How I grow my hair long & keep it healthy

So lately a lot of friends have been noticing my hair growth and giving me lots of compliments on how it looks (thanks for the confidence boost bffs). Story time, I’ve always had super long hair. Except for when I lived in Hawaii, was high on sugar and humidity, and made my friends Emily and Lauren CHOP IT AL OFF for me. I was playing collegiate soccer at the time so I was so over my hair sticking to me and driving me crazy. So I had them cut it. It went down to my collar bones, so it was pretty dang short. I actually didn’t mind it in the short phase, especially in the heat, but once it was medium length I just wanted it to be long already. Now it’s down to the top of my butt. For years I have been actively trying to make it grow and my techniques have worked! I’m not an expert on the subject, but I definitely have some theories on what has worked for me so I’ll spill.

NO HEAT! 

Ok so it’s easier said than done I’m sure because I have naturally straight hair, but laying off of hot tools, scolding hot showers etc, will work wonders. I don’t even blow dry my hair, but I’m aware that using no heat is easier for me since my hair dries completely straight. So if you do need to use heat, use a hair product or serum meant to use before styling to help protect your hair from being damaged. I don’t curl my hair either because it becomes flat in .2 seconds so not worth it. I also don't take scolding hot showers (which both your hair AND skin will thank you for!). But cut down on that and your hair will be healthier over all and will be GLOSSY TEXTURE GOALS.

BRUSH UR HAIR GIRL

I use Wet brush and I love it. My hair gets sooooo tangled and that brush has saved me. I always brush my hair before I shower, sometimes brush my conditioner in if it’s super tangly, and I DO NOT brush my hair when it’s wet. It makes a bunch of my hair fallout if I brush when my hair is wet, so I usually brush it when it’s damp. If you have curly hair that you need to brush when it's wet, I would suggest investing in a leave in conditioner or detangler product so that you're not getting a lot of hair breakage and fallout. ALSO, technique is key. Brush your hair starting at the TIPS and SLOWLY work your way up to your scalp. Be patient, don’t just go in for the kill and attack your beautiful locks, be gentle!! Preserve those precious hair follicles at all costs. If you’re ever bored watching tv, or are planning to take a shower later, just brush through your hair. That will help stimulate the circulation in your scalp which assists hair growth and will distribute those oils all the way down to your hair tips.

 WASH YOUR HAIR LESS

Say whaaaaat? Ya, I might be gross but my hair is LIVING . Jk it’s not gross at all. Please do shower your body. But your hair doesn’t always have to join the party, throw that mane into a bun or into a shower cap. Repeat after me: DRY SHAMPOO IS MY FRIEND. Use it. I switch up brands because I feel like they’re all pretty similar and I get over using the same scent for a long time. If you have super straight hair like me, you'll also notice that unwashed hair + dry shampoo = volume. So that's a nice bonus. There’s no use in washing your hair and stripping it of oils if you’re going to binge Netflix shows all day right? Also, get creative with your hair styling. Braids, low bun, low pony, hats, head bands, etc. you will be ok. This is a BIG one. Your hair needs those precious oils! I am greasy hair central, so if I can survive a week with only dry shampoo, so can you. And now I’m at a point where I’m v impressed if I can make it a really long time without washing my hair. Also, your hair may seem really oily when you first cut down on washing your hair, but that's just because your oil production compensates for constant shampooing which strips your hair of oils. So as you practice not washing more, you'll notice your hair getting less and less oily. I repeat: please shower, just don’t wash your hair everytime.

SUPPLEMENTS

ok this is where I feel like I lose people. But you guys, trust me. Patience is key. I’m not going to get crazy specific on which exact ones you should take, you do you. However, I take Biotin and Vitamin D capsules from Trader Joe’s. They last longer, aren’t as expensive as hair skin and nail gummies, and I can’t have that much sugar around or I’ll overdose on beauty gummies. With any of these supplements for hair, it’ll make all of your hair grow everywhere, be warned. Still worth it. You’ll also notice it in your nails but it made my nails stronger so bonus. Consistency and patience is so important. You may not feel like it’s working, but over the course of a few months you will notice results. This is what sets us avid hair growers apart, if you aren’t willing to take a couple of supplements then sorry you don’t deserve the long locks. Just do it! 

OTHER TIPS

-try not to dye your hair. I understand the urge and have given in a couple of times myself. But bleach is just going to kind of lengthen the process of growing your hair out, and any other dyes just introduce chemicals that we don't need. So just try to have willpower and not dye it. 

-that whole thing about trimming your hair makes it grow is actually LIES. Keep trimming to a minimum. I’m a little extreme in that, but my ends don’t get too bad. So do you, but less trimming! 

-those wire scalp massagers are amazing and help stimulate circulation in your scalp, if you don't have one you can massage (or make bae massage) with your fingertips 

-avoid hairstyles that tug on your hair too much

-SCRUNCHIES ARE BAE. stop hair breakage and show you hair some love k?!

-hair masks. I’ve used an olive oil one that was nice (I wasn't consistent though). They sell them everywhere. I have tons of hair so it was more of a hassle for me but they can’t hurt. Let’s just call hair masks extra credit.

-rinse conditioner with cold water! Hot water defeats the purpose of conditioner; to lock in those good hair oils that are good for healthy long hair. You’ll notice your hair is way softer too.

-if you put your hair up when you sleep, put it in a cap or put it into a super loose scrunchie bun to avoid any sort of pulling that may go on as you shift around. It’s those extra things that get you there.

xx, Al