Saturday, May 31, 2014
Beauty Like Venus
Red Hair Girl
Addict Orange Clothe
Fairy Land
Businessman Style
Friday, May 30, 2014
Apartment For Pretty Girl
Magnificent And Impressive At Anywhere
Create A Strong Attraction
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Blockminator
Clean The Park
和平破裂之英雄
使用魔法和高科技的主角打败了达拉魔法师，拯救了猫星球。
30多种技能供选择使用，每关都有特殊的敌人。
充分思考每关的推荐技能可以快速通关。 w,a,s,d控制移动
空格键瞬移
1-4，q,e,r,f切换技能
鼠标瞄准，按下射击
Wedding Cake
Back Of The Class
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Makeup Vanity Decoration
Crazy Kid
Rachel English Actress Dressup
Treasure Hunter: Arrow Of Light
Light your arrow in the fire pit in front of you and try to shoot the lanterns on the wall. As you shoot more lanterns, more will hopefully be visible.You can then use your earned coins for a head start at Treasure Hunter MMO! Light your arrow in the fire pit in front of you and try to shoot the lanterns on the wall. As you shoot more lanterns, more will hopefully be visible.You can then use your earned coins for a head start at Treasure Hunter MMO!
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Mahjong Invasion
You can only go deleting those that do not have another tile to the left or right.
ACAB-Protesters Revenge
After government attacked to the citizens with troops ,protesters return to take their revenge. Grab the cursor back to control the power and then release the mouse button to throw the rocks with catapult.
Small Officer gives 1000points
Large officer gives 2000points
Blue hat officer gives 2500points
Monday, May 26, 2014
Marine elements
Resistance Is Useless
Spacebar – slow motion.
Double click o Enter – auto-fie.
Esc – pause.
Servants of the devil
Toys. Find objects
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Want longer locks? How to grow your hair quickly
Want longer locks? How to grow your hair quickly
GROWING your hair quickly is no easy feat. The stresses of everyday life combined with frazzle-inducing appliances can leave hair susceptible to damage and without a chance of ever getting longer. Read our top tips on how to get luscious and long locks.
Strengthen Your Hair
First things first, if your hair is already in a bad way, your best bet is to get rid of the damage and start afresh.
But don’t panic, this doesn’t mean you need to rush out and get a buzz cut – regularly trimming damaged hair to remove split ends (in extreme cases this means getting a trim every 6 weeks) can stop damage in its track and help prevent split hairs from traveling further up the strand, weakening the hair and making it prone to breakage.
Contrary to popular belief, trimming your hair does not in fact promote faster growth (it’s hair, not grass) but may help prevent hair damage that can lead to the appearance of slower or less healthy hair growth.
Pamper your hair
Even with regular trims, no one can achieve long hair without looking after its condition. Washing and treating your hair with the right products can make all the difference.
Hair needs to be treated with protein-based shampoos and conditioners, to make it stronger so it doesn't split or break.
For a hair growth boost try out Nism’s F.A.S.T shampoo and conditioner. The clinically proven products combine a special blend of natural herbs and essential amino acids, feeding bedraggled hair with an intensive burst of the essential proteins and nutrients needed to achieve a longer length.
The more you can do to pamper the tips of your hair to help them, the less you'll need to cut them and hair oils are fast being recognised as a hair-saving miracle treatment. The luxurious Jenoris pistachio oil protects and rehabilitates hair fibres, preventing split ends with a concentration of goodness that will leave your hair soft, manageable and super shiny.
Dont forget, oil is incredibly beneficial for your hair and scalp, but you don't want to use it everyday – unless you want hair that you could batter a fish in.
Heat from appliances and friction from brushes can leave you with dry, brittle and weak hair
Massage your scalp
Your scalp likes to be touched. A gentle scalp massage every day will stimulate the blood supply to the hair follicle, bringing it nutrition and helping increase hair growth.
The more you help the follicle secrete oil and push out the hair, the better.
Before you go to bed each night, spend a couple of minutes gently rotating your fingertips around, massaging the scalp.
Rethink Your Styling Routine
Heat from appliances and friction from brushes can leave you with dry, brittle and weak hair that will snap at the mere suggestion of being combed.
If you are extremely dedicated to getting longer, healthy hair you need to stop using all heated styling appliances full stop.
If you absolutely must blow dry your hair and can’t face leaving the house otherwise, do so on the lowest setting and air dry your hair as much as possible before finishing it up with the blow dryer to give it a bit of volume.
Detangle your hair with only a wide-tooth comb or hairbrush. It may be a slightly odd looking lump of plastic, but there really is no better brush than the Tangle Teezer.
However, rigorously brushing your hair (especially when it is wet) will cause breakage. Also be wary of tying your hair up too tightly.
Don’t cover your hair in harsh chemicals
To get longer locks you must resist the urge to throw harsh chemicals all over your hair.
Avoid perming, crimping, chemically or mechanically straightening, curling, and bleaching or repeatedly coloring hair. These treatments can weaken hair strands and stress hair follicles, leading to increased hair breakage and even hair loss.
If you have to dye your hair, try something gentle like Lush’s synthetic-free Henna, which can actually improve the condition of your hair, or the nourishing, ammonia free Hair Wonder, which will give you vibrant colour without stripping your hair of its luster.
Avoid stress
Avoiding stress is easier said than done, but intense physical or emotional stress can cause hair growth to slow or shut down completely. In severe cases, stress can even cause hair loss.
If you feel that you are suffering from hair loss, you may be able to achieve thicker locks with NIOXIN's customised range of hair and scalp products. Nioxin is proven to deliver noticeably thicker, denser-looking hair.
There is no single cause of hair loss however, with genetics, diet and your environment all being contributing factors.
Several underlying health issues can also cause hair thinning, including a malfunctioning of the hormone-producing thyroid gland and the natural hormonal changes women experience after pregnancy and during the menopause. Make sure to see your doctor if you are concerned.
A healthy diet will result in happy hair
Treat your hair right from the inside out by eating a balanced amount of protein every day.
Hair is largely composed of keratin, a protein made up of amino acids, so eating protein is essential for healthy hair growth. To grow new hair, your body must produce more amino acids, which it can only do from consuming protein.
Healthy protein sources include lean meat, fish, eggs, nuts, beans, and soy products. Ensuring you have enough protein in your daily diet will literally give your body the building blocks for new hair growth.
GROWING your hair quickly is no easy feat. The stresses of everyday life combined with frazzle-inducing appliances can leave hair susceptible to damage and without a chance of ever getting longer. Read our top tips on how to get luscious and long locks.
Strengthen Your Hair
First things first, if your hair is already in a bad way, your best bet is to get rid of the damage and start afresh.
But don’t panic, this doesn’t mean you need to rush out and get a buzz cut – regularly trimming damaged hair to remove split ends (in extreme cases this means getting a trim every 6 weeks) can stop damage in its track and help prevent split hairs from traveling further up the strand, weakening the hair and making it prone to breakage.
Contrary to popular belief, trimming your hair does not in fact promote faster growth (it’s hair, not grass) but may help prevent hair damage that can lead to the appearance of slower or less healthy hair growth.
Pamper your hair
Even with regular trims, no one can achieve long hair without looking after its condition. Washing and treating your hair with the right products can make all the difference.
Hair needs to be treated with protein-based shampoos and conditioners, to make it stronger so it doesn't split or break.
For a hair growth boost try out Nism’s F.A.S.T shampoo and conditioner. The clinically proven products combine a special blend of natural herbs and essential amino acids, feeding bedraggled hair with an intensive burst of the essential proteins and nutrients needed to achieve a longer length.
The more you can do to pamper the tips of your hair to help them, the less you'll need to cut them and hair oils are fast being recognised as a hair-saving miracle treatment. The luxurious Jenoris pistachio oil protects and rehabilitates hair fibres, preventing split ends with a concentration of goodness that will leave your hair soft, manageable and super shiny.
Dont forget, oil is incredibly beneficial for your hair and scalp, but you don't want to use it everyday – unless you want hair that you could batter a fish in.
Heat from appliances and friction from brushes can leave you with dry, brittle and weak hair
Massage your scalp
Your scalp likes to be touched. A gentle scalp massage every day will stimulate the blood supply to the hair follicle, bringing it nutrition and helping increase hair growth.
The more you help the follicle secrete oil and push out the hair, the better.
Before you go to bed each night, spend a couple of minutes gently rotating your fingertips around, massaging the scalp.
Rethink Your Styling Routine
Heat from appliances and friction from brushes can leave you with dry, brittle and weak hair that will snap at the mere suggestion of being combed.
If you are extremely dedicated to getting longer, healthy hair you need to stop using all heated styling appliances full stop.
If you absolutely must blow dry your hair and can’t face leaving the house otherwise, do so on the lowest setting and air dry your hair as much as possible before finishing it up with the blow dryer to give it a bit of volume.
Detangle your hair with only a wide-tooth comb or hairbrush. It may be a slightly odd looking lump of plastic, but there really is no better brush than the Tangle Teezer.
However, rigorously brushing your hair (especially when it is wet) will cause breakage. Also be wary of tying your hair up too tightly.
Don’t cover your hair in harsh chemicals
To get longer locks you must resist the urge to throw harsh chemicals all over your hair.
Avoid perming, crimping, chemically or mechanically straightening, curling, and bleaching or repeatedly coloring hair. These treatments can weaken hair strands and stress hair follicles, leading to increased hair breakage and even hair loss.
If you have to dye your hair, try something gentle like Lush’s synthetic-free Henna, which can actually improve the condition of your hair, or the nourishing, ammonia free Hair Wonder, which will give you vibrant colour without stripping your hair of its luster.
Avoid stress
Avoiding stress is easier said than done, but intense physical or emotional stress can cause hair growth to slow or shut down completely. In severe cases, stress can even cause hair loss.
If you feel that you are suffering from hair loss, you may be able to achieve thicker locks with NIOXIN's customised range of hair and scalp products. Nioxin is proven to deliver noticeably thicker, denser-looking hair.
There is no single cause of hair loss however, with genetics, diet and your environment all being contributing factors.
Several underlying health issues can also cause hair thinning, including a malfunctioning of the hormone-producing thyroid gland and the natural hormonal changes women experience after pregnancy and during the menopause. Make sure to see your doctor if you are concerned.
A healthy diet will result in happy hair
Treat your hair right from the inside out by eating a balanced amount of protein every day.
Hair is largely composed of keratin, a protein made up of amino acids, so eating protein is essential for healthy hair growth. To grow new hair, your body must produce more amino acids, which it can only do from consuming protein.
Healthy protein sources include lean meat, fish, eggs, nuts, beans, and soy products. Ensuring you have enough protein in your daily diet will literally give your body the building blocks for new hair growth.
Interior Designer: Romantic Dining
An expert's guide to growing long and healthy hair.
A-list hair stylist Anthony Nader gives his insider tips for growing a long, thick mane. Edited by Isabel Edwards-Brown.
How long does hair take to grow?
“Hair grows approximately one centimetre per month, or up to 15 centimetres a year.”
How often should I get my hair trimmed when I’m growing it?
“We’ve all heard people say: ‘I’m growing my hair so I’m not cutting it.’ In fact, if you don’t give those little whispers of split ends a nice tidy-up, the hair will only get worse and therefore when the time comes to get a haircut you may need to sacrifice more length. Give your treasured mane some love and always get a little snip every six to eight weeks, then the hair will grow strong and healthy.”
"Treatments are the key for maintaining beautiful lush and healthy hair. Keep in mind there are various kinds of treatments on the market for different hair types, which always require the consumer to read instructions on timing and application."
Cream Treatments
"These will always be your best friend, replenishing the goodness that the hair has lost over time in maintaining day-to-day hair rituals.”
Try: Aesop Rose Hair & Scalp Moisture Mask, $35.
Oil Treatments
"Perfect for dehydrated/coarse hair that will give your hair a kick start to make your locks super shiny and manageable."
Try: Kiehl's Silk Groom Serum, $28.
Protein Treatments
"Ladies, this is a life saver for those of you with overprocessed or coloured hair that is brittle and fragile."
Try: Bumble and bumble deeep protein treatment, $50.
"For blondes who want to give stressed-out hair a break for the cooler months, opt for a high-lift tint instead of bleach as tint doesn’t swell the hair cuticle as much, and therefore the condition will be better. Ask your hair colourist if this can work for you."
"Strange but true: when giving your locks a final rinse, do this with the coldest water temperature you can tolerate as this closes the hair cuticle and locks down the scales, which in turn promotes sheen and manageability."
“I’m a huge fan of Viviscal. In my 25 years of being a hairstylist this would have to be what I have found safe, and you do see results fast. There is always speculation regarding anything like this on the market and research is always best for what works for you at the end of the day. I work with models all the time and you can imagine the ‘hair workouts’ they get from day to day; it is crazy. I’ve seen the same girls from time to time and I personally have noticed a difference when they use Viviscal. Also a good old-fashioned head massage for a couple of minutes a day as there is nothing better than stimulation of the blood cells on the surface of the scalp, which keeps the motor running and promotes growth as well.”
I want my hair to be one length: how do I grow out layers?
“I always ask my clients how quickly they want to see the new change. If it’s now (literally) you would need to sacrifice length to meet the top layer. If you don’t want to take the plunge and want to go down the more subtle route, I encourage you to still bring up the length but keep shorter skimming layers so there is still a beautiful shape to frame the face.”
"Use a thermal ionic hairdryer as this cuts the drying time down so it doesn't scorch your hair as much as regular hairdryers."
Try: Anthony Nader Special Edition WAHL MEGASTAR 7000 Professional Hairdryer, $99.95.
"Be sure to use the right prescriptive colour shampoo and conditioner for your chemically treated hair as the wrong ingredients may cause loss of colour too soon."
