For a lucky few, enviably long hair just happens. For the rest of us, it takes patience, effort and some very deliberate changes in our haircare routine. If it seems like your hair just isn’t growing as long or as quickly as you’d like, these pro tips will guide you in the right direction.
1. Resist the urge to dye your hair.
As chic as coloured hair may look, going from a darker shade to red, gold, purple or blue shade could stand between you and your longest-possible hair.
2. Be careful when you brush wet hair.
Hair is especially susceptible to breakage when it’s wet, but if you absolutely must get some knots out post-shower, make sure to use a brush that will go easy on your strands. Start gently brushing from the ends and gradually work your way up. And don’t just brush the top layer — brush the hair underneath as well.
3. Distribute your hair’s natural oil.
Going to bed with unbrushed hair may seem tempting when you’re tired, but giving your hair a few quick strokes can be great for its health. Starting at the scalp, use a brush to distribute your scalp’s oils evenly onto your hair so it stays naturally moisturized. This simple step each night helps increase circulation, which helps make your scalp healthier.
4. Keep your scalp healthy.
Think of your hair like a tree: If the soil and roots aren’t taken care of, the tree can’t grow tall and solid as hair growth starts with a healthy scalp. At the crown of your head, hold up a section of your hair. Healthy hair should be the same thickness root to end, but if your ends are thinner, it’s time to rethink your haircare regimen.
5. Eating the right foods.
Having long, strong hair doesn’t just depend on which products you put on your hair; it also depends on what you put into your body. “To promote hair growth, you need to ‘feed’ the hair from the inside,” explains a US based dermatologist. “Try increasing your protein intake with foods like fish, beans, nuts and whole gains.” If you’re not a meat-lover, maintain a diet high in protein. He however warns that women who don’t get enough of it often experience “more shedding.”