Grow Your Hair Out! Secrets to Long, Strong, and Beautiful Hair

There are many women, myself included, who seem to have an impossible time growing hair. When we get a short haircut, it could be years before our hair finally falls past our shoulders again. Many of us find that, once our hair reaches a certain length- be it our shoulders or our mid-back, it seems to just stop growing entirely. We could go years without a haircut and not see any perceptible change in the length of our hair.

For women like me, a short haircut (or worse yet, a bad haircut) seems like the end of the world. You know it may be years before you'll be caught in public without a hat on... decades before you can pull it back in a ponytail again. Why is it so many other women seem to have an over-abundance of hair-growth-- enough to make a complete wig for a bald cancer patient at least once a year? What's their secret?

I have good news and bad news- but I'll begin with the bad. Each and every individual hair follicle on your head has a lifespan. For some women, the growth cycle of this lifespan lasts longer than for others. On average, your hair should grow about a half inch every month. Some women are lucky enough to be born to a family with mad hair-growing skills. Some women are unfortunately born with lazy genes. For a lot of women, certain hormonal conditions may lead to weak or thinning hair that just doesn't want to grow anymore. There are many prescription medications that contribute to hair loss and overall hair health-and some women may have to speak with their doctors before they'll see a full head of long, healthy hair again.

But don't let it get you down! The good news far outweighs the bad. There are many easy, affordable ways you can better the health of your hair- and encourage it to grow faster. Tried and true methods that work!

Diet

For many women, a simple change in diet could make all the difference. A diet high in sugar and junk food, lacking essential vitamins and minerals doesn't provide your hair the nutrients it requires to grow. Cut back on sugary beverages and fast food. Drink plenty of water. Eat plenty of raw fruits and vegetables.

Did you notice your hair growing faster while you were pregnant and taking a prenatal multi-vitamin? If you did, it's because your body was getting enough Zinc, Iron, and B-Vitamins to supplement that growth. Consider a whole-food multi-vitamin complex or liquid vitamins for the easiest absorption.

Scalp Massage

Every day, take some time out to massage your scalp using your fingertips in a firm, circular motion. If you're under a lot of stress, this exercise is particularly important- but besides the stress-relief and relaxation, a good scalp massage increases blood circulation to the hair follicles on your head, stimulating them into action. There's a variety of scalp massage tools you can purchase online or from any health and wellness shop, but if money is tight, save it for your vitamins. Give yourself at least 5 minutes a day, more if you can spare it. The more frequently you stimulate your scalp, the better your results will be.

Hair Care

It's no secret- the more damaged, dry, and unhealthy your hair, the worse it looks and the worse it grows. You could stand to trim it approximately every 3 months to remove split ends and prevent them from traveling up the hair shaft. Besides that, there are many steps you can take to make the hair you currently have as strong, thick, and healthy as it can possibly be.

Washing- Avoid commercial hair products filled with harsh chemicals. These chemicals strip your scalp of its natural oils- the oils that protect your hair from wind and sun and keep your follicles healthy and lubricated.

Styling- Cut back on the amount of time you spend under the hair-dryer. Curling and straightening irons can damage and change the texture of your hair. Pulling your hair back in a tight braid or ponytail can bruise the hair follicles and cause them to close up-Instead, put your hair back in loose-fitting clips and hairpins.

Dying- Avoid it. Semi-permanent hair color may temporarily pump-up and increase the volume of your hair, making it appear healthier- but overall, the chemicals in hair dyes are incredibly damaging and may change the texture of your hair over time if used continuously.

Also- Throw out your old hairbrushes and get yourself a wide-toothed, wooden-bristled brush that's less likely to rip your hair out while you're brushing it. When you towel-dry your hair, avoid roughing it up against the grain. Instead, try wrapping the towel around your head and gently squeezing the moisture out.

Hair Mask

Approximately once a week, treat yourself to a spa-quality hair mask. It's way simpler and less expensive than you may suspect. First, heat up a batch (about a half-cup) of olive oil, almond oil, or coconut oil (any of these may be used interchangeably.) Wisk in one egg. If you'd like, add a teaspoon of lavender oil or fenugreek seed extract for better results. The oil should be warm- but not so warm that you can't apply it by hand. Pour a small amount on the top of your head and work it all around with your fingertips- concentrating primarily on your scalp and any damaged ends. Gently comb the oil through the rest of your hair. When you've finished, loosely put your hair up in a bun and wrap your entire head in a warm, wet towel. The heat will help your pores to open so the oil may penetrate the skin. Leave on for at least 20 minutes, overnight if possible. Shampoo and condition as usual.

Have Patience

Obviously, you can't expect to see results overnight. Long, beautiful hair is a long-term commitment. A healthy diet, and healthy hair go hand in hand with hair growth. Keep your hair follicles strong, and take good care of the hair that's already on your head. Take your vitamins. Drink plenty of water. And of course, consult your doctor if you don't notice any improvement- it could be a sign of some other treatable health condition.