Getting your hair to grow long, lush and healthy can be a challenge. Exposure to chemicals, damage from brushing and other challenges can, if you aren't careful, make your hair dull, with strands that are easy to break. However, with careful maintenance and a few special tricks, you can grow longer hair.
Some of our best tips:
• Even long hair sometimes needs to be cut. Trim your hair at least every six weeks to remove split and damaged ends.
• If you opt to trim your hair at home instead of going to a salon, invest in a pair of sharp scissors intended specifically for hair. Dull scissors can damage the ends of your hair, making it more prone to split ends.
• Maintain a healthy hair diet. Foods rich in protein, vitamin E, B-vitamins and beta-carotene all help your hair grow.
• Take vitamin supplements. Some stores carry special hair vitamins that contain vitamins and minerals that help with hair growth. An over the counter prenatal vitamin can help make your hair stronger and fuller, as well.
• Avoid styling treatments that involve heat. Blow-drying, curling, crimping and straightening plates can all take a toll on your hair. If you must blow dry, let your hair dry naturally for as long as possible, then finish and style by blow-drying.
• When you go swimming in salt water or chlorinated water, make sure that you rinse your hair right away.
• If you color your hair, pick the gentlest products available. Henna comes in a variety of colors, and will not damage your hair. Avoid hair dyes that contain peroxide, as this can damage your hair while it strips color.
• Buy only no-snag ponytail holders and barrettes. Metal parts can snag and tear your hair. Fabric-covered scrunchies are a fun, colorful choice, as well.
• Do not use spiky plastic curlers. These can also cause damage to your hair. If you want to grow longer hair, protecting it from damage is key.
• Do what you can to reduce your levels of stress. Yoga or other exercises are great for stress relief. When you suffer too much stress, it can make your hair thin and sparse.
• Pick a hair shampoo and conditioner that is geared for long hair growth. You want something that will moisturize your hair without weighing it down.
• Be careful what styling aids you choose. Hair spray can dry out your hair, making it more prone to breakage.
• When you brush, brush only enough to remove tangles, as over-brushing can damage hair. Never brush your hair when it is wet. |
