Changing your hairstyle may take time, especially if your desired style involves growing out your locks. The rate at which your hair grows depends on a variety of factors, including heredity. Certain conditions, such as stress, illness, hormonal changes and medications, may affect the rate of your hair growth. Although you can’t change your genetic makeup, you can incorporate some healthy modifications into your lifestyle and your hair care routine, increasing your chances of producing a mane of long, healthy hair.
Eat Right for Long Locks
Your hair follicles, like other parts of your body, require adequate nutrition to perform their tasks. The Mayo Clinic advises eating a nutritionally balanced diet to keep your hair healthy. Avoid crash diets that may not contain sufficient nutrients. Eat foods that contain iron and B vitamins, such as leafy greens and whole grains. Include antioxidant foods, such as squash, peppers, tomatoes, cherries and blueberries. Minimize your intake of the trans fatty acids found in french fries, onion rings, crackers, margarine and cookies.
Ensure Adequate Nutrition
Take a multivitamin if you have trouble eating a well-balanced diet that contains adequate nutrition. Your vitamin should contain B-complex vitamins, as well as vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E. Also try to find one that includes magnesium, selenium, calcium and zinc. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking capsules that contain omega-3 fatty acids, to help with hair growth.
Use Pampering Products
Select gentle shampoos and conditioners. Thoroughly rinse these products from your hair. Apply a deep conditioner about once a week to dry, damaged hair. Apply a thermal conditioning product before applying heat to your hair, and limit your use of blow dryers. Don’t brush your hair when it is wet or damp. Detangle your damp strands with a wide-toothed comb. If you spend much time outdoors, use a leave-in conditioner that supplies a layer of sunscreen to your locks.
Find a New Style
Some styles can pull your hair, decreasing the elasticity of the strands and causing breakage. Tight styles, such as ponytails, braids and twisted buns can damage your hair. Styles that involve backcombing and twisting can also harm your hair. Experiment with easy styles that you can create at home. Allow your hair to fall naturally, without the use of curling irons and flat irons.
Photo Credit
- girl brushing long hair image by NatUlrich from Fotolia.com
