Growing your hair can feel like a never-ending journey, but it’s a quest worth embarking on, especially if you’re growing your hair by using tips from my wonderful blog. Chances are that, along the way of your journey, you’ve heard countless myths about hair care. So I’m writing this article to set the record straight about growing and nurturing your mane.
So without further ado, I won’t waste your time. Let’s get into the TRUE dos and don’ts of growing your hair.
Tailor Your Hair Care Routine
Do This: Use Shampoo That Caters to Your Specific Hair Type
Choosing the right shampoo is just like finding the perfect pair of jeans: it makes all the difference. Whether you have curly, straight, oily, or dry hair, there’s a shampoo out there for you.
And make sure you wash your hair with care. Gentle cleansing helps maintain the right balance of oils and keeps your scalp happy. Forceful cleansing leads to breakage which makes your overall head unhappy.
Not That: Over-Wash Your Hair
Resist the urge to wash your hair every day. Overwashing strips away natural oils that are essential for healthy hair growth. Instead, find a washing routine that suits your hair type and stick to it. Your hair will thank you for the TLC.
I like to stick to washing my hair once per week, and I always include a deep conditioner in my routine (okay… not always because I’m lazy sometimes, but you get the gist). The most you should wash your hair in a week is twice, and even that is pushing it. That goes for all hair types. Overwashing is typically not a good idea whether you have straight hair or coily hair.
Embrace Heatless Styling
Do This: Opt for Heatless Styling Methods
Who needs heat when you can style your hair just as fabulously without it? Try braids, twists, or overnight curls (aka braid-outs) to achieve gorgeous looks without frying your hair. Minimizing heat exposure is key when it comes to preventing damage and maintaining your hair’s integrity.
I highly suggest you style your hair for the long run. This means that protective styles should be your best friend, regardless of what your hair type is. Protective styles are great since they allow your hair to grow without being constantly manipulated.
Not That: Frequently Use High-Heat Tools
We’ve all been tempted by the siren call of straighteners and curling irons. However, frequent use of high-heat tools can lead to dryness, breakage, and split ends. Save the high heat for special occasions and let your hair breathe in between.
And for those who have to dry their hair after washing, never forget your heat protectant! As for regular heat-styling methods (like silk presses, etc.), those too require a heat protectant. Remember: ALWAYS USE PROTECTION!
And when you use your heat protection, you should always ensure that your hair isn’t drenched with the protectant (whether it is water-based or other). To prevent this, grab your handy dandy microfiber towel or old T-shirt and use it to softly grab at your hair. This method makes sure your hair isn’t getting tangled or pulled while stripping unnecessary moisture from your hair.
Prioritize Regular Maintenance
Do This: Schedule Regular Trims
Regular trims are a non-negotiable part of a healthy hair regimen. Snipping off those split ends every 6-8 weeks prevents them from traveling up the hair shaft and causing more damage. I know it seems counterintuitive to cut off the very same hair you are trying to get, but there’s no point in growing hair that is damaged.
Think of it as pruning a plant to encourage healthy growth. Or maybe you can relate it to something you’re more interested in. Either way, you need to make trimming a part of your hair care routine.
Not That: Avoid Haircuts for Prolonged Periods
Skipping haircuts might seem like a shortcut to longer hair, but it actually has the opposite effect. Neglecting trims can lead to uneven growth and more split ends, which ultimately means more hair loss. Regular maintenance is the key to growing luscious, long locks.
As I said before, I know it may sound counterintuitive. But it’s like relying on a breaking rope to hold you up. Eventually, the rope is going to break, no matter how long it is.
Focus on Scalp Health
Do This: Massage Your Scalp Regularly with an Oil of Your Choosing
A happy scalp is the foundation of healthy hair. Regular scalp massages with oils like coconut, jojoba, or argan can stimulate blood circulation and promote hair growth. Plus, it’s a relaxing ritual that can help turn a bad day into a rather good one.
You won’t regret taking the time out of your day to massage your scalp. If you’re interested in adding a little more pizazz to this, you can use my favorite itchy scalp oil by “As I Am”.
It gives a satisfying menthol-like sensation that I honestly can’t get enough of. In all seriousness though, you should never over-oil your scalp.
You can find the oil by following the link here. I promise you won’t regret the purchase, especially if you do suffer from an itchy scalp or dandruff like me. And if you don’t believe me, you can refer to the abundance of reviews left by real people after following the link.
Not That: Neglect Scalp Hygiene
Don’t let product buildup and dandruff take over. Keeping your scalp clean is crucial for healthy hair growth. Neglecting scalp hygiene can lead to blocked hair follicles and a less-than-ideal environment for hair to thrive.
If you decide to get the oil I recommended or even if you use another oil regularly, you need to ensure you wash your hair at least once a week or around that timeframe. Oils are buildup magnets, so make sure you factor that into your hair care routine. This goes especially for those who oil their scalp multiple times in a week.
Now Go Grow Your Hair!
To recap, growing your hair doesn’t have to be a mystery. By taking care of your hair the right way (instead of relying on well-known hair-growth myths), you can pave the way for healthier, longer locks. Embrace better hair care practices, and watch your hair flourish like never before.
And never forget that even though everybody may not like me, they have no choice but to love me because I’ll always be there for them and accept them for who they are. Happy growing!