Almost all of us fantasize about having long, mermaid locks. And while we’re pretty obsessed with growing out our mane, there are so many things to consider. After all, long hair is quite a commitment and requires extra effort for you to look after. From waiting for it to grow out to maintaining the length, here are some important things no one tells you about growing your hair long. Read on to ensure your locks grow oh-so long but also stay healthy and fabulous!
1. Certain Foods Can Help Accelerate Growth
Yes ladies, your diet can help your strands grow faster. Food items such as eggs, almonds, avocados, salmon, sweet potatoes, that are rich in protein can really help boost growth. So if you’re feeling impatient, you may want to look at your diet for some help. Eating healthy is key to healthy hair growth.
2. Skipping A Wash Helps
Washing your hair daily or too often is drying and harmful for your strands as it strips them off their natural oils. And dryness is no friend of long locks. To help your hair grow healthily, it’s wise to cut down on those hair washes. Two to three times a week is a much healthier option for your hair. Trust us, dry shampoo will be your new best friend!
3. Be Prepared To Spend A LOT Of Time On Washing & Drying
Sure, long hair look lovely but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to manage. If you’re planning to grow your strands super long, be prepared to use more shampoo and conditioner than before. Also, long hair takes much longer to dry and style. In fact, be prepared for an arm workout when you blowdry those long locks. This is why most long-haired girls have to factor in a hairwash into their schedule when making plans – washing and styling requires a good amount of time!
4. Things Will Get Knotty!
Yes ladies, this is pretty much the most annoying thing about long locks – they get tangled ALL the time. Of course, the extent of it could differ according to the condition of your strands, but knots are a given when it comes to longer lengths. It’s smart to invest in wide tooth combs, detangling sprays/serums and even a tangle teezer to help deal with those knots gently and without causing any damage.
5. Your Hair Will Need Some Extra TLC
Split ends are the bane of every long-haired girl’s existence, which is why it’s important to pamper your strands with some extra nourishment to keep them happy and healthy. Once a week, use deep conditioning masks or homemade concoctions that provide extra hydration. They are pretty important to keep your long strands soft and shiny and help fight dryness and damage. Once you have long hair, you’ll need to take out time for this so that you can have the enviable hair of your dreams!
6. Give Oil A Chance
If you don’t want to try a mask, then oiling your locks weekly is a super alternative. The longer your hair grows, the more important this will be. Since hair that grows past your shoulders is several years old it requires some extra care. Just take a cup of good ol’ coconut oil and add a tablespoon of almond, olive and jojoba oil, each. Apply it to damp hair, this helps prevent an oily residue, massage it well and leave it on for 20 minutes before shampooing and conditioning. This will not only help your hair grow stronger, but also leave it shinier and silkier.
7. Scissors Are Your Friends
We know it seems counterintuitive, but regular trims do actually help your hair grow out better. If you’re aiming at lovely, long hair then do make it a point to have a trim every 3 months, girl. The same holds true even after you have achieved your desired length. Trimming the ends helps get rid of damaged, dry, split and broken ends, which only hamper healthy hair growth. Hence, it’s pretty essential for locks that are healthy and lush.
8. Check The Label Of Your Products
Ladies, it’s time we all went chemical free with our hair products. Sulfates and parabens are harsh chemicals commonly found in shampoos, conditioners and styling products. They weaken and dry out our strands. They’re SO not a good idea, especially if you’re trying to grow out your mane. Make it a point, girls, to check the label of all the products you use and invest in – they should be sulfate-free and paraben-free.
9. Drink Up!
We all know that drinking water can help with overall health, but it also acts as an amazing hair growth booster. So what are you waiting for? Load up on plenty of H2O!
10. Be Patient And Make The Most Of It
We all know how frustrating growing out our hair can be, it requires a lot of time and patience. But as long as you take good care of it, you can be assured that you’re on the right track. And in the meantime, don’t be afraid to make the most of that in-between length. Experiment with different hairstyles and products to ensure you don’t get stuck in a hair rut. Go on and make the most of that length, you beauties.
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