Grow, Baby, Grow!
Is Rapunzel your favorite Disney princess? Do you envy Chrissy Teigen, Beyonce, and literally the entire Kardashian clan’s long locks? Are you trying to grow out your own? If so, we applaud you! Achieving the goal of long, healthy hair is no mean feat and requires time and patience. Most women’s hair typically grows between one-quarter to one-half inch per month—and that’s only if it’s healthy. You can keep it that way, and maximize monthly hair growth, with these tips.
1. Don’t Skip Regular Hair Trims
We know it sounds counterintuitive to cut your hair if you’re trying to grow it longer, but regular trims are absolutely essential. They are the simplest way to keep your hair healthy by eliminating the split ends and breakage that slow down growth. Talk to your hairstylist about how frequently you should schedule a trim. Most recommend between six to eight weeks depending on your hair’s texture and style. As little as one-eighth of an inch may be enough to keep your strands in tip-top shape.
2. Go Darker for Fall
Whether you’ve been rocking a platinum blonde style all summer or have cultivated a head full of pale highlights, fall is the perfect time to try a darker, color-depositing shade. Less bleach means less damage, reducing the pesky split ends and breakage that stand between you and your ultimate long-hair goals.
3. Always Brush Before Bed
A good brushing isn’t just essential for your teeth and your pets. It can also improve the health of your hair. Experts recommend brushing your mane and scalp with a boar bristle brush each night before bed. Not only does this distribute your scalp’s oils to naturally moisturize your locks, it also increases circulation, which can make your scalp healthier. A healthy scalp is necessary for long, healthy hair.
4. Get Enough Protein (Yes, This Helps Your Hair, Too)
According to dermatologists, long, healthy hair isn’t just dependent on the products you put on it. Your hair’s health is also affected by your diet. Whether you’re an omnivore or a vegetarian, increasing your protein intake can make your hair stronger and reduce breakage. Healthy fats are also important to hair health, so make sure you’re eating plenty of whole grains, salmon, avocados and nuts.
5. Reduce Heat Styling
Blow dryers, flat irons and styling wands all take their toll on your hair. Experts recommend skipping heat styling whenever possible if you’re trying to grow your hair long. If you must use a hair appliance to achieve your style, apply a heat protectant first and use the lowest effective temperature setting—between 360- and 380-degrees Fahrenheit is usually adequate. Your stylist can recommend products that will also reduce styling time to cut down on potential damage.
6. Skip a Few Shampoos
Unless you’re hitting the gym hard (and leaving a sweaty mess) every single day, you can probably shampoo your locks less frequently. Make it a goal to lather up no more than two or three times a week.
This will allow your scalp’s natural oils time to penetrate and moisturize your strands. If you’re not sure how to start, talk to your hairstylist about hairdos and products that can lengthen your time between washes. And whenever you must shampoo, make sure you’re using a product that’s free of harsh sulfates.
7. Treat Wet Hair Gently
Did you know that your hair is more susceptible to breakage when it’s wet? If yours tends to knot up in the shower, comb it gently rather than brush it out wet. Hairstylists swear by basic wide-tooth combs as well as specialty brushes like the Tangle Teezer. Make sure you start at the ends and then gently work your way up to the roots to avoid breakage.
8. Invest in a Silk or Satin Pillowcase
Many dermatologists will tell you that sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase is essential if you’re trying to avoid or minimize facial wrinkles. Hairstylists will tell you the same holds true for your hair. Slippery fabrics like silk and satin allow your strands to glide over the pillow as you move around in your sleep. This results in fewer morning tangles and less breakage so your hair will grow faster.
For more tips on how to keep those locks on the longer side and in shorter time, check out this article from The Cut. Live Long and Prosper. You read the article; is it time to schedule your bi-monthly hair trim? Check us out!