How do I look after my hair to keep it healthy?
“Treatments are the key for maintaining beautiful lush and healthy hair. Keep in mind there are various kinds of treatments on the market for different hair types, which always require the consumer to read instructions on timing and application.
"Try not to shampoo hair too many times a week, otherwise you’re only washing your hard-earned dollars down the drain."
Try: Bumble and Bumble Hair Powder, $72.
How long does it take to grow out a fringe, and how can I style it while it’s growing out?
“A fringe can take months to grow out, depending how aggressively or defined it was originally cut. However, when the time comes that you want to grow out last season’s look it’s really not that hard. Thanks to those global red carpet events that we glue our eyes to for celebrity inspirations, it can be fun growing out that fringe."
"Try options like a classic Audrey Hepburn thick black headband, or fashion icon Jackie Kennedy-Onassis’s timeless silk headscarf, or even braiding the front section around the face for that current movie star fresh look. Don’t be afraid to play around with these looks as it can give you a different look from day to day and be quite effortless.”
How long does hair take to grow?
“Hair grows approximately one centimetre per month, or up to 15 centimetres a year.”
How often should I get my hair trimmed when I’m growing it?
“We’ve all heard people say: ‘I’m growing my hair so I’m not cutting it.’ In fact, if you don’t give those little whispers of split ends a nice tidy-up, the hair will only get worse and therefore when the time comes to get a haircut you may need to sacrifice more length. Give your treasured mane some love and always get a little snip every six to eight weeks, then the hair will grow strong and healthy.”
"Treatments are the key for maintaining beautiful lush and healthy hair. Keep in mind there are various kinds of treatments on the market for different hair types, which always require the consumer to read instructions on timing and application."
Cream Treatments
"These will always be your best friend, replenishing the goodness that the hair has lost over time in maintaining day-to-day hair rituals.”
Try: Aesop Rose Hair & Scalp Moisture Mask, $35.
Oil Treatments
"Perfect for dehydrated/coarse hair that will give your hair a kick start to make your locks super shiny and manageable."
Try: Kiehl's Silk Groom Serum, $28.
Protein Treatments
"Ladies, this is a life saver for those of you with overprocessed or coloured hair that is brittle and fragile."
Try: Bumble and bumble deeep protein treatment, $50.
"For blondes who want to give stressed-out hair a break for the cooler months, opt for a high-lift tint instead of bleach as tint doesn’t swell the hair cuticle as much, and therefore the condition will be better. Ask your hair colourist if this can work for you."
"Strange but true: when giving your locks a final rinse, do this with the coldest water temperature you can tolerate as this closes the hair cuticle and locks down the scales, which in turn promotes sheen and manageability."
“I’m a huge fan of Viviscal. In my 25 years of being a hairstylist this would have to be what I have found safe, and you do see results fast. There is always speculation regarding anything like this on the market and research is always best for what works for you at the end of the day. I work with models all the time and you can imagine the ‘hair workouts’ they get from day to day; it is crazy. I’ve seen the same girls from time to time and I personally have noticed a difference when they use Viviscal. Also a good old-fashioned head massage for a couple of minutes a day as there is nothing better than stimulation of the blood cells on the surface of the scalp, which keeps the motor running and promotes growth as well.”
I want my hair to be one length: how do I grow out layers?
“I always ask my clients how quickly they want to see the new change. If it’s now (literally) you would need to sacrifice length to meet the top layer. If you don’t want to take the plunge and want to go down the more subtle route, I encourage you to still bring up the length but keep shorter skimming layers so there is still a beautiful shape to frame the face.”
"Use a thermal ionic hairdryer as this cuts the drying time down so it doesn't scorch your hair as much as regular hairdryers."
Try: Anthony Nader Special Edition WAHL MEGASTAR 7000 Professional Hairdryer, $99.95.
"Be sure to use the right prescriptive colour shampoo and conditioner for your chemically treated hair as the wrong ingredients may cause loss of colour too soon."
How do I look after my hair to keep it healthy?
“Treatments are the key for maintaining beautiful lush and healthy hair. Keep in mind there are various kinds of treatments on the market for different hair types, which always require the consumer to read instructions on timing and application.
"Try not to shampoo hair too many times a week, otherwise you’re only washing your hard-earned dollars down the drain."
Try: Bumble and Bumble Hair Powder, $72.
How long does it take to grow out a fringe, and how can I style it while it’s growing out?
“A fringe can take months to grow out, depending how aggressively or defined it was originally cut. However, when the time comes that you want to grow out last season’s look it’s really not that hard. Thanks to those global red carpet events that we glue our eyes to for celebrity inspirations, it can be fun growing out that fringe."
"Try options like a classic Audrey Hepburn thick black headband, or fashion icon Jackie Kennedy-Onassis’s timeless silk headscarf, or even braiding the front section around the face for that current movie star fresh look. Don’t be afraid to play around with these looks as it can give you a different look from day to day and be quite effortless.”
How to Grow Long Hair: 10 Steps.
Growing long, beautiful and healthy hair is not an extremely difficult process. It does not require a multitude of salon products, handfuls of expensive vitamins, nor any sort of sacrifice to the long hair gods. What it does take to grow, and keep, long hair in excellent condition is common sense, dedication, and a bit of patience. Indeed, growing long hair is actually more a question of what you shouldn't do rather than what you should! If you make the commitment to closely adhere to the twenty steps that follow, not only will you grow long hair easily and as fast as humanly possible, it will also be beautiful throughout the entire growing process and stay that way, even at extreme lengths.
Keeping hair in excellent condition when it's extremely long takes more caution and conscious effort than necessary if you intend to keep it shorter--at mid-back length, for example. If your goal is to encourage healthy hair growth but not to extreme lengths, then some modifications may be made to the steps below while still maintaining successful results. If you use common sense and don't allow damage to occur, you know you're doing the right thing to keep your hair healthy at any length.
This indepth guide was written specifically for the person who wants to grow extremely long hair quickly--waist, hip, knee-length or even longer, but it will benefit anyone who is seeking longer locks. That being said, if you are looking for something more concise or don't think you are ready to make the commitment to give up what it takes to have a head of extremely long hair, you might want to check out our Top 10 Tips for Healthy Hair at Any Length.
Keep in mind that everyone has a "terminal length," the length to which your hair is capable of growing as a result of the genetically predetermined active growth period of your own hair follicles (hair grows in cycles and the length it is capable of growing is determined by the amount of time that passes during the cycle of each individual follicle turning on and off... the longer your growth cycle, the longer healthy hair can grow before being shed naturally). Unfortunately nothing here, nor anywhere else, can help you alter your terminal length based on your genetics. That being said, you'd be surprised how incredibly often what was thought to be terminal length turns out to be nothing more than hair too damaged to continue to grow... an easily resolved issue, and one that is very, very common.
Excessive or sudden hair loss, extreme dryness or any sudden or unexplained change in your hair's condition may be due to a medical problem, often thyroid issues. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is imperative that you seek prompt advice from a qualified medical practitioner rather than hoping to find a resolution from this guide. That being said, you might want to check out our disclaimer. Please don't ignore these tell-tale signs if they happen to you, more than just the health of your hair may be at risk.
I make several hair product suggestions in these guidelines and you will find those available from Amazon at the left below the menu, which are only products I have tried and loved or that come very highly recommended from other long hair lovers. This is by no means an all-inclusive selection but it's important that you pay attention to how your hair reacts to the products you use, and to find those that will work best for you and your hair type. The products recommended here should get you off to an excellent start but please don't just take my word for it, what is right for me may not be right for you. I strongly suggest you read the reviews of each product or tool you are considering, which should prove very helpful in aiding you with your decision-making process. You may also want to give a try to the fabulous products from JustNatural (especially their Frizz Hair Shea Butter, which has become a personal must-have hair care addiction of my own)
Fortunately, as time goes on and the condition of your hair improves because you're doing fewer things to it that result in damage, you'll benefit by finiding you'll need to use fewer products to protect it during the growing process, or to help improve it after the fact. So, not only will following these steps be great for your hair, but they'll be great for your wallet too (or give you some leeway to try out yummy new products or hair toys)!
For the sake of comparison with your own, at the time of the writing of the first edition of this guide my hair was 33" long, very straight, fine (pertaining to the thickness of each hair), reasonably thick (pertaining to the amount of hair on my head as a whole) and had no gray (that's changed... I'm hoping for a streak!). Please feel free to experiment and tweak the below steps to best suit your own hair type and growth goals but remember that sticking to them as stridently as possible will result in the healthiest and longest hair possible.
1. The first step to growing long, beautiful hair is by far the most important. It is absolutely non negotiable for anyone who wants healthy hair at any length, but it is also by far the hardest step you will have to follow on the path to long, gorgeous locks.
Because there is absolutely no way to permanently repair damaged hair no matter what product manufacturers try to sell tell you, you must start out with healthy hair for it to be healthy when it's long, there's just no way around it. Take a deep breath, bite the bullet and remove every inch that is considerably damaged, reminding yourself that it's the most important step to take towards your goal and that this is the last time you will ever have to do something so unpleasant for anyone who loves and desires long hair. This was the single most hair-changing (life-changing?) step I took in my entire struggle with the growing process (closely followed by determining that girls with long hair have infinitely more fun than girls with damaged, unnaturally blonde hair).
If you are going for extreme hair length, from this point on you will literally have to treat your locks like antique lace at all times. The finer your individual strands of hair, the more delicate they are and the more careful with it you will have to be. Once your hair is at your waist the ends can be more than six years old (and that's assuming your hair is straight, you'll have to add time for waves and a lot of time for a head of curls to reach your waist), and your hair will go through a lot of trauma over the course of those years no matter how careful you are with it. Because damage is cumulative and will only get worse as time passes, and as I noted above you cannot repair it, it is especially important that your hair be in the best possible condition from the very start of your long hair journey. Remember, long damaged hair is never as pretty as shorter healthy hair, and because healthy hair needs to be trimmed less often and doesn't break as easily, the result is much faster growth overall. I learned this step the hard way and wasted ten years trying to grow damaged hair I refused to cut... hair that started literally growing like a weed when I finally gave in, did the dirty deed and stopped doing all the horrible nasties that initially resulted in the damage. Duh. Learn from my pain, there's no reason both of us have to suffer.
If your hair is not very damaged too far up the length of the hair shaft, you may start with a very healthy trim and then continue to trim monthly to maintain your length until all the damage is gone; however, keep in mind that if the amount of damage does not continue to decrease and the overall condition of your hair improve using this method, you didn't remove enough of the damage to begin with and another healthy trim is in order. You'll save precious time by removing as much damage as possible from the very beginning and immediately implementing the steps that follow to your now beautifully healthy tresses!
2. Always trim often. Damage will move up from the ends or point of breakage and the only way to stop it in its tracks is to remove it as soon as it happens. Please be sure to use good tools to trim your hair, using anything else can actually result in more splitting down the road (especially using any type of razor blade to "thin" or trim your hair). It's extremely important the scissors you use be very sharp, made specifically for cutting hair, and used for absolutely nothing else. The small investment you make in a really good pair of dependable styling shears will pay off many, many times over in the long run, both financially and with extended time between trims, resulting in much faster growth overall. (I just came across these phenomenally gorgeous hair styling shears, aren't they absolutely divine?)
Don't forget to explain to everyone else in your house that your precious shears are your tool and are absolutely not to be used for anything else, especially prying off bottle caps when your husband can't find the bottle opener, which is of course in the drawer next to the dishwasher where it belongs if he'd just look.
If your goal is maintaining your current length, trim a half inch every month (the average rate of hair growth, adjust this amount if your growth rate differs). If you are actively growing your hair, trim it a half inch every three or four months or at the very first sign of damage, usually visible as frizzy ends or flyaways that are shorter than the bulk of your hair (and are a sign of breakage) If your hair begins to show damage, it is important to trim it more often and to lessen the time between trims going forward so you don't get to that point! Damaged hair doesn't grow, it breaks and if you let it go, the damage will only get worse. Absolutely.
Once you have progressed to the point where your hair is in really good condition, the time between whole-head trims can be extended even longer by removing splits as soon as they occur. An easy way to keep on top of this is to sit in bright light, tightly twist small sections of your hair, and using your good styling scissors, snip off any splits from the ends of individual hairs that emerge from the twist. Using this method, I can now often go six months or longer without a trim, and my trims I do have are usually just a means to remove several inches just to keep my hair at a manageable length (being approached at a stop light to be told your hair is sticking out the car door may be construed as a helpful reminder that it's time for a major trim... embarassingly true story)
3. If you don't want to learn to trim your hair yourself or have someone you trust implicitly to do it for you, find a salon that caters to long hair, has a long hair specialist, or at least be sure to glare at your stylist as menacingly as you can while you clearly explain your growth goals before letting her come at you with a pair of styling scissors. It also helps to ask your stylist to show you exactly their perception of the measure of your tresses you would like trimmed by showing you what they think is the same distance from the end of their comb. I am convinced stylists are taught a completely different measuring system from the rest of the world, not once have I ever had one show me an accurate half inch on her first try. Not once. If you don't have inches of hair to spare, you'll be very glad you asked!
Remember, it is not in the best interest of most salons or stylists if you rarely make visits to their salon, which is definitely a conflict of interest! If your hair is short and styled, you are always at the salon spending money for maintenance. If your stylist tries to convince you that your long, healthy hair should be cut, run screaming from the salon immediately!
In the end, it is up to you to make sure that anyone whose advice you consider, be it a stylist, friend or family member, has only the best interest of YOUR acknowledged hair growth goals in mind. Otherwise smile politely and ignore every word they say. You absolutely are not too old, too thin, too short, too gray, too anything to have long hair.
