For most of us, having long, full, healthy hair is the ultimate goal. But, could you be the reason you are not seeing the changes and retaining length? What practices do you utilize on a regular basis that allow for your hair goals to be a reality?
In this blog post, we shall delve a bit into things you can do to ensure that you get the best out your hair and enjoy the journey while you’re at it. Read till the end.
- Mind what you eat, and adopt a healthier lifestyle.
The phrase “you are what you eat” could not be clearer. The first thing you need to understand is that hair is typically dead. With that said, the body will always prioritize its own health then the surplus is for the not-so-important things like hair and nails.
This means that when the body is healthy, your hair will be too. Avoid carbonated drinks, too much sugar, fast foods and unhealthy snacks. Instead, opt for nutrient-dense foods rich in nutrients and vitamins so that you can always have enough for your hair.
Foods like lean meats, leafy greens, fruits, fatty fish, seeds and nuts are packed with enough nutrients for your whole body. Hydrate more often and exercise regularly to allow for blood flow throughout the whole body. Your diet will not only allow for your hair to be healthy but it will also promote growth. Keep in mind that when you prioritize on health, growth is inevitable.
- Low manipulation protective styling.
One of the main causes of breakage, split ends and damage is constant manipulation. Sure, every now and then we just can’t help but touch our hair after a good wash and go but at what cost? The more you touch your hair, the dryer, frizzier and more likely it is to break so please, leave it be!
Use styles that allow for your hair to be safely tucked away from the elements and the deadly ‘hand-in-hair’ syndrome. These styles need little to no manipulation making them ideal for keeping your strands safe. Some of the best styles are;
- Flat twists.
- Two/three-strand twists.
- Weaves (NO LEAVE_OUTS!)
- Crocheted extensions.
- Clip-ins.
Having a protective style does not excuse you from taking care of your hair while in the style. Ensure that you moisturize and seal correctly, rotate your styles often to avoid traction alopecia. Take breaks in between the styles and be careful during the take down process as this is when most hair is lost.
- Moisturize correctly.
Curly hair types are prone to breakage due to the lack of moisture content in the hair. For this reason, we recommend moisture rich products that will give your hair the boost it needs. For starters, look for shampoos that are moisturizing and only cleanse your hair at least once a week or longer.
Deep condition at least bi-weekly, to replenish your hair after a wash. Use a good moisturizer then seal with your oil/serum.
DISCLAIMER! Oils are not moisturizers. Do not apply any oil on dry hair as oils are just sealants and are only effective after a moisturizer is in effect. On that note, learn your hair porosity as it will help you layer your products correctly. That is, L.C.O/L.O.C.
- Wrap it up with silk bonnet/scarf.
Being that moisture is an essential nutrient hair needs to thrive, nothing is worse than having all that moisture sucked out your hair. This is what happens when you sleep on cotton pillowcases. Because cotton is a highly absorbent material, moisture is lost when sleeping causing friction.
The friction aggravates the hair causing split ends and breakage. To avoid this, ensure that you use silk bonnet/scarves when sleeping or taking naps. Since silk is a bit kinder to hair, line all your hats with it just to minimize frizz and tangles.
Ensure that if your silk bonnet is adjustable, it’s not too tight that it literally suffocates your edges or give you headaches, and it should be all silk even on the borders.
- See a professional every so often.
One of the key things to learn when taking care of hair, is how to do it yourself. However, it is a good idea to see a professional every two months or so just to get their expert opinion and advice. This helps you know when you are due for a trim, a protein treatment, a break or even a change in your protective styling.
It is also advisable to see a professional should you need hair colouring because they will ensure that you get the best colour for you and excellent application for minimal damage.
- Avoid regular cotton towels.
Regular towels are great and all, but are not favourable for hair. Why? Because they snag, tag and pull at it promoting tangling, frizz, split ends and breakage. Instead, use microfiber towels which are equally as absorbent but do not snag on hair.
Alternatively, you can opt for a regular cotton t-shirt to dry your hair.
- Be patient.
Everyone’s hair grows. The only difference is the steps the steps we take to ensure that all that length is retained. Typically, hair grows at least half an inch every month. This means that with the right tools, products and knowledge you can grow your hair 6 inches every year.
There is no magic elixir that will help you grow crazy inches in a week (no matter what YouTubers say). For this reason, be patient and consistent, do not be a product junkie, and you will see the changes you are hoping to see.
Takeaway.
The truth is having healthy hair is not an impossible task. Ensure that you have a schedule for your regimen, be patient and avoid rushing through the detangling process. Take your supplements and vitamins, reduce the need for heat styling and stop overthinking.