9 tips to grow longer hair
Ever seem like your hair’s stuck at the same length? It’s a common problem amongst women, especially those with afro hair. Although our hair may grow easily, it’s can break easily too if not careful, which makes it harder to retain the length. Achieving longer lengths is possible but it can take a little more care and perseverance. Follow these steps to minimize breakage and get longer hair.
1. Cut out damage
It sounds counterproductive but trimming any damage is needed to maintain healthy ends and starting with a clean slate makes growing out your hair much easier. Bigger trims will only be needed for damaged hair. If your hair is in good condition already you may only need to trim a few times a year. Ensure any trims remove less than the rate of your hair growth (on average hair grows at ½ an inch per month) so you don’t lose the length.
2. Stimulate growth
To maximize your hair growth potential the scalp needs to be stimulated. You can encourage hair growth with frequent head massages with stimulating oils like castor oil. You can also massage with a few drops of an essential oil like peppermint and lavender mixed in with a carrier oil like jojoba or sweet almond oil. Remember massages need to be done consistently to really see the benefits.
Related: DIY Hair Growth Oil
3. Add (lots of) moisture
Using products which keep the hair hydrated is key for dry hair. Moisture gives the hair elasticity, allowing it to resist breakage better. Avoid products that dry out the hair such as hairspray and add moisture to your daily hair routine with a water-based leave-in conditioner. When washing, try using a deep conditioner regularly for a moisture boost and avoid harsh shampoos which strip moisture from your strands.
4. Try to finger comb
Most daily hair damage is mechanical (from styling). Avoiding tools which can break the hair and relying on using your fingers instead of a brush or comb is ideal. Your fingers are best for easing out any tangles without ripping through your hair. This can be a slow process and it takes time to master so if you still notice knots after detangling with your fingers, follow up with a wide-toothed comb.
5. Protective style
Hair can take a battering throughout the day from harsh weather to restless hands or simply from rubbing up against your clothes — this may cause damage to the hair shaft.The less you have to manipulate your hair the better. Rocking styles which protect the ends of your hair like braids, buns, extensions, wigs and weaves can help you hold on to your length. Also remember to keep your hairstyles loose, as this prevents stress and breakage on delicate areas like your nape and edges.
Related: 8 Ways you may be damaging your hair without knowing it
6. Limit heat
Constant high heat weakens strands so if possible save those hot tools for special occasions. If you must use heat regularly, always apply a thermal protectant and never apply heat to dirty hair. It’s tempting (and easier) to use heat on second-day hair, but this heats up any dirt in your hair which can fry your strands. Yuck right? It’s good to have tools which have adjustable temperature settings so you can control how hot they get and avoid burning your hair. Start off with the lowest settings when using heat and gradually increase the temperature if needed. Remember that healthier or thicker hair types can tolerate higher heat whereas fine or chemically treated hair will be more easily damaged.
7. Minimise chemicals
Dyed your hair from black to blonde and everything in between? Whilst we’d love to switch up our hair colour as often as Kylie Jenner, all that processing is seriously harsh on the hair. Instead of harsh dye jobs, try temporary or semi-permanent dyes which are less damaging and allow you to change your colour without the commitment. If you’re a relaxer or perm junkie, overuse causes breakage too. Keep all chemical processing at least eight weeks apart and ask your stylist to protect previously treated hair from the chemicals. If you’re experiencing breakage ditch the chemicals altogether until your hair is strong enough.
8. Add Strength
Our hair is mostly protein which means we need to add protein back when it’s lost. Using heat and chemical processes like relaxers and colouring alter the protein structure in the hair leaving it weaker. To add more protein to the hair look for deep conditioners which include ingredients like keratin, wheat or soy protein and amino acids. Apply these sparingly or with moisture as too much protein can also make the hair dry and brittle.
9. Eat right
We’ve all heard the saying “you are what you eat” and our hair is one of the last areas of our bodies to receive essential nutrients. Therefore in order for heathy shiny hair to grow we need a healthy and balanced diet. Add tailored supplements if needed but if you’re deficient in certain essential vitamins and minerals it’s worth following this up with your doctor.
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