By: Sam
Last time I gave you the 411 on my hair, I was cutting off the damage and bitter-sweetly accepting my new short do. I realized however, regaining hair health isn’t just about getting rid of what’s damaged but to ensure that future growth is healthy and strong. In the last few years I’ve experimented so much with color (dying & toning) that I can only imagine my hair’s a bit traumatized and needs a little TLC in order to achieve my latest hair goal: Rapunzel length hair. (lol).
So here’s my hair 3-4 weeks ago:
For those who do not know, I have (3b-3c type) curls. Also my hair gets very dry (as most curls do), prone to frizz and needs extra hydration. I know on average, Â hair grows about 1/2 inch-1 inch a month, but I am going to share with you my “my hair growth system” which includes steps and extra tips that I feel has been working for me.
1. Taking hair supplements– I started taking Phytophanère Hair And Nails Dietary Supplement ($59, Available at Sephora) right about when I took this picture. A bottle comes with 120 capsules which will last you two months, taking 2 a day in the morning with a glass of water. These supplements contain Biotin, Vitamin E, Vitamin B & C, Omega 3 and 6, and much more. Instructions recommend you take them for at least 4 months. I know it is not proven that these will 100% work but I do feel like due to taking these supplements, my new growth (and will show you in another post very soon) has been much softer, stronger, and overall healthier. Also my eyelashes are the longest they’ve ever been!
2. Shampooing as little as possible – Washing your hair to keep it clean is okay, but washing your hair too much can be drying. So, I’m now washing my hair 3 times a week and use sulfate free shampoo. My favorite is Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo ($9.99, Available at local Pharmacies, including Walgreens). *Do take note that if your hair becomes very dirty and oily, at least once a week use a standard shampoo that contains sulfate. Also, NEVER rinse your hair with very hot water, cool water helps retain its moisture.
3. Weekly Deep Treatments – This is a very important step! Me personally, I like to put on deep treatments and sleep with them overnight (I put a towel over my pillow when doing so) and fasten my hair into a top bun. I like to alternate 2 deep treatments, one being Trader Joe’s Organic Virgin Coconut Oil ($13.59 on Amazon.com, available at your local Trader Joes), and the other being Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Hair Masque ($9.99, Available at local pharmacies, including Walgreens). Coconut Oil contains nutrients like Vitamin E, K, and iron, which help shield hair protein and retain hair moisture. I have been doing this consistently for about 2-3 months and have noticed a difference in my hair. No matter what your hair situation, a deep treatment is a must.
4. Cut back on heat styling– Imagine being put in the dryer with rollers (high heat temp), then getting your hair blown out, and going over it with a flatiron. Now imagine doing that once every week for a number of months. I mean…that has got to take toll on your hair. I am vastly cutting back, blow drying my hair 1-2 times a month (at most). This prevents further damage and breakage on ones hair. Also, try to cut back on the use of hair gel (which may contain alcohol, and is therefore drying).
5. Eating Healthier– I am a firm believer in “you are what you eat”. I simply try to be mindful of foods that have been known to be beneficial for hair. I eat lots of avocado (essential fatty acids) and have poultry (protein), and add blueberries (Vitamin C) to my fruit smoothies, and use spinach (iron, vitamin C, beat-carotene) in my salads. Drink lots of water, too! *For more info on “hair friendly” foods check this out: Top 10 Foods for Healthy Hair (By Elizabeth B. Krieger & Reviewed by Victoria Barbosa, MD)
6. Massage Your Scalp – I like to do this as often as I can, it is said to be good for your hair as it stimluates hair growth and blood flow. I think of it has giving my hair a well-deserved hug for all I’ve put it through. *For an extra special scalp massage, I like to put Josie Maran’s Argan oil (ranges from $14-$96, available at Sephora) in my hair and massage using my fingers (not my nails) in slow circular motion.
7. Regular Trims– Even if your goal is to have long hair, regular trims keep your hair looking healthy. You don’t want those split ends to rise now do you? So trim every 6-10 weeks, unless your hair really needs some repairing and there is a lot of damage, 4-6 weeks.
In future posts, I will be showing pictures of my hair progress; straightened to show the length as well as my curly hair to show the difference in overall healthiness. (fingers crossed!)
Hope you guys find these tips to be helpful :). Are you in the process of growing out your hair? What has been beneficial to you?
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