4. Avoid using any heated appliances whenever possible. No blow drying, no curling irons, no hot rollers, and especially no flat irons or crimpers! If you absolutely must blow dry do so minimally, and contrary to popular belief, it is best to let your hair dry naturally for as long as possible and use the blow dryer just to finish it off at the end. If you must use hot rollers, use flocked or ceramic rollers that are safer for your hair, not spiked plastic rollers (and be sure to read about all the great alternative methods in our Ultimate Guide to Curling Long Hair first!) If you insist on using curling irons, flat irons or crimpers on a daily basis, really long healthy hair isn't in your future. If you do use any kind of heat, be sure to use a product that will help protect your hair from it, but keep in mind that every time you apply heat you are likely to cause some damage no maatter how careful you are. Remember, damage is cumulative.
5. Don't use any harsh chemicals on your hair. Definitely no perms and no peroxide! If you really feel you must color, use non peroxide dye or 100% natural henna (henna comes in a full range of hues, not just red). In addition to being an all-natural way to add color, henna will "plump up" and add body to fine hair (but it's best not to use it on very dry hair). Check out our Hair Care Recipes Cookbook to learn a great way to apply henna, as well as learn to make a whole range of your own custom organic and natural hair color and products.
Low-peroxide color is much less damaging than permanent color, but using these products again and again will eventually detrimentally affect the health of your hair, it is unavoidable. If you do choose to go this route, you will have to be even more diligent about taking care to prevent additional damage. Be sure to use a good daily shampoo and conditioner formulated specifically for color treated hair, which will make your color last longer, which equates to less exposure to damaging chemicals in the end. Using a line of shampoo and conditioner that adds a bit of color will make it last even longer. And be sure to deep condition often, again using a product forumated especially for color treated hair. With making your color last as long as possible as the primary goal so as to limit how often you have to use color, you may also want to consider using a leave-in color protectant. In the end, it's much safer, and less work and expense, to learn to love the color you have, or at least to use a coloring product that doesn't contain any peroxide at all. Now, having spoken to hundreds of customers over the years who were addicted to color, I know how difficult it is to convince you kids not to use it. That being the case, the least I can do is tell you how to use it while keeping damage at a minimum and long, gorgeous hair in your future. In this instance, 16oz. of prevention is definitely worth a ton of cure. Lastly and by far most importantly, never use a perm or chemical straightener for any reason. These extremely harsh products actually break down the structure of your hair and then attempt to rebuild it in a state it was never meant to be. No other chemicals intended to be applied to hair are more damaging than anything that messes with its molecular structure. If you want long healthy hair, you just cannot use these type of nasty chemicals on it. Ever. Think of doing so as commiting "hairicide."
6. Be *extremely* careful to use only hair-safe accessories. Never use metal barrettes (the "French" style), the sharp edges are very hard on your hair and have tight spaces in which it may get caught and subsequently damaged. Absolutely NEVER use rubberbands, they will tear your locks to shreds when removed (and if you're ever in a situation where you must use one, cut it to remove it, don't pull it). Avoid any accessories that have sharp or rough edges, such as plastic combs with rough seams or claws with hinges. Never put anything in your hair that attaches with Velcro or springs. If you take anything out of your hair and a significant amount of hair comes out with it, don't ever put it back in. Fabric ponytail holders (remember, no metal connectors!) or scrunchies are very hair-safe. Need I mention the most elegant and beautiful hair accessories of ALL TIME? Why, one-of-a-kind LongLocks HairSticks of course!
7. Never wear a hairstyle that puts undue stress on your roots, such as extremely tight coils. If you wear a braid or ponytail, make sure it isn't pulled too tightly. Pulling hair tightly repeatedly commonly results in bald patches (a lesson even modern day Geisha still learn the hard way!) If you go after the long hair "quick fix" and use extensions, be forewarned that your own hair will likely be significantly more damaged when they are removed than it was to begin with. If you choose to wear locs or dreads, please consider it to be a permanent change. While the dreads themselves will remain healthy (in fact, many find this a great way to grow otherwise "ungrowable" hair), they unfortunately almost always have to be cut off to be removed and the hair involved usually cannot be "undreaded." If you do wear locs, twists or braids, it's a smart idea to use a braid conditioning spray to keep them in top condition.
8. Become familiar with the ingredients in your styling products. Once you know how natural or chemical additives affect your hair you will be able to effectively choose the products that contain ingredients that are best for your hair type. For instance, some people find their hair does not respond well to silicone (found in most "smoothing" or "anti frizz" products and many conditioning shampoos), if used over a long period of time. Any ingredient that ends with the suffix "cone" in the ingredient list is usually a silicone derivative and should be avoided by those sensitive to it (I am not decrying products containing silicone, only stating an example... I regularly use some products that contain silicone with no ill effects on my own hair). No matter what product you use, clarify your hair on occasion by rinsing with a homemade cider vinegar clarifying rinse or using a clarifying shampoo to remove product build-up and avoid the damage to the cuticle this can cause if left unchecked. While everyone should clarify regularly, this step is absolutely essential of you use products that contain silicone. I have to admit that I am very addicted to Aveda Scalp Benefits Balancing Shampoo for clarifying, and it has the added benefit of smelling absolutely divine.
There's an influx of exciting new fast hair growth products on the market that apparently really can stimulate follicles, significantly strengthen your hair and make it less prone to damage and breaking (and thus making it grow faster), but remember that nothing can actually permanently repair damage no matter what it says on the package. Be sure to keep that in mind when you read labels (you do read labels, right?)
Products that nourish your hair with natural ingredients are excellent alternatives to the chemical-laden lines sold in salons and your local supermarket. In addition to online sources, you will find several excellent natural and organic hair products available at health food stores. I personally recommend Nature's Gate products, which are extremely affordable, and there is a huge variety from which to choose. My personal fave is their their Herbal Hair Conditioner (and the scent in this one is even better than Aveda's, it's absolutely out of this world) which I've used on and off for more than 35 years (egads, how did that happen?!) Regardless whether you choose to go low- or high-end, what is most important is to use whatever works best for you, not what is necessarily the trendiest, most expensive product nor for that matter, the cheapest products you can find. Remember, inexpensive products quickly become extremely expensive products if you don't use them because you don't like the way they affect your hair! Do keep in mind that this is one step to growing long, healthy hair in which finding what works for you and sticking with it rather than falling victim to an advertising ploy is the way to go.
9. Be *extremely* gentle with your hair when it is wet. Don't rub it vigorously with a towel, gently squeeze the towel down the length. Turbie Twists are a great alternative to twisting your hair in a standard towel (I can get all my hip-length hair into one, but just barely). NEVER brush your hair when it's wet, this is when your hair is at its most delicate. In fact, it is best to avoid brushing under most circumstances, a wide-tooth comb is almost always a better choice and is a must to smooth wet hair. I have probably tried a hundred combs but now I use only the Mebco Shower Detangler on my own hair, wet or dry. I have five of them scattered all over the house. Of course, I only know where one actually is.
10. Be very careful with what you choose to style your hair. When you do use a brush, use only a natural boar bristle brush, which unlike nylon will not tear your hair and is useful in distributing sebum (your hair's natural protective oils) to the ends of your tresses and to remove loose hairs.
There are a full range of boar bristle brushes available, though I would stay away from any that combine boar bristle with nylon bristles as they defeat the purpose of using a hair-safe brush (if you want the crème de la crème of brushes that will last a lifetime, and are lucky enough to be able to afford it, Mason Pearson is the top of the line in a class all by itself, or if you are looking for a really good and hard-to-find paddle brush, Spornette makes a fabulous 100% boar bristle paddle that is very affordable, especially for boar bristle!) If your hair is so thick that a boar bristle brush won't penetrate, a high-quality, smooth wood pin brushwill be kind to your dense tresses (much kinder than the aforementioned boar bristle combined with nylon). Using a wide-toothed comb is far less damaging but it is important to choose a comb that is molded or has smooth seams (use a bit of sand paper to smooth rough seams if necessary). Comb your hair often throughout the day to detangle it. Work in small sections, always starting close to the ends, combing down in long, smooth strokes until all tangles are removed, and then starting the next set of strokes higher on the same section of hair. Knots are very hard on your hair and it's best to avoid them at all costs. Tiny knots that absolutely cannot be removed by any other means should be snipped out, not torn. See our Ultimate Guide to Removing Knots to learn the best way to deal with this common problem. Also, avoid back combing or "teasing" with a fine-tooth comb. This lifts and tears the cuticle, destroying even the healthiest of hair in a very short period of time.
11. Comb your hair to ensure all knots have been removed before shampooing. After the knots have been removed, use a boar bristle brush to remove loose hairs, which will also cut down on knotting during shampooing (not to mention keeping your shower drain clean and your plumber at bay). Try to teach your husband to do the same. Good luck with that.
12. Let your hair get dirty once in awhile. That's right... permission to be lazy! Don't shampoo, spend the entire weekend in bed drinking Moet Brut, eating chocolate bonbons (chocolate contains sulphur which helps build strong hair!) and watching Out of Africa for the umpteenth time (my absolute favorite flick). Rewind a few times and live vicariously through Meryl Streep as Robert Redford shampoos her tresses while reciting poetry, while those natural conditioning oils work their magic in your hair. Don't forget the boar bristle brush before shampooing to distribute those oils and for heaven's sake don't answer the door for any reason before shampooing! Well, unless of course you are expecting Bob to drop by with a bottle of Pantene.
13. Don't pile your hair on your head when you wash it, that's just asking for knots. Apply shampoo only to the roots and wash your scalp, then work the shampoo to the ends. You may find adding a bit of water to your shampoo or very quickly ducking under the shower spray after initially applying it will increase lathering significantly, making it easier to work the soap to the ends of your tresses. When you apply conditioner, work it through to the ends, smoothing and detangling gently with your fingers as you go. Continue smoothing your hair as you rinse. This will make combing your wet hair much easier and less likely to tear.
14. If you shampoo often or have very dry hair, you may want to consider using only conditioner to wash it on occasion. If your hair isn't very dirty the conditioner will easily rinse away surface contaminants while allowing you to avoid daily use of the harsher solvents found in shampoo. If your hair is dry but you prefer to wash it less often, you might want to try using a cleansing conditioner in place of shampoo. There are lots of people who swear by this method, especially the curly-haired crowd!
15. Rinse in as cold water as you can stand. Not only will this make the hair cuticle lay flat and less likely to snag and break, but by the same token you'll get the added benefit of very shiny hair that's easier to comb wet. Yes, you will get used to doing this, even in the shower, and it is wonderfully invigorating for your whole bod, not just your hair. I know, I know... I couldn't convince Hubby either, but it's true, I swear! Trust me.
16. If your hair is very coarse and/or curly, or you didn't heed my stern advice and it's still damaged (don't make me come over there) or if it's prone to damage easily, you may want to use a leave-in conditioner in addition to a rinse-out conditioner (I highly recommend Infusium 23 Leave-In Treatment, but there are a few good ones).
17. Avoid chlorine and saltwater (the chlorine in a pool is not much different than the caustic chlorine bleach you use in your laundry). If you go swimming in either, shampoo your hair as soon as possible after exposure. If you expose your hair to chlorine often, you may want to consider using a shampoo specially formulated to remove the green tinge that can occur, because you know... ick.
If you swim very often, invest in a good long hair swim cap (and to be really kind to your hair, apply deep conditioner and take advantage of the body heat that will be generated while you're wearing it). If you spend a lot of time in the sun, summer or winter, use a product that provides UV protection against the sun's rays, or cover your hair with a tightly-woven hat or silk scarf, (which you can then use to tie your beautiful, healthy hair up in a ponytail or wrap around your shoulders when the sun goes down... multi-tasking with elegance, love that!) Just as it's very damaging to skin, it's important to remember that the sun is very damaging to your hair as well.
18. Avoid extreme diets. If your body isn't getting enough nutrition, neither is your hair. Even if you try to avoid fat, it's essential that you don't completely eliminate all fat from your diet. Your hair (and body) will surely suffer for it. If you tend to restrict calories then be sure to take a multivitamin--any comprehensive one will do, look for a multivitamin that contains biotin (or if you prefer a higher dose you can take biotinsupplements, which are very affordable) to make sure both your body and your hair get the daily nourishment they need.
19. Deep condition at least monthly, even if your tresses are in good shape this will help keep them that way. If your hair is dry or damaged, deep condition weekly. Hot oil treatments using pure jojoba oil are a good alternative for very dry hair or for extra conditioning (but be forewarned, to some extent hot oil treatments will lift or fade hair dye). You might want to try washing and applying conditioner at night, wearing a shower cap to bed, and rinsing in the morning for a really intense conditioning treatment as well. A word to the wise... conditioning nights have been conclusively proven to be detrimental to romantic evenings with the significant other. Use this information to your own best advantage based on the current status of your relationship.
20. Lessen the friction on your hair whenever possible. Don't sleep with it loose or if you must, use a satin pillow case. If your hair is very long and prone to getting caught in car windows, seat belts, doors, or even under your butt when you sit down, it's important to remember that all these things can cause damage to your precious locks. Wear your hair braided or in an updo hairstyle (did I already mention LongLocks HairSticks?) whenever possible to avoid daily wear and tear. And we all know, no matter what promises product manufacturers claim, the ONLY way to fix badly damaged hair is to CUT IT OFF... perish the thought!
Keeping hair in excellent condition when it's extremely long takes more caution and conscious effort than necessary if you intend to keep it shorter--at mid-back length, for example. If your goal is to encourage healthy hair growth but not to extreme lengths, then some modifications may be made to the steps below while still maintaining successful results. If you use common sense and don't allow damage to occur, you know you're doing the right thing to keep your hair healthy at any length.
