Many of us wish to have long, luxurious hair. On average hair grows a ¼ to ½ an inch per month. What are some ways to help your hair obtain its optimal growth? Here is a quick breakdown of some helpful tips.
- Trim your hair regularly. Yes, you heard correctly. Postponing your trim can lead to more split ends which can lead to excess breakage, giving the appearance of thin hair. We recommend trimming between 8 – 10 weeks to maintain healthy looking hair.
- Skip the daily shampoo. Shampooing strips the hair of its natural oils that allow it to have a healthy shine and protective coating. It takes a full 24hrs for your hair to begin to reproduce those natural oils that we need. Try shampooing every three days or more, so that your hair can recover. Also, avoid shampoos that contain parabens and sulfates. Why? Parabens mimic estrogen and interfere with your own estrogen development, while sulfates can strip your hair leaving it dry and brittle. To get an extra day or two out of your hair, you can try using dry shampoo. Ask your stylist which products would be the best for your hair type.
- Never skip conditioner. The whole purpose of using conditioner is to close down the cuticle that has just been roughed up by shampooing. Leaving the hair in this state can expose it to more friction and damage. Conditioner creates a smoother surface that can protect your hair from further harmful exposure while making brushing more manageable. If you feel that conditioners are too heavy for your hair, there are lightweight, leave-in spray conditioners that will allow you to still be able to condition your hair. Check in with your stylist for more information.
- Avoid heat styling whenever possible. Continual use of heat styling can weaken the ends, encouraging you to trim your hair more frequently. When using any hot tools, be sure to use a thermal protector. We have a few different options in both brands and we’ll be happy to guide you toward the right option.
- Avoid lightening your hair too often. Lightening your hair means exposing the cuticle to damage. If you must have those highlights, we recommend that after the first initial application, only lighten your regrowth so as not to expose your ends to repeated damage over and over again. For all those blonde addicts, be sure to have a repair masque handy so you can maintain the health of your hair between visits.
- Be careful how and when you brush your hair. Reach for a Wet Brush or another detangling brush when your hair is wet. Be sure to start at the bottom of your hair and work your way up. This can help you brush through those tangles effortlessly and pain free. A detangling brush can be used on wet or dry hair and is a staple in your daily routine.
- Treat yourself to a silk or satin pillowcase. If you have never had one, you are in for a treat. First, they feel luxurious but they also help you to avoid tangles and matting because there is less friction. They will keep your styles fresher, longer. Not only are they good for your hair, it is said they can reduce wrinkles. Trust me on this one, go buy one today!
- Ditch the hair elastics. These can be a real nuisance. Hair elastics can cause breakage from tension of a tight ponytail. Swap out for alternatives such as scrunchies, hair claws/clips and bobby pins. If you continue to wear your hair in a ponytail, top knot or bun, be sure to change the placement to minimize weakening the same strands, day after day.
- Eat the right foods. When we have dull, dry, frizzy hair, it can be a sign of what is going on inside our body. When we nourish our bodies it will reflect in our hair, skin and nails. There are many foods that are said to promote hair growth. After reviewing many articles, the top seven seem to be Eggs (for Protein), Spinach (for Iron), Whole Grains (for Biotin), Citrus Fruits (for Vitamin C), Nuts (for Omega 3 – fatty acids), Carrots (for vitamin A), and Avocados (for Vitamin E). These all combined help aid in nourishing the hair and scalp and promoting hair growth.
- Consider a vitamin supplement. If you have a hard time eating certain foods, it may be time to look into supplementing vitamins into your diet. Be sure to do your research. Not all vitamins are alike. You want to avoid synthetic supplements as these will essentially do nothing for you.
When in doubt, talk to your stylist about creating a hair growth plan and we will be able to help you decide what steps to take and what products will be most effective for you.
