Personally, I’ve always preferred to keep my hair long, because I like it better. I’ve had my experiences with a shorter cut, and I’m not a big fan of how it looked on me. Everybody knows what looks best on them; I know what works for me, and I’ve been sticking to it. If you’re looking to grow your hair out, you’ve come to the right place.
There are many different ways to grow out your hair; just look at the endless websites and magazines that tell you how to do just that. The most popular tips are to adopt a healthier diet or taking vitamins, but there is something out there that will (hopefully) work out for those looking to grow out their locks. I’ve had long hair for quite some time now, and these are a few tips that have helped me maintain it just the way I like it.
The first thing you need to know when growing out your luscious locks is that hair supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA and, chances are, they aren’t really doing anything for you. Talk to your doctor first if you’re really keen on trying out hair growth supplements, but if you have a balanced diet, then your body is already full of the nutrients it needs for hair growth.
Get your hair trimmed regularly. It might sound counterproductive, but it’s good to get regular trims to keep your hair healthy, which means that you should be going to the salon every six to eight weeks. By getting it trimmed and keeping it neat, you are preventing breakage. If you have thin hair, or you dye or heat-style your hair often, definitely consider more frequent trims, since you’re probably more prone to breakage.
Next, as I mentioned earlier, you should start eating right. Not only is it important to consider what you put in your hair — you need to be aware of what you are putting in your body. Increasing the amount of protein in your diet can help with hair growth. Even if you don’t eat meat, you still need to have protein in your diet. Eating foods like beans and nuts can help. You might also consider taking vitamin supplements; vitamins A, C and E are good for maintaining healthy hair.
Using too much heat on your hair will lead to breakage and can damage your hair. I have trouble with this sometimes, because I tend to wash my hair about twice a week and, every time, I use a hairdryer to dry out my locks. If you have to use heat styling tools, it’s recommended to use a heat protectant to prevent it from damaging your hair. Usually, you can apply the product on your damp hair before drying or styling it.
You should also be careful of how often you’re washing your hair. Most stylists recommend washing only two or three times a week, to avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils, which allow your hair to hydrate and repair itself. Sometimes, having oily hair isn’t all that bad, despite how annoying it is to put up with.
Who doesn’t love to shower with steamy, hot water? Well, if you do (and I’m guilty of this, too), you need to watch out; super steamy showers are bad for your skin and hair, but finishing your shower with a cool rinse can do a lot to strengthen your hair. It’s tricky to keep in mind, but every now and then I’ll remember to turn off the hot water before the end of my shower.
Finally, detangling your hair when it’s wet can lead to breakage, so make sure to use a brush that’s easy on your hair. If you struggle with knots, start from the ends and gently work your way up. (That sounds better than the way I usually go about it; it can get a little rough sometimes, depending on the kind of tangles I have to deal with.)
These are just a few helpful tips that can help you maintain your hair while you’re growing it out. I’ve struggled to keep up with a few of these, such as showering with water that’s a little too hot, or not eating right every now and then because fast food is more convenient than cooking.
Some of these might be challenging, but it’s important to know that, while healthy hair doesn’t have to be your top priority all the time, it’s still good to take care of your body, because it really does have an effect on your locks.
And that includes looking out for your mental health, as well your physical well-being. Sometimes, I find that doing my hair is a form of self-care, and it goes a long way toward maintaining my emotional health. For some people, it might sound silly to give tips for growing out your hair and maintaining it (after all, it’ll come out of our head no matter what), but for others, taking care of our hair is how we take care of ourselves.
Sometimes, it can be difficult to do even the simplest of things, so if you’re struggling with a few of these tips, just remember that even just brushing your hair is helping to keep it healthy. Taking care of ourselves is a process, and it can be hard, but remembering to do basic things is helpful, not just for your hair, but for your overall well-being.
Hopefully, these basic tips can help you get on the right track (or get you back on track if you’ve strayed from them, like I have from time to time). If you tend to be forgetful, like I know I am, try keeping notes on how to grow your hair and keep it healthy.
