2015-10-29





While layered bobs have been popular amongst most people since 2014 and a lot of people have been sporting it beautifully, some of us still like to stick to long, glorious locks. However, the issue with wanting to grow out your hair is that it takes so long! Fortunately, there is a way to shorten the time span. But first, when it comes to getting long hair, here’s…

What you shouldn’t believe

Hair care is a serious thing that requires commitment but not a lot of hard work. However, don’t buy every piece of advice you get from your hair stylist and not to mention, the internet. Read on to find out the most common hair growth myths I have ever come across!

1. The more you trim, the more you grow –  You’ll hear this from your hair stylist a lot. But think about it, how does cutting your hair from the ends going to affect the hair follicles in your scalp? Your hair grows from hair follicles and these follicles pretty much decide how your hair grows. On an average, people experience a quarter inch hair growth every month, independent of whether or not they cut it.

However, this doesn’t mean you have to eliminate haircuts from your agenda altogether. Getting regular trims can reduce hair breakage and the appearance of split ends, making the ends look smoother and thus, giving your hair an overall longer look. Depending on your hair type, get a haircut that makes your look hair thicker and longer. If you have thin hair, any appearance of damage at the ends of your tresses is just going to make your hair look limp and even thinner. More on preventing damages and split ends later on this article!

To cut or not to cut?

I go by the 12 week rule. Every 8 to 12 weeks, visit your stylist and ask him or her to simply trim your ends to get rid of the split ends. You don’t need to cut frequently to make your hair grow faster, however. Remember your goal is to make your hair look healthier and reduce all signs of damage.

If you’re afraid that your stylist will cut your hair too short, try trimming your hair at home – it’s simple and cheap! Here’s a video by lilcammo93 on how you can trim your hair yourself:

Here’s another video by Carli Bybel on how you can cut your hair at home, if you don’t trust your stylist:

Be sure to use sharp scissors meant for hair cutting. Using blunt or inadequate scissors can exacerbate split ends and damages.

You can also just cut the split ends and still preserve the length of your hair. Here’s how you can do it yourself but you can let a friend help you out as well as mentioned in the video:

2. Shaving thickens hair –  Don’t do this. I know your hair does look thicker after you shave certain parts of your body but it is important to understand that after shaving, your roots will look thicker as it is tapered. Shaving cuts off your hair at the thickest point, making the remaining hair look thick. Therefore, shaving or cutting your hair super short is not a solution!

3. Brushing more makes your hair longer and healthier – There are many reasons why people support this idea. Some experts suggest brushing your hair vigorously to stimulate blood flow in the scalp and accelerate growth. Some may say that it distributes scalp oils to the rest of your hair, making it smoother and shinier but unfortunately, brushing your hair frequently may lead to more bad than good.

Brushing your hair too much can cause friction in the hair causing frizz, dryness, cuticle damage, hair brittleness and breakage and the end result is dry, unhealthy looking hair. Therefore, your best bet would be to comb your hair minimally with a wide tooth comb if your hair is prone to breakage and fall and just give it a few strokes to detangle your hair. Avoid using brushes with natural bristles as they aren’t uniform and may damage your hair and scalp. A paddle brush which has ball tipped bristles is okay.

4. Shampoos get less effective the more you use them – Someone told me that the key to clean and healthy hair is shampoo rotation. You use one shampoo today and a different one the next day and you alternate. However, with time I realized that this is just one of those weird made-up hair tricks. You don’t need to use more than one shampoo to make your hair healthier and increase hair growth. Just stick to one shampoo that suits your hair type best. If you have long, fine hair, use a volumizing shampoo, if you have dry hair or hair that you heat style a lot, use a moisturizing shampoo and if you have color-treated hair, use a shampoo that preserves hair color. Opt for sulfate free shampoos as they are less damaging and friendlier to the scalp.

5. Washing with cold water is good for the hair – Washing with hot water makes your hair dryer and more susceptible to breakage but this doesn’t mean that washing with cold water is the solution. You’ll notice that by practicing healthy hair habits, using sulfate free shampoos and avoiding heat treatments, your hair will be shinier and stronger whether you wash your hair with lukewarm water or cold water. As long as it’s not hot, the temperature of the water you use is a matter of personal preference.

Take care of your hair



You can take care of your hair in many ways and I will help you but it is important that you remember what you should and shouldn’t do to your hair. For example:

1. Avoid heat as much as possible – Yes, I have said it a hundred times already in my other blog posts but there is a reason why it’s number one on this list. Hair styling, especially with heat, is one of the main causes of dry, damaged and brittle hair. I’m not telling you to stop heat completely but if you’ve been blow drying or straightening your hair every day, try going on a heat-detox for one week or one month and challenge yourself to see whether you can live off heat for a specific period of time.

I know that it is close to impossible to go out without styling your hair or at least drying it, but there is a solution for all of this. Keep on reading; I may surprise you.

You don’t have to blow dry every day – Yes, it’s true! I have a hair tip that I follow which has helped me magnificently. I just wash my hair at night once I’m home or right after working out (if I work out in the evening) and by the time I’m going to bed, my hair is almost or fully dry. You can also just go to sleep with wet hair and it will be dry and grease-free when you wake up in the morning, thus eliminating your need to shower and then blow dry before heading to work or school.

