Having long, luscious locks is something most of us aspire to, especially in the summer months when we’re out and about and more social than usual.
On top of your skincare and other forms of self-care and grooming, having a hair care routine sounds like a bit of an overwhelming task. However, growing your hair out and getting it into a healthy and vibrant state isn’t all that hard. Here are five simple steps you can take towards your longest and healthiest hair yet.
Practice Gentle Hair Care
Try your best to hold yourself back from over-washing your hair, as much as you might want to have freshly washed locks for every event you’re attending. Over-shampooing can strip your hair of its natural oils and cause dryness and breakage, which we all want to avoid.
Instead, try to only wash your hair two or three times a week using gentle products. Make sure that all of the hair care products you use, such as shampoos, conditioners, masks, serums, and products for hair growth, are as natural as possible and gentle on your hair and scalp.
Protect Your Hair from Heat
Constantly using heat styling tools on your hair can damage it beyond repair, causing breakage and making it brittle and dry.
As often as you can, try to avoid styling tools and instead rely on heatless methods like satin curling rods, air-drying your hair, and stylish braids and up-dos that will make you look cute without any curling or straightening. When you do opt for using heat on your hair, make sure to use a heat protectant spray or serum beforehand and try to avoid using the tool on its hottest settings.
Trim Regularly
If you want your hair to keep growing healthily (and quickly) you’ll actually need to keep trimming it on a regular basis!
This might feel counter-productive, but removing split-ends will prevent them from moving up the hair shaft, which can lead to further damage. Keeping your hair healthy and avoiding breakage should be your priority, so try to visit your hairstylist at least every three months.
Use Deep Conditioning Treatments
To keep your hair nourished and well hydrated, use deep conditioning treatments at least once a week.
Look for deep conditioning masks or hair serums that are packed with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or argan oil. These additions to your haircare routine can help repair damage, restore moisture, and improve the overall health of your hair. But make sure to rinse your treatment out thoroughly to avoid looking greasy!
Nourish from the Inside Out
Finally, remember that health always starts on the inside, and getting in the right nutrients is essential for the health of your hair.
Make sure you’re eating a balanced diet that’s high in fruits, veggies, whole grains, protein, and healthy fats. Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for the health of your hair, skin, and nails and can be found in foods like fatty fish, chia seeds, and flax seeds, amongst others. Focus on adding healthy treats to your diet and watch your hair flourish and grow.
