Grow Your Hair

Long, healthy hair can be one of the most attractive physical features, but the question is how to get it. The truth of the matter is that there is no quick fix and everyone's hair is different. However, there are certain things you can do to get your hair in excellent condition, which will help to encourage growth. Read on to find out what steps you can take to achieve beautiful, Rapunzel-worthy tresses.

Steps

Care For Your Hair

1. Get a good haircut. Before you can begin to grow your hair, it needs to be in tip-top condition. It may sound counter-intuitive, but in order to grow your hair the best thing you can do is cut it. A good trim of about a {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} to an inch will get rid of any dry or split ends and prepare your hair for maximum growth.
   • Sometimes people have trouble growing their hair, not because it doesn't grow fast enough, but because their hair is dry and damaged, breaking off at the bottom before it gets the chance to reach a certain length.
   • When this happens, the only solution is to cut off the dry, damaged ends and start afresh. And this time round, you can take care of hair a little better.
2. Handle your hair gently. If you are rough with your hair, you will cause damage and breakage which will appear to slow down the growth of your hair. It is important to be gentle when you brush and style your hair as this alone can do a huge amount to reduce breakage.
   • Wet hair is more susceptible to damage than dry hair, it is more elastic and more likely to break. Since hair is most fragile when it's wet, you shouldn't rip a brush through it after washing.
   • To detangle wet hair, you should spray some detangling mist on it, and then use a wide-tooth comb to remove tangles and minimize breakage. Always brush from the ends up, not from the roots down.
   • Avoid roughly towel drying your hair, as this causes breakage. Instead, try blotting your hair gently with an absorbent towel to remove excess moisture.
3. Wash your hair only as often as needed. While it is important to keep your hair clean, washing your hair too often can dry it out or weigh it down with product. Most people do not need to wash their hair every day, three to four times a week is usually enough.
   • The longer, thicker, curlier, and more processed your hair, the longer it can go between washes. If your hair gets oily very quickly and you must wash everyday, use a lightweight or "everyday" shampoo, as these contain milder detergents than others.
   • Use moisturizing shampoos and conditions every time you wash. Avoid using shampoos containing silicones however, as these dry out the hair and cause it to break down faster.
4. Don't use heat styling tools on your hair. It's time you knew the truth: styling tools are the enemy of long hair. The intense heat from blow dryers and straighteners will cause irreparable damage, causing the hair to split and break. So put the styling tools away (or ask someone to hide them on you) and let your hair's natural beauty shine.
   • If you must use styling tools, it is crucial that you apply a heat protection product first, in order to lock in moisture and minimize burning and breakage. Heat protection products come in many forms, including sprays, serums, mousses and creams.
   • When using a hair dryer, avoid holding the nozzle too close to your hair as this will cause your hair to burn, or turn the air to a cooler setting, if possible. Consider investing in an ionic hair dryer which emits charged particles that can cut drying time in half, thus minimizing heat exposure.
5. Don't play with your hair. Style your hair in the morning, then leave it alone for the rest of the day. No twirling, twisting, pulling, combing with your fingers or - God forbid - chewing. Constantly fussing with your hair will only make it dry and cause more breakage and split ends.
   • If it helps, think of your hair as a piece of fine lace. If you handle it too much, it will wear out and become grubby looking. Like fine lace, your hair needs to be handled gently and carefully at all times, especially when brushing, detangling or styling.
6. Treat your hair. Caring for your hair on a day-to-day basis is great, but in order to really maximize growth potential you should also treat your hair from time to time. You can fork out for a deep-conditioning treatment at your hairdresser's once every couple of months, or you can buy or make conditioning hair masks to use as home. Protein masks are particularly good for keeping hair strong and healthy. Some home recipes for healthy hair masks are outlined below.
   • For all hair types: avocado and honey: Cut and scoop out the flesh from a ripened avocado and mix in a tablespoon of organic honey. Apply to hair and allow it to sit for 20 minutes before rinsing it off in the shower.
   • For dry hair: olive oil and egg: Combine three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil with two eggs and apply the mixture to your hair and let the mixture sit for 20 minutes before rinsing in the shower.
   • For oily hair: apple cider vinegar and lemon: Combine 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar with the grated peel of an entire lemon and allow it to set for 15 minutes to absorb the excess oil from your scalp, and then rinse in the shower.
   • For flaky scalp: banana, honey and almond: Mash together 1/2 a ripe banana and add two tablespoons of honey and a few drops of almond oil and allow it to set with a shower cap on for 20 minutes before rinsing.
7. Wear protective hairstyles. Wearing protective hairstyles is another way that you can avoid damaging your hair. Protective hairstyles include French twists, buns or any kind of updo where your hair ends are not exposed to the air. By tucking away the ends of your hair, you are minimizing your hair's exposure to the elements and removing the temptation to play with it.
   • If you're serious about growing your hair, you should wear these kinds of hairstyles everyday, or as often as possible.
   • Don't tie your hair too tightly however, as this pulls hair and causes breakage. And avoid using hair ties with metal bands as these can catch in the hair, causing more damage.
   • You should also protect your hair from harsh UV rays by wearing a hat or head scarf whenever you spend prolonged periods in the sun.
8. Cover your hair at night. Wear a protective satin or silk scarf to cover your hair when you go to bed at night. If you don't use either of those, then try sleeping on a satin or silk pillowcase. These will keep your hair from getting tangled and from drying out.
   • Don't wear your hair in a tight ponytail while sleeping. Instead, try putting your hair in a low, loose plait which will protect your hair and keep it from getting tangled. As an added bonus, your hair will be beautifully wavy when you undo it in the morning.