This indepth guide was written specifically for the person who wants to grow extremely long hair quickly--waist, hip, knee-length or even longer, but it will benefit anyone who is seeking longer locks. That being said, if you are looking for something more concise or don't think you are ready to make the commitment to give up what it takes to have a head of extremely long hair, you might want to check out our Top 10 Tips for Healthy Hair at Any Length.
Keep in mind that everyone has a "terminal length," the length to which your hair is capable of growing as a result of the genetically predetermined active growth period of your own hair follicles (hair grows in cycles and the length it is capable of growing is determined by the amount of time that passes during the cycle of each individual follicle turning on and off... the longer your growth cycle, the longer healthy hair can grow before being shed naturally). Unfortunately nothing here, nor anywhere else, can help you alter your terminal length based on your genetics. That being said, you'd be surprised how incredibly often what was thought to be terminal length turns out to be nothing more than hair too damaged to continue to grow... an easily resolved issue, and one that is very, very common.
Excessive or sudden hair loss, extreme dryness or any sudden or unexplained change in your hair's condition may be due to a medical problem, often thyroid issues. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is imperative that you seek prompt advice from a qualified medical practitioner rather than hoping to find a resolution from this guide. That being said, you might want to check out our disclaimer. Please don't ignore these tell-tale signs if they happen to you, more than just the health of your hair may be at risk.
I make several hair product suggestions in these guidelines and you will find those available from Amazon at the left below the menu, which are only products I have tried and loved or that come very highly recommended from other long hair lovers. This is by no means an all-inclusive selection but it's important that you pay attention to how your hair reacts to the products you use, and to find those that will work best for you and your hair type. The products recommended here should get you off to an excellent start but please don't just take my word for it, what is right for me may not be right for you. I strongly suggest you read the reviews of each product or tool you are considering, which should prove very helpful in aiding you with your decision-making process. You may also want to give a try to the fabulous products from JustNatural (especially their Frizz Hair Shea Butter, which has become a personal must-have hair care addiction of my own)
Fortunately, as time goes on and the condition of your hair improves because you're doing fewer things to it that result in damage, you'll benefit by finiding you'll need to use fewer products to protect it during the growing process, or to help improve it after the fact. So, not only will following these steps be great for your hair, but they'll be great for your wallet too (or give you some leeway to try out yummy new products or hair toys)!
For the sake of comparison with your own, at the time of the writing of the first edition of this guide my hair was 33" long, very straight, fine (pertaining to the thickness of each hair), reasonably thick (pertaining to the amount of hair on my head as a whole) and had no gray (that's changed... I'm hoping for a streak!). Please feel free to experiment and tweak the below steps to best suit your own hair type and growth goals but remember that sticking to them as stridently as possible will result in the healthiest and longest hair possible.
1. The first step to growing long, beautiful hair is by far the most important. It is absolutely non negotiable for anyone who wants healthy hair at any length, but it is also by far the hardest step you will have to follow on the path to long, gorgeous locks.
Because there is absolutely no way to permanently repair damaged hair no matter what product manufacturers try to sell tell you, you must start out with healthy hair for it to be healthy when it's long, there's just no way around it. Take a deep breath, bite the bullet and remove every inch that is considerably damaged, reminding yourself that it's the most important step to take towards your goal and that this is the last time you will ever have to do something so unpleasant for anyone who loves and desires long hair. This was the single most hair-changing (life-changing?) step I took in my entire struggle with the growing process (closely followed by determining that girls with long hair have infinitely more fun than girls with damaged, unnaturally blonde hair).
If you are going for extreme hair length, from this point on you will literally have to treat your locks like antique lace at all times. The finer your individual strands of hair, the more delicate they are and the more careful with it you will have to be. Once your hair is at your waist the ends can be more than six years old (and that's assuming your hair is straight, you'll have to add time for waves and a lot of time for a head of curls to reach your waist), and your hair will go through a lot of trauma over the course of those years no matter how careful you are with it. Because damage is cumulative and will only get worse as time passes, and as I noted above you cannot repair it, it is especially important that your hair be in the best possible condition from the very start of your long hair journey. Remember, long damaged hair is never as pretty as shorter healthy hair, and because healthy hair needs to be trimmed less often and doesn't break as easily, the result is much faster growth overall. I learned this step the hard way and wasted ten years trying to grow damaged hair I refused to cut... hair that started literally growing like a weed when I finally gave in, did the dirty deed and stopped doing all the horrible nasties that initially resulted in the damage. Duh. Learn from my pain, there's no reason both of us have to suffer.
If your hair is not very damaged too far up the length of the hair shaft, you may start with a very healthy trim and then continue to trim monthly to maintain your length until all the damage is gone; however, keep in mind that if the amount of damage does not continue to decrease and the overall condition of your hair improve using this method, you didn't remove enough of the damage to begin with and another healthy trim is in order. You'll save precious time by removing as much damage as possible from the very beginning and immediately implementing the steps that follow to your now beautifully healthy tresses!
2. Always trim often. Damage will move up from the ends or point of breakage and the only way to stop it in its tracks is to remove it as soon as it happens. Please be sure to use good tools to trim your hair, using anything else can actually result in more splitting down the road (especially using any type of razor blade to "thin" or trim your hair). It's extremely important the scissors you use be very sharp, made specifically for cutting hair, and used for absolutely nothing else. The small investment you make in a really good pair of dependable styling shears will pay off many, many times over in the long run, both financially and with extended time between trims, resulting in much faster growth overall. (I just came across these phenomenally gorgeous hair styling shears, aren't they absolutely divine?)
Don't forget to explain to everyone else in your house that your precious shears are your tool and are absolutely not to be used for anything else, especially prying off bottle caps when your husband can't find the bottle opener, which is of course in the drawer next to the dishwasher where it belongs if he'd just look.
If your goal is maintaining your current length, trim a half inch every month (the average rate of hair growth, adjust this amount if your growth rate differs). If you are actively growing your hair, trim it a half inch every three or four months or at the very first sign of damage, usually visible as frizzy ends or flyaways that are shorter than the bulk of your hair (and are a sign of breakage) If your hair begins to show damage, it is important to trim it more often and to lessen the time between trims going forward so you don't get to that point! Damaged hair doesn't grow, it breaks and if you let it go, the damage will only get worse. Absolutely.
Once you have progressed to the point where your hair is in really good condition, the time between whole-head trims can be extended even longer by removing splits as soon as they occur. An easy way to keep on top of this is to sit in bright light, tightly twist small sections of your hair, and using your good styling scissors, snip off any splits from the ends of individual hairs that emerge from the twist. Using this method, I can now often go six months or longer without a trim, and my trims I do have are usually just a means to remove several inches just to keep my hair at a manageable length (being approached at a stop light to be told your hair is sticking out the car door may be construed as a helpful reminder that it's time for a major trim... embarassingly true story)
3. If you don't want to learn to trim your hair yourself or have someone you trust implicitly to do it for you, find a salon that caters to long hair, has a long hair specialist, or at least be sure to glare at your stylist as menacingly as you can while you clearly explain your growth goals before letting her come at you with a pair of styling scissors. It also helps to ask your stylist to show you exactly their perception of the measure of your tresses you would like trimmed by showing you what they think is the same distance from the end of their comb. I am convinced stylists are taught a completely different measuring system from the rest of the world, not once have I ever had one show me an accurate half inch on her first try. Not once. If you don't have inches of hair to spare, you'll be very glad you asked!
Remember, it is not in the best interest of most salons or stylists if you rarely make visits to their salon, which is definitely a conflict of interest! If your hair is short and styled, you are always at the salon spending money for maintenance. If your stylist tries to convince you that your long, healthy hair should be cut, run screaming from the salon immediately!
In the end, it is up to you to make sure that anyone whose advice you consider, be it a stylist, friend or family member, has only the best interest of YOUR acknowledged hair growth goals in mind. Otherwise smile politely and ignore every word they say. You absolutely are not too old, too thin, too short, too gray, too anything to have long hair.
4. Avoid using any heated appliances whenever possible. No blow drying, no curling irons, no hot rollers, and especially no flat irons or crimpers! If you absolutely must blow dry do so minimally, and contrary to popular belief, it is best to let your hair dry naturally for as long as possible and use the blow dryer just to finish it off at the end. If you must use hot rollers, use flocked or ceramic rollers that are safer for your hair, not spiked plastic rollers (and be sure to read about all the great alternative methods in our Ultimate Guide to Curling Long Hair first!) If you insist on using curling irons, flat irons or crimpers on a daily basis, really long healthy hair isn't in your future. If you do use any kind of heat, be sure to use a product that will help protect your hair from it, but keep in mind that every time you apply heat you are likely to cause some damage no maatter how careful you are. Remember, damage is cumulative.
5. Don't use any harsh chemicals on your hair. Definitely no perms and no peroxide! If you really feel you must color, use non peroxide dye or 100% natural henna (henna comes in a full range of hues, not just red). In addition to being an all-natural way to add color, henna will "plump up" and add body to fine hair (but it's best not to use it on very dry hair). Check out our Hair Care Recipes Cookbook to learn a great way to apply henna, as well as learn to make a whole range of your own custom organic and natural hair color and products.
Low-peroxide color is much less damaging than permanent color, but using these products again and again will eventually detrimentally affect the health of your hair, it is unavoidable. If you do choose to go this route, you will have to be even more diligent about taking care to prevent additional damage. Be sure to use a good daily shampoo and conditioner formulated specifically for color treated hair, which will make your color last longer, which equates to less exposure to damaging chemicals in the end. Using a line of shampoo and conditioner that adds a bit of color will make it last even longer. And be sure to deep condition often, again using a product forumated especially for color treated hair. With making your color last as long as possible as the primary goal so as to limit how often you have to use color, you may also want to consider using a leave-in color protectant. In the end, it's much safer, and less work and expense, to learn to love the color you have, or at least to use a coloring product that doesn't contain any peroxide at all. Now, having spoken to hundreds of customers over the years who were addicted to color, I know how difficult it is to convince you kids not to use it. That being the case, the least I can do is tell you how to use it while keeping damage at a minimum and long, gorgeous hair in your future. In this instance, 16oz. of prevention is definitely worth a ton of cure. Lastly and by far most importantly, never use a perm or chemical straightener for any reason. These extremely harsh products actually break down the structure of your hair and then attempt to rebuild it in a state it was never meant to be. No other chemicals intended to be applied to hair are more damaging than anything that messes with its molecular structure. If you want long healthy hair, you just cannot use these type of nasty chemicals on it. Ever. Think of doing so as commiting "hairicide."
6. Be *extremely* careful to use only hair-safe accessories. Never use metal barrettes (the "French" style), the sharp edges are very hard on your hair and have tight spaces in which it may get caught and subsequently damaged. Absolutely NEVER use rubberbands, they will tear your locks to shreds when removed (and if you're ever in a situation where you must use one, cut it to remove it, don't pull it). Avoid any accessories that have sharp or rough edges, such as plastic combs with rough seams or claws with hinges. Never put anything in your hair that attaches with Velcro or springs. If you take anything out of your hair and a significant amount of hair comes out with it, don't ever put it back in. Fabric ponytail holders (remember, no metal connectors!) or scrunchies are very hair-safe. Need I mention the most elegant and beautiful hair accessories of ALL TIME? Why, one-of-a-kind LongLocks HairSticks of course!
7. Never wear a hairstyle that puts undue stress on your roots, such as extremely tight coils. If you wear a braid or ponytail, make sure it isn't pulled too tightly. Pulling hair tightly repeatedly commonly results in bald patches (a lesson even modern day Geisha still learn the hard way!) If you go after the long hair "quick fix" and use extensions, be forewarned that your own hair will likely be significantly more damaged when they are removed than it was to begin with. If you choose to wear locs or dreads, please consider it to be a permanent change. While the dreads themselves will remain healthy (in fact, many find this a great way to grow otherwise "ungrowable" hair), they unfortunately almost always have to be cut off to be removed and the hair involved usually cannot be "undreaded." If you do wear locs, twists or braids, it's a smart idea to use a braid conditioning spray to keep them in top condition.
8. Become familiar with the ingredients in your styling products. Once you know how natural or chemical additives affect your hair you will be able to effectively choose the products that contain ingredients that are best for your hair type. For instance, some people find their hair does not respond well to silicone (found in most "smoothing" or "anti frizz" products and many conditioning shampoos), if used over a long period of time. Any ingredient that ends with the suffix "cone" in the ingredient list is usually a silicone derivative and should be avoided by those sensitive to it (I am not decrying products containing silicone, only stating an example... I regularly use some products that contain silicone with no ill effects on my own hair). No matter what product you use, clarify your hair on occasion by rinsing with a homemade cider vinegar clarifying rinse or using a clarifying shampoo to remove product build-up and avoid the damage to the cuticle this can cause if left unchecked. While everyone should clarify regularly, this step is absolutely essential of you use products that contain silicone. I have to admit that I am very addicted to Aveda Scalp Benefits Balancing Shampoo for clarifying, and it has the added benefit of smelling absolutely divine.
There's an influx of exciting new fast hair growth products on the market that apparently really can stimulate follicles, significantly strengthen your hair and make it less prone to damage and breaking (and thus making it grow faster), but remember that nothing can actually permanently repair damage no matter what it says on the package. Be sure to keep that in mind when you read labels (you do read labels, right?)
Products that nourish your hair with natural ingredients are excellent alternatives to the chemical-laden lines sold in salons and your local supermarket. In addition to online sources, you will find several excellent natural and organic hair products available at health food stores. I personally recommend Nature's Gate products, which are extremely affordable, and there is a huge variety from which to choose. My personal fave is their their Herbal Hair Conditioner (and the scent in this one is even better than Aveda's, it's absolutely out of this world) which I've used on and off for more than 35 years (egads, how did that happen?!) Regardless whether you choose to go low- or high-end, what is most important is to use whatever works best for you, not what is necessarily the trendiest, most expensive product nor for that matter, the cheapest products you can find. Remember, inexpensive products quickly become extremely expensive products if you don't use them because you don't like the way they affect your hair! Do keep in mind that this is one step to growing long, healthy hair in which finding what works for you and sticking with it rather than falling victim to an advertising ploy is the way to go.
