If you dream of having long locks without the use of products, money, and supplements--then this article was written for you.
Growing long, healthy hair does not have to be hard, but it does require patience and dedication.
Let's get growing:
Step 1. Cut ALL the damaged hair. This may be the hardest step for some of you, because it is difficult to let go of your hair. But if you don't get rid of all of your damaged hair, then there really is no sense in continuing your healthy hair growth journey. If your hair is damaged to the point where you would have to shave your hair off, don't. Just give yourself a Halle Berry look and continue to trim until all of the damaged hair is gone. Then proceed to step 2.
Step 2. Trim your hair! Yes, even though you are trying to grow your hair, you should still trim it. By trim, I mean cut about half an inch once a month. The reason this is so important is because trimming it is essential in growing healthy hair. Any damages that may occur to your hair within the month need to go-- otherwise, the damage will continue to get worse over time. If you refuse to trim it because you are actively growing your hair, grab a pair of scissors specifically made for cutting hair, sit outside in the daylight and start trimming those split ends regularly.
Step 3. Find a salon that specializes on long hair or that you trust. Make sure that when you tell your stylist I want an inch off, that's what they cut. Have them show you their perception of an inch prior to letting them take a scissor to your hair.
Step 4. NO HEATING APPLIANCES. This includes: hot iron, hair dryer, curling irons, hot rollers, crimpers, etc. If you MUST use one of these, use something that will protect your hair and remember to allow your hair to COMPLETELY dry prior to using any of them-- even if your iron says you can use it with wet hair.
Step 5: NO harsh chemicals. Ie: Peroxide, hair dye, or perms. Sorry ladies, beauty is pain.
Step 6: NO saltwater OR Chlorine. If you do go swimming, shampoo your hair immediately after. If you are a blonde, use shampoo specifically designed to remove the green tinge that chlorine gives you.
Step 7: Careful with those hair clips! Anything that tears or pulls on your hair when you remove it is a bad idea! Nothing with sharp or rough edges, nothing with velcro, nothing with springs.
Step 8: Less stress is best. Do not put your hair under unnecessary stress-- tight braids, tight pony tails, tight coils-- you will eventually end up with bald patches :-/
Be warned-- adding hair extensions to your hair will leave you with extremely damaged hair when they come off.
Step 9: Don't try extreme dieting. If you're looking pale and in need some vitamins, then chances are your hair is suffering too. If you are trying to diet and unsure if you're getting enough vitamins-- then a multivitamin won't hurt.
Step 10: Be gentle to your wet hair. Believe it or not, this is your hair at its most vulnerable state. I would say don't brush at all. Buy a large, wide tooth comb and COMB your hair gently and say bye bye to the brush.
Step 11. Comb your hair throughout the day to untangled it. Make sure you grab a small portion of your hair and comb down in a long, smooth stroke. Be wary of the products you put in your hair-- alcohol content is a bad thing. Use a boar bristle brush to remove loose hair that the comb won't get.
Step 12. Before shampooing your hair, comb it to ensure all knots have been removed. To distribute your hairs natural oils, use that boar bristle brush.
Step 13. Be dirty. That's right, go without washing your hair every now and then-- let your oils go to work. Then when you do shower, distribute your natural oils with that boar bristle brush and shampoo.
Step 14. When you shampoo, don't pile your hair over your head. Apply shampoo only to your scalp, massage, then work your way down.
Step 15. For those of us who like to wash our hair often or have very dry hair-- skip the shampoo every once in a while. Shampoo has heavier solvents since it is what cleans our hair out, but if your hair isn't too dirty, conditioner alone should do the trick.
Step 16. Go COLD. Wash your hair in cold water-- as cold as you can stand it. This will not only give your shiny hair, but it makes it easier to comb. Make sure you wash your entire body with cold water too, not just your hair.
Step 17. If your hair is very coarse, dry, or curly, try using a leave-in conditioner such as Infusium 23.
Step 18. Become familiar with your hair products. some people find that their hair does not respond well to silicone (found in most "smoothing" or "anti frizz" products and many conditioning shampoos) if used over a long period of time. Any ingredient that ends with the suffix "cone" in the ingredient list is usually a silicone derivative and should be avoided by those sensitive to it. Products that nourish your hair with natural ingredients that are available at most health food stores are excellent alternatives to the chemical-laden lines sold in salons.
Step 19. Deep condition your hair at least monthly. Even if it's in good shape, this will help keep it that way. If your hair is dry or damaged, deep condition weekly.
Step 20. Lessen the friction on your hair whenever possible. Don't sleep with your hair loose or if you must, use a satin pillowcase. If your hair is very long and prone to getting caught in car windows, seat belts, doors, or even under your butt when you sit down, it's important to remember that all these things can cause damage to your precious locks. Wear your hair loosely braided or in an updo hairstyle whenever possible to avoid daily wear and tear. And, no matter what promises hair product manufacturers claim, the ONLY way to fix damaged hair is to CUT IT OFF.
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