How to Get Long, Luscious Hair
Having long, beachy waves for the summer sounds appealing, but it actually takes a lot of work to maintain healthy, long hair. If you don’t take care of your mane, you’ll end up with split ends and won’t get the length you desire. Aside from basic maintenance, there are a few things you can do to speed up the process. Follow these tips to get enviable long hair in no time:
Make a few changes to your hair routine to help grow out your hair. (Photo: fashionavecpassion.com)
Don’t cut your hair every month.
Although you may have heard that getting a haircut monthly will actually help your hair grow, this isn’t really the case. Getting a trim every so often is encouraged to get rid of split ends, but if you cut it too often or cut too much off when you visit the salon, you are not giving your hair time to grow. Get a trim about every eight weeks and make sure to tell your stylist that you only want half an inch or less off the ends.
Only wash your hair 2-3 times per week.
Only wash a few times a week to keep your hair’s natural oils. (Photo: iStock)
If you can, try to avoid washing your hair every day. Dry shampoo can help for those of us with very oily hair. When you wash your hair every day, it strips it of its natural oils. Also, if you don’t wash your hair everyday, then you don’t need to use heat everyday, which brings me to my next point.
Minimize heat use.
Heat styling products are not good for your hair, especially if used without a heat protectant. If you can stand going a few days at a time without blow drying or straightening, you will soon see a difference in the health of your hair. Heat damages hair, which leaves it feeling dry and stringy, and ultimately prevents growth.
Eat the right foods.
To really have healthy hair, start from the inside out. Eating the right foods can actually help your hair get the nutrients it needs to grow. A diet high in protein, such as meats and nuts, will help you achieve longer, healthier hair.
Take Vitamins.
Vitamins can give you the extra nutrients you need to grow out your hair. (Photo: relaxedhairhealth.blogspot.com)
In addition to your diet, give yourself an extra boost with vitamins. You can find multivitamins made specifically for hair and nails at most drug stores. These usually contain biotin, vitamin C and Vitamin B. This will aid you hair growth and as an added bonus help you get long nails as well.
Brush your hair more.
Brushing your hair helps spread the natural oils that form in your scalp from the hair at the top of your head to the ends. This will help keep your hair feeling moisturized. Brush at least twice a day — once in the morning and again before you go to bed.
Deep condition.
Use a deep conditioning hair mask on a weekly basis to give your hair some extra love. This will add moisture and make your hair feel very soft. It also minimizes damage from heat styling or coloring your hair.
Finish your shower with a cool rinse.
You can wash your hair in lukewarm water, but at the end of your shower, rinse it out with cold water for a few seconds. Cold water helps seal your hair follicles and prevents heat damage and loss of moisture. It may not be comfortable, but it makes a big difference.
Allison Lundy is a recent college grad, writer, area professional and lover of all things beauty. Raised in southern Virginia, Allison moved to the DMV to pursue her aspirations of a career in politics. She attended George Mason, where she discovered her love of writing at the student newspaper. During the day, Allison works in government affairs for a small trade association in northern Virginia. When she isn’t busy working and/or being a political junkie, Allison focuses on her other passions – beauty and fashion. She is always looking for the newest trends and trying out new products.