9. Be *extremely* gentle with your hair when it is wet. Don't rub it vigorously with a towel, gently squeeze the towel down the length. Turbie Twists are a great alternative to twisting your hair in a standard towel (I can get all my hip-length hair into one, but just barely). NEVER brush your hair when it's wet, this is when your hair is at its most delicate. In fact, it is best to avoid brushing under most circumstances, a wide-tooth comb is almost always a better choice and is a must to smooth wet hair. I have probably tried a hundred combs but now I use only the Mebco Shower Detangler on my own hair, wet or dry. I have five of them scattered all over the house. Of course, I only know where one actually is.
10. Be very careful with what you choose to style your hair. When you do use a brush, use only a natural boar bristle brush, which unlike nylon will not tear your hair and is useful in distributing sebum (your hair's natural protective oils) to the ends of your tresses and to remove loose hairs.
There are a full range of boar bristle brushes available, though I would stay away from any that combine boar bristle with nylon bristles as they defeat the purpose of using a hair-safe brush (if you want the crème de la crème of brushes that will last a lifetime, and are lucky enough to be able to afford it, Mason Pearson is the top of the line in a class all by itself, or if you are looking for a really good and hard-to-find paddle brush, Spornette makes a fabulous 100% boar bristle paddle that is very affordable, especially for boar bristle!) If your hair is so thick that a boar bristle brush won't penetrate, a high-quality, smooth wood pin brushwill be kind to your dense tresses (much kinder than the aforementioned boar bristle combined with nylon). Using a wide-toothed comb is far less damaging but it is important to choose a comb that is molded or has smooth seams (use a bit of sand paper to smooth rough seams if necessary). Comb your hair often throughout the day to detangle it. Work in small sections, always starting close to the ends, combing down in long, smooth strokes until all tangles are removed, and then starting the next set of strokes higher on the same section of hair. Knots are very hard on your hair and it's best to avoid them at all costs. Tiny knots that absolutely cannot be removed by any other means should be snipped out, not torn. See our Ultimate Guide to Removing Knots to learn the best way to deal with this common problem. Also, avoid back combing or "teasing" with a fine-tooth comb. This lifts and tears the cuticle, destroying even the healthiest of hair in a very short period of time.
11. Comb your hair to ensure all knots have been removed before shampooing. After the knots have been removed, use a boar bristle brush to remove loose hairs, which will also cut down on knotting during shampooing (not to mention keeping your shower drain clean and your plumber at bay). Try to teach your husband to do the same. Good luck with that.
12. Let your hair get dirty once in awhile. That's right... permission to be lazy! Don't shampoo, spend the entire weekend in bed drinking Moet Brut, eating chocolate bonbons (chocolate contains sulphur which helps build strong hair!) and watching Out of Africa for the umpteenth time (my absolute favorite flick). Rewind a few times and live vicariously through Meryl Streep as Robert Redford shampoos her tresses while reciting poetry, while those natural conditioning oils work their magic in your hair. Don't forget the boar bristle brush before shampooing to distribute those oils and for heaven's sake don't answer the door for any reason before shampooing! Well, unless of course you are expecting Bob to drop by with a bottle of Pantene.
13. Don't pile your hair on your head when you wash it, that's just asking for knots. Apply shampoo only to the roots and wash your scalp, then work the shampoo to the ends. You may find adding a bit of water to your shampoo or very quickly ducking under the shower spray after initially applying it will increase lathering significantly, making it easier to work the soap to the ends of your tresses. When you apply conditioner, work it through to the ends, smoothing and detangling gently with your fingers as you go. Continue smoothing your hair as you rinse. This will make combing your wet hair much easier and less likely to tear.
14. If you shampoo often or have very dry hair, you may want to consider using only conditioner to wash it on occasion. If your hair isn't very dirty the conditioner will easily rinse away surface contaminants while allowing you to avoid daily use of the harsher solvents found in shampoo. If your hair is dry but you prefer to wash it less often, you might want to try using a cleansing conditioner in place of shampoo. There are lots of people who swear by this method, especially the curly-haired crowd!
15. Rinse in as cold water as you can stand. Not only will this make the hair cuticle lay flat and less likely to snag and break, but by the same token you'll get the added benefit of very shiny hair that's easier to comb wet. Yes, you will get used to doing this, even in the shower, and it is wonderfully invigorating for your whole bod, not just your hair. I know, I know... I couldn't convince Hubby either, but it's true, I swear! Trust me.
16. If your hair is very coarse and/or curly, or you didn't heed my stern advice and it's still damaged (don't make me come over there) or if it's prone to damage easily, you may want to use a leave-in conditioner in addition to a rinse-out conditioner (I highly recommend Infusium 23 Leave-In Treatment, but there are a few good ones).
17. Avoid chlorine and saltwater (the chlorine in a pool is not much different than the caustic chlorine bleach you use in your laundry). If you go swimming in either, shampoo your hair as soon as possible after exposure. If you expose your hair to chlorine often, you may want to consider using a shampoo specially formulated to remove the green tinge that can occur, because you know... ick.
If you swim very often, invest in a good long hair swim cap (and to be really kind to your hair, apply deep conditioner and take advantage of the body heat that will be generated while you're wearing it). If you spend a lot of time in the sun, summer or winter, use a product that provides UV protection against the sun's rays, or cover your hair with a tightly-woven hat or silk scarf, (which you can then use to tie your beautiful, healthy hair up in a ponytail or wrap around your shoulders when the sun goes down... multi-tasking with elegance, love that!) Just as it's very damaging to skin, it's important to remember that the sun is very damaging to your hair as well.
18. Avoid extreme diets. If your body isn't getting enough nutrition, neither is your hair. Even if you try to avoid fat, it's essential that you don't completely eliminate all fat from your diet. Your hair (and body) will surely suffer for it. If you tend to restrict calories then be sure to take a multivitamin--any comprehensive one will do, look for a multivitamin that contains biotin (or if you prefer a higher dose you can take biotinsupplements, which are very affordable) to make sure both your body and your hair get the daily nourishment they need.
19. Deep condition at least monthly, even if your tresses are in good shape this will help keep them that way. If your hair is dry or damaged, deep condition weekly. Hot oil treatments using pure jojoba oil are a good alternative for very dry hair or for extra conditioning (but be forewarned, to some extent hot oil treatments will lift or fade hair dye). You might want to try washing and applying conditioner at night, wearing a shower cap to bed, and rinsing in the morning for a really intense conditioning treatment as well. A word to the wise... conditioning nights have been conclusively proven to be detrimental to romantic evenings with the significant other. Use this information to your own best advantage based on the current status of your relationship.
20. Lessen the friction on your hair whenever possible. Don't sleep with it loose or if you must, use a satin pillow case. If your hair is very long and prone to getting caught in car windows, seat belts, doors, or even under your butt when you sit down, it's important to remember that all these things can cause damage to your precious locks. Wear your hair braided or in an updo hairstyle (did I already mention LongLocks HairSticks?) whenever possible to avoid daily wear and tear. And we all know, no matter what promises product manufacturers claim, the ONLY way to fix badly damaged hair is to CUT IT OFF... perish the thought!
İşçi Arı
Yapılan en düşük süre en yüksek puan anlamına gelmektedir.
En yüksek puanı elde edebilmeniz için size verilen bal peteğini en kısa sürede bal damlaları ile doldurmanız gerekiyor.
Grandma's House
How To Make Your Hair Grow Faster
How To Make Your Hair Grow Faster
Long hair is one of the most sought-after styles for women. Are we really surprised, though? From a young age, girls are taught that a good head of hair can not only land you a prince, it can save your life (Thanks, Rapunzel!). In many cases, though, long hair is easier said than grown, so we turned to some of the leading stylists to get their tips for growing long, luscious strands.
Schedule Regular Trims
You should make an appointment to see your stylist every six to eight weeks for a trim. According to Fernando Salas, creator of White Sands Hair Care, “Split ends and damaged cuticles will cause your hair to appear thinner with that unwanted ‘stringy’ look. Long hair should always be thick and not weaken toward the ends.”
You will most likely only need to cut 1/2 an inch at each hair appointment, but if this tip seems counter-productive to your goal, then remember this fact from Danielle Bucco-Regazzi, Farouk Systems Creative Artist, “Healthy hair grows faster than dead hair!”
Once you’ve gotten a trim, make sure to use a leave-in serum, like White Sands The Cure 24/7 ($29.99, Whitesandsproducts.com) or TRESemmé Split Remedy Sealing Serum ($5.49, Walgreens.com). This will help further restore your hair and prevent split ends.
Cool it!
“I always recommend clients wash their hair with lukewarm water, and then for their final rinse, to use cool water,” says Bucco-Regazzi. “Using cool water will help to seal the cuticle as well as leave the hair shiny. I would not advocate using hot water, because it tends to weaken the hair, often allowing the hair to fall out at a faster rate.”
Take Care Of Your Hair
Bucco-Regazzi also recommends going to the salon once or twice a week for a deep-conditioning treatment, but if this isn’t in your budget, try an at-home treatment, like CHI Rx Moisture Therapy Conditioner ($8.99, Drugstore.com). Not only does this conditioner feed your hair vitamins to make it stronger and resilient to damage, but it helps keep hair looking shiny.
Salas also suggests that the way you comb your hair can hurt or help it. He says, “Make sure to use a wide tooth bone comb, detangling your hair from the bottom and slowly working your way up since hair is in its most delicate state wet. This will prevent unnecessary breakage from occurring.”
And since you’ll still want your hair to look picture-perfect while growing it out, you will probably be reaching for those heated styling tools. Founder and CEO of Hair Room Service, Michael Duenas, suggests you “use products that are heat protectants, so when you are using styling tools in your hair, it will not be damaged by the heat.” He recommends using Amika Obliphica Oil ($34, Sephora.com). Another great product that works with heat to nourse is Dove Thermal Replenishment Spray ($4.49, Walgreens.com). And when you can avoid using heat on your hair, do it, says Duenas. “The absence of heat will help your hair retain more moisture and stay stronger and healthier.”
Healthy Hair Starts From The Inside
Ever heard people recommend prenatal vitamins for stronger hair and nails? Turns out it’s true! “After about a month of taking these supplements you will notice a huge change in the rate of growth in your hair,” says Duenas. “Having and maintaining a healthy diet, rich in nutrients, will affect how your hair grows as well. Keep in mind what you add to your body for fuel, aids to the beauty of your skin and hair!”
It seems like the real hurdle to long hair, though, is patience. It’s that in-between length that sends us back to the salon chair for a shorter ‘do. With these tips and products, we might actually get the extra long hair we’ve been craving. Are you growing out long hair?
How to Grow Healthy Long Hair As Quickly as Possible.
Growing hair healthy and fast is a very difficult process but if you follow these steps on how to speed up the process you may get great results.
1. Get rid of the split ends. You may want to visit your local salon if you have any split ends. Do this about every six months. Doing so will make your hair appear much healthier, cut 1/2 inch every six months or an inch a year. Any more than that will make your hair grow really slowly.
2. Pay attention to your health. Health is another important factor in hair growth. If you're not eating healthy, your hair will not be healthy, either. Try a diet that consists of fruits and veggies, because they are filled with vitamins and protein.
3. Brush your hair and /or stimulate your scalp. Stimulating blood flow to your scalp is another proven way to speed up the growth process as well. Massage your scalp while conditioning for 2-5 minutes. However, take care to brush your hair with soft bristles and not to brush too often. Brushing your hair stimulates the scalp, but it also can cause breakage and will pull healthy hair from your head, making your hair look thinner.
4. Put away the blow dryers and the flat irons. The heat can be very damaging to your hair. Let it air dry instead. If you need to blow dry hair, use a diffuser. If you flat iron your hair, buy a flat iron with ceramic plates(ceramic plates are less damaging to the hair). Also if you're a flat iron user, try and cut down on using it everyday. Try using it once a week instead.
5. Do NOT brush your hair when wet. Brush your hair with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb. When hair is wet, it is very elastic and easily causes breakage.
6. Replace your bristled brush with a wide-toothed comb. Doing so can prevent breakage.
7. Don't wash your hair everyday. When you wash your hair everyday, you're getting rid of all the oils your hair produces, which is a big plus to your hair health. Getting rid of these oils can cause your hair to become dry and frizzy. Consider washing your hair every other day instead. Or if you suffer from oily hair, consider picking a day to replace your shampoo and only use your conditioner. If you have curly hair, cut down to only using shampoo once a week. Wash every other day if your hair is short (short hair looks oilier faster when not washed), and wash every two or three days if your hair is longer.
8. Don't tie your hair when wet. When you do so, it increases breakage. If you do happen to tie your hair, consider using hair elastics without any metal ends.
9. When getting out of the shower, do not dry hair with a towel! Dry your hair with an old cotton t shirt without any lettering, you may want to do it inside out (doing so can reduce breakage and frizz).
10. Last but not least, have patience. Growing out hair is a long process, but by following these steps, you can have the length you desire in no time!
1. Get rid of the split ends. You may want to visit your local salon if you have any split ends. Do this about every six months. Doing so will make your hair appear much healthier, cut 1/2 inch every six months or an inch a year. Any more than that will make your hair grow really slowly.
2. Pay attention to your health. Health is another important factor in hair growth. If you're not eating healthy, your hair will not be healthy, either. Try a diet that consists of fruits and veggies, because they are filled with vitamins and protein.
