Hair Tips

No matter what your hair goals, you want your hair to be at it’s best. Shiny, bouncy, healthy hair is a must for all lengths. But if you are trying to grow your hair out and prevent damage, you might need to try a few unconventional methods.

Take your vitamins!

Take a multivitamin that encompasses all of your body’s needs. Hair especially likes B complex, biotin, folic acid, pantothenic acid, iron, zinc, flax seed oil, black currant seed oil, kelp and silica. If you want to be extra sure your hair is getting what it wants, take an amino acids complex as well.

Your hair is a byproduct of your body’s functions. If your body is operating with the best nutrition, then it can produce a better product.

Scalp massage

Massaging your scalp for 5 minutes a day can make your hair stronger, thicker, and grow in faster. You can choose to do it dry, or use an oil or scalp treatment to assist you. You can even do it while you are shampooing. Massage stimulates your scalp’s blood supply. The blood brings nutrients to the follicles and that helps the follicles do their work. As an added benefit, scalp massage is a great stress reducer. Less stress=more beautiful hair.

Remember to use the pads of your fingers, never your nails. Spread your fingers apart and place them firmly on your head. Start at the base of your neck and work your way up to your front hairline. Move in little circles. You may feel tingly; that’s your improved circulation.

Don’t neglect your trims

Your ends are the oldest, driest and most damaged part of your hair. No matter how gentle you are to your hair, the ends split and move farther up the hair shaft. Split ends cause tangles, which leads to breakage and snapping. Getting trims will also keep the shape of your hair. Since hair grows unevenly, after a couple of months your style can go from chic to shaggy very quickly.

It’s better to get small trims every 2-3 months than have to get a huge chop to remove all the damage at once.

Handle with Care!

The number one obstacle to growing healthy long hair is damage – and most of it is self inflicted. Hair should always be handled gently – especially when wet. Detangle with your fingers, then a wide tooth comb. Avoid metal barrettes and rough elastics – plastic clips and hair sticks are just as versatile and much healthier. If you heat-style, try to reduce the heat, and use leave-in protectors before applying the heat.

Get the Right Help

To successfully grow and maintain long hair, you need a stylist who shares your goal. Many women have had unhappy encounters with a “scissor-happy” stylist who imposes her own will. Take the time and effort to find a stylist who respects your wishes and will work with you. Insist on a consultation before having any services performed – this is an excellent time to assess the stylist. Does he/ she listen to you? Have a plan to help you grow and maintain long hair? Does he/ she seem interested in your needs – or is he/ she patronizing, anxious to impose his vision?

When you feel comfortable to proceed with a trim, observe how he treats your hair. Look for gentleness and respect – not a hurried, rough approach.

Products Matter

Long hair has special needs – it’s older and more porous. Your shampoo should be gentle, but not overloaded with conditioners that prevent proper cleansing. Alternate conditioning with moisturizers and deep protein treatments.

Other Ideas

• Sleep on a satin pillowcase to prevent damage from tossing and turning.

• If your hair is damaged, use a protein treatment once a week.

• Switch to a boar bristle brush.

• If your hair is very dry, don’t shampoo every day.

• If you have fine, thin hair, stay away from volumizing and thickening shampoos. They dry out your hair.