Growing long, healthy hair is something most little girls dream of, but the reality can be frustrating. Aside from the traumas of breakage and frizz, most hairdressers seem to believe that no one needs hair longer than their shoulder blades. Not to worry. Growing long hair takes patience and commitment, but not a lot of extra work. Learning to grow hair long requires adopting the proper techniques and using the most suitable tools. According to Jennifer Bahney at longhairlovers.com, hair only grows about six inches a year, but you can make sure that every inch is healthy, thick and glossy.
Nourish and Pamper Your Hair From the Inside Out:
Step 1
Eat a proper diet full of lean proteins, essential fats like those found in nuts and seeds, whole grains, fresh fruits and lots of leafy, dark green vegetables. The healthier your body is, the healthier your hair will be.
Step 2
Take your vitamins. A multi-vitamin formulated especially to aid in growing hair should contain vitamins A, B, C, E and K, as well as biotin and keratin.
Step 3
Work up a good sweat. Exercise increases circulation, which is good for your hair as well as your skin and nails. Sweating out toxins gives you an all-over healthy glow, and a good workout releases beta endorphins, which are natural mood elevators.
Step 4
Stay hydrated. One of the symptoms of dehydration is dull, dry hair. Drink between 32 and 64 ounces of water every day.
Step 5
Get your beauty sleep. Your body repairs itself while you sleep, so give it plenty of time. Get between eight and 10 hours of sleep every night, and you will feel as good as you look.
Treat Your Hair Like Fine, Old Lace:
Step 1
Give your hair a healthy start by trimming off all split ends and dry, damaged hair. Split ends can travel up the hair shaft, weakening your hair and making it look frizzy and unhealthy. Use very sharp scissors to avoid breaking your hair.
Step 2
Wash and condition your hair correctly. Shampoo only your scalp, and condition the lengths and the ends. Massaging conditioner into your scalp can clog pores and follicles.
Step 3
Dry your hair by wrapping it in an absorbent towel. Let the cloth absorb all of the excess water instead of rubbing, wringing or twisting your hair.
Step 4
Smooth out tangles with a wide-toothed comb. Separate your hair into sections, and work out the tangles from the bottom up. A wide-toothed wooden comb is not only gentle on your hair, the natural, satiny feel brings to mind the most luxurious spas.
Step 5
Treat your hair to an almond oil or hot oil treatment once or twice per month. Massage the oil gently along the hair shaft, and then wrap your hair in an absorbent turban and let it soak in over night.
Step 6
Braid your hair loosely before you go to bed and secure it with a coated elastic. This will help to protect your hair from breakage that might be caused by friction with your pillow as you turn over in your sleep.
Tips and Warnings
- Invest in hair-safe clips and hair ornaments to change up your style as your hair grows out.
- Avoid harsh chemicals and any styling techniques that require intense heat.
Things You'll Need
- Vitamins A, B, C, E and K
- Biotin and keratin supplements
- Sharp scissors
- Strengthening shampoo and conditioner
- Absorbent turban
- Wide-toothed comb
- Almond oil or hot oil treatment
- Coated elastics
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