3. Brush your hair and /or stimulate your scalp. Stimulating blood flow to your scalp is another proven way to speed up the growth process as well. Massage your scalp while conditioning for 2-5 minutes. However, take care to brush your hair with soft bristles and not to brush too often. Brushing your hair stimulates the scalp, but it also can cause breakage and will pull healthy hair from your head, making your hair look thinner.
4. Put away the blow dryers and the flat irons. The heat can be very damaging to your hair. Let it air dry instead. If you need to blow dry hair, use a diffuser. If you flat iron your hair, buy a flat iron with ceramic plates(ceramic plates are less damaging to the hair). Also if you're a flat iron user, try and cut down on using it everyday. Try using it once a week instead.
5. Do NOT brush your hair when wet. Brush your hair with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb. When hair is wet, it is very elastic and easily causes breakage.
6. Replace your bristled brush with a wide-toothed comb. Doing so can prevent breakage.
7. Don't wash your hair everyday. When you wash your hair everyday, you're getting rid of all the oils your hair produces, which is a big plus to your hair health. Getting rid of these oils can cause your hair to become dry and frizzy. Consider washing your hair every other day instead. Or if you suffer from oily hair, consider picking a day to replace your shampoo and only use your conditioner. If you have curly hair, cut down to only using shampoo once a week. Wash every other day if your hair is short (short hair looks oilier faster when not washed), and wash every two or three days if your hair is longer.
8. Don't tie your hair when wet. When you do so, it increases breakage. If you do happen to tie your hair, consider using hair elastics without any metal ends.
9. When getting out of the shower, do not dry hair with a towel! Dry your hair with an old cotton t shirt without any lettering, you may want to do it inside out (doing so can reduce breakage and frizz).
10. Last but not least, have patience. Growing out hair is a long process, but by following these steps, you can have the length you desire in no time!
How to Grow Long Healthy Hair - Secrets of a Former Beauty Editor.
I've been obsessed with Long Hair Community -- the vaguely creepy site for people who like to take photos of themselves sitting on their long, long hair, then post them on the Internet to brag about it -- for years.
Just read the message boards with posts titled things like "I FINALLY HAVE MY FAIRY-TALE HAIR!". It's addicting. They've got a lot to teach me about growing my hair to levels of Rapunzel-worthy epic-ness, and I can't get enough.
Of course, when it comes to growing out your hair, the real key is -- as your friend and mine Axl Rose would tell you -- just a little patience. Actually, a lot of patience. It takes forever! And then there's that stupid rule that you have to keep cutting it to keep it healthy while you grow it! I hate that rule, but I've interviewed 40 million (not an exaggeration, practically) hair experts and stylists over the years and they've all said it's true.
Anyhow, that brings me to this: the endearing weirdos of Long Hair Community and all of the amazing advice I've culled from them over my years as a beauty editor. Among the most useful information are the products and tools the die-hards swear by. You don't have to totally convert to long-haired-loony-dom, but whether you try a few these tricks or all of them, you'll get results. Read on!
1. Deep Conditioner, Leave-ins and Hair Oil
OK. How bored are you about reading about how important it is to deep condition? Answer: not as bored as I am about writing about it, friend. I've written the same article 10 times! Because, duh, intensive treatments are crucial if you want healthy long hair, and I promise you that no one will ever tell you otherwise.
But I'm starting with conditioners because they're the essential to end all essentials. So, to review what we all already know as quickly as possible: Find a deep conditioner that you love to leave on for 30 minutes twice a week. I am a lifelong devotee of Terax Crema, which is not only one of the best-working treatments ever, but one of the best-smelling ones, too. I am also a big fan of the conditioners that come in boxes of hair dye, which are now sold individually, like Clairol Nice 'N Easy ColorSeal Gloss Conditioner.
Another way to condition is with leave-in. Again, Terax is a favorite of mine: their Life-Drops, which have reconstructive protein, are so, so good, as is Frederic Fekkai's Protein Rx Reparative Spray -- it's a dewy milk that's super-lightweight and doubles as a detangler. And my hair is a long, fake blonde, tangled mess – both soften and pretty it right up like crazy. I actually use both products together every day, to give you any indication of how much product I need just to look decent and unlike early '80s Vince Neil.
Use hair oil on dry split ends: anything really works here; I use Philip B. These are not inexpensive, particularly, either. I spend money on conditioning. Not denying it.
2. Biotin Vitamins
We here at Lemondrop do not endorse of any kind of compulsive pill-popping to achieve glossy, Kardashian-worthy (minus the extensions -- oh puh-leeasse, like they don't have them) hair, but as far as taking supplements go, a daily dose of these babies is safe -- unlike, say, habitually abusing pre-natal vitamins for vanity purposes. (Not unheard of in Hollywood circles.) They make hair and nails stronger and more lustrous (can nails be lustrous? Just go with it.), are relatively inexpensive, and can be found at any GNC or Vitamin Shoppe, or here on amazon.com. They allegedly make hair grow faster, and while this is probably true, remember that still means your hair will grow agonizingly slowly, just ... a little less agonizingly so.
3. Scrunchies, Snag-Free Elastics and the Spin-Pin
First of all, that's right, SCRUNCHIES! How psyched is your inner Kimmy Gibler? Okay, the reason you need a scrunchie is because you need to be seriously, seriously protecting your hair from snagging at all times, especially at night, especially when you wear it up. You're going to look really dorky and unsexy, like, a lot, and you're going to just have to deal.
Don't try to make it work, style-wise. It just doesn't. (Well, OK, Urban Outfitters has some cute ones, but that's it. Oh, and American Apparel. FINE. Scrunchies are back for real life! Gross.) At night, sleep with your hair wrapped up in a bun right on TOP -- not at the back -- of your head, like you're the kidnap-ably cute ballerina little sister in "Welcome to the Dollhouse." Bonus: During the day, you can put them on your dog! Gotta love Etsy.
Then, during the day, if you can't bring yourself to wear the scrunchie out of the house (and I don't blame you, my dear), go with snag-free elastics, like these by Blax, which every hairdresser I've ever interviewed has named as the best elastics for mastering really sleek, beautiful ponytails and buns, so you should probably add them to your hair-care arsenal anyway.
I've also read only the biggest raves on Long Hair Community about Goody Spin Pin, a coiled miracle bobby pin of sorts which holds up gigantic buns and French twists (sort of high-class prosti-chic, but I'm into it) with minimal damage to hair. You can even wear them when you work out and they stay put, according to everyone who seriously won't shut up about them. Has anyone reading this tried them? AWESOME.
4. Sulfate-Free Shampoo
The key thing about sulfate-free shampoo is that it doesn't strip your hair of any crucial oils or other conditioning agents essential to having beautiful, long healthy hair. The downside is that many of the best sulfate shampoos are akin to fragrance-free laundry detergent: they leave your hair, after a shower, simply smelling like unscented ... hair. It's sort of disconcerting.
As far as product goes, I cannot recommend enough, for those very serious about this growing-your-hair-long thing, a line of fantastic, absurdly gentle shampoos by a little-known brand called Aestelance; they are an entire company devoted especially to people who are obsessed with long hair, and every product is like nothing you've ever tried. Drugstore brands are also on the sulfate-free bandwagon: check out these options from Organix, L'oreal, Burt's Bees and TIGI Bed Head.
Oh, and the in-shower tip here is to shampoo at the roots and scalp only, which is truly where you need it most anyway; this way you don't strip good oils from the length of the hair. Later, skip conditioner at the roots so they won't get weighed down, then condition the length of your hair which you neglected to shampoo practically to death (or for however long you can stand it, whatever).
5. Satin Pillowcase
A satin pillowcase, in theory, sounds both expensive and prissy when you imagine it in your head, but is actually cheap and butch! No, I'm joking. It's just a regular-looking pillowcase. It doesn't have to be shiny-satin per se, just a special, non-breakage pillowcase like this one, which only costs $10.
6. Boar-Bristle Brush and the Old T-Shirt Trick
OK, so there are all sort of crazy rules you have to follow about brushing and combing your hair in order to grow it long and perfect. LIKE: Do not even THINK about brushing it when it's wet. You can only brush it when it's dry, and preferably before every shampoo, so you distribute the oils over every strand to protect them from shampoo and don't have to detangle much post-shower -- hair is most vulnerable to breakage when it's dripping and you're roughing it up with a towel. Oh, and incidentally, stop roughing it up with a towel! What are you thinking?! Everyone on Long Hair Community dabs their gorgeous hair dry with old, soft T-shirts, and now I finally know what to do my The Cramps tank top that's too obscene to wear out of the house. (I'm not trying to be mean, by the way. I'm just trying to terrify you. It's two totally different things!)
AND you're supposed to use a boar-bristle brush. I'm too lazy and this post is too long already for me to look up if that means the bristles are extracted from ACTUAL BOARS. WHATEVER. Maybe some PETA henchman will do my research for me in the comments section for me if I'm lucky. Boar-bristle brushes can be expensive -- the ultimate example being the stylists' universal favorite, any style seen sold here by Mason-Pearson, but there are cheaper versions at beauty supply stores. The most expensive stylists I've ever been to rave about these boar bristle brushes by Denman, which are totally affordable indeed.
7. Wide-Toothed Comb
When you're out of the shower, comb out wet hair and tangles with a wide-toothed comb. Please tell me you own one already. I linked to the Sephora comb if not; it's good, but they are all good. And that's it. You're not allowed to blow-dry your hair EVER AGAIN! Or flat iron it, or curl it! Seriously! If you're serious about growing your hair long like a fanatic, at least. That's the biggest lesson you'll learn from reading the Long Hair Community message boards -- posting about crimping your hair in one of those forums would be like waltzing drunk into an A.A. meeting. No one would be feeling you. So if you're seriously trying to grow your hair long, curb your hair tool enthusiasm at least a little bit and, again, patience is key.
Good luck!
Just read the message boards with posts titled things like "I FINALLY HAVE MY FAIRY-TALE HAIR!". It's addicting. They've got a lot to teach me about growing my hair to levels of Rapunzel-worthy epic-ness, and I can't get enough.
Of course, when it comes to growing out your hair, the real key is -- as your friend and mine Axl Rose would tell you -- just a little patience. Actually, a lot of patience. It takes forever! And then there's that stupid rule that you have to keep cutting it to keep it healthy while you grow it! I hate that rule, but I've interviewed 40 million (not an exaggeration, practically) hair experts and stylists over the years and they've all said it's true.
Anyhow, that brings me to this: the endearing weirdos of Long Hair Community and all of the amazing advice I've culled from them over my years as a beauty editor. Among the most useful information are the products and tools the die-hards swear by. You don't have to totally convert to long-haired-loony-dom, but whether you try a few these tricks or all of them, you'll get results. Read on!
1. Deep Conditioner, Leave-ins and Hair Oil
OK. How bored are you about reading about how important it is to deep condition? Answer: not as bored as I am about writing about it, friend. I've written the same article 10 times! Because, duh, intensive treatments are crucial if you want healthy long hair, and I promise you that no one will ever tell you otherwise.
But I'm starting with conditioners because they're the essential to end all essentials. So, to review what we all already know as quickly as possible: Find a deep conditioner that you love to leave on for 30 minutes twice a week. I am a lifelong devotee of Terax Crema, which is not only one of the best-working treatments ever, but one of the best-smelling ones, too. I am also a big fan of the conditioners that come in boxes of hair dye, which are now sold individually, like Clairol Nice 'N Easy ColorSeal Gloss Conditioner.
Another way to condition is with leave-in. Again, Terax is a favorite of mine: their Life-Drops, which have reconstructive protein, are so, so good, as is Frederic Fekkai's Protein Rx Reparative Spray -- it's a dewy milk that's super-lightweight and doubles as a detangler. And my hair is a long, fake blonde, tangled mess – both soften and pretty it right up like crazy. I actually use both products together every day, to give you any indication of how much product I need just to look decent and unlike early '80s Vince Neil.
Use hair oil on dry split ends: anything really works here; I use Philip B. These are not inexpensive, particularly, either. I spend money on conditioning. Not denying it.
2. Biotin Vitamins
We here at Lemondrop do not endorse of any kind of compulsive pill-popping to achieve glossy, Kardashian-worthy (minus the extensions -- oh puh-leeasse, like they don't have them) hair, but as far as taking supplements go, a daily dose of these babies is safe -- unlike, say, habitually abusing pre-natal vitamins for vanity purposes. (Not unheard of in Hollywood circles.) They make hair and nails stronger and more lustrous (can nails be lustrous? Just go with it.), are relatively inexpensive, and can be found at any GNC or Vitamin Shoppe, or here on amazon.com. They allegedly make hair grow faster, and while this is probably true, remember that still means your hair will grow agonizingly slowly, just ... a little less agonizingly so.
3. Scrunchies, Snag-Free Elastics and the Spin-Pin
First of all, that's right, SCRUNCHIES! How psyched is your inner Kimmy Gibler? Okay, the reason you need a scrunchie is because you need to be seriously, seriously protecting your hair from snagging at all times, especially at night, especially when you wear it up. You're going to look really dorky and unsexy, like, a lot, and you're going to just have to deal.
Don't try to make it work, style-wise. It just doesn't. (Well, OK, Urban Outfitters has some cute ones, but that's it. Oh, and American Apparel. FINE. Scrunchies are back for real life! Gross.) At night, sleep with your hair wrapped up in a bun right on TOP -- not at the back -- of your head, like you're the kidnap-ably cute ballerina little sister in "Welcome to the Dollhouse." Bonus: During the day, you can put them on your dog! Gotta love Etsy.
Then, during the day, if you can't bring yourself to wear the scrunchie out of the house (and I don't blame you, my dear), go with snag-free elastics, like these by Blax, which every hairdresser I've ever interviewed has named as the best elastics for mastering really sleek, beautiful ponytails and buns, so you should probably add them to your hair-care arsenal anyway.
