Growing long hair
The secrets of beautiful long hair
Long hair has always been a symbol of beauty. New technological advances and health research have come up with simple techniques for long and healthy hair growth. Having lengthy hair does not require expensive products or daily visits to hairdressers and stylists. While salons do use professional products, similar options are available in the market, however it is not only an issue of products but a few tricks that you will learn in the following lines that will allow you to start growing long hair.
Start by having a healthy hair
By far, the most important part of growing long hair is having healthy hair. Excessive hair loss, dandruff, dryness and other abnormal conditions might be indications of unhealthy scalp and hair. Trim off every bit of damaged hair. Make sure you don’t have dandruff. If your head itches, you should use a specialized shampoo to remedy your condition. Visit a dermatologist if you experience unhealthy hair. Starting healthy will be imperative if you plan on staying that way.
Plan your hair growth, consider regular professional trimming
Growing long hair is a lengthy process. The average age of waist-long hair is about 5 to 6 years. Obviously in that timeframe, your hair will not grow uniformly, and most likely the ends will become damaged with daily exposure to rain, sunlight, pollution, and chemicals. Plan to get regular, professional trimming (about 4 to 5 times per year). You should trim about an inch every time you visit your hair stylist. However, if you notice damage before your next appointment, you should increase the frequency of your visits.
Be very aware of the fact that not every hairdresser is experienced with long hair. If you plan on growing long hair, you should have someone specialized to help you. Be also aware that professional stylists have been trained to bring out the beauty of women with long hair.
Avoid threats
Avoid the following. These will damage your hair and prevent you from reaching your goal:
- Chemicals such as peroxide or the ones found on hairspray and perms, chlorine from pools, and sea water.
- Heated appliances, hairdryers, hot and spiked rollers, irons and crimps.
- Inadequate combs, brushes, and accessories. Avoid sharp points and edges, metal barrettes, rough seams or claws. They tend to damage your scalp and will tear down your hair.
- Stressful hairstyles. Avoid rubber bands, extreme pressure or styles that will constantly pull and eventually tear your hair, such as pony tails or braids. These instead of allowing you to grow long hair will most likely result in bald spots.
Nutrition and diet
There are foods to eat and foods not to eat while growing long hair. You should plan a well balanced diet and commit to follow it. Just as any part of your body needs optimal nutrition, so does your head, scalp, and hair, otherwise, your hair will not grow. You will need to correctly balance vitamins, carbohydrates, fat, proteins, and minerals. Too little, and your hair will not have enough nutrients to grow. Too much will also prevent hair growth.
While proteins are the essential element for hair growth, complex carbohydrates are required to synthesize and assemble proteins. A good share of vitamins and minerals is also important. Vitamin A, B (B complex, B12), C, folic acid, and Zinc should always be in your diet if you plan on having healthy skin, scalp, and hair. And as of fat, you should have enough, but not too much. Therefore, avoid cakes, sweets, chocolates, sugar, and cookies and replace them with more natural foods, such as fruits and vegetables.
Your hair care and hair care products
Finally, wash your hair regularly, do not comb or brush wet hair, always rinse your hair and do not leave chemicals on it, detangle it with your fingers, not with a brush or comb. Use hair sticks instead of rubber bands. Condition your hair at least twice every three months, and take a good look at the ingredients in your styling products.