General Advice

1. Massage your scalp. Gently massaging your head stimulates blood flow to the scalp, encouraging hair to grow faster. You can do this while shampooing your hair in the shower, or on dry hair before going to bed at night. Brushing your hair and scalp with a firm-bristled brush can also provide the same effect.
   • To perform the massage, start making small circles with your fingertips, working from your hairline along the arteries in the front, side, and back of the head. Do not press with your fingernails. Work your way towards the top the head, as if drawing a circle.
   • Aim to massage your scalp for just ten minutes a day, five in your morning shower and five before bed at night. Don't give up after a couple of days, try to make it a part of your daily routine.
2. Cut back on caffeine, alcohol and smoking. Aside from being bad for your health in general, smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol and caffeinated drinks can have a detrimental effect on hair growth.
   • Smoking reduces blood flow to the scalp, causing hair to turn brittle and dull looking. The smoke from cigarettes can also turn graying hair an unwanted yellow hue, while imparting hair with an unpleasant odor.
   • Alcohol can prevent the liver and colon from properly absorbing the nutrients you take in from food. Without certain essential nutrients, like A and B vitamins, hair becomes dull, weak, and may even begin to shed.
   • Caffeine is dehydrating, and when your body is dehydrated it has a negative impact on the health of skin and hair. If you need your morning coffee to get going everyday, make sure to counteract its dehydrating effects by drinking lots of water.
3. Minimize stress. Intense physical or emotional stress can cause hair growth to slow or shut down completely. In severe cases, stress can even cause hair loss. As a result, it is important to avoid stress and anxiety for the sake of your hair as well as your overall physical and emotional health.
   • Stress affects hair growth by weakening your immune system and hindering your body's ability to produce healthy hair, skin and nails. When you are stressed, your body uses up any available energy and nutrients for essential functions like walking and talking, leaving none left over for things like healthy hair.
   • To minimize stress levels, make sure you are getting plenty of sleep, exercising frequently and eating healthily.
4. Consider hair extensions. If you want long hair for a particular event or occasion, you may want to consider getting hair extensions, especially if the event is coming up soon. Hair can take a long time to grow, so hair extensions are a good option if you want long hair but haven't got the time or patience to wait.
   • Hair extensions can be bonded to your own hair by a hair care professional, or you can purchase clip-in extensions that you can easily snap on or off yourself.
   • If you're worried about looking tacky, don't fret. Hair extensions can be extremely natural looking if you invest in a high quality set made from 100% human hair. These can be a little on the pricey side, however.
5. Have realistic expectations. There is no sure-fire way to make your hair grow. You cannot force your hair to grow any faster than its natural rate, all you can do is take good care of it and provide it with the optimal conditions. Except in rare circumstances, hair will grow a maximum of {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} a year when growing at its optimal rate.
   • For example, if your have hair that is currently chin length and want it to be below your shoulders, take a ruler and measure the space between where your hair is currently and where you want it to be. If you need 6 more inches to reach below your shoulders, plan on it taking 10-12 months for your hair to grow to your goal length.
   • The natural growth rate of your hair depends mainly on genetics, which is why everyone's growth rate is different. Growing your hair involves a personal commitment to taking very good care of your hair and a great deal of patience.
6. Make sure your slow hair growth is not caused by medical conditions or medications. In some cases, slow hair growth or hair loss can be due to an underlying medical condition or prolonged illness, certain prescription medications, substance abuse disorders, eating disorders, genetic or family history, or other serious medical situations. If you think any of these might be the problem, consult a physician immediately.
   • In many cases, resolving an underlying medical condition can help hair growth return to normal or speed up.
   • If an underlying medical condition is the problem, certain hair-growth treatments and over-the-counter or prescription medications are available. Always consult your doctor before pursuing any of these options.

