Growing long, lustrous hair is largely a matter of patience. According to Teen Growth, your scalp contains up to 150,000 individual hairs, which have periods of growth and rest but overall grow at a rate of approximately 1/2 inch per month. A single strand of hair lives three to four years before it sheds. As your hair grows, there are steps you can take to protect it from breakage and keep it shiny and strong.
Step 1
Condition your hair every time you wash to help prevent breakage and keep your locks healthy. Use a deep conditioner once a week for added nourishment and strengthening. According to Longlocks, you can create your own homemade deep conditioner by mixing a small jar of mayonnaise with 1/2 an avocado. Wear a shower cap over your conditioner for 20 minutes to allow body heat to help it penetrate.
Step 2
Use a gentle clarifying shampoo once a week to remove buildup from conditioners and styling products. You can also pour a solution of 1/2 cup of cider vinegar and 1 1/2 cups of cool water through your locks to simultaneously remove buildup and condition. Do not rinse your hair with water after a vinegar rinse. The smell will dissipate as your hair dries.
Step 3
Dry your hair with a towel before heat styling to help protect it from damage and breakage. Wrap a clean towel or absorbent turban around your head after washing and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes to absorb excess water. Spray on a leave-in conditioner before you blow dry.
Step 4
Have the ends of your hair trimmed every two months. Pantene reports that regular salon visits are crucial for fighting split ends and keeping your long hair in top condition.
Step 5
Eat a healthy diet rich in biotin, which can be found in Swiss chard, romaine lettuce, almonds, walnuts and eggs. Taking a B-vitamin complex tablet can also assure you get the recommended amount of biotin. Give yourself regular scalp massages to boost circulation and get nutrients to your hair follicles more quickly.
Things You'll Need
- Daily conditioner
- Deep conditioner
- Clarifying shampoo
- Towel
- B vitamins
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