We've all dreamed of having long, beautiful, healthy flowing hair at one time or another. Whether you've gotten your hair cut short spontaneously and regretted it, or you just have really damaged hair that you want to heal and grow out, this article is for you.
These are all tips that I have tried myself that worked for me and helped me grow out my hair from just above my shoulders to past my bellybutton in one year. Without further delay, here are 12 tips that will help you take your hair from drab to fab this summer.
1. Don't wash your hair every day.
If you've ever read any article or watched any YouTube video about growing your hair out, you've probably already heard this. However, it cannot be exaggerated. The natural oils in your hair help to protect it from damage and keep it healthy. If you've been washing your hair every single day for a long time, you will have to train your hair not to get visibly oily as quickly, and summer is the perfect time to do that. Start slow, by washing your hair every other day and using dry shampoo on the in-between days, and gradually work your way up to putting 3-4 days between washes.
2. Invest in hair products that don't have sulfates or silicones in them.
Sulfates and silicones are chemicals found in tons of shampoos and conditioners that are actually terrible for your hair. Sulfates are what typically cause shampoos to "lather" in your hair, and they tend to dry your hair out and create more frizz. Silicones are more often found in conditioners, and they basically coat your hair in a thin film that builds up over time. At first it appears to tame your frizz and make your hair shiny, but eventually it causes more harm than good.
3. Don't dry your hair with a regular towel.
Normal towels are too rough to be used on your hair, and can often lead to frizz and breakage. Try using a microfiber towel made specifically for hair, or even an old pure cotton t-shirt. These are much gentler on your hair while still getting the job
4. Stay away from cotton or polyester pillowcases.
The best pillowcases for your hair are silk or satin. The reduce frizz and keep your hair from damage while you're sleeping, especially if you're someone that moves around a lot in their sleep. These types of pillowcases are also good for your skin because they prevent wrinkles, so that's an added bonus.
5. Scrunchies are your friend.
Thin hair ties, especially the kinds with metal attachments, are terrible for your hair. They can lead to weakness and breakage. Try using scrunchies, or at least thicker/loser hair ties, because they are much gentler on your hair.
6. Stay away from heat styling as much as possible.
This is the hardest one for some people, but as you probably already know, styling your hair with heat every day is not good for it at all. Regular heat use can lead to split or dead ends, breakage, and dullness. If you absolutely must use heat on your hair to tame it, try at least cutting back. For example, you might try letting your hair air dry and then straightening it, rather than blow drying it first and then straightening.
7. Cut back on coloring too.
As much as it pains me to say it, hair color can be extremely damaging to your hair, especially if you do it yourself from a box. If you can, try letting your hair fade back to your natural color for a while. If you can't, try going to a salon or trusted hair stylist and getting them to help you find the right look for you that requires less color treatments.
8. Take biotin, or other hair growth vitamins.
I toloved hair, skin, and nail vitamins, because they had multiple uses and they worked great. However, I have a lot of friends that take biotin supplements to satisfactory results as well.
9. Keep your hair hydrated.
I have naturally dry hair, so for me, this step was extra important. When I was growing my hair out, I was constantly using coconut oil or hair masks to give my hair an extra hydration boost. Putting coconut oil or a good hair mask in your hair once or twice a month before washing can work wonders on your luscious locks.
10. Get regular trims.
to might sound counter-productive, but it is a fact that the ends of your hair are the oldest and weakest section. If your ends are dead or extremely damaged, your hair is going to grow at a much slower rate, and it won't look as full or healthy. Try to get your dead ends trimmed at least every few months.
11. Eat right and drink lots of water.
Your hair is a part of your body, and just like any other body part, healthy decisions = healthy outcomes. What you eat and drink affects your hair too, and making healthier choices will lead you to longer, stronger, healthier hair.
Be patient and consistent.
Long, healthy hair doesn't just happen overnight. If you really want your hair to grow and become healthier, you have to take it slow and develop a routine. If you're growing your hair out for a big event like a wedding, you need to start sooner than a month before if you want big results. Everyone's hair is different, and all of these tips may not work for you. You know your hair better than anyone else, so what works for you and get ready for the best hair of your life.