How to grow hair: 14 simple tips that will definitely help

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Forget about extensions, miracle pills and salon treatments.

1. Don't wash your hair every day

With shampoo, we wash away not only dirt, styling products, but also sebum, which moisturizes and protects the skin and hair. Therefore, due to frequent washing, the hair loses its natural shine, becomes weaker and more susceptible to aggressive external factors.

Anastasia Voroshilova Stylist.

In addition, hair gets dirty very quickly. After all, it turns out that every day we wash off our protective layer and the skin goes into a stressful state. Because of this, sebum begins to be produced in excess. So we drive ourselves into a vicious circle.

Experts recommend gradually increasing the intervals between treatments. Ideally, you should wash your hair 2-3 times a week, but by no means every day.

2. Use sulfate-free shampoos

This product should not contain SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate). Instead of sulfates, which form the foam, the sulfate-free shampoo contains natural ingredients. That is why it cleans more gently than usual and does not wash out the sebum so much.

True, these shampoos have a drawback. They don't foam well. But after a few applications, you will get used to it.

Whichever shampoo you choose, remember: you only need to apply it to the roots. For the rest of the length, the amount of product that will drain off the water will be enough.

3. Give up hot water

Reduce the temperature at least during rinsing. Cool water closes the scales, and therefore hair does not frizz and looks healthy and shiny.

And don't forget to use conditioner or conditioner. These products also seal the flakes. And the balm not only smoothes the hair, but also fills it with useful components: oils, proteins and minerals.

4. Nourish and moisturize hair with masks

Hair masks should be used regularly, about a couple of times a week. But if the ends are dry and split, then you can carry out an intensive recovery course and use the mask more often.

How to choose a store-bought hair mask

Choose a mask that says “nourish,” “moisturize,” or “restore” on the packaging. Don't rely on products that promise "irresistible shine" and "incredible shine."

As for the composition, it should contain as many natural ingredients as possible, primarily oils. Moreover, the order of listing on the label is very important. If you see oil, but it is at the very end of the list, it means that there is negligible amount of this component in the mask.

Apply the mask first of all to the ends, and then distribute along the length of the hair, stepping back about 10 cm from the roots. It is not worth rubbing the mask into the roots: they do not need such strong hydration.

A mask from a cosmetic store usually needs to be kept for up to 30 minutes. Therefore, follow the instructions and do not rush to wash it off: let the beneficial ingredients soak into your hair.

How to make homemade hair masks

You can also make the mask yourself. It is better to use recipes proven by mothers and grandmothers. For example, a kefir mask is suitable for smooth hair. You will need 1 glass of slightly warmed low-fat kefir. It needs to be rubbed into the roots and distributed over the entire length of the hair. To enhance the effect, you can wear a hat. Leave the kefir on your head for 30-40 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water. If you wish, you can wash your hair with shampoo.

Another proven method is a honey mask. Combine egg yolk, 1 spoonful of honey and a few drops of lemon juice. Apply the mixture to clean hair and rinse off after an hour.

5. Use hair oils

Hair oil has long been a recognized must-have. Apply this product to damp hair or dry hair after styling. It noticeably nourishes the ends, closes the scales, gives the hair density and a healthy appearance.

Only when choosing a multi-component oil, be careful. Read the ingredients carefully and focus on natural ingredients. The fact is that some products do not contain natural oils. Yes, they will make your hair shiny, but not for long. You will not get any deep hydration.

As for the application, the main thing here is not to overdo it. You only need a couple of drops of oil. It is better to grind the product in the palms of your hands and only then distribute it through the hair.

Well nourish and restore hair and one-component pharmacy oils: almond, burdock, from grape or apricot seeds, as well as coconut. The use of the latter has been proven by A. S. Rele, R. B. Mohile. Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage / Journal of Cosmetic Science scientifically. In the course of the study, it turned out that the molecules of coconut oil are so small that they are able to penetrate the hair and improve the appearance of the hair.

True, you will have to tinker with the usual oil from the pharmacy. Apply the product to damp hair, mainly the ends, and leave it on for a few hours. To enhance the effect, you can wrap your head in a towel or wear a special hat. The heat will speed up the oil. After that, rinse your hair with shampoo and style.

6. Be careful with hair growth activators

These funds can be classified as heavy artillery. But stylists do not advise buying all the products whose manufacturers promise you a quick result. Experts are especially skeptical about shampoos for hair growth.

Anastasia Voroshilova Stylist.

