Looking to embark on a hair growth journey, but not sure where to start? I’m going to help you, no matter your hair type. We’ll talk about which products to add and what products to ditch to grow your hair longer and healthier.
By Jayne Turner – Staff Writer
Choosing the right products for your hair type
Hair products are incredibly personal. What is effective for curly hair might not be suitable for straight hair. Make sure you know your hair type. There are a variety of online quizzes that will walk you through questions to determine your hair type. These include thickness, texture, and any scalp concerns you may have. This is all important information when selecting a product!
However, here are my tried and true tips that will work on a variety of hair types.
Sometimes, supplements can help grow healthy hair from the inside out. If you’re interested in finding some, check out this article that covers supplements.
Keep it moisturized
The most important rule to grow your hair long is moisturizing, from root to tip. Start in the shower: use conditioner after shampooing. I like to let it sit in my hair for five minutes while I do something else, like shave my legs. Be sure to rinse well! When you get out, use a leave in conditioner on your still-damp hair.
My favorite is OUAI Leave in Conditioner. It provides hydration, detangling, and heat protection. It is lightweight, and it smells amazing.
On dry hair, it can be helpful to use a lightweight oil to reduce frizz. My preferred brand is Virtue Hydrating Healing Hair Oil. It is a clear, lightweight oil that glides smoothly into hair. Immediately, my hair looks shinier and healthier without feeling weighed down.
Get regular trims
Though it may seem counterintuitive, getting regular trims actually helps remove split ends and breakage. This helps your hair grow longer because getting regular trims prevents the need for a large chop. When split ends are allowed to migrate up the hair shaft, the hair must be cut off, there is no way to reattach it. So, nip it in the bud and get a trim!
Scalp Care
Hair grows from the scalp, so when too much product is built up, it can inhibit hair growth. One way to ensure a healthy scalp is by using a scalp scrub. My favorite is NatureLab Perfect Clean. It is a a two-in-one scalp scrub and shampoo, and it leaves my hair feeling squeaky clean! It’s color safe, which is important if you dye your hair.
Another way to maintain your scalp health is regular massages to stimulate blood circulation. Using just your fingertips, start at the hairline and work your way back. Spend extra time around the hairline to promote hair growth there! Just 5-10 minutes will do. It can be done on dry hair or in the shower while shampooing. You don’t need a tool, but a silicone scalp scrubber will make you feel extra luxurious.
What to avoid
Though adding things to your routine is great, there are also some habits you can ditch while on your hair growth journey.
Avoid tight hairstyles. That slick-back bun? Not a sustainable everyday hairstyle. Tight hairstyles pull on your hairline and can cause breakage down the length of your strands. Stick to braids and claw clips; they keep your hair back without the added tension.
Avoid heat styling. Even though it can be tedious, allowing your hair to dry naturally is ultimately better for your hair health. Additionally, curling and straightening your hair every day is not doing you any favors. Try out heatless curls or at least implement a heat protectant into your routine. I use Sun Bum’s Heat Protector on top of my other heat protective products in my routine when I heat style my hair.
Can’t go without your curling iron? Lower the heat. Heat tools often have heat settings on them, and they don’t need to be cranked to 400 degrees.
Make sure you aren’t doing anything else to hinder your hair growth here!
Though growing your hair out can feel like watching paint dry, having healthy habits can make the process less lengthy. Introducing healthy habits will visibly transform your hair while it grows long and strong. Get to living your Rapunzel dreams and start your hair growth journey today!
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Author: Jayne Turner is a freelance writer from Orange, California. She has a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience with an emphasis on language and cognition. She has ten years of musical theatre experience and a lifelong love of reading. Utterly excited by the brain, she brings a fresh Gen Z perspective to the topics that intrigue us most.
