Get Ready For A Lifestyle Change
If you really want a good head of hair, the first thing you really need to do is commit to changing your lifestyle. Now, this decision isn’t as drastic as, say, becoming a vegetarian or deciding to move across the country, but it might be a bigger commitment than you realize. It’s one thing to look at pictures of people with long, natural hair and wish they were you, and it’s another thing to make the changes in your life that are necessary to achieving your goals. So, get ready to make some new, healthy habits and stick to them!
Eat A Balanced, Healthy Diet
Another important thing for nurturing long, healthy hair is having a healthy diet. Rather than eating quick, carb-heavy meals — or worse, fast food — eat nutrient-rich whole foods. Ditch the pasta and instead go for fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. If you’re still not getting the vitamins you need out of your diet, consider taking multivitamins and essential oils every day. You’ll also want to make sure to stay hydrated during the day, drinking the recommended daily dosage for your body mass. As well as making your hair grow longer and at a faster rate, you’ll feel better and notice the effects on other parts of your body, such as your skin.
Brush Your Hair Regularly
You might already brush your hair to straighten it out, but you may not realize the additional benefits of brushing. Not only are you getting rid of those pesky tangles, you’re also distributing essential oils throughout your hair. This means that your hair will be more moisturized, leading to better circulation and a healthier scalp. A healthier scalp is the key to healthier hair. However, be sure not to over-brush – brush your hair only when it’s tangled or you really need it styled. Over-brushing, as you may know, can actually pull out your hair and damage your scalp.
Be Careful With How You Treat Your Hair
In the rush of your day-to-day activities, you may pay some attention to your hair, but usually, it’s one of our lower priorities. Try being more conscious during the day about how you’re treating your hair. Are you putting it into a bun or ponytail? Or maybe you absent-mindedly play with your hair while you work. These habits may put stress on your scalp that causes your hair to grow slower. In addition, your healthy hair habits shouldn’t be limited to the daytime. Switch out your cotton pillowcase for one made of silk or another fine material. Your hair and scalp will thank you and reward you with better hair.
Try Natural Remedies
While natural products aren’t going to make your hair grow longer instantly, the vitamins found in some foods can introduce nutrients to your hair that will help you attain better results. Try using a mask made of egg whites to make your hair softer and give it some shine. While cracking some eggs might not sound that appealing to you, consider the benefits! Other masks you can use that will help your hair include potato water (the leftover water that results from boiling potatoes) or a hot grapeseed oil scalp massage.
Use Hair-Lengthening Shampoos
You should always practice good hygiene, and that includes bathing regularly and using shampoos and conditioners. But, just simply doing all the above may not be enough. You need to be sure that the soaps you’re using in your hair are actually doing your hair good and not drying it out or otherwise damaging it. If it’s longer hair you’re looking for, there are some shampoos that are made specifically for this reason. By choosing the right shampoos and conditioners, you’ll be getting the vitamins, herbs, minerals, and other hair-happy products that will have the greatest effect on your hair and scalp. Featured photo credit: Silky, Smooth Hair via lifehack.org