Overnight curls are gorgeous! – And they don’t need any heat. There are many ways to do this but my favorite way of doing it is demonstrated on this video by Luxygirl, it is easy and doesn’t cause any damages:

Or you can get overnight waves, which are super sexy as well. Here’s a video by Vivian Vo-Farmer on how you can get overnight, voluminous beachy waves:

I just love how long and thick her hair is!

If you’re late… – Don’t put that blow dry on super high in an attempt to get it dry fast, damaging your hair in the process. You can either just wash your hair at night like I mentioned earlier or you can embrace bed hair, not stress and try one of these bed hair solutions by Tess Christine:

You can straighten without heat – I’m not going to say anything else, I’m just going to show you this video by YouTips4U:

And yes, it actually works. Your hair won’t be dead straight like with a hair straightener, but it will be smooth, silky and straight enough to look good and natural.

2. Use a dry shampoo –  If your hair is greasy in the morning, you can skip taking a shower and blow drying your hair by simply using a dry shampoo. Dry shampoos get rid of greasiness and add volume to hair, leaving it fresh and healthy-looking. You could use a store-bought dry shampoo. Here is a list by Real Simple of the top dry shampoos.

Or if you’re like me and like to DIY everything, then try preparing a DIY dry shampoo that is organic and is made with household ingredients. Since I have dark brown hair, I prepare a DIY shampoo that is specifically for dark hair, here is a link to the one I use: http://www.instructables.com/id/homemade-dry-shampoo/

However, if you have blonde hair, the above recipe won’t be a good idea. A lot of people have told me that this recipe by Wellness Mama works best for them. Let me know in the comments below what your favorite DIY dry shampoo recipe is so that I can try it out as well!

3. Condition your hair – To boost hair growth, it is essential that you keep your hair hydrated and healthy every day. In order to do this, you need to use conditioner after you shampoo your hair and use a deep conditioning treatment once or twice a week.

Avoid applying regular conditioner to your scalp to prevent your hair from looking limp and oily.

You could even just opt for an organic technique and pamper yourself with an oil scalp and hair massage and leave the oil in for about 20 minutes before taking a shower. Most Indian women use coconut oil on their scalp and hair as it increases hair growth and makes hair thick and healthy. You can also use argan oil, olive oil or castor oil for similar results. Adding rosemary oil to any of these oils can also benefit your hair greatly so try it out.

Avoid massaging your hair too hard and vigorously as this may result in hair fall. Use the tips of your fingers to gently massage your scalp and stimulate blood flow for better hair growth.

4. Try a homemade hair mask –  Homemade hair masks are cheap and easy to prepare and best of all, they work. Your hair won’t grow after the first wash but it will feel softer and smoother and much healthy than it originally was. Using homemade hair masks regularly, such as once or twice a week can not only improve hair health but elevate hair growth speed as well. The following are some of my favorites, do some trial and error and see what suits you best.

Egg protein hair mask – Egg is a rich source of protein, essential fatty acids and biotin which are amazing for hair health. In a small bowl, mix one whole egg with a tablespoon of honey and one tablespoon of olive, coconut or castor oil. Apply this all over your scalp and hair, tie your hair into a loose bun and cover your head with a warm damp towel. Keep yourself busy for 20 minutes and then wash as usual.

Avocado and honey mask – Avocado is an awesome hair mask ingredient because it is super moisturizing and nourishing and it leaves your hair soft, silky and smooth. Regular use will increase hair growth rate and reduce damages and split ends, thus eliminating your need to trim your hair in the near future.

Mash one ripe avocado with one tablespoon of honey and two tablespoons of olive oil and coconut. Mix until you get a rich paste and apply it all over your scalp. Let the mask rest for about 20 minutes and wash off as usual.

Potato juice mask –  This may sound odd but believe me, it is much more pleasant than other juice hair remedies for faster growth such as onion juice and garlic paste. I’m sure those work but I like it when my hair smells nice and fruity. Like onion juice, potato juice adds shine to hair, reduces dryness and speeds up hair growth. Juice a potato or grate it and then squeeze out the fluid and apply it to your hair, especially the roots. Leave it for one hour and wash your hair with your normal shampoo and conditioner.

Have a hair-friendly diet

If you’re tired of taking too many supplements and searching the web for the best hair pill, then I’ve got some good news for you. You can eat your way healthy and gorgeous by simply making some modifications in your diet. Consuming nutritious, clean and whole real foods not only improves your health and reduces your risk of several chronic diseases but it reduces chances of premature aging, improves your skin health and boosts hair growth. We have also covered the top 10 foods to eat for thicker and healthier hair in this post.

The following are foods your hair and body will love and best of all; they are clean, versatile and can be used to produce delicious some dishes:

1. Chicken –  Chicken is a rich source of protein, the main component of your hair. However, another key substance in chicken, cysteine is often overlooked by even the healthiest of us. Cysteine is an amino acid that thickens each strand of hair and increases hair growth. You can also find cysteine in eggs and yogurt and vegan sources include red peppers, onions, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, garlic and oats.

