Growing long, healthy hair takes determination and patience. Luckily, there are ways to give your hair every chance for success. Stay conscious of your hair's health and watch your locks turn into long, beautiful tresses.
Method 1 of 3: Develop Healthy Hair Habits
1 Get regular trims. Damage to your hair moves up the ends and can only be stopped if you cut it off in its tracks. Getting regular trims ensure hair health, from root to end.
- Go in for a trim every 8-12 weeks. It may seem counterintuitive, but trimming even 1/2 an inch (1.25 cm) will give your hair a growth spurt.
- If you see damage before 2-3 months, trim as soon as possible.
- If your hectic schedule doesn't allow for constant trips to the stylist, invest in a pair of hair shears and make careful snips yourself.
- If your hair is intensely damaged, you have to bite the bullet. Cut off all damage -- even if this means a good portion of your hair's growth. If there is any damage present at all it will not significantly grow.
2 Wash in lukewarm water. Rinse in cool. Cold water seals your hair's cuticles and keeps the nutrients in, ensuring hair health. Hot water opens the cuticle up, allowing healthy enzymes to escape.
- Hot water can actually weaken the hair and lead to it falling out.
3 Minimize brushing. If your hair tends to get tangled out of the shower, use a wide-toothed comb. Brushing often pulls hair out prematurely.
- Use a detangler to aid in getting rid of those snarls.
- Make sure to hold the hair in one hand while brushing with the other. Stress on the scalp prevents maximal hair growth.
4 Scrub and stimulate. Just like our brains need stimulation for growth, so do our scalps. When you're washing your hair, take a me-moment and massage those roots for 1-3 minutes.
- If you have nails, try not to scratch! The scalp is very sensitive and any irritation can keep you from seeing the results you want.
5 Use hairsafe accessories. Accessories with metal edges that have tight spaces can catch on your hair, damaging and pulling it out. Not to mention hurting!
- Rubber bands are a no-no for a substitute ponytail holder. Anyone who has tried it can tell you why: They tear out your hair and cut into your strands. If you committed the crime, cut it out with scissors.
- Hair sticks and metal-less ponytail holders are generally safe choices. Anything you pull out that neither drags nor pulls anything out with it is generally a good choice.
Method 1 of 3: Develop Healthy Hair Habits
1 Get regular trims. Damage to your hair moves up the ends and can only be stopped if you cut it off in its tracks. Getting regular trims ensure hair health, from root to end.
- Go in for a trim every 8-12 weeks. It may seem counterintuitive, but trimming even 1/2 an inch (1.25 cm) will give your hair a growth spurt.
- If you see damage before 2-3 months, trim as soon as possible.
- If your hectic schedule doesn't allow for constant trips to the stylist, invest in a pair of hair shears and make careful snips yourself.
- If your hair is intensely damaged, you have to bite the bullet. Cut off all damage -- even if this means a good portion of your hair's growth. If there is any damage present at all it will not significantly grow.
2 Wash in lukewarm water. Rinse in cool. Cold water seals your hair's cuticles and keeps the nutrients in, ensuring hair health. Hot water opens the cuticle up, allowing healthy enzymes to escape.
- Hot water can actually weaken the hair and lead to it falling out.
3 Minimize brushing. If your hair tends to get tangled out of the shower, use a wide-toothed comb. Brushing often pulls hair out prematurely.
- Use a detangler to aid in getting rid of those snarls.
- Make sure to hold the hair in one hand while brushing with the other. Stress on the scalp prevents maximal hair growth.
4 Scrub and stimulate. Just like our brains need stimulation for growth, so do our scalps. When you're washing your hair, take a me-moment and massage those roots for 1-3 minutes.
- If you have nails, try not to scratch! The scalp is very sensitive and any irritation can keep you from seeing the results you want.
5 Use hairsafe accessories. Accessories with metal edges that have tight spaces can catch on your hair, damaging and pulling it out. Not to mention hurting!
- Rubber bands are a no-no for a substitute ponytail holder. Anyone who has tried it can tell you why: They tear out your hair and cut into your strands. If you committed the crime, cut it out with scissors.
- Hair sticks and metal-less ponytail holders are generally safe choices. Anything you pull out that neither drags nor pulls anything out with it is generally a good choice.
Method 2 of 3: Avoid Pitfalls
1 Skip the heat. That means no blow dryers, curling irons, hot rollers, flat irons, or crimpers. Heat damages your locks from cuticle to tip. It's best to stay away entirely.
- Blow-drying is a quick remedy for morning time-crunches. If you must, use the low setting and stick to your ends.
- Use a thermal spray if you do break down and heat-style your hair.
2 Pass on the harsh chemicals. No perms, no peroxide, and no chemical straightening. If you already have color-treated hair, use a shampoo and conditioner specifically geared for your hair's type.
- Low-peroxide hair color is much less damaging than permanent color, but using these products again and again adds up. If you absolutely must color, use non-peroxide hair dye or henna hair dye (not just for redheads).
- The right hair products extend the duration of your hair's color, keeping you from treating it too often. Consider the small investment a lifetime prevention tactic.
3 Ditch the scalp-stressing styles. Many hairdos and styles are hard on our scalps and strands. It's easy to avoid putting undue stress on hair. Not to mention faster!
- Cornrows and ultra-tight ponytails can ultimately result in bald patches, if worn too often. They put stress on the hair follicle, cutting off the supply of nutrients to the end.
- Extensions may look pretty at the moment, but your hair will be left worse off when you take them out. Adding anything unnatural to your hair slows growth.
