Growing your hair, whether you want silky waist-length tresses or short, sassy curls, does not have to put a strain on your bank account. Hair generally grows about 6 inches a year, but you can make hair grow a little faster if you take the time to feed and care for it properly. Growing healthy hair---as with growing anything from plants to kids---just requires understanding what it needs to thrive.
Feed Follicles
Eat a proper diet to keep your hair healthy. A diet high in lean proteins, essential fatty acids and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables will not only give your hair the nutrition it needs to grow, it will also help nourish your skin and nails, and keep you energized. You have to eat anyway, so eat mindfully.
Shampoo And Condition Correctly
How you wash your hair is almost as important as what you wash it with. Never gather hair on top of your head and scrub at it, because this can cause tangles and breakage. Massage the shampoo into your scalp, but try to avoid washing the ends, where your hair is more dry. Avoid rubbing conditioner into your scalp, because it can clog pores and hair follicles.
Dry Hair Gently
Never twist, rub or wring your hair. Sluice the excess water out of your hair with your palms, and then wrap it all up in an absorbent towel. Secure the towel with a large safety pin or butterfly clip. Let the towel absorb extra moisture from your hair while you get dressed or do your makeup. In 10 to 15 minutes, you will have damp hair ready to be styled.
Work With Tangles
Never brush wet hair. Instead, part your hair into small sections and use your fingers or a comb to start at the bottom and gently separate snarled or tangled hair. Never yank or tug on a snarl. If it just won't come out, rub a little bit of conditioner between your fingers and massage it into the tangle. That should make your hair slippery enough to unravel the knot.
Get Creative
Avoid expensive hair treatments by using what you have in your kitchen. Olive and vegetable oil make fine hot oil treatments, which moisturize and help prevent breakage. Mayonnaise and mashed avocado applied to your hair and allowed to soak in under a turban or shower cap for an hour or two make a rich and nutritious hair mask to restore shine.
Go Natural
Avoid harsh chemicals, hair products and any product that uses heat. Letting your hair grow means adapting to a new look, and that means trying new styles. Fluff your hair with your fingers as it air dries for a soft, wavy look.
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