Here are some paleo chicken recipes that are healthy, nutritious and super tasty: http://paleogrubs.com/chicken-breast-recipes

2. Raw oysters – Oysters are one of the richest sources of zinc, a mineral that helps in growing thick and strong long hair. Furthermore, oysters stabilize the production of androgens, a hormone. Low levels of androgens are linked to hair loss and poor hair growth. Instead of cooking oysters, have them raw with a squeeze of lemon – the Vitamin C kick amplifies the oysters’ hair benefits.

3. Nuts – Walnuts, Brazil nuts cashews, almonds and pecans are packed with zinc. Zinc promotes hair growth and prevents hair fall. In addition, Brazil nuts are rich in selenium, another mineral that is essential for healthy hair. If you’re hungry for a snack, instead of the mundane “have a handful of nuts” thing, try adding nuts to a banana and yogurt smoothie or having it with some Greek yogurt and honey.

Or you could prepare a batch of clean vegan brownies in advance and have a bar when you’re hungry. This is my favorite vegan brownie recipe which involves nuts and dates and no flour, eggs or sugar. Be warned, they are super addictive!

Recipe here: http://minimalistbaker.com/5-minute-espresso-walnut-brownies/

4. Legumes – Beans for hair? Yes. Legumes such as kidney beans and garbanzo beans are extremely delicious and they contain proteins that boost hair growth and thickness. If that’s not enough, beans are also rich in biotin, zinc and iron. They are packed with fiber and this coupled with the high protein content, makes them filling and satiating so you don’t end up having too much food.

Don’t have a clue about cooking with beans? Don’t worry I’ve got you covered:

Oh and here’s a green bean casserole recipe as a bonus: http://detoxinista.com/2012/11/clean-green-bean-casserole-vegan-paleo/

5. Salmon – Salmon and other oily fish such a mackerel, tuna, herring and sardines are rich in omega 3 fatty acids that improve hair health, increase growth and make your hair shinier and silkier. Omega-3s are also great for the skin so why not do double duty and have a serving of salmon for lunch today? Vegan sources of omega 3s include nuts and seeds, coconut oil and whole grains such as oats.

If you’re a salmon lover, be sure to try out this salmon recipe which features my favorite super food, coconut oil: http://www.eatingbirdfood.com/2012/05/quick-and-easy-balsamic-salmon/

Here is a vegan-friendly omega-3 rich recipe starring oats!

http://www.domesticate-me.com/vegan-peanut-butter-and-banana-overnight-oats/

6. Sweet potato – Anything that stimulates the production of vitamin A is good for you. The body converts beta-carotene to vitamin A while digesting foods containing it. Beta-carotene is the pigment that gives most produce their characteristic yellow-orange color. Some examples include sweet potato, carrots, pumpkin and squash. Kale and asparagus also help in the conversion of beta carotene. You probably already know this but vitamin A is a true beauty vitamin. Not only is it good for your skin, it also nourishes your hair, prevents dryness and dandruff and speeds up growth.

Want to start your morning with a vitamin A boost? Here is one of my favorite recipes incorporating carrots and apples which simply just energizes me in the morning and gives me a positive start to my day: http://allrecipes.com/video/3429/tropical-carrot-apple-juice/detail.aspx

7. Fruits and vegetables –  Almost all fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals required for hair growth. Some fruits rich in vitamin A and C include oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, guavas, melons and kiwis.

Vegetables, especially dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, Swiss chard and Brussels sprouts are rich in iron, magnesium, zinc, calcium and vitamins A and C that help your hair grow beautifully.

You can have them cooked but its best to have fresh produce raw and whole because heating can reduce their antioxidant potency and lower the hair benefits.

8. Bananas –  I am totally bananas over bananas because they can be added to almost any dessert as a clean sweetening agent, thereby, helping me avoid artificial sweeteners or sugar.

Bananas are rich in silica which helps air follicles grow hair that is stronger and more resilient to damage. Other sources of silica include raisins and oats. Here’s an idea, cook up a serving of oats like you normally do (no sugar!), add a sliced banana and top it off with some raisins. It’s a clean, healthy and fun way to start your day. Most people like to start their day with a cup of coffee but I like to start with a banana; for some reason bananas make me really happy. I guess it’s because they are sweet and so satiating.

Here are a bunch of paleo banana recipes by Paleo OMG that will put a smile on your face: http://paleomg.com/tag/banana/

9. Whole grains – Whole grains are rich in zinc, iron and B complex vitamins. The B complex vitamins elevate blood cell count, which is a good thing because more blood cells means, more oxygen is transported to all parts of your body, including your hair follicles and scalp.

Dairy – Whether you choose to have low-fat or full-fat, dairy is rich in calcium which is critical for hair growth. Greek yogurt, cottage cheese and milk are packed with casein and whey. To add in a vitamin and mineral kick, have a serving of Greek yogurt with nuts, blueberries and a sliced banana.

The post How to Make Hair Grow Faster appeared first on Eu Natural.

Show more