Maybe you recently got a haircut you’re unhappy with, or maybe your fave celebrity started sporting some new extensions. Whatever the reason for the desire, almost all of us have experienced a time when we wished we could have longer hair. Unfortunately, we can’t change it overnight (unless of course we buy said extensions).
Realistically, there is no top secret formula to speed up the growth process. However, there are a few things we can do to help while we wait for our luscious locks to grow. Here a few tips on what to do (and what not to do) to grow your hair healthier, longer and dare-I-say-it, faster.
I know it seems ironic, as I am known as “the girl with long hair,” but you have to get trims every few months or so to keep your hair healthy. It keeps your split ends from working their way up higher, thus requiring you to cut off even more hair later on.
This advice has been around for a while, but it’s definitely important when trying to focus on growing hair. Shampoo can strip your hair of the natural oils it needs.
On the flip side, conditioner helps repair damaged hair and adds moisture.
This one may seem like a no-brainer, but it also may not cross your mind. Hot tools can damage hair faster than you think, and when growing your hair out it’s best to give your locks a break.
It’s important to do this always, but especially when you’re hoping for your hair to grow. Start at the ends and work your way to the top, instead of starting at the scalp. You can lose a lot of hair if you brush from the scalp down, according to celebrity hairstylist Mark Townsend.
Just like hot-tools, coloring or highlighting is extremely bad for your hair. Give it a break and let it breathe, and you’ll notice it grows back healthier and hopefully a little bit faster!
You’ve probably heard of people taking biotin, but if you haven’t, now’s the time to get on board! Biotin is known for helping your hair and nails grow. Another option is the popular “Sugarbear Hair” Vitamins that a lot of celebrity influencers are posting about and swear by! You can check them out here.
Tying your hair back as tight as it can go is tempting, especially during a workout or another time where you want your hair out of your way. However this can break your hair at the root according to Jennifer Matos, a stylist at Rita Hazan Salon in New York City.
This one is a no-brainer. Not only does it help get the blood flowing to your hair follicles, but it feels so good! You know when you get you hair washed at a salon? It’s one of the most relaxing things ever, and you can do it for free. Try massaging your scalp the next time you’re in the shower, and watch your hair grow!
Multiple websites explain that wrapping your hair in a regular towel can be extremely damaging to your hair. This is because your hair gets caught in the woven fibers of the towel, which can cause breakage and make your split ends worse. Try investing in a towel made just for your hair, like this one!
This one may seem strange, but cotton pillowcases can cause friction, leading to tangles! Silk or even satin pillowcases will keep your hair safe while you’re catching your Zzzs.
Your hair is part of your body and affected by overall health, so keeping your body healthy is important to helping your hair grow. Make sure you’re eating healthy and getting enough sleep!
It may not be pleasant, but it’s proven to show results. Ending with cold water locks the moisture into your hair, and also helps prevent heat damage and snags!
