Rapunzel's hair required a lot of upkeep to keep her long locks strong enough for her prince to climb. You can grow Rapunzel-worthy hair by protecting your strands from damage and breakage. Everyone's hair grows at different rates, but a healthy diet can promote faster, healthier hair growth. Conditioning and regular trims are also necessary to protect your hair as you grow it long.
Trim Split Ends
When you're growing out your hair, cutting it seems like the last thing you want to do. But trimming split ends is crucial to promoting hair growth. Split ends keep the shaft from retaining moisture making your hair brittle and dull. The splits can also spread further up the hair shaft, so you end up cutting off several inches of that hair you waited so long to grow out. Aim for a 1/4 inch-trim every five weeks.
Deep Condition
Apply a leave-in conditioning treatment weekly to keep your hair ultra hydrated and prevent breakage and split ends. Look for products designed for damaged hair. Look for plant oils such as macadamia and jojoba that moisturize and protect each shaft.
Also condition your hair before swimming in a pool or the ocean. Chlorine and salt water can dry out hair, sticking to your strands and causing long-term damage. Before diving in, wet your hair and work conditioner throughout it. Leave the conditioner in as you swim, then reapply if needed. Rinse your hair immediately after swimming to remove chlorine or salt before it soaks into your locks.
Dry Carefully
Wet hair is weak and more prone to breakage. Instead of blow-drying, gently pat hair dry with a clean towel. Harsh towel drying, rubbing the towel over your hair, can snap weak strands. Just press the towel to your hair to absorb excess water and allow your locks to air-dry. If you must blow dry, use a cool setting. Heat dries out your hair, making it more vulnerable to damage throughout the day.
Finger-Comb
Avoid combing or brushing wet hair. After showering, comb your hair gently with your fingers. You can use a wide-toothed comb to carefully comb through hair, but don't use fine-toothed combs that snag and break your hair. On dry hair, use a natural-bristled brush.
Diet
Your body uses protein to build hair, skin and nails. Eat a diet rich in essential fatty acids and other proteins to give your body the fuel it needs to grow beautiful hair. You can double up on your protein treatment by using it topically on your strands. Plant proteins in oat, soy and rice or conditioners with amino acids protect your hair from the outside and sink into the shaft. You should also eat fruits and vegetables with antioxidants, which promote hair growth. Drink lots of water to keep toxins flushed from your body. Toxins can come out in your hair making it brittle and unhealthy.
Styling
Regular rubber bands tear your hair. Use coated, snag-free rubber bands, especially for styles higher on your head. If you frequently braid you hair, opt for box braids or flat twists. These styles protect your hair from the elements, especially during swimming. However, tight braids harshly twist your hair, breaking it throughout the braid.
Sleep On Satin
Wear a silky hair covering, like a satin scarf, or sleep on a satin pillowcase. Silky materials allow your hair to slide easily. Rougher materials, like cotton and blended fabrics, can break your strands.
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