingredient in a bottle, that I’m aware of.
So consider that by taking many small steps, like improving your diet, you will be able to make some big improvements to your health and encourage your hair to grow to its potential length, while maintaining strength.
I have searched high and low to find all the tips and tricks recommended by people who have experience in growing exceptionally long and healthy hair and compiled them here.
Some tips you will already be familiar with, and some you may not have heard of. This video by holistic habits summarizes the most important steps. Alternatively, you can skip to the list below for more details and some simple DIY recipes.
14 tips for healthier, longer hair
1. Drink plenty of water
If you are dehydrated, your hair growth is stunted.
2. Massage your scalp
A hot oil scalp massage thickens and protects the hair follicles, and stimulates growth at the roots. Use either coconut oil or olive oil. If you don’t want to use oil, simply massage any time you want a relaxing treat or incorporate it into your daily routine; just keep on massaging.
3. Don’t wash your hair too frequently
Once every 4 days or longer is ideal. If you slowly go longer between washes, you can actually train your scalp to be less greasy.
4. Avoid dyes and bleaches
Embrace your natural color. If you are dying to cover greys, limit your dying to the roots and avoid the ends.
5. Limit heat or go heat-free
Blow-drying, curling irons, and straighteners are great for that big night out, but avoid using these every day; they damage your hair and cause weakness and breakage. There are many heat-free styles you can do instead.
6. Use quality hair products
These should be formulated specifically for your hair type. I want to say this isn’t true, but time and experience have confirmed to me that unfortunately with shampoo and conditioners, you do get what you pay for.
7. Eat a diet that is nutrient-rich
Fibrous, fresh fruit and vegetables, healthy sources of protein, and healthy saturated fats, including omega 3s, will give your hair the building blocks to grow luscious locks.
8. Take a good health supplement that supports hair growth
There are many combinations of vitamins and minerals that are combined just for this purpose, they sometimes refer to being for “hair, skin, and nails” or just “for hair.” Look for ingredients such as biotin, collagen, B vitamin plus B12. There is also a tissue salt called silica that improves hair condition and luster. This homeopathic remedy is available from health food stores or chemists.
9. Invest in a good wooden hairbrush
Although more expensive than cheaper plastic ones, wooden brushes do not break or strain your hair as you brush it, leading to less breakage.
10. After you wash and condition your hair, use a rinse
These clarify your hair and clean up any residue left behind. See the apple cider vinegar hair rinse recipe below. If you are not able to use a hair rinse, opt for cold water, as this smooths out the follicles and seals them for protection.
11. Use a scrunchy or a clip to secure your hair
Elastic bands may cause breakage when you use them every day.
12. Trim the very tips of your hair every 3 months
You only need to take off a few millimeters; this ensures protection from split ends, which will slow your progress to a standstill.
13. Begin wearing your hair in protective hairstyles
As your hair gets a little longer, these will keep your hair from getting tangled as you sleep, as well as protect it from the wind and sun, which is drying. Effectively, protective hairstyles stop the wear and tear on your hair. Women used to wrap their hair in scarves or turbans for just this reason.
14. Use a daily leave-in hair strengthening oil
See the recipe below.
Leave-in daily hair oil
Choose the oil you want to use. The best oils for hair are coconut, argan, jojoba, and avocado oil. All these oils are light and can be left in your hair without weighing it down or making it greasy. If your hair is very thin, use jojoba, as this is the lightest oil of all.
To your base oil, add a small drizzle of neem oil and 5 drops of rosemary essential oil. If you’re pregnant, skip the rosemary oil altogether.
Rub a small portion of this oil onto your hands and spread it evenly through your hair, focusing on the ends. This oil will smooth, de-frizz, and de-tangle your hair, as well as give it bounce and a satin shine.
Apple cider vinegar hair rinse
After you finish washing your hair, add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass jar or container. Fill the jar up with warm or cool water from your shower. Pour this over your hair and leave it; don’t worry, I do this all the time and I don’t smell the vinegar.
This rinse will leave your hair soft and shiny, and your scalp healthy as the vinegar will restore the natural ph level, as well as treat any dandruff or itchiness.
Growing pains
Growing your hair out can be frustrating as you go through all the different annoying phases; I know, I’ve been there several times. Be patient and in the meantime, use the many accessories and styles available that there are to keep yourself looking stylish and fresh.
The main thing is to value your health; it’s the best way and you’ll be enjoying your long hair in no time.
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