To get long and healthy hair takes effort and patience. While you can provide treatments such as scalp massages and use biotin supplements to stimulate new hair growth, the bigger challenge is actually preventing existing hair from breaking and breaking. Trimming the ends of your hair regularly, using the right hair care products, and avoiding harsh treatments and hairstyles can have a huge impact on the health of your hair. Changing your lifestyle, such as following a healthy diet for your hair, is also very important. Although it takes effort and time, with a little persistence, you can get the long and beautiful hair you've always wanted.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Stimulates New Hair Growth
Step 1. Massage the scalp every day
Healthy hair starts from the scalp. A 5-minute scalp massage every day can help improve blood flow in this area and stimulate new hair growth as a result. You can massage your scalp in the shower during your shampooing or whenever you have a few minutes to spare.
Use your fingertips, but not your nails, to massage your scalp. Nails can cause irritation and scratching of the skin if pressed too hard
Step 2. Apply 3-4 drops of peppermint oil to the scalp daily
Peppermint essential oil can help stimulate hair growth when applied directly to the scalp. Apply a few drops of this oil to the scalp and massage with fingertips. Repeat this treatment at least once a day for 4 weeks to stimulate new hair growth.
For best results, use a few drops of pure peppermint essential oil mixed with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Don't use peppermint-scented oil. Oils like these only smell like peppermint, but don't have the same properties
Step 3. Use hair care products formulated to stimulate new hair growth
Look for shampoos that are formulated to stimulate hair growth and contain ingredients such as:
- Biotin
- Minoxidil
- Niacin
- Tea tree oil
- Vitamin E
Step 4. Take a 5,000 mg biotic supplement daily
Biotin, or vitamin B7 is an essential B vitamin. Biotin has long been used to help stimulate new hair growth and is often a key ingredient in other hair supplements. Take this supplement at least 5,000 mg daily to help stimulate the growth of long and thick hair.
- Biotin supplements are over-the-counter at most pharmacies and health food stores. You can also buy vitamins for hair, skin, and nails that contain biotin.
- Biotin is also sold in topical preparations. If you prefer topical biotin, follow the directions for use on the package.
Method 2 of 3: Preventing Hair Damage
Step 1. Wash 3-4 times a week
Some people report that they get longer hair after using less shampoo and conditioner. So, consider shampooing every 2-3 days. When you don't need to wash your hair, wear a protective hat while showering, and use dry shampoo to control oil in your hair.
If your hair tangles easily, you may need to wash it more often. Use conditioner every day or every other day to prevent tangles that can trigger hair breakage
Step 2. Trim the ends of the hair every 8-12 weeks
Hair damage often starts at the tips of the hair and spreads to the roots. Trimming the ends of the hair regularly will stop this damage thereby keeping the hair healthy in the long run. Visit a stylist every 2-3 months and have them cut the ends of your hair no more than about 1 cm to prevent the damage from spreading.
- If your hair is suddenly damaged as a result of an accident with heating or chemical treatments, visit a hairdresser as soon as possible.
- If you don't have the time or money to go through regular salon treatments, you can also try cutting the ends of your hair yourself. Try to have good scissors ready if you decide to cut the ends of your hair yourself. The results will be very different.
Step 3. Use an intensive conditioning mask to hydrate hair
An intensive conditioning treatment can help protect the hair shaft while preventing frizz. Look for a hair mask formulated for your hair type (eg thick, thin, curly, dry, dyed, etc.). Ask your stylist to choose the right product for you if you're in doubt.
- Apply the mask to your hair after shampooing and leave it on for the time recommended on the package. Some masks only need to be left on for 3-5 minutes, while others may need to be left on for 10-15 minutes. After that, rinse the mask from your hair in the shower.
- You can buy hair masks at most beauty and cosmetic stores, as well as many pharmacies and drug stores.
Step 4. Minimize hair combing
Combing can break hair and pull out healthy hair. So, try to comb your hair to a minimum. Try to only brush tangled hair after a shower or while styling.
