Growing your hair longer and keeping it healthy doesn't have to be difficult. Over-use of heated styling products or chemical processing can result in dryer, weaker hair that is more likely to split or break. If you have short, dry or damaged hair, you can help your hair grow faster and longer by following a few simple hair care guidelines.
Trims
Cutting your hair to help it grow may seem counter-intuitive, however according to stylist Lisa Akbari in her book "Every Woman's Guide to Beautiful Hair at Any Age," in order to help hair grow, you need to remove split ends and damaged hair. Split ends won't heal themselves and will continue to split up the hair shaft, causing further breakage and a frizzy appearance. Dry or damaged hair will stay exactly that way unless you cut it off. Generally speaking, if your hair is particularly damaged or has a lot of split ends, you should try to get a trim every six weeks.
Diet
Having the proper diet is vital for ensuring that your hair receives the necessary nutrients it needs to become stronger and healthier. According to Riquette Hofstein in her book "Grow Hair Fast: 7 Steps to a New Head of Hair in 90 Days," nicotine, caffeine, grain alcohol and sugar can all negatively impact the health of hair and possibly lead to hair loss. Vitamins A, C and B complex are vital to promoting hair health and combating the effects of harmful toxins in your body. You should also make sure that you get enough iodine, zinc, potassium and silica, as these nutrients benefit the roots of your hair and help to prevent hair from becoming dry or brittle.
Conditioning Treatments
Using a weekly conditioning treatment will help your hair to become stronger and less susceptible to breakage. According to Hofstein, conditioning treatments restore proteins and moisture to the hair cuticle, follicles and scalp. If you have naturally dry hair or damaged hair from over-processing, it's important to use a deep conditioning treatment regularly in order to help your hair become stronger. Use a hot oil treatment or a deep conditioning mask designed for dry or damaged hair once a week. You can also use regular mayonnaise, applying a liberal amount to your hair and scalp. Be sure to cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap and leave on for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the nutrients to absorb into your hair. Shampoo and style as usual.
References
- "Every Woman's Guide to Beautiful Hair at Any Age;" Lisa Akbari; 2007
- "Grow Hair Fast: 7 Steps to a New Head of Hair in 90 Days;" Riquette Hofstein; 2004
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