Follow a Healthy Hair Diet

1. Eat salmon. Besides being rich in protein and vitamin D (both are key to strong hair), salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for healthy hair. About 3% of the hair shaft is made up of omega-3 fatty acids, which are also found in cell membranes in the skin of the scalp, and in the natural oils that keep the scalp and hair hydrated.
   • If salmon doesn't thrill you, you can also get essential fatty acids from fish like herring, sardines, trout, and mackerel, as well as avocado and pumpkin seeds.
2. Eat walnuts. Walnuts are the only type of nut that have a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids. They're also rich in biotin and vitamin E, which helps protect cells from DNA damage. Walnuts also have copper, a mineral that helps keep your natural hair color rich and lustrous.
   • Try using walnut oil in your salad dressing or stir-fry instead of canola or safflower oil.
3. Eat oysters. Oysters are rich in zinc, a lack of which can lead to hair loss (even eyelashes), as well as a dry, flaky scalp. Just three ounces of oysters contain almost five times your daily zinc requirement. They also boast a high level of protein.
   • Zinc can also be found in nuts, beef, eggs and fortified cereals and whole grain breads.
4. Eat sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are a great source of the antioxidant beta carotene, which your body turns into vitamin A. Vitamin A helps produce and protect the oils that nourish the scalp. A lack of vitamin A can lead to a dry, itchy scalp and problems with dandruff.
   • Carrots, cantaloupe, mangoes, pumpkin, and apricots are all good sources of beta carotene.
5. Eat eggs. A great source of protein, eggs are loaded with four key minerals: zinc, selenium, sulfur, and iron. Iron is especially important, because it helps cells carry oxygen to the hair follicles, and too little iron can lead to anemia, which is a major cause of hair loss, particularly in women.
   • You can also boost your iron stores by eating animal products, including chicken, fish, pork, and beef.
6. Eat spinach. Spinach is a super-food containing iron, beta carotene, folate, and vitamin C which combine to help keep hair follicles healthy and scalp oils circulating.
   • If you're not a spinach fan, try eating similarly nutrient-rich dark, leafy vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and Swiss chard.
7. Eat lentils. Tiny but mighty, these legumes are teeming with protein, iron, zinc, and biotin, making them a great staple for vegetarians, vegans, and meat eaters alike.
8. Eat Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is high in hair-friendly protein, vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid -- an ingredient you'll often see on hair care product labels), and vitamin D, which emerging research links with hair follicle health.
   • Other similarly beneficial dairy products include cottage cheese, low-fat cheese, and skim milk.
9. Eat blueberries. Blueberries are a super fruit with numerous health benefits, but it's their high vitamin C content which really helps keep hair in top shape. Vitamin C is critical for boosting circulation to the scalp, supporting the tiny blood vessels that feed the hair follicles. Too little vitamin C in your diet can lead to hair breakage.
10. Eat poultry. Nothing beats poultry for providing protein, along with hair-healthy zinc, iron, and B vitamins to keep strands strong and plentiful. Because hair is nearly all protein, foods rich in protein are literally the building blocks for great hair.
    • Lean cuts of beef are another good source of protein.
11. Take a supplement. Although maintaining a healthy diet is an excellent way to get the vitamins necessary for healthy hair, taking a vitamin supplement can make it easier to ensure that you are getting all of your daily requirements. The top 5 vitamin supplements you should take for healthy hair are biotin, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B5 and Inositol.
    • Remember to check with your health care professional before adding any supplements to your diet.

Tips

• Use a hair oil, such as argan oil to intensely moisturize and condition your hair. Organic coconut oil also works well to add strength and shine.
• Organic Virgin coconut oil is a great way to get healthy, strong hair. Massage the coconut oil into your scalp then wrap your hair in a cloth or pillow case. Leave it in your hair for an hour or even overnight (the longer the better). Gently wash the oil out of your hair when you are done with a sulfate-free shampoo.
• Using a Scrunchie is much more softer on the hair than elastics. Therefore your hair will not break as much.
• You should not wash your hair too much because it will get dry and make it frizzy .
• Do this 1-2 times a week or every time you wash your hair.

Related Articles

• Look Good While Growing out a Short Haircut
• Make Your Hair Grow Faster
• Grow Long Hair As a Guy
• Grow Longer Hair
• Grow Your Hair Super Long

Sources and Citations

• http://growhairguru.com/how-to-make-your-hair-grow-faster-tips/
• http://smartypantsvitamins.com/5-best-vitamins-for-healthy-hair/

See also

• Prevent Hair from Frizzing After Shower
• Make Your Hair Grow Faster
• Do a Deep Treatment
• Get Rid of Dry Hair and Dry Scalp
• Get Rid of Tangles in Your Hair
• Get Rid of Greasy Hair
• Use Lemon Juice to Lighten Hair
• Remove Hair Build up Naturally
• Use Mayonnaise as a Hair Conditioner
• Turn Dry Hair to Healthy Hair

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