Hair growth shampoos are often just a marketing ploy. After all, with the help of this product we cleanse our hair. We do not leave the product on the hair, but wash it off immediately. Therefore, active substances, even if they are there, simply do not have time to act. Plus, such shampoos are aimed specifically at the hair roots, the rest of the length is ignored.

Activators can also be in the form of a peel, lotion, spray, or mask. If you believe the reviews of stylists and their clients, warming hair masks really work. Hot mixes improve blood circulation, nourish hair follicles and hair grows faster.

There is now a fairly large selection of such masks in stores, and brands of professional hair cosmetics also produce them. But even the products of reliable manufacturers must first be tested on a small area of the head and applied strictly according to the instructions.

Anastasia Voroshilova Stylist.

Be extremely careful with warming masks. In some people, the scalp is so thin and sensitive that even a mask with a harmless composition can harm it. This can ultimately lead to the opposite effect: the hair will begin to fall out. Also remember that such masks are applied only to the roots so as not to dry out the length.

Homemade masks will also help speed up hair growth. First of all - based on mustard powder. You will need:

• 2 tablespoons of dry mustard powder;
• 2 tablespoons of hot water;
• 1 yolk;
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of sugar.

Mix all ingredients until smooth. Then apply the mixture to the roots. To protect the ends from contact with the mask, apply any oil, such as olive oil, to them. It is recommended to keep the composition from 15 minutes to an hour: focus on the condition of the scalp. Then wash off the mask with shampoo and conditioner.

7. Give up the hair dryer and irons

Sounds radical, but it works just as well as expensive masks. Hot air drying daily will drain your hair. And irons or curling irons, which heat up to about 200 degrees, turn the tips into lifeless straw.

Therefore, try to dry your hair naturally: wake up an hour early, wash your hair, blot your hair with a towel and do your household chores.

If you can't completely give up styling tools, give your hair a break from them at least a couple of times a week.

8. Use thermal hair protection products

If a job or an occasion requires you to style your hair, then, as an exception, you can use a hairdryer, curling iron or iron. But be sure to apply a thermal hair protection product before this. Do not expect hydration and healing. The product will simply create a film on the hair that protects it.

Just read the instructions carefully: usually manufacturers write the maximum temperature at which the product works.

9. Do not wrap your hair in a towel

Even drying naturally can damage your hair. Therefore, it is important to choose the right towel: it should be soft, with a short nap.

Do not rub your hair or wring it out. Simply pat dry your hair with a towel.

Experts do not recommend wrapping your head in a tight turban. Remember that wet hair is especially vulnerable and easily damaged.

10. Don't go to bed with a wet head

Never wash your hair before going to bed if you know that you will not have the time and energy to dry it. Sleeping with wet hair is a disaster.

First, overnight rubbing against the pillow will injure your wet ends. Secondly, in the morning you will wake up with matted hair sticking out in different directions. And then your hand will definitely reach for a hair dryer or iron.

11. Replace pillowcases

Even hard bedding can break and split your hair. So allow yourself silk pillowcases. They are less traumatic for your hair and save you the trouble of combing out tangles in the morning.

12. Comb your hair gently

It is better not to disturb wet hair. Wait for them to dry. Alternatively, use a comb-free spray that moisturizes your hair and detangles it for you.

You need to start combing not from the roots, but from the ends, gradually moving upward. This way you will not pull your hair out.

Also, experts advise regularly combing your hair before bedtime. Firstly, this way there will be fewer tangles in the morning. Secondly, in this way you distribute sebum through your hair, which means you moisturize it.

13. Go to the hairdresser regularly

The desire to preserve every millimeter is understandable and natural. But still, train yourself to regularly visit the hairdresser. No matter how you take care of your hair, over time, it depletes in one way or another: it splits, breaks off, and you lose length. And in general, lifeless, unkempt ends will ruin any hairstyle. Hair professionals recommend cutting your hair at least once every three months.

14. Eat more fish, fruits and vegetables

Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, or trout will benefit. These foods are rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Eat more fruits and vegetables that contain iron. For example, apples, cabbage, pumpkin. And of course, drink plenty of water so that dehydration does not lead to dry and brittle hair.

As for pharmacy vitamins, it is better to consult a doctor before using them.

Anastasia Voroshilova Stylist.

I do not recommend vitamins to my clients. Before you start taking them, you need to examine your body in order to understand what exactly is missing, why hair does not grow as fast as you would like. If you blindly drink, for example, vitamins E and A, which are strongly recommended on women's forums, you can only aggravate the situation.

Unfortunately, humanity has not yet come up with a miracle shampoo. Long and shiny hair is either genes, expensive salon treatments, or proper self-care. The third option is available to everyone.