Boosting hair growth: Is it possible?
[Photo: Getty]
Many of us yearn for Rapunzel-like long locks, but is fast growing hair only found in fairytales? Is there a magic hair product available or any special scalp techniques we need to learn to make our hair healthier and longer? Does brushing help my hair grow? To separate the fact from the fiction, we quizzed some hair experts to tell us the secret of longer, thicker hair.
Tiff J, owner of Shoreditch salon 3Thirty says “Hair on average grows at a rate of ¼ to ½ an inch a month – and that’s only if the hair is super healthy. So the question is not about how you can make hair grow faster but actually, how can I ensure my hair grows at its maximum potential?” So forget about trying to change your hair growth, it’s all about making sure your hair is in good shape to grow at it’s maximum speed.
[Photo: Getty]
First, let’s understand the growth cycle of your hair.
The growth cycle of a hair consists of three stages: the Anagen, Catagen and Telogen stages. The Anagen stage lasts typically 3-5 years and is the prime growth phase of the hair follicle. The Catagen stage is only about 2 weeks and gets the hair ready for the final Telogen phase which is another 3-4 months of shedding and resting hair. At the end of the lifespan, the old hair follicles fall out and are replaced by new hair growth.
Basically, you want to ensure that you have healthy hair while it’s in the growth phase, to ensure it reaches its maximum length potential. But how do we do it?
Stop washing your hair?
As tempting as it may be, do not wash your hair every day. According to Limoz Logli, renowned hair stylist at Limoz Logli in Chelsea, washing your hair too frequently strips hair of its natural oils. “This leaves it dull, dry and prone to breakage. When you do wash your hair, indulge in a nourishing mask once a week, massaging into the scalp to stimulate the hair follicles.”
Try this Green People Daily Aloe Shampoo £11.95, a mild cleansing shampoo with soothing aloe. The SLS free formula reduces irritation and helps to promote a healthy scalp balance.
[Photo: Getty]
Hold The Heat Styling
Dyeing and chemically treating your hair leaves the cuticles wide open, meaning it’s porous and susceptible to moisture escaping and breakage. Persistent use of heat styling tools can also leave hair dry and damaged.
Limoz suggests taking a break and rocking your natural texture by leaving it to dry naturally. “If you must use something opt for the low heat setting on your dryer and try heated rollers instead of tongs for lower heat curls. “
Try the Aquis hair towel £30 instead of blow-drying. Made of super absorbent microfiber material, it dries hair faster than conventional towels and without the friction or damage.
[Photo: Getty]
How Often Should We Brush?
We’ve all heard beauty myths about brushing your hair a hundred times a day for long hair, but did you know they’re actually false? “Too much brushing and styling manipulation adds unnecessary stress to the hair and roots.” says Tiff, “This can snap and break the strand, or even pull it completely from the root.”
To minimise the damage from brushing, try detangling with fingers where you can. If you must use a brush, take your hair in medium sections and use one hand to hold hair at the root whilst using the other free hand to brush the hair, working from the ends and gently upwards.
Tiff also recommends using a bristle brush if possible. “It’s kinder to the hair and evenly distributes natural oils from the scalp to the rest of the hair.”
We love the Kent Airhedz Pure Bristle Paddle brush £8.63. Specifically designed for medium-long hair, the air cushioned head massages the scalp and the natural bristle provides the perfect grooming control.
Find Your New Hair Type
Do you find that your hair never grows past a certain length? Some of us are destined to never have long locks. It’s all about the porosity level of your hair.
Although many of think of our hair type as straight, curly, thick or fine, it’s also very important to consider your hair’s porosity. Hair porosity determines how moisture is retained in your hair, what products are best to use and what is best to avoid in order to minimize hair breakage.
If you have highly porous hair that easily absorbs water, Tiff advises hair products that are lower in pH, as this will help trap and lock in water. “Highly porous hair will benefit greatly with products which contain protein because protein patches up holes and ‘cracks’ in the hair shaft to stop moisture seeping out.”
Try Naturtint Vital 5 Hair Mask £14.99 which is formulated with a natural protein complex that coats the cuticle whilst repairing the hair from the inside.
Eat Your Hair Longer
When asked about what we shouldn’t do, Tiff says “Avoid fad diets. Depleted minerals and vitamin levels can lead to stunted hair growth or even hair loss.”
Limoz is in firm agreement, “What you put into your body is just as important as the products you use. Adopting a well-balanced diet high in protein is crucial for maintaining strong and healthy hair.”
If like many other millennials you find it hard to keep up with a balanced diet, you could try supplements and top up your diet with a multivitamin or hair supplement.
LQ Liquid Health Skin, Hair & Nails £29.99 is a liquid supplement that gives you a daily dose of collagen, hyaluronic acid and biotin for stronger, more hydrated hair and nails.
Sleep On Silk
What else can we employ alongside our new balanced diet and gentlly brushed hair? Try silk pillows. There is an incredible amount of friction when sleeping on cotton or polyester pillows and this provides unnecessary stress on your hair and skin.
Tiff equates it to sleeping with an elastic rubber band holding your hair back. “Stop rubbing your tresses the wrong way and invest in a satin or silk pillow.”
Try the sumptuous Silk Standard Pillowcase £35 from John Lewis. This silky pillow comes in 8 colours to choose from.
[Photo: Getty]
Get A Trim
Interestingly, having a hair cut can actually help hair growth. Limoz says “It may sound backwards but getting your hair trimmed regularly really will help your hair grow. If you are feeling brave, go for a blunt cut to close off the cuticles and boost growth”
So treat your hair gently, sleep on silk and get regular trims. Sounds do-able to us - will you be trying these tips? Do you find it hard to grow long hair? Tweet us @YahooStyleUK.
