There are no shortcuts to growing hair long, report stylists at Hairstyle.com. Maintaining a healthy head of hair so it will continue to grow long and full requires a commitment to daily home care. Some of the most important tips involve what not to do to your hair as it grows, such as exposing it to chemicals and heat. There are other steps you can take at home to help the process.
Style
Stylists recommend trimming hair about a quarter-inch every 4 to 6 weeks to avoid split ends that will creep up the length of the hair strand and inhibit additional hair growth. Wear your hair loose as much as possible. Mayo Clinic doctors report that putting hair up in pigtails, braids or cornrows pulls at the hair and causes trauma to the root, stopping it from growing or pulling it out all together. Be gentle with your hair, and comb it with a wide-tooth comb when it is almost dry. Combing hair wet also can damage it.
Diet
Diet affects hair health as much as the rest of the body, report doctors at the Mayo Clinic. Hair is composed primarily of protein and vitamins, so a diet rich in protein and vitamins A, B, C, E and K can affect the health of hair and the follicles from which they grow. Omega-3 fatty acids also provide the body with oil that is needed to keep hair from becoming dry and brittle. The best sources of healthy oil come from fish, olive oil, nuts and flaxseed. Good sources of protein include lean meat, low-fat dairy and eggs. Fish also is a good source of vitamin K, as are figs, dairy products, broccoli, cabbage and oatmeal. Vitamin A is found in carrots, squash, cantaloupe and sweet potatoes. Include regular servings of dark green leafy vegetables and whole grains in the diet for sufficient levels of vitamin E. B vitamins are found in nuts, peas, seeds and greens. Eat citrus fruits for healthy amounts of vitamin C.
Relax
Relaxation is an integral part of a healthy hair regimen because stress can play havoc on hair growth, just as it does with other vital body systems. Thin hair and even over-all loss of hair on the scalp, a condition called alopecia, can be caused by stress, report doctors at the American Academy of Family Physicians. Sleep 7 to 8 hours a day, and spend time in stress-reducing activities such as yoga or meditation to ensure a stress-free lifestyle and healthy long hair.
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