Anyone who has grown their hair out knows the struggle of waiting patiently for longer locks. Unfortunately, there is no magic potion that will grow your hair out long over night, but there are tips to ensure that your hair grows longer and healthier. The key to long hair is taking care of it properly so you don't have any damage or weak strands, so it's important to know the numerous things you can do to get the tresses you deserve. If you've found yourself getting discouraged because your hair just isn't growing as long or as quickly as you'd like, don't reach for the extensions yet. If you want longer, healthier hair, try these tips that can help you grow your hair out to the length you want it. Get frequent trims — yes, really. It may seem weird that while trying to grow your hair that you would need to get regular trims. However, while haircuts don't make your hair grow any faster, they get rid of split ends that break your hair. Getting regular small trims (about an eighth of an inch every 8-10 weeks) will eliminate the breakage giving the appearance that your hair is growing faster. After all, a split end that breaks can lead to your hair losing length — not to mention shine, volume, and smoothness. Resist the urge to go blonde. As chic as platinum hair looks, going from a darker shade to light blonde could stand between you and your longest-possible hair. When the cuticle of the hair is damaged from bleach, you can have more breakage or split ends. The fewer chemical treatments, the better your hair will grow. I have had “BAD BLONDE” experiments before and it made my hair ridiculously unhealthy! If you MUST go light, use a professional that knows what they are doing. Distribute your hair's natural oil. Going to bed with unbrushed hair may seem tempting when you're tired, but giving your hair a few quick strokes can be great for its health. "Starting at the scalp, brush your hair to distribute your scalp's oils evenly onto your hair so it stays naturally moisturized. Bonus: This simple step each night helps increase circulation, which helps make your scalp healthier. Eating the right foods. Having long, strong hair doesn't just depend on which products you put on your hair; it also depends on what you put into your body. To promote hair growth, you need to 'feed' the hair from the inside. Increase your protein intake with foods like fish, beans, nuts, and whole grains. If you're not a meat-lover, you should still aim to maintain a diet high in protein. Statistically, women that don’t get in enough protein experience more “shedding”. Foods high in protein as well as vitamins A, C, and E, minerals like zinc and iron, and omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to healthier hair as well. Avoid heat styling tools. Stop over-styling your hair!! Ninety percent of the time I let my hair air dry and don’t use heat what so ever unless I am going somewhere. A cute, wet bun is always a go-to for me! If you must use heat, decrease the temperature and always using a heat protectant — otherwise, you risk damaging your hair, leading to breakage and frizz. Skip the daily shampoo. Shampoo your hair no more than two to three times a week to allow your natural oils to penetrate your hair, allowing it to hydrate and repair itself!
Wear your pony tail LOOSE.
I'm in the gym every day, so of course, I wear a pony tail constantly. I have a bad habit of wearing tight pony tails, but recently I have been trying to wear looser pony tails. When your hair is pulled back tight from anything (braids, pony tails, buns, weaves, etc), your edges are being pulled back and become thin and break! Try to be mindful of certain hair styles that can cause pull! Add a vitamin to your A.M. routine. If your diet isn't supplying you with enough nutrition, a supplement could make a world of difference. I take a multi-vitamin every day. Look for a multivitamin that's formulated and labeled 'For Hair, Skin and Nails’. Those contain important vitamins like biotin and C and B vitamins that support hair health. Bonus: You may get better skin in the process! Use a silk pillow case. Instead of a cotton pillow case, switch over to a silk or satin fabric, because it has a softer surface that won't cause friction the way that regularly woven cotton does with your hair. That way, you'll wake up with fewer tangles. Remember that it can't grow overnight. Lastly, have PATIENCE!! Hair typically only grows about a quarter of an inch — to a half an inch max — a month. And that's only if it is super-healthy and doesn't have a ton of split ends. The bottom line: Practice patience!
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