I've also read only the biggest raves on Long Hair Community about Goody Spin Pin, a coiled miracle bobby pin of sorts which holds up gigantic buns and French twists (sort of high-class prosti-chic, but I'm into it) with minimal damage to hair. You can even wear them when you work out and they stay put, according to everyone who seriously won't shut up about them. Has anyone reading this tried them? AWESOME.
4. Sulfate-Free Shampoo
The key thing about sulfate-free shampoo is that it doesn't strip your hair of any crucial oils or other conditioning agents essential to having beautiful, long healthy hair. The downside is that many of the best sulfate shampoos are akin to fragrance-free laundry detergent: they leave your hair, after a shower, simply smelling like unscented ... hair. It's sort of disconcerting.
As far as product goes, I cannot recommend enough, for those very serious about this growing-your-hair-long thing, a line of fantastic, absurdly gentle shampoos by a little-known brand called Aestelance; they are an entire company devoted especially to people who are obsessed with long hair, and every product is like nothing you've ever tried. Drugstore brands are also on the sulfate-free bandwagon: check out these options from Organix, L'oreal, Burt's Bees and TIGI Bed Head.
Oh, and the in-shower tip here is to shampoo at the roots and scalp only, which is truly where you need it most anyway; this way you don't strip good oils from the length of the hair. Later, skip conditioner at the roots so they won't get weighed down, then condition the length of your hair which you neglected to shampoo practically to death (or for however long you can stand it, whatever).
5. Satin Pillowcase
A satin pillowcase, in theory, sounds both expensive and prissy when you imagine it in your head, but is actually cheap and butch! No, I'm joking. It's just a regular-looking pillowcase. It doesn't have to be shiny-satin per se, just a special, non-breakage pillowcase like this one, which only costs $10.
6. Boar-Bristle Brush and the Old T-Shirt Trick
OK, so there are all sort of crazy rules you have to follow about brushing and combing your hair in order to grow it long and perfect. LIKE: Do not even THINK about brushing it when it's wet. You can only brush it when it's dry, and preferably before every shampoo, so you distribute the oils over every strand to protect them from shampoo and don't have to detangle much post-shower -- hair is most vulnerable to breakage when it's dripping and you're roughing it up with a towel. Oh, and incidentally, stop roughing it up with a towel! What are you thinking?! Everyone on Long Hair Community dabs their gorgeous hair dry with old, soft T-shirts, and now I finally know what to do my The Cramps tank top that's too obscene to wear out of the house. (I'm not trying to be mean, by the way. I'm just trying to terrify you. It's two totally different things!)
AND you're supposed to use a boar-bristle brush. I'm too lazy and this post is too long already for me to look up if that means the bristles are extracted from ACTUAL BOARS. WHATEVER. Maybe some PETA henchman will do my research for me in the comments section for me if I'm lucky. Boar-bristle brushes can be expensive -- the ultimate example being the stylists' universal favorite, any style seen sold here by Mason-Pearson, but there are cheaper versions at beauty supply stores. The most expensive stylists I've ever been to rave about these boar bristle brushes by Denman, which are totally affordable indeed.
7. Wide-Toothed Comb
When you're out of the shower, comb out wet hair and tangles with a wide-toothed comb. Please tell me you own one already. I linked to the Sephora comb if not; it's good, but they are all good. And that's it. You're not allowed to blow-dry your hair EVER AGAIN! Or flat iron it, or curl it! Seriously! If you're serious about growing your hair long like a fanatic, at least. That's the biggest lesson you'll learn from reading the Long Hair Community message boards -- posting about crimping your hair in one of those forums would be like waltzing drunk into an A.A. meeting. No one would be feeling you. So if you're seriously trying to grow your hair long, curb your hair tool enthusiasm at least a little bit and, again, patience is key.
Good luck!
How to Grow Longer Hair.
Growing long, healthy hair takes determination and patience. Luckily, there are ways to give your hair every chance for success. Stay conscious of your hair's health and watch your locks turn into long, beautiful tresses.
Method 1 of 3: Develop Healthy Hair Habits
1 Get regular trims. Damage to your hair moves up the ends and can only be stopped if you cut it off in its tracks. Getting regular trims ensure hair health, from root to end.
- Go in for a trim every 8-12 weeks. It may seem counterintuitive, but trimming even 1/2 an inch (1.25 cm) will give your hair a growth spurt.
- If you see damage before 2-3 months, trim as soon as possible.
- If your hectic schedule doesn't allow for constant trips to the stylist, invest in a pair of hair shears and make careful snips yourself.
- If your hair is intensely damaged, you have to bite the bullet. Cut off all damage -- even if this means a good portion of your hair's growth. If there is any damage present at all it will not significantly grow.
2 Wash in lukewarm water. Rinse in cool. Cold water seals your hair's cuticles and keeps the nutrients in, ensuring hair health. Hot water opens the cuticle up, allowing healthy enzymes to escape.
- Hot water can actually weaken the hair and lead to it falling out.
3 Minimize brushing. If your hair tends to get tangled out of the shower, use a wide-toothed comb. Brushing often pulls hair out prematurely.
- Use a detangler to aid in getting rid of those snarls.
- Make sure to hold the hair in one hand while brushing with the other. Stress on the scalp prevents maximal hair growth.
4 Scrub and stimulate. Just like our brains need stimulation for growth, so do our scalps. When you're washing your hair, take a me-moment and massage those roots for 1-3 minutes.
- If you have nails, try not to scratch! The scalp is very sensitive and any irritation can keep you from seeing the results you want.
5 Use hairsafe accessories. Accessories with metal edges that have tight spaces can catch on your hair, damaging and pulling it out. Not to mention hurting!
- Rubber bands are a no-no for a substitute ponytail holder. Anyone who has tried it can tell you why: They tear out your hair and cut into your strands. If you committed the crime, cut it out with scissors.
- Hair sticks and metal-less ponytail holders are generally safe choices. Anything you pull out that neither drags nor pulls anything out with it is generally a good choice.
Method 1 of 3: Develop Healthy Hair Habits
1 Get regular trims. Damage to your hair moves up the ends and can only be stopped if you cut it off in its tracks. Getting regular trims ensure hair health, from root to end.
- Go in for a trim every 8-12 weeks. It may seem counterintuitive, but trimming even 1/2 an inch (1.25 cm) will give your hair a growth spurt.
- If you see damage before 2-3 months, trim as soon as possible.
- If your hectic schedule doesn't allow for constant trips to the stylist, invest in a pair of hair shears and make careful snips yourself.
- If your hair is intensely damaged, you have to bite the bullet. Cut off all damage -- even if this means a good portion of your hair's growth. If there is any damage present at all it will not significantly grow.
2 Wash in lukewarm water. Rinse in cool. Cold water seals your hair's cuticles and keeps the nutrients in, ensuring hair health. Hot water opens the cuticle up, allowing healthy enzymes to escape.
- Hot water can actually weaken the hair and lead to it falling out.
3 Minimize brushing. If your hair tends to get tangled out of the shower, use a wide-toothed comb. Brushing often pulls hair out prematurely.
- Use a detangler to aid in getting rid of those snarls.
- Make sure to hold the hair in one hand while brushing with the other. Stress on the scalp prevents maximal hair growth.
4 Scrub and stimulate. Just like our brains need stimulation for growth, so do our scalps. When you're washing your hair, take a me-moment and massage those roots for 1-3 minutes.
- If you have nails, try not to scratch! The scalp is very sensitive and any irritation can keep you from seeing the results you want.
5 Use hairsafe accessories. Accessories with metal edges that have tight spaces can catch on your hair, damaging and pulling it out. Not to mention hurting!
- Rubber bands are a no-no for a substitute ponytail holder. Anyone who has tried it can tell you why: They tear out your hair and cut into your strands. If you committed the crime, cut it out with scissors.
- Hair sticks and metal-less ponytail holders are generally safe choices. Anything you pull out that neither drags nor pulls anything out with it is generally a good choice.
Method 2 of 3: Avoid Pitfalls
1 Skip the heat. That means no blow dryers, curling irons, hot rollers, flat irons, or crimpers. Heat damages your locks from cuticle to tip. It's best to stay away entirely.
- Blow-drying is a quick remedy for morning time-crunches. If you must, use the low setting and stick to your ends.
- Use a thermal spray if you do break down and heat-style your hair.
2 Pass on the harsh chemicals. No perms, no peroxide, and no chemical straightening. If you already have color-treated hair, use a shampoo and conditioner specifically geared for your hair's type.
- Low-peroxide hair color is much less damaging than permanent color, but using these products again and again adds up. If you absolutely must color, use non-peroxide hair dye or henna hair dye (not just for redheads).
- The right hair products extend the duration of your hair's color, keeping you from treating it too often. Consider the small investment a lifetime prevention tactic.
3 Ditch the scalp-stressing styles. Many hairdos and styles are hard on our scalps and strands. It's easy to avoid putting undue stress on hair. Not to mention faster!
- Cornrows and ultra-tight ponytails can ultimately result in bald patches, if worn too often. They put stress on the hair follicle, cutting off the supply of nutrients to the end.
- Extensions may look pretty at the moment, but your hair will be left worse off when you take them out. Adding anything unnatural to your hair slows growth.
- Dreads are never "un-dreadable." To get rid of them, you'll most likely need to cut them off. If you go this route, know that it is a long-term change.
Method 3 of 3: Consider Other Factors
1 Know the ingredients in your products. Just how skin is different, so is hair. Keeping your hair clean and healthy with the right products sets it up for quicker growth.
- Some types of hair respond poorly to silicone, which is found in most anti-frizz products. Try a number of products and see what works best for you.
- Don't feel the need to wash your hair every day. Good, natural oils need to build up in your hair--rinsing them away dries out your hair and scalp.
- Do a deep treatment. In addition to shampooing and condition, deep treat your hair a couple of times a month. The extra proteins ensure hair health and shine.
2 Eat a hair-healthy diet. This generally means foods high in iron, zinc, and vitamin C. A hair-healthy diet is a body-healthy diet. What's good for you is good for your hair.
- Feed your strands iron-rich foods like spinach, beans, and meats. It's essential for oxygen getting to your hair follicles.
- Ensure your hair has the building blocks to grow with protein-heavy foods like fish, eggs, nuts, and soy products. Hair is mostly keratin, a protein in itself.
- Zinc keeps your hair from damaging. Whole grains, oysters, peanut butter, and seeds are all good sources.
- Add more fruits and vegetables to your diet. They contain vitamins A, C and E, all of which have antioxidants that help maintain scalp and hair health.
- Never, ever, ever crash diet. Refusing to give your body the essential nutrients it needs not only makes you feel weak and lousy, but it will stunt your hair and nail growth and make your skin appear dull.
3 Manage your stressors. Eating well, exercising regularly, and getting a good night's rest are all huge factors in staying stress-free. Intense stress of any kind can lead to all sorts of physical symptoms--including reduced or stunted hair growth.
- Your body only has so many nutrients. Unfortunately for your hair, it's not a top priority. Your brain and other vital systems get first dibs. Taking care of your body first allows your body to take care of you in return.
- Exercising regularly produces higher levels of endorphins. Higher levels of endorphins lead to lower levels of stress. If you won't walk your dog for his sake, walk him for your hair's.
4 Talk to your doctor. If you have noticeably slow hair growth, you may have a medical issue that can be dealt with.
- Genetics or family history can also be a player in health and hair growth. Ask your family if any patterns exist in your family's health history.
- Slow hair growth or hair loss may be due to medication. Discuss the side effects of the prescriptions you're on with a medical professional. Often, alternatives can be found.
- Get checked for a scalp infection. These are easily treated and hair growth will return to normal once addressed.
Tips
- Use a good conditioner. Conditioning prevents breakage and damaged ends, which will tempt you to trim your hair, thereby undoing the progress you've made.
- If your hair gets knotted easily while sleeping, wear a scarf or comfortable knit cap to bed.
- Find a picture of the long hair style you want and look at it often. It will inspire you to stick with your plan.
- Wash your hair only every other day. Your hair's natural oils protect and strengthen each strand - daily washing strips them away.
- Massage your scalp. Hair thrives when your scalp is healthy and has good blood flow. To stimulate your scalp, use your fingers or a soft brush with natural bristles. Avoid brushes with plastic or metal bristles, as they can be too harsh.
- Take a vitamin B-complex supplement. Vitamin B deficiency causes hair loss and decreased hair strength.
- Use clips, bobby pins and head bands to keeping growing hair out of your eyes.
- Decide you're ready for the time commitment. Hair grows about half an inch per month -- adding three inches will take up to six months. Turning a pixie cut into shoulder-length locks can take over a year.
- Take some off the back. It may seem counterintuitive, but when growing out layers, shortening the back will allow the sides and front to catch up, thus avoiding the awkward in-between stage.
- To instantly get the look of a longer hairstyle while yours is growing out, try clip-on hair pieces.
Warnings
- Avoid hair extensions and weaves. Attaching them can damage the very hair you're trying to grow out.
- Do not wear your hair in tight ponytails, braids or cornrows. Excessive pulling on the follicles will increase hair loss.
Tips
- Use a good conditioner. Conditioning prevents breakage and damaged ends, which will tempt you to trim your hair, thereby undoing the progress you've made.
- If your hair gets knotted easily while sleeping, wear a scarf or comfortable knit cap to bed.
- Find a picture of the long hair style you want and look at it often. It will inspire you to stick with your plan.
- Wash your hair only every other day. Your hair's natural oils protect and strengthen each strand - daily washing strips them away.
- Massage your scalp. Hair thrives when your scalp is healthy and has good blood flow. To stimulate your scalp, use your fingers or a soft brush with natural bristles. Avoid brushes with plastic or metal bristles, as they can be too harsh.
- Take a vitamin B-complex supplement. Vitamin B deficiency causes hair loss and decreased hair strength.
