For a select, blessed few, long and luscious locks come naturally. For the rest of us, it takes a lot more effort than just rolling out of bed in the morning. If you find yourself wishing that your hair was longer and stronger, read more for some helpful tips.
Protect Your Hair From Heat
We put sunscreen on our bodies before going out in the sun, so why wouldn’t we put some kind of protectant on our hair before applying 400 degree heat to it? If you are going to use heat on your hair (curler, straightener, hair dryer), it is vital that you apply some kind of heat protectant to your hair. Forgetting this important step may result in burnt and damaged hair, especially if you use heat tools often.
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Get Frequent Trims
Many people avoid getting their hair cut because they think it is counteractive in growing hair. However, avoiding haircuts leads to split ends, which, according to Supercuts, “are progressive, meaning once an end is spilt, it continues to split, moving from the end toward the scalp.”
Let’s put this into an equation:
- Growing hair out for years with no haircut = split ends traveling up to the roots of your hair = bad breakage that causes hair not to grow
- Frequent haircuts = no split ends = long, strong and beautiful hair
Which sounds better?
Use Strengthening Products
If you find that your hair is feeling thin or weak, it might be a good idea to incorporate a strengthening hair product into your normal routine. Finding products like these aren’t hard! Look for products that contain anti-breakage formulas, such as Not Your Mother’s Way To Grow shampoo and conditioner.
Don’t Rip Through Knots
Although brushing through knotty hair can be extremely frustrating at times, it is important that you avoid ripping through the knots because doing so can severely damage the ends of your hair. Try investing in a bristle brush, such as Sephora’s Tangle Teezer or WetBrush, which can be found at almost any hair salon. No matter what kind of brush you use, make sure that you comb through knots slowly. As the popular saying goes: patience is a virtue!
Ditch The Towel Turban
According to celebrity hairstyle and author Monae Everett in a recent HuffPost article, “The coarse texture and dryness of a cotton or terry cloth towel can cause damage to the hair.” Try switching to a microfiber towel, such as the popular Turbie Twist. If you don’t feel like spending extra money on a microfiber towel, VALLEY recommends using a large T-shirt. It seems a little weird at first, but the smooth cotton will be much easier on your hair!
Use Hair Masks
Celebrity hair stylist Aaron Carlo recommends that you “invest in a good masque and leave on hair for 15 minutes twice a week to keep the moisture levels up.” On his website, Jean Louise David provides a tutorial on how to use a face mask that we are going to break it down for you right here.
- Apply the mask to washed and towel-dried hair
- Spread the product evenly throughout your hair
- Massage the product from the roots to the tips
- Comb through your hair with your fingers
- Leave the mask in for up to 20 minutes
- Rinse the mask out with cool water
- VALLEY recommends:
Take Collagen Supplements
According to LIVESTRONG.com, “Collagen is a major component in hair growth, because it fights off free radicals that can affect your hair’s texture, growth and thickness. Collagen capsules strengthen hair and increase the diameter of individual hairs, giving your hair an overall fuller appearance.” Not only will collagen strengthen your hair, but it will also strengthen your bones, joints, skin and nails! Adding collagen to your daily vitamin and mineral routine is an easy step that your body will thank you for.
- VALLEY recommends:
Follow these tips and you will see vast improvements in no longer than one week. Healthy hair is possible.
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