1. Don't Stop Getting Haircuts! - There are a few reasons for this. 1) if you have super short hair like I did, you have to get it cut regularly to keep from getting a mullet. I let my top and sides grow while keeping the back short. This gave me a style while growing it out, so I didn't chop it. 2) It keeps your hair from getting split ends and looking damaged once it is longer. I have never been someone who fantasizes about having long hair, even though I am enjoying my longer length now, but I do know women who want long hair at all costs. Even if it means it is dry, damaged, and split. As long as it is long they are happy. I just don't see the point in having long hair if it looks like that.
2. Use Quality Products! - Not all products are equal, especially when it come to shampoo and conditioner. I was never big on professional products, until my hair started getting longer. Not everything I have is professional, but at least half is. The biggest difference I found in my hair is when I started using Wen Conditioning Cleanser. I started using it over 2 years ago, and instantly saw a difference and so did other people. My hair just looked shinier, healthier, less frizzy, and had more body. I also use their hair mask, styling creme, volumizing spray, and replenishing treatment mist. If I had to, I could give up some of the products, but never the cleansing conditioner. I'm not saying you have to use Wen. Not everyone likes it, but you do need to find a quality shampoo and conditioner. If you are interested in Wen, you can always buy it on QVC or www.qvc.com. They have easy pays, which makes it more affordable and many times they do auto-delivery. They also have packages that include extra products like some I mentioned. Sephora sells Wen Cleansing Conditioner, but you may not find a lot of the other Wen products. QVC also has a 30 day money back guarantee.
3. Take Supplements! - The entire time I was growing my hair out, I took biotin and iron. I can honestly say that both have helped my hair to grow and keep it healthy in the process. If you are a vegetarian or vegan, the iron is especially important for you.
4. Don't Wash Your Hair Too Much! - When my hair was really short, I washed it almost everyday. I used sticky pomades and when I woke up in the morning it was unmanageable. Since my hair has been longer, I only wash it twice a week. Now, I don't fix my hair everyday. I am a SAHM and also care for my elderly grandparents, so my day consists of cleaning, cooking laundry, running errands, etc. Plus, I work out a lot. I know, glamorous right?!! Anyways, I don't put on makeup or do my hair probably 4 - 5 days a week. So, I put it up and don't worry too much about washing. The natural oils in your scalp help to protect and moisturize your hair. You don't want to strip these out. In between washings, I use dry shampoo. It really helps to eliminate greasiness. Now because I don't style my hair most days, I do not get a lot of product build up. Depending on how much product you use and how oily your hair is, you may not be able to only wash twice a week, but wash as little as possible.
5. Use As Little Heat As Possible! - Since I don't style my hair most days, I simply wash it and let it air dry. I rarely use a straight iron on it either. When I do style it it is mostly with my hair dryer. I do use a heat protectant to try to limit the damage done. Yesterday, I ordered a professional T3 blow dryer, which should also help with damage, but I have yet to test it out. Maybe that could be an upcoming review post!
6. Use A Hair Mask! - I started using these a little over 2 years ago when I started using Wen. I do it anywhere from 2-4 times a month. I try to do it once a week, but I miss a few. Sometimes, I just do a five minute mask in the shower, but most of the time I leave it on overnight and rinse it out the next day. I love the way it conditions my hair and makes it feel so smooth and healthy. I mostly use a Wen mask, but I also have a L'Oreal one that I use in the shower.
These are my hair tips, and what I used and still follow to this day. I hope this has been helpful, and if you have any tips of your own, I would love to hear them!!
Here is a progression of where my hair started to where it is now. Before my blog, I never took selfies, so all my pics are with my family.
So as you can see, no matter what stage my hair was at in the growing out process, I kept a definite style to it. Had I not done that and just let it grow, I would have quickly chopped it off. Maintaining a style is the best advice I have to get your hair to the length you want.
