There are two types of people in the world: people whose hair grows out extremely fast and the less fortunate ones whose hair grows incredibly slowly. Only a lucky few enviably get long, healthy-looking hair without putting much effort into it. For the rest of us, it demands patience, effort, and tons of products. Unlike with your eyebrows, you can’t use microblading to add on more hair to your head.
But, don’t feel defeated just yet. Yes, your hair just isn’t growing as long or as quickly as you want it to. However, before reaching for those extensions, there are a handful of natural methods you can do to grow your hair out. Before you know it, you’ll be like Rapunzel with your hair at an ass-grazing length!
Seemingly Counter-intuitive, But Trim Your Hair Frequently
Okay, so hear me out on this. It might not make sense to trim your hair when you want to grow it out. But, if you want HEALTHY long hair, a frequent trim is a must. Trims get rid of split ends that break your hair. A split end that breaks can lead to your hair losing length, along with shine, volume, and smoothness. Follow this guide to learn how often you should trim your hair. Typically, you should ask your stylist to take around an eighth of an inch off every 10 to 12 weeks to prevent extreme split ends before they start.
Go To The Source – Your Scalp
Since we pay so much attention to our actual hair length, texture, and color, we often forget where hair growth starts: at the scalp. A simple way to stimulate hair growth right at your home is to give yourself a scalp massage. This will increase blood flow to your scalp, and as a result, strengthen your roots, and expedite the effectiveness of nutrition on your follicle. Consider using a nutrient-rich oil, like rosemary oil, to double the benefits of the massage.
Ditch The Hair Dryer And Other Hot Tools
We’ve all been there: rolling our eyes when the hair stylist tells us to ditch the hair dryer and other hot tools if we want our hair to grow faster. But, recently, I’ve ditched my hair dryer and straightener, and I’ve already noticed the difference; my hair feels way smoother and silkier. So let your hair dry au naturel after showering. If you must, then use the IGK No More High-Speed Air Dry Spray, which, obviously, speeds up air-dry time, nixes the need for a hair dryer, and imparts lustrous hydration to boot.
Use Conditioner EVERY Time You Shampoo
If you wet your hair, you must condition it. Skipping the conditioner is literally the worst thing you can do to your hair. Especially if you’re guilty of coloring and heat styling your hair, strands will start to get very thin at the bottom, and if you don’t condition, this will get worse. Conditioner replaces the lipids and proteins inside your hair shaft, as well as seals the cuticles. This helps prevent further damages from happening, and thus your hair can grow longer and look healthier.
On The Contrary, The Less You Shampoo, The Better
While you should condition your hair as frequently as possible, skip shampooing as much as possible. According to Cosmopolitan, the purpose of shampoo is to wash away dirt and product buildup, but it can also take essential natural oils that keep strands soft and healthy along with it. When you really do need shampoo, be gentler on your hair by only lathering up at your scalp and then simply letting the suds slide down strands, hitting the rest of the hair as the water rinses it away.
Look At Your Diet And Take Needed Supplements
Having a well-balanced, nutritious diet is actually a smarter, nutritionist-approved way to make your hair grow faster. Vitamins and minerals occurring naturally in foods are easier for your body to utilize, and they’ll naturally deliver a healthier ratio of nutrient. Determine if your current diet consists of enough omega-3 and biotin. If it doesn’t, then consult your doctor about taking dietary supplements.
Do A Cold Water Rinse At The End Of Each Shower
For the last few seconds of your shower, run your hair under cold water. Cold water lays down the outer layer of hair more smoothly, which helps prevent moisture loss, split ends, and heat damage. This will help your hair grow and maintain its long length for an extended period of time.
Apply An Oil Or Mask Treatment Once A Week
Just like you do mask treatments on your face, you should also treat your hair. This is especially true if you’re trying to grow your hair out. Any hair that’s below the shoulders needs more care than your average conditioner can provide. You can either buy a treatment oil/mask at a store or make a DIY one using natural oils (ie. coconut, almond, macadamia, and/or jojoba oils). Since oils leave residue in your hair, you should apply it to damp hair, leave it in for ten minutes, and then do your usual shampoo and conditioner routine. The oils fill the strands up with fatty acids, and then when rinsed out, the shampoo helps seal them inside your hair.
NEVER Wrap Your Wet Hair In A Massive Towel
Wrapping your hair in even the softest bath towel can cause a lot of damage. When you towel-wrap your wet hair, it gets caught in all the woven fibers, and on top of that, wrapping it tightly can cause the strands around your face to break easily. Instead, use the super-thin and soft microfiber hair towels, like this one.