When combing, make sure to use the right comb. A wide-toothed comb or bath comb is suitable for both wet and dry hair because it can handle tangles without pulling too hard. Meanwhile, a boar bristle comb is also good to use, but is more suitable for dry hair
Step 5. Limit the use of heating devices
Heat can damage hair from the cuticle to the tips. This is why you should avoid using heating devices as much as possible, including hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons, hot combs, flat irons, and hot rollers.
- Even if you have to dry your hair with a tool, choose the lowest temperature and direct it towards the ends of your hair.
- Use a heat protectant spray if you absolutely must use a heater to style your hair. Apply this spray to the hair from a shoulder distance away before using the heater.
Step 6. Avoid using a regular towel, and use a microfiber towel to dry wet hair
Certain materials, such as terry cloth on a regular towel, can damage wet hair. So, avoid using this towel to dry your hair. It's best to let your hair dry on its own as often as possible. If you want to reduce the amount of water in your hair after shampooing, try using a microfiber towel. Don't just wrap your hair and put it on your head. However, gently squeeze the hair to absorb the water.
Step 7. Avoid harsh chemical treatments to prevent hair damage
Treatments such as painting, highlighting, curling, chemical straightening, and lightening your hair can cause damage. If you want to get long, shiny hair, you should avoid all of these treatments.
If you've dyed your hair or have had chemical treatments, try discussing the best way to change your hairstyle with your stylist
Step 8. Use loose hairstyles such as a short ponytail or a messy bun
There are many hairstyles that are harsh on the scalp and hair shaft. Hairstyles that pull the hair shaft tight, such as high or tight ponytails, and some types of braids can trigger hair breakage. Avoid damaged hair by using loose styles, such as short ponytails and random buns as much as possible.
Hair extensions may look pretty for a while, but your hair will look even more messy when they're removed. So, avoid this hairstyle as much as possible, or use hair extension clips to reduce the risk of damage to the hair
Method 3 of 3: Changing Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Use a silk or satin pillowcase to prevent hair damage
Silk and satin are considered to be gentler on hair than cotton. This ingredient can help prevent frizz that triggers hair breakage. Buy some silk or satin pillowcases to keep your hair long and shiny.
You can find silk pillowcases at many home improvement stores or online for relatively low prices. Satin is usually more affordable than silk
Step 2. Follow a healthy diet for hair to stimulate its growth
To maximize hair health, you must provide proper nutrition and drink plenty of water. Try to stick to a protein-rich diet. Your daily calories should consist of 15-25% low-fat protein. In addition, increasing the intake of iron, omega 3, zinc, and biotin will also benefit the hair.
- Eat iron-rich foods such as spinach, beans, and low-fat red meat in moderation.
- Whole grains, oysters, peanut butter, and seeds are good sources of zinc.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables. Vegetables and fruit contain vitamins A, C, and E, all of which can help maintain healthy hair and scalp.
- Eggs, meat, nuts, seeds, salmon, dairy products, and avocados are all rich in hair-healthy biotin.
- Salmon, flaxseeds, chia seeds and walnuts are all rich in omega 3.
Step 3. Manage stressors
Healthy eating, regular exercise, and getting enough rest at night are very influential factors in dealing with stress. Severe stress due to anything can trigger a variety of physical symptoms, including reduced or stunted hair growth.
- Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity at least 5 days a week. Moderate intensity physical activity can be done while having a little chat. Not only good for the body, this activity can also help calm the mind.
- Try meditating or practicing breathing to help calm your mind if you're feeling stressed a lot.
Step 4. Consult a doctor if your hair is falling out
If your hair growth is very slow or even falls out, you may be experiencing health problems. Make an appointment with a doctor and discuss the symptoms you are experiencing, and undergo the necessary diagnostic tests.
- Genetic factors or family history also play a role in hair health and growth.
- Women, especially, are prone to hair loss if they experience increased levels of androgen hormones. This is common in cases of polycystic ovary syndrome.
Tips
- Using conditioner after every shampooing can help prevent frizz and breakage.
- Rinse your hair with cold water after you're done shampooing. That way, the hair follicles will close so they stay healthy and shiny.
- Not everyone can get waist-length hair like a mermaid. Genetically, some people's hair is more prone to breakage and has a shorter maximum length. It is completely natural, and does not mean that there is anything wrong with your body.