If there were simple tips you could learn for growing long and healthy hair, would you want to know what they are? Luckily, growing gorgeous and healthy locks isn’t as difficult as you might think. In this post, we’ll fill you in on our favorite strategies for growing healthy and gorgeous hair!
Tips for Growing Long and Healthy Hair
Check out these nine tips.
Get regular trims
Contrary to popular belief, getting regular trims is not the enemy of growing long hair. In fact, getting trims every 6-8 weeks is a must for keeping your hair healthy and growing at its fastest rate. In addition, when you get a trim, your stylist will eliminate any damaged or split ends, which can help prevent further breakage and encourage your hair to grow longer and healthier.
When hair grows, the ends tend to split and fray. If these split ends are not trimmed off, they will travel up the hair shaft, causing the entire strand of hair to become damaged and unhealthy. So, if you’re looking to grow out your hair quickly and healthily, make sure to get regular trims!
Protect your hair from heat damage
Too much heat exposure can wreak havoc on your hair, causing it to become dry, brittle, and more prone to breakage. Further, when extreme heat touches your hair, it essentially “cooks” the proteins in your hair, causing them to change shape and become damaged.
Want to protect your hair from heat damage? Then try to let it air dry when you can, and use heat-protectant products when you do have to style with heat. Also, be sure to use a lower setting on your hair dryer, curling iron, or straightener, and don’t hold the device in one spot for too long. Finally, try to avoid using hot water when you wash your hair, as this can further strip away natural oils. Opt for lukewarm or cool water instead–it’s an excellent way to add more shine to your hair too!
(We’re also going to talk about sun damage and your hair in this post, so keep reading!)
Don’t wash your hair every day
Overwashing your hair will strip it of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. In addition, when you wash your hair too frequently, you end up stripping away the sebum that your scalp produces to protect and nourish your strands. This can leave your hair feeling dry, frizzy, and unmanageable.
Try to just wash your hair every two or three days, or even less frequently if you can get away with it. When you wash your hair, reach for a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to avoid further stripping away natural oils. And always finish up with a deep conditioning treatment to rehydrate and nourish your locks!
If you’re not sure what kind of shampoo is best for your hair, speak with a stylist at your West Palm Beach hair salon to get a personalized recommendation!
Use a deep conditioner
Deep conditioning is essential for growing long and healthy hair. Deep conditioners help to replenish moisture and repair damage, making them ideal for dry, brittle, or damaged hair. If your hair falls on the drier side, we recommend using a deep conditioner once a week.
For best results, apply a deep conditioner to clean, wet hair and let it sit for about 30 minutes before rinsing it out. You can also use a shower cap to trap heat and help the conditioner penetrate deeper into your hair shaft.
Be careful with hair ties
Hair ties are obviously helpful for keeping your hair out of your face, but they can also cause damage if you’re not careful. When you pull your hair back too tightly, it can put a strain on the roots and lead to breakage. Also, be sure to use soft, fabric-covered hair ties, as these are less likely to cause damage than metal or plastic ones.
Finally, don’t leave your hair in a tight ponytail or bun for extended periods of time, as this can also cause breakage. If you have to wear your hair up all day, try to give your scalp a break at night by wearing your hair down or in a loose braid.
Handle wet hair with care
Wet hair is more susceptible to breakage than dry hair, so handling it with care is important. Don’t brush wet hair or this will cause the strands to stretch and break. Instead, go for a wide-toothed comb to detangle your hair gently.
Also, be sure to use a gentle shampoo and conditioner designed for your unique hair type. And avoid rubbing your hair vigorously with a towel–instead, blot it lightly to remove excess water.
Eat a healthy diet
What you eat plays a significant role in the health of your hair. A diet that’s lacking in certain nutrients can lead to dry, brittle, or thinning hair. To keep your hair looking top-notch, make sure to eat a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins A, C, and E.
Give your hair a break from styling
If you’re constantly blow-drying, flat ironing, or curling your hair, it’s time to give your locks a break. Over-styling can cause damage and breakage, so try to give your hair a few days off each week. Let your hair air dry whenever possible, and style it in low-maintenance styles like loose braids or buns.
Use protection from the sun
Your hair, like your skin, can be damaged by too much sun exposure. UV rays can cause your hair to become dry, brittle, and discolored. To protect your hair from the sun, wear a hat or scarf when you’re outdoors for extended periods.
You can also use a leave-in conditioner or serum with SPF to help protect your hair from the sun’s harmful rays.
What Else Should I Know About Growing Long and Healthy Hair?
It’s important to remember that growing long and healthy hair takes time, patience, and effort. Further, your hair type comes down to your genetics in many ways. While you can’t change your genes, you can use the tips above to help give you higher chances of growing long and healthy hair.