Tips for Growing Long Hair
Long hair have always been considered gorgeous and elegant, regardless of all the changes in hairstyles and haircut that we have witnessed throughout the centuries. Whether sleek and straight, or wavy or curly with luscious locks, long hair always fascinates the mind of every woman. Even large number of men are also opting for the trendy long hairstyles. Growing those long and healthy tresses however, demands a lot of care and attention. Though growing long and beautiful hair is a bit difficult, it is not impossible at all.
Tips for Speedy Hair Growth
Follow a Healthy Diet
Long and beautiful hair is always considered as a sign of health and vitality. True to this belief, one has to adopt a healthy lifestyle to promote hair health. Healthy lifestyle means following a healthy diet, that includes lots of protein, vitamin and mineral rich foods for hair growth and regular physical activity.
A hair strand is nothing but a dead protein filament, and hence, lack of enough protein rich foods in the diet can retard the growth of hair. Similarly, hair also needs the hair vitamins, especially vitamin A, biotin, vitamin B6, inositol, folic acid and vitamin C and E. The minerals that could play a significant role in growing hair are magnesium, zinc, sulfur and silica. Along with a poor diet, excessive stress and tension can also slow down the growth of hair. So, manage the level of stress by getting enough sleep, at least for 7 to 9 hours, and with the help of appropriate stress relief techniques and exercises.
Proper Hair Care
You have to follow a proper hair care regimen. For this, first of all, you need to identify your hair type. Hair care can differ greatly depending on the type of hair. For example, dry and curly or frizzy hair is usually more difficult to maintain and care for, than silky and smooth hair. Again, dry and frizzy hair need more moisturizing than naturally oily hair. Once, you have identified your hair type, trim the damaged part of your hair like, split ends and start with completely healthy hair. Trimming is one of the most important part for growing long and healthy hair. Get your hair regularly trimmed, preferably once in every 8 to 10 weeks to get rid of split ends.
You have to keep your hair free from dirt and dead cells with regular cleaning. If dirt clogs the skin pores of the scalp, it would slow down the growth of hair. However, the frequency of washing hair or shampooing depends on the type of hair. Hair that is already dry and frizzy need not be washed everyday. Instead, such hair can be washed once or twice a week, and shampooing should always be followed by conditioning.
Hot oil treatment can prove really effective for stimulating hair growth and moisturizing dry and damaged hair. Use slightly warm coconut, olive or almond oil and gently massage the scalp and hair with it. Leave the oil on the scalp for the whole night, and the next day wash it off with a mild shampoo. Massaging the scalp will stimulate the hair follicles and hence ensure rapid hair growth. For rinsing your hair, always use cool water. Certain home remedies like, amla or Indian gooseberry, Aloe vera, essential oils can also help to stimulate hair growth. For proper hair care, always invest on the right kind of shampoo, conditioner and other hair care products.
Brush and Comb Hair Correctly
Many experts suggest brushing or combing hair 100 times a day to increase blood circulation, and to redistribute oil from the scalp to the end of the hair strands. However, brushing hair 100 times a day may not be possible and necessary for all hair types, especially for curly, oily and very fine hair. For such hair, brushing a few times a day would be sufficient. Hair should be brushed when it is completely dry. While brushing or combing your hair, do it gently and do not start from the top. Instead, begin brushing from the bottom and then gradually work up towards the top. While combing, divide your hair into small sections, and then start combing from the bottom, and slowly work in the upwards direction. Always use a good brush and a wide toothed wooden comb for detangling long hair.
Also, avoid using hair products that contain harsh chemicals. Also limit the use of hair straighteners and other hair styling products. Excessive use of straighteners and curling irons can make your hair weak, fragile and more prone to breakage and split ends. Even excessive use of blow dryer is not advisable. Lastly, remember that poor hair growth can be a sign of nutritional deficiency and certain medical conditions, especially related to the thyroid gland. An under active thyroid gland can be associated with dry and brittle hair, excessive hair loss and slow hair growth. So, if your hair is extremely dry and fragile and prone to easy breakage, be sure to talk to your health care provider to evaluate the condition properly.