- Dreads are never "un-dreadable." To get rid of them, you'll most likely need to cut them off. If you go this route, know that it is a long-term change.
Method 3 of 3: Consider Other Factors
1 Know the ingredients in your products. Just how skin is different, so is hair. Keeping your hair clean and healthy with the right products sets it up for quicker growth.
- Some types of hair respond poorly to silicone, which is found in most anti-frizz products. Try a number of products and see what works best for you.
- Don't feel the need to wash your hair every day. Good, natural oils need to build up in your hair--rinsing them away dries out your hair and scalp.
- Do a deep treatment. In addition to shampooing and condition, deep treat your hair a couple of times a month. The extra proteins ensure hair health and shine.
2 Eat a hair-healthy diet. This generally means foods high in iron, zinc, and vitamin C. A hair-healthy diet is a body-healthy diet. What's good for you is good for your hair.
- Feed your strands iron-rich foods like spinach, beans, and meats. It's essential for oxygen getting to your hair follicles.
- Ensure your hair has the building blocks to grow with protein-heavy foods like fish, eggs, nuts, and soy products. Hair is mostly keratin, a protein in itself.
- Zinc keeps your hair from damaging. Whole grains, oysters, peanut butter, and seeds are all good sources.
- Add more fruits and vegetables to your diet. They contain vitamins A, C and E, all of which have antioxidants that help maintain scalp and hair health.
- Never, ever, ever crash diet. Refusing to give your body the essential nutrients it needs not only makes you feel weak and lousy, but it will stunt your hair and nail growth and make your skin appear dull.
3 Manage your stressors. Eating well, exercising regularly, and getting a good night's rest are all huge factors in staying stress-free. Intense stress of any kind can lead to all sorts of physical symptoms--including reduced or stunted hair growth.
- Your body only has so many nutrients. Unfortunately for your hair, it's not a top priority. Your brain and other vital systems get first dibs. Taking care of your body first allows your body to take care of you in return.
- Exercising regularly produces higher levels of endorphins. Higher levels of endorphins lead to lower levels of stress. If you won't walk your dog for his sake, walk him for your hair's.
4 Talk to your doctor. If you have noticeably slow hair growth, you may have a medical issue that can be dealt with.
- Genetics or family history can also be a player in health and hair growth. Ask your family if any patterns exist in your family's health history.
- Slow hair growth or hair loss may be due to medication. Discuss the side effects of the prescriptions you're on with a medical professional. Often, alternatives can be found.
- Get checked for a scalp infection. These are easily treated and hair growth will return to normal once addressed.
Tips
- Use a good conditioner. Conditioning prevents breakage and damaged ends, which will tempt you to trim your hair, thereby undoing the progress you've made.
- If your hair gets knotted easily while sleeping, wear a scarf or comfortable knit cap to bed.
- Find a picture of the long hair style you want and look at it often. It will inspire you to stick with your plan.
- Wash your hair only every other day. Your hair's natural oils protect and strengthen each strand - daily washing strips them away.
- Massage your scalp. Hair thrives when your scalp is healthy and has good blood flow. To stimulate your scalp, use your fingers or a soft brush with natural bristles. Avoid brushes with plastic or metal bristles, as they can be too harsh.
- Take a vitamin B-complex supplement. Vitamin B deficiency causes hair loss and decreased hair strength.
- Use clips, bobby pins and head bands to keeping growing hair out of your eyes.
- Decide you're ready for the time commitment. Hair grows about half an inch per month -- adding three inches will take up to six months. Turning a pixie cut into shoulder-length locks can take over a year.
- Take some off the back. It may seem counterintuitive, but when growing out layers, shortening the back will allow the sides and front to catch up, thus avoiding the awkward in-between stage.
- To instantly get the look of a longer hairstyle while yours is growing out, try clip-on hair pieces.
Warnings
- Avoid hair extensions and weaves. Attaching them can damage the very hair you're trying to grow out.
- Do not wear your hair in tight ponytails, braids or cornrows. Excessive pulling on the follicles will increase hair loss.
Tips
- Use a good conditioner. Conditioning prevents breakage and damaged ends, which will tempt you to trim your hair, thereby undoing the progress you've made.
- If your hair gets knotted easily while sleeping, wear a scarf or comfortable knit cap to bed.
- Find a picture of the long hair style you want and look at it often. It will inspire you to stick with your plan.
- Wash your hair only every other day. Your hair's natural oils protect and strengthen each strand - daily washing strips them away.
- Massage your scalp. Hair thrives when your scalp is healthy and has good blood flow. To stimulate your scalp, use your fingers or a soft brush with natural bristles. Avoid brushes with plastic or metal bristles, as they can be too harsh.
- Take a vitamin B-complex supplement. Vitamin B deficiency causes hair loss and decreased hair strength.
- Use clips, bobby pins and head bands to keeping growing hair out of your eyes.
- Decide you're ready for the time commitment. Hair grows about half an inch per month -- adding three inches will take up to six months. Turning a pixie cut into shoulder-length locks can take over a year.
- Take some off the back. It may seem counterintuitive, but when growing out layers, shortening the back will allow the sides and front to catch up, thus avoiding the awkward in-between stage.
- To instantly get the look of a longer hairstyle while yours is growing out, try clip-on hair pieces.
Warnings
- Avoid hair extensions and weaves. Attaching them can damage the very hair you're trying to grow out.
- Do not wear your hair in tight ponytails, braids or cornrows. Excessive pulling on the follicles will increase hair loss.