Tips for growing long healthy hair

So first thing I would like to say is, I am not a professional and am giving tips on what is working for my hair type, so before using any products, remember to check them for any ingredients you may be allergic to. Also if you have any medical issues, check with your doctor before trying anything new.

 Now I’ve got that cleared up, here are my tips for how to help grow long hair:

Trimming

Having the ends of your hair trimmed regularly will stop the ends from splitting; this keeps your hair in good condition and helps it grow longer.

I go every 3-4 months for a light trim of no more than a ¼ inch or it takes off too much growth.

I found it best to get all my damaged hair cut off at first and then go for regular cuts after, you may lose several inches in the beginning, it does depend on how damaged your hair is, but it really helps in the long run.
This is because if you do not get the damage trimmed off, it will continue to break and split, and not encourage the ends to stay healthy and increase in length.
ALWAYS go to a hairdresser you trust, explain exactly what you want, then get them to repeat back what you have asked for, also get them to show you exactly how much they will be trimming off, you’ll be surprised at the amount of scissor happy hairdressers that don’t listen to you.

Patience

To grow long hair you will need a lot of patience and commitment, the average person’s hair growth is roughly ½ an inch per month, equalling roughly 6 inches per year. So with trims included it may be less than this, so please don’t expect dramatic results in length straight away, it will take time. However, like me, you may find the condition of your hair improves very quickly.

Terminal length

Everyone’s hair grows at different rates and to different lengths. So if you find your hair doesn’t grow as long as someone else’s, this is why. It’s in your DNA and you can’t change it. Each hair goes through a ‘hair growth cycle’, so hair will grow for a certain amount of time and then shed for the new hair to grow in the follicle.

If you have never had long hair its worth trying these tips to see if you can get more growth. Recently mine would not grow past a certain length; I know my hair has the potential to grow long as before I ever dyed it, it reached the bottom of my back. So it may just be the lack of care causing it to snap and not grow long.

Vitamins

I have started taking a daily multivitamin to ensure my body is getting all the essential vitamins it needs.

Heat styling

I have now banned heat styling from my hair care regime. I used to blow dry my hair every time I washed it, and since I stopped, I can feel the difference, my hair is softer and I am not left with a pile of snapped off dried hair on the bathroom floor.
However I’m not sure how long I will do this for, as I like to use my heated curler on my hair when I’m going out, so do not feel I could live without them completely.
if you feel you cannot live without your styling tools, just cut down, try letting your hair air dry and give it a quick blast after for more volume, see how your hair feels then.
I may even get some sleep in rollers to help with volume.

Protection
If you are going to use heat on your hair, make sure you are always using a heat protection spray, this is what I would use before I stopped using my hairdryer.

Dyes and bleaching          

Dying your hair regularly can damage it and dry it out; I have found this out the hard way by dying to frequently. I have also previously had my hair bleached, which would cause it to snap of at the ends.
Use less harsh dyes such as semi or demi permanent ones, try going longer in between dying your hair.

Bleach also dries your hair out so always use a deep conditioning treatment.

After years of box dying my hair, I would now suggest going to a hairdresser for professional advice, especially when you have a big change in colour.
When my roots grow out more, I will be going to my trusted hairdresser to ask for their advice on matching my colour to my new natural growth. Even if I don’t get it done, it’s worth going to talk through what they would do.
As for bleaching, I would say you can grow long hair while it’s blonde, my sister highlights her hair herself and has much longer hair than me, she just bleaches less often, although she has fairer hair and the re-growth is more subtle.

Shampoos and conditioners

Invest in some good quality products that are suitable for your hair type. Sometimes you can be using the wrong type which causes you more damage than you might think. You could be using a clarifying shampoo that is drying your hair too much, or actually stripping your hair of the dyed colour, causing you to dye your hair more often. So get researching and see what’s best for your hair type.

Some people prefer more organic products without sulphates and silicones etc, this might be something you want to look up too. I myself am still in the middle of researching for a more natural hair care range, but cannot decide, as they are quite expensive its worth having a read about them before purchasing.

Treatments and deep conditioning

I use a conditioning treatment when washing my hair, and once a week I use coconut oil on my hair overnight for a deep conditioning. There are many available; you can also make your own. I will be trying some home made hair masks soon, so will do a post on these once I have tried them, they are a great way to save money by using ingredients from your cupboard.

Be healthier

Make sure your drinking plenty of water, eating well and getting regular exercise. This helps your overall well being and ensures your body’s nourished and healthier.

Be happy

Stress can cause problems with your health; this may also slow your hair growth rate. If you are feeling stressed, ensure you always make time to pamper and treat yourself, or do a hobby you enjoy.

Medication

Some medications have side effects and can effect your hair growth, if this is the case, you may find you will have problems trying to grow your hair long and it’s always best to see a professional. A substitute that might appeal to you could be clip in hair extensions. 

Brushing

Do not brush your hair when it is wet, it’s more fragile and has a tendency to snap. Use a wide tooth comb to untangle your hair. Boar bristle brushes are also great to help spread your hairs natural oils from root to the ends.
Always brush your hair from the bottom, then work your way up, this helps stop knotting.
I have started using a tangle teezer, and am finding it great for detangling my hair now it’s getting longer; it also massages my scalp while brushing.

Hair accessories

Use non snag hair bands, these are the ones without the metal parts on them, this will stop your hair catching and snapping.
A scrunchy is great to tie hair in a loose bun when you want it out of the way, I do this when putting my make up on, or if I want a shower but am not washing my hair that day.

Sleeping

Using a silk scarf to wrap your hair stops it from rubbing and catching on your pillow. If your like me and move around a lot in your sleep, you will find it falls off straight away. I use a silk pillowcase instead, and as an extra bonus, its great for wrinkles, your skin can move easier on the pillow case rather than cotton ones, this helps relieve tension on your skin.

Head massage
Massaging your head helps increase blood flow to your hair follicles encouraging your hair to grow. I gently do mine when I’m shampooing my hair.

Moisturising

The ends of your hair can become dry, I use a leave in conditioning spritz on my hair throughout the day, and it helps keep my hair moisturised. At night before I go to bed, I also put coconut oil on the ends of my hair, this has helped my hair the most. The ends are not dry, and do not split and snap off like they used to, I have already noticed a big difference in the length because of this, so for me, this is a must in my regime.

 

So these are my tips for growing longer healthy hair. Thanks for reading and I hope you manage to pick up some tips you can use.

Check out my other posts on my hair care products if you like to see what I use.
Good luck to any of you growing out your hair, if you have success to show of your hair growth, please leave a link to your blog below.