Two days ago I went for a hair cut and I was reminded yet again by my stylist how fast my hair grows and how healthy it seems. Everyone all my life has commented on how strong and healthy my hair is and I really haven't put much thought to it. I always said I was blessed with great genetics (Most of my family has very thick and lush hair). I tend to allow my hair to grow then I try to donate to locks of love when possible. This particular hair cut I didn't but if I had cut about 3 more inches of hair I could have. I'll donate next time...However, could it be more than just some good genetics that have my hair growing so fast and being so strong?
So, the past few days I've put heavy thought and research into it. I think I know why my hair grows faster and is more healthy than say... the average person. So here are my personal tips. No, I'm not a rocket scientist or in this case a follicle doctor err person-thing. BUT I do have some educated guesses and opinions... so yeah, here it is!
Don't over do it!
Common sense tells us if you put a lot of heavy chemicals on your hair it probably is not going to love it. Enough said!
Keep it simple.
Try not to perm, color, or over style your hair. I'm not saying not to get those highlights or hide that grey hair but be smart about it. Also, I'm not saying not to use products. In fact, products can really leave your hair healthier than before using them. Spend some time in the hairspray section of your local store. Some gels and such now are packed with vitamins, oils, and other healthy mumbo-jumbo for your hair.
Condition your hair!
Even if you have oily hair, which I tend to have an oily scalp...condition your ends and tips of your hair. You can use any conditioner of your choice, leave in conditioners, wash out ones, but do your hair the favor...it needs hydration. Also, If your hair is already breaking a lot wait it out and dye or perm your hair once your hair is more hydrated and healthy. Try hot oil treatments to get your hair all shiny again. In Italy they use olive oil on their hair. You can even use avocados and other natural things from your fridge to give your hair a boost. Nothin' beats free! (I've used sunflower seed oil and olive oils... just go light with both run some oil on your hands and spread through the tips of your hair.)
Skip a day ...at least!
Do not wash your hair every day. By doing so your stripping your hair of the moisture it needs to be strong, healthy and it will lose that shine. Shampoo leaves residue in hair so if you MUST wash every day try a dry shampoo or if your really in a pinch and your hair is oily try baby powder. I know that sounds like so crazy but my mom said people in the 70s did it a lot and I tried it. It works. Just don't over do it. You don't need much powder and you do not want to look like Casper the friendly ghost. Just a dab will do, massage it into the scalp where it is oily and lightly towel is out. It will look and feel less oily.
Wet hair is fragile hair!
Most of us brush our hair when it is at its most fragile..when your hair is wet! When your hair is wet brushing will cause breakage. Instead of brushing try picking your hair with a pick or large tooth comb. If you can't then Brush your tips first to detangle then the scalp to tip gently when wet. Be patient and use detanglers if you have a crazy hot mess like I do in the mornings.
*Useless knowledge moment* We shed about 50 to 100 hairs a day. I sat and counted all mine in the floor! No, I didn't! I just heard some doctor say it. I lied. I'm Sorry.
Heat is bad.
Yep, I said it. Hot curlers, Curling irons, flat irons Oh My! Protect your hair before you blow dry or heat up your hair there are many products out these days that will even improve how your hair looks after applying it. Pantene Heat Protection and Shine Spray works great.
Bind the bands!
All hair bands break hair. I've tried them all and in fact this is what I'm most guilty of. I sleep with my hair pulled out of my face. I'm RE-training myself to use pins, claws, anything but a band. Try to not use them, you will see results...trust me.
Might be yer Diet!
Oh yes, probably the main reason beyond genetics as to why my hair is probably growing faster than my peers. I love food, I'm a foodie. I could talk hours about food, but I wont bore you. Variety is the spice of life and it is vital for all skin and hair growth. (water intake too, get those 8 glasses....yes I need to work on that one)
Our bodies need the vitamins and I am a huge believer that having the actual food in its most natural state is when it is most beneficial. Sure you could pop another pill...but nothin' is like the real thing, sugar! Here are 10 yums to add to your diet for your tresses!
1. Fish- omega 3s baby, yeah!
2. Dark green veggies- yep any of the dark ones tend to be packed full of vitamins A and C which helps the body produce sebum. (that oily stuff your hairs natural conditioner!)
3. Beans- Beans beans the more you eat the ...more protein your hair gets! What? You didn't think I was going to say F..nah! Protein promotes hair growth! Beans are full of iron, zinc, and biotin. Biotin deficiencies can result in brittle hair, among other things.
4. Nuts- If you can eat them, they're full of good vitamins for your hair too like alpha-linolenic acid (omega 3 which conditions hair) Zinc which helps to stop shedding. Brazil nuts have selenium a mineral for the health of your scalp.
5. Poultry- more protein!
6. Eggs- Protein again
7. Whole Grains- You can just eat a bowl of whole grain cereal and get your zinc, iron, and B vitamins!
8. Low fat Dairy- more proteins and helps keep hair strong not to mention your bones.
9. Oysters- yeah I'm not trying this one. But its another great source of zinc so I hear. YUCK!
10. Carrots- Vitamin A which is not only great for your eyes, skin but your hair. I love carrots raw or cooked but if you do cook any of your veggies remember they are best steamed only lightly to receive the whole benefit of all their vita-yumminess.
You don't have to eat them all but these are great examples of ways to grab those nutrients. I love salads, you can make them really creatively so they aren't boring old side salads too. So have fun and get creative. Yep, I just suggested you play with your food. :)
Last but not least...Enjoy what you naturally have.
Embrace your hair texture! We're all unique and great in our own ways. Try not to straighten your hair, relax your hair or curl your hair to death err...well your hair is technically already dead but you get the point! Enjoy being you, and rock what you already got! I know we love trying new things and well rock that too...but don't be afraid to just let it be. I think our natural hair is beautiful and the world would be a heck of a boring place if we all had blond bone straight hair, don't you agree??
So maybe all of this was a huge duh moment for you and you just wasted a few moments reading all this when you could have been playing Angry Birds and if so ...man, that sucks! Hopefully at the least you grabbed something from it and can use it in your daily life. Or hey, worse case scenario you will store this in the pile of useless knowledge you never think you will use and then like one day you're on some application game and you realize 'HOLY BLUE JEANS' ....I really am smarter than a '5th grader'!
