Whether you are hoping for locks as long as Rapunzel or a Kaley Cuoco-style pixie, the number one way to get the hairstyle of your dreams is by growing healthy hair. Sure, healthy hair is much more noticeable on longer locks, but to keep your style looking great all the time, healthy hair is needed for any length. Actually growing healthy hair isn’t as difficult as maintaining it! The CGS Team is sharing some tips to help you grow healthy hair, as well as take care of the strands you already have to achieve healthy hair all around.
How to grow healthy hair
Healthy Hair Starts Underneath the Scalp
That’s right, healthy hair doesn’t start at the scalp, it starts below it. Your hair follicle is located almost an inch under your scalp’s surface. A hair follicle is an organ that actually grows and produces your hair. As you age, the hair follicles get smaller and smaller producing hair that isn’t visible.
If you are young, there are a few factors that could result in your hair follicle not producing healthy hair. If you have naturally dry hair and scalp, consider shampooing with oil-based products. The hair follicle works best with oil around the hair as it grows. If you have naturally oily hair and scalp, too much shampooing can strip away the natural oils that your hair follicle needs.
Your Diet Makes a Huge Difference
Not only does what you eat make a difference for maintaining your weight, it makes a difference in maintaining healthy hair. Diets rich in protein are the best for achieving healthy hair. Your body breaks protein down into smaller amino acids which help increase the construction of new body tissues, enzymes, and blood cells.
This results in a healthier inside, allowing for healthier hair to make its way out. For ideas on some foods to eat to ensure a healthy diet, check out the post Food Shares for Healthy Hair.
Heat Doesn’t Have to Be Your Hair’s Worst Enemy
If you have naturally curly or wavy hair, then it’s no surprise that you need heat to wear your hair straight. Whether it’s a full blow dry, flat iron, or both, properly protecting your hair from the heat can allow you to wear your hair straight and still have healthy locks. Can your hair air dry naturally and then be straightened with a flat iron?
If so, then take the extra time to let your hair air dry. Avoiding additional heat where possible makes a big difference. If you can’t get away with air dry and absolutely need a blow dryer and flat iron, get yourself a flat iron serum or spray. Any product that is designed to protect your hair from heat damage is a must. We love the It’s a 10 Miracle Styling Serum for a sleek, smooth finish while flat ironing.
The Right Products for Your Hair
As we mentioned earlier, dry hair needs an oil based shampoo. You wouldn’t want an oil-fighting shampoo for dry hair. Understanding your hair will allow you to pick products that can promote the best results. Does your hair get greasy a day or two after your blow dry? Is your hair dry and brittle? Does your hair tangle easily? Do you have fine, thin hair?
These are all questions that can help you determine your hair type. If you have fine hair that gets oily, go for a shampoo/conditioner that promotes volume and offers a deep clean. If you have extremely dry hair, opt for an oil based shampoo/conditioner and also consider a hydrating hair mask. When you don’t know where you stand, ask your hair stylist. They work will all kinds of hair types and can recommend products good for you. Remember, if you don’t see results, you can always switch over to another product.
Trims are a Good Thing
This may seem counter-intuitive. How does trimming my hair make it grow healthier? Well, the whole point of trims are to remove your split ends. If your split ends aren’t taken care of (with trims), then they can start making their way up your hair shaft. This results in hair that breaks off with brushing or styling, and can ultimately make your hair look shorter.
By trimming your hair every 6-8 weeks (the CGS Team leans toward the 8th week), you can prevent the damage caused by split ends. Make sure to tell your stylist that you only want a quarter of an inch to half an inch cut off. Any more than this would be an actual cut, which may not be what you are going for.
Related: 5 Ways to Revive Dry Hair
A lot of factors come into play when you are trying to grow healthy hair. The easiest way to keep up is to live a healthy lifestyle. Eat good foods, avoid chemical or unnatural hair treatments, and protect your hair from the heat. Do you have any tips for growing healthy hair? How long did it take you to grow your hair to its maximum length? We would love to hear your thoughts and experiences, so leave a comment below!
5 thoughts on “How to Grow Healthy Hair”
As much as I never want to get my hair cut, I know it is essential to my hairs health. I recently had my hair cut, and I was sad, but my hair looks much healthier!!!! Don’t be afraid of a trim!!!
I’ve been growing my hair for years now and the most important thing for my hair has been holding off on the heat. By letting my hair air dry and flat ironing on occasion, my hair has become much healthier.
The less stress on my hair the better. Using products that my hair actually like and when it is in a “protective style” (no tight pulling ones. i.e. braids) have afforded me to see strength and growth.
So true! @ladichelle
Reading this blog feels like unlocking the secret to a vibrant, flowing mane of envy-worthy locks. It’s a refreshing oasis of knowledge, guiding us through the essential elements of hair care with a touch of elegance. Keep sharing useful stuff like this!