How to Grow Long, Healthy Hair

For hair to be able to grow long and strong, it needs the right conditions. You don't have to spend a lot of money or be a professional stylist to achieve great results.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Shower Comb
• Quality shampoo and conditioner
• Deep conditioner

1. Start with a good cut. Split ends cause hair to be shorter because the hair splits up the hair shaft and causes it to break off. Too many split ends also makes hair look dull because it cannot reflect light properly. Healthy hair should be trimmed at least 1/8th of an inch every few weeks. If hair is damaged, get a good cut from a franchise like Great Clips or Super Cuts. Follow with regular trims every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on how fast your hair grows. It's also a good idea to apply a deep conditioner at this time.

2. Hair should be washed as often as necessary. Typically, Caucasian hair should be washed daily (or every few days) and African-American hair should be washed weekly (or every other week). When washing, apply shampoo to the scalp only. As you massage and rinse the scalp, the shampoo will slide down the strands and wash the hair. Use a gentle massaging motion on the scalp, taking care not to scratch or irritate it. Take care not to over massage or pile the hair on top of your head. Using a shower comb (a wide-tooth plastic comb) will help get any tangles out.

3. Conditioner is very important to the health of your hair. Liberally apply conditioner, paying special attention to the ends. The end of the hair is the weakest, because it is the oldest and receives the most damage. Brushing against your shoulders and being twirled by fingers causes stress to your ends. Rinse hair in cool water to close the hair shaft. If hair is fine, apply a conditioning protein mask weekly, to build up strands.

4. Apply a light, leave-in conditioner and let hair dry naturally. If you must use heat to dry your hair, always use a thermal protector. Ceramic irons provide the best protection, but any heating elements should not be used more than once a week to prevent damage. Choose styles that don't require a lot of teasing or heat styling. At night, sleep on a satin pillowcase or put hair in a loose ponytail, using a big scrunchy.

5. Your hair is an asset and should be treated as such. Invest in quality products and use these tips to take good care of your hair and you will have beautiful, long, and healthy hair in no time.

Tips & Warnings

• If your hair is getting dirty or oily but it's not time to wash it, roll the hair. It will give it lots of bounce while hiding the oil and dirt in the hair.
• Hair should be washed after exercising. Salt from sweat strips the hair and causes excessive damage.
• Avoid product build-up by only using products as necessary. If you don't need hairspray or pomade to hold your style that day, don't use it.
• Purchase vitamins that promote healthy hair from within. You can buy them from places like GNC, Walgreens, or Target.
• It may take a while to find the perfect shampoo and conditioners. Ask friends and family (with similar types of hair) what products they use. There are many products available and you should be able to find several that are perfect for your hair type.

[formythreeboyz]

on 8/29/2009 Great! I Recommend you.