- Use clips, bobby pins and head bands to keeping growing hair out of your eyes.
- Decide you're ready for the time commitment. Hair grows about half an inch per month -- adding three inches will take up to six months. Turning a pixie cut into shoulder-length locks can take over a year.
- Take some off the back. It may seem counterintuitive, but when growing out layers, shortening the back will allow the sides and front to catch up, thus avoiding the awkward in-between stage.
- To instantly get the look of a longer hairstyle while yours is growing out, try clip-on hair pieces.
Warnings
- Avoid hair extensions and weaves. Attaching them can damage the very hair you're trying to grow out.
- Do not wear your hair in tight ponytails, braids or cornrows. Excessive pulling on the follicles will increase hair loss.
Stolen Amulet
Find the object and retrieve the luck, but beware of the enemies. Use the arrow keys.
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Long Healthy Hair Growing Methods
Long Healthy Hair Growing Methods
The key rules for growing long luscious healthy hair is to practice patience and commitment.
If your hair has never grown past a certain length, is full of split ends or other breakage and never seems healthy, there are probably some very good reasons.
It takes time to diagnose the cause of your slow hair growth and ongoing damage while reversing the bad habits you may have followed.
No Magic Hair Growth Pills
There is no magic pill you can take which will give you long, luscious healthy hair overnight.
It's just not going to happen. Yes, hair vitamins and related nutrients can help but even they require time to work and reverse long term damage.
How To Grow Long Luscious Healthy Hair Steps
You may not like to hear what I'm going to share about growing long healthy hair, but if you're committed and willing to be patient I promise you will see results.
Listed below are the tips you must consider adopting to achieve success in growing long tresses:
1. Dump Hot Hair Toys
Put away all your hot hair toys. This includes hot styling tools such as flat and curling irons, hot rollers and hot air blow dryers. Hot tools used on hair is the key hair treatment which causes irreversible damage to the health of your strands.
The best method for drying hair so that it maintains minimum damage and encourages long term growth is air drying.
If you can't live without styling your hair as your hair strengthens you can experiment with wet rollers or pin sets under a hood style dryer set to less damaging temperatures.
2. Stop Extending Your Tresses
Retire from wearing fusion or semi-permanent hair extensions. Although clip-on hair extensions can be stressful when worn regularly or improperly, they are much less damaging then fusion style hair extensions which will put pressure on the hair roots and potentially slow or stop additional growth.
If you wish to grow long and lush natural tresses you will have to stop wearing fusion style extensions to give your hair a rest.
3. Re-evaluate Chemical Use
Hair which is bleached, colored, highlighted, low lighted, straightened, relaxed or chemically smoothed is altered with ultimately compromises the strength and growth potential of any hair.
You may not be able to stop cold turkey with any current chemical hair processing. Consider your options such as switching to natural hair colors or demi-perm hues.
Visit a professional hairdresser and let them know you wish to grow your hair longer and ask them to suggest how to reduce and ultimately eliminate your current chemical hair treatments and processes.
4. Commit To The Kindest Cut Of All
Undergo a plan to remove existing damage. While some long hair experts insist you have to start by removing all current damage, I personally found that too traumatic when I started growing out my own hair.
Although my long hair consultant removed 8 inches from my hair, I was devastated and demoralized.
I believe you can have the current damage removed slowly over a three to nine month process. If you are truly committed to the growing the longest, strongest and healthiest hair possible. If that's the case you may wish to have all current damage trimmed off to start growing with a clean hair slate. It is definitely true that you can't grow long lush locks on top of a base of pre-existing damaged hair.
5. Amp Up Your Nutrition
Unfortunately with the current state of nutrition eating healthy is usually not enough to grow long, strong and healthy strands. Vitamins, minerals and nutrients designed to assist your hair growth plan are a key component to ultimate success.
Keep in mind that most vitamin programs designed to assist with hair growth are not miracle plans and may require 30-60-90 days or longer to see results depending on how damaged your hair was at the beginning of the program.
6. Minimize Harmful Substances
Minimize use of cigarettes, alcohol, recreational drugs and excessive amounts of sugar. All these habits generally slow down hair growth potential and can cause damage.
Since alcohol does impact the liver which plays a key part in hair growth, it is wise to cut back when possible.
7. Adopt Hair Friendly Attitudes
This includes a wide range of habits from using hair friendly brushes and combs, utilizing the most friendly hair accessories which are designed not to rip, pull or tear existing or new strands and making sure to protect your hair from the environment and elements.
As you experience new hair growth and transition into a head of lush healthy shiny hair you will most likely find new motivation to research advanced methods for growing even longer tresses with even better health. If and when you reach that stage you will understand how to achieve max hair friendliness.
8. Pamper New Healthy Growth
Yes, it's essential to have hair regularly "dusted" or trimmed by a long hair friendly hairdresser. This keeps split ends removed and allows new growth to remain healthy and strong.
9. Develop Healthy Hair Cleansing Program
Develop a hair cleansing program designed to encourage healthy hair growth and maintenance. I personally have never experienced results with shampoo products designed to "grow hair".
However, I have witnessed measurable results from pre-shampoo treatments, regular "hair friendly" scalp massage, diluted shampoo formulas applied alternatively with conditioning only rinses and washing hair less often than every day.
Be willing to experiment with a range of products and treatments to find those best for you and your hair's type, texture and ultimate needs. Unfortunately there isn't one product that works well for all types and textures of long healthy hair.
10. Undergo Regular Conditioning Treatments
It's also good to develop a regular deep conditioning treatment program designed for your hair type (thin/fine, medium, thick) and texture (straight, wavy, naturally curly, kinky) and moisture requirements (normal, oily, dry, extremely dry, damaged).
11. Keep Long Hair Journal
Since I promise you that your hair will not grow overnight, even with hair vitamins and other related supplements and formulations, it helps to keep a daily journal so you can view your progress. Only measure your hair once a month and always use the same measuring tools applied to the same point on the scalp.
You may wish to consider blogging about your hair growing journey, tweeting about it on Twitter or posting progression photos on Facebook and or MySpace.
Ask others who are going through a long hair journey to share their own secrets and/or tips.
12. Reward Yourself With "Hair Friendly" Hair Toys
Soft hair-friendly headbands, bandeaus, Du-rags and hair ties can instantly add a splash of fun encouragement to your hair growing journey. Hair friendly hair clips, barrettes, jaws and claws can offer functional support to keep hair out of danger.
It's important to develop a series of "hair friendly" styles which protect your hair from accidental snagging and ripping. Select hairstyles you can maintain and enjoy which are good for your scalp and hair.
13. Be True To Your Own Hair Experiences.
When it comes to hair growth there are lots of opinions - both expert and non-expert - about the best way to grow healthy hair.
Some experts say you should never wear a fringe with long hair due to the integrity of the hair's ultimate growth. Others disagree.
Evaluate all the information and form your own opinions and practices to follow.
You may or may not wish to enlist the assistant of a hairdresser who appreciates and encourages long hair.
The key is to finding what works best for you and your hair.
14. Be kind to yourself. Growing long hair can be a lifetime journey. It may not be the best path for everyone.
If you decide it's too difficult to maintain the program be willing to give yourself a break and stop without feeling bad about your decision. You can always take a break and grow your hair again at some other point.
Summary
For more info: Visit HairBoutique.com for additional long hair growth and maintenance tips along with general tips on hairstyling and related hair tips.
The key rules for growing long luscious healthy hair is to practice patience and commitment.
If your hair has never grown past a certain length, is full of split ends or other breakage and never seems healthy, there are probably some very good reasons.
It takes time to diagnose the cause of your slow hair growth and ongoing damage while reversing the bad habits you may have followed.
No Magic Hair Growth Pills
There is no magic pill you can take which will give you long, luscious healthy hair overnight.
It's just not going to happen. Yes, hair vitamins and related nutrients can help but even they require time to work and reverse long term damage.
How To Grow Long Luscious Healthy Hair Steps
You may not like to hear what I'm going to share about growing long healthy hair, but if you're committed and willing to be patient I promise you will see results.
Listed below are the tips you must consider adopting to achieve success in growing long tresses:
1. Dump Hot Hair Toys
Put away all your hot hair toys. This includes hot styling tools such as flat and curling irons, hot rollers and hot air blow dryers. Hot tools used on hair is the key hair treatment which causes irreversible damage to the health of your strands.
The best method for drying hair so that it maintains minimum damage and encourages long term growth is air drying.
If you can't live without styling your hair as your hair strengthens you can experiment with wet rollers or pin sets under a hood style dryer set to less damaging temperatures.
2. Stop Extending Your Tresses
Retire from wearing fusion or semi-permanent hair extensions. Although clip-on hair extensions can be stressful when worn regularly or improperly, they are much less damaging then fusion style hair extensions which will put pressure on the hair roots and potentially slow or stop additional growth.
If you wish to grow long and lush natural tresses you will have to stop wearing fusion style extensions to give your hair a rest.
3. Re-evaluate Chemical Use
Hair which is bleached, colored, highlighted, low lighted, straightened, relaxed or chemically smoothed is altered with ultimately compromises the strength and growth potential of any hair.
You may not be able to stop cold turkey with any current chemical hair processing. Consider your options such as switching to natural hair colors or demi-perm hues.
Visit a professional hairdresser and let them know you wish to grow your hair longer and ask them to suggest how to reduce and ultimately eliminate your current chemical hair treatments and processes.
4. Commit To The Kindest Cut Of All
Undergo a plan to remove existing damage. While some long hair experts insist you have to start by removing all current damage, I personally found that too traumatic when I started growing out my own hair.
Although my long hair consultant removed 8 inches from my hair, I was devastated and demoralized.
I believe you can have the current damage removed slowly over a three to nine month process. If you are truly committed to the growing the longest, strongest and healthiest hair possible. If that's the case you may wish to have all current damage trimmed off to start growing with a clean hair slate. It is definitely true that you can't grow long lush locks on top of a base of pre-existing damaged hair.
5. Amp Up Your Nutrition
Unfortunately with the current state of nutrition eating healthy is usually not enough to grow long, strong and healthy strands. Vitamins, minerals and nutrients designed to assist your hair growth plan are a key component to ultimate success.
Keep in mind that most vitamin programs designed to assist with hair growth are not miracle plans and may require 30-60-90 days or longer to see results depending on how damaged your hair was at the beginning of the program.
6. Minimize Harmful Substances
Minimize use of cigarettes, alcohol, recreational drugs and excessive amounts of sugar. All these habits generally slow down hair growth potential and can cause damage.
Since alcohol does impact the liver which plays a key part in hair growth, it is wise to cut back when possible.
7. Adopt Hair Friendly Attitudes
This includes a wide range of habits from using hair friendly brushes and combs, utilizing the most friendly hair accessories which are designed not to rip, pull or tear existing or new strands and making sure to protect your hair from the environment and elements.
As you experience new hair growth and transition into a head of lush healthy shiny hair you will most likely find new motivation to research advanced methods for growing even longer tresses with even better health. If and when you reach that stage you will understand how to achieve max hair friendliness.
8. Pamper New Healthy Growth
Yes, it's essential to have hair regularly "dusted" or trimmed by a long hair friendly hairdresser. This keeps split ends removed and allows new growth to remain healthy and strong.
9. Develop Healthy Hair Cleansing Program
Develop a hair cleansing program designed to encourage healthy hair growth and maintenance. I personally have never experienced results with shampoo products designed to "grow hair".
However, I have witnessed measurable results from pre-shampoo treatments, regular "hair friendly" scalp massage, diluted shampoo formulas applied alternatively with conditioning only rinses and washing hair less often than every day.
Be willing to experiment with a range of products and treatments to find those best for you and your hair's type, texture and ultimate needs. Unfortunately there isn't one product that works well for all types and textures of long healthy hair.
10. Undergo Regular Conditioning Treatments
It's also good to develop a regular deep conditioning treatment program designed for your hair type (thin/fine, medium, thick) and texture (straight, wavy, naturally curly, kinky) and moisture requirements (normal, oily, dry, extremely dry, damaged).
11. Keep Long Hair Journal
Since I promise you that your hair will not grow overnight, even with hair vitamins and other related supplements and formulations, it helps to keep a daily journal so you can view your progress. Only measure your hair once a month and always use the same measuring tools applied to the same point on the scalp.
You may wish to consider blogging about your hair growing journey, tweeting about it on Twitter or posting progression photos on Facebook and or MySpace.
Ask others who are going through a long hair journey to share their own secrets and/or tips.
12. Reward Yourself With "Hair Friendly" Hair Toys
Soft hair-friendly headbands, bandeaus, Du-rags and hair ties can instantly add a splash of fun encouragement to your hair growing journey. Hair friendly hair clips, barrettes, jaws and claws can offer functional support to keep hair out of danger.
It's important to develop a series of "hair friendly" styles which protect your hair from accidental snagging and ripping. Select hairstyles you can maintain and enjoy which are good for your scalp and hair.
13. Be True To Your Own Hair Experiences.
When it comes to hair growth there are lots of opinions - both expert and non-expert - about the best way to grow healthy hair.
Some experts say you should never wear a fringe with long hair due to the integrity of the hair's ultimate growth. Others disagree.
Evaluate all the information and form your own opinions and practices to follow.
You may or may not wish to enlist the assistant of a hairdresser who appreciates and encourages long hair.
The key is to finding what works best for you and your hair.
14. Be kind to yourself. Growing long hair can be a lifetime journey. It may not be the best path for everyone.
If you decide it's too difficult to maintain the program be willing to give yourself a break and stop without feeling bad about your decision. You can always take a break and grow your hair again at some other point.
Summary
For more info: Visit HairBoutique.com for additional long hair growth and maintenance tips along with general tips on hairstyling and related hair tips.
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