Hacks For Keeping Long Hair Healthy

Sometimes in life, you just have to chop off your hair. Whether it’s a breakup, new job, or just a wild idea that inspires you to completely change your look – it can be quite fun to go for a radical change. Last year I did just that – I got this urge to lob off my long locks, and had such fun with nearly chin-length hair for a while. However, I missed being able to throw it up easily into a top knot, and decided when I got engaged that I wanted it long for our wedding (even though I ended up wearing it in an updo!). It’s now grown way past my chest, and I love everything I can do with long hair. My stylist told me she has never seen my hair so long, thick, and healthy, which could be well due to the pregnancy hormones. Rumor has it that hair can fall out a few months after birth, especially if you breast feed, so I am keen to take extra special care of it now. Here are some of my tips to getting those long, luscious locks you’ve always wanted.

Keep Up With Your Cut

While it may seem counterintuitive, getting frequent trims is an important component to growing your hair long. Trims get rid of your split ends and eliminate breakage, two things that can prevent hair from looking bouncy, voluminous and smooth.

Use Chemicals Conservatively

When trying to grow out long hair, it’s important to avoid things like bleaches and dyes to the best of your ability. The fewer the chemicals, the better the hair growth, as they can be quite damaging. Labels can be confusing when it comes to hair care products, but there are plenty of natural brands that work to cleanse and condition, while keeping your hair free of harsh, unnecessary chemicals. Try this shampoo by Briogeo, or this clean luxury conditioner by Gloss Moderne.

Eat Right

Just like our body and skin, our hair responds to healthy eating. Try adding more healthy proteins in to your diet such as avocado (my personal secret weapon), salmon, beans, nuts, and whole grains. Add some hair health in to your breakfast routine with greek yogurt, which contains pantothenic acid and helps blood flow to your scalp, or a bowl of oats, which are rich in iron, fiber, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids to stimulate thick and healthy hair growth. Eggs are also full of biotin, which strengthens brittle hair and nails.

Turn Down The Heat

It’s no secret that using hot tools like curling irons and straighteners can damage your hair. Try styles or products that respond well to air drying. If you have to use heat, be sure to spray your hair with a heat protectant before you get started! Try this one by Drybar, or this one by Living Proof.

Remember Your Vitamins

Take supplements like Biotin or a “hair, skin and nails” vitamin that promote healthy, strong growth. These usually contain tons of iron and other nutrients that help promote growth. Plus, they’re good for your body overall! This Milk Protein by Goop (Gwenyth Paltrow’s amazing wellness brand) supports everything from hair growth to immune function.

Sleep Right

Swap out your cotton pillow case for a silk one. The lack of friction helps to prevent creases and reduces frizz and breakage.

Nourish Your Hair

Do a weekly hair mask or deep treatment in the shower, just as you would with your skin. This puts moisture back into the hair directly, making it stronger and smoother. Some of my favorites include this one by Living Proof, this one by Kiehl’s, and this one by Bumble and Bumble.

Mix and match some of these techniques to find out what’s right for your hair, and it may lead you to longer, stronger, healthier tresses!