Whether you're looking to try a new hairstyle or want to donate your lengthy locks to charity, growing out your hair takes time and a whole lot of patience. Understanding the make-up of your hair and how to properly care for it is one of the keys to make sure it grows long and healthy.
Leave it Alone
One of the main keys to keeping your hair as healthy as possible is treat it like a fine piece of linen, according to HairBoutique.com. Chemically treating fabric over and over again is a sure-fire way to break it down and weaken it, so avoid doing the same with your hair. Stay away from any chemical treatments such as coloring, which strips away the protective coating and natural color of your hair.
Easy on the Brush
While brushing your hair is important to get out snags, doing too much of it or doing it at the wrong time can be detrimental to your flowing locks. Instead of trying to hit a specific number of brushes per night, such as 100, just brush your hair enough to get out the tangles, and avoid brushing just after you've stepped out of the shower, according to Pantene. Allow your hair to air dry as much as possible, which will help loosen some of the tangles and cause you to tug less at your hair, minimizing breakage.
Conditioner
Like a plant needs fertilizer, your hair also needs nourishment and fortification. One of the easiest ways to do this is through regular conditioning. Using a conditioner after every wash will help protect your hair against UV rays and keep it moisturized to help protect against dry conditions and keep it from getting brittle. Consider using leave-in conditioners, if you regularly blow-dry your hair, to protect it from the heat, according to Pantene.
Trim Regularly
The object is to grow your hair longer, but that doesn't mean you should avoid the hair salon. Getting a regular trim every two months or so will help protect your hair from split ends and encourage continued growth, according to Pantene. Go for just a short trim and avoid the temptation to make drastic changes to your hair if you're trying to grow it out. Avoid highlights or any other type of chemical treatment while you're in the salon, as doing so could set back all of the hard work you've done to grow your hair long and healthy.
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