With so many differing opinions on how to grow long healthy hair all over the Web, it’s easy to get confused with which advice to take. So we decided to find out the surefire pointers that everyone seems to agree on.
moisturize
Let’s say you are beginning with a teeny weeny afro (TWA), ready to start a life of long tresses. Collectively, all hair gurus agree that at this stage, the most important thing you can do to your hair is moisturize!
Prevent a dry, itchy scalp and really invest in a good oil-based sealant (avocado, Shea butter, etc.). Your ends will also benefit, as moisture helps slow down the process of split or broken hairs.
eat well
The phrase “you are what you eat” should be taken seriously when it comes to hair growth. What you put in will literally come out, so make sure you slow down on the greasy burgers and salty fries! Focus on foods that provide the nutrients you need for strong, healthy tresses. Foods like eggs, salmon, and vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals that end up benefiting your hair as well.
Eggs are packed with biotin, a vitamin that promotes hair growth. Salmon is loaded in fatty acids (protein) that support scalp health, which in turn gives your hair the appearance of looking lush and moisturized. Vegetables, like spinach or broccoli, are great sources of vitamins A and C, and act as a conditioner for your hair!
These food choices should be the root of a healthy hair diet.
protective styling
Once your hair starts to grow, your ends are more prone to breakage and damage. The more exposure your hair has to heat, or manipulative styling, the more detrimental to the overall growth.
In order to prevent this, wear hair styles that keep your ends tucked away, like buns, weaves, twists, or braiding. Low manipulation and tugging allow your hair to continue its growth with little to no interference.
minimize heat use
Find other ways to style your hair instead of resorting to the flat iron. Twist outs or braid outs are great ways to stretch your hair, if you are worried about shrinkage.
Heat damages your hair, not to mention dries out your scalp, splits your ends and strips your hair of its natural oils and proteins, causing your hair to be brittle and thus break.
snip
Focus on how your ends are looking. If your hair is looking a little frayed, it might be time to snip some of it off. The longer you wait to cut off your dead ends, the more you are unable to see the growth that you’ve achieved. Don’t let all that hard work go to waste!
Snipping off your ends actually make your hair appear healthier and stronger.
