Long hair page
As you can see from my pictures, I sport very long locks - past my waist. Long hair has been a trademark of beauty for ages. On this page, I'll give you some tips to help you grow your hair long (and healthy), or, if you already have long hair, I hope I can give you some ideas for taking better care of it.
Growing long healthy hair:
If you want to grow your hair longer the trick is to keep it healthy.
First and foremost: Stop using heat styling products like blow dryers and curling irons! This is the most damaging thing that we do to our hair. Find a good hairstyle that is easy to maintain and doesn't require daily curling. Wash your hair in the evenings and let it air dry (or set it in curlers while wet). This is the most important tip I can give you!
Prevent split ends by protecting your hair. Wind damage is the main cause of split ends, which are the main reason hair doesn't grow longer. If you drive with the windows rolled down (like me) or work outdoors, wear your hair up, under a cap, or in braids.
Regular trims are also good for getting rid of split ends and old perms or color jobs. For maximum growth, trim your hair during the waxing moon (from new moon until the full moon) when it's in a water (Cancer, Scorpio, or Pisces) or earth sign (Taurus, Virgo, or Capricorn). You can find this info in an astrological calendar or a farmers' almanac.
It goes without saying you should find and use a good shampoo and conditioner. My personal choice is Flex brand. Yes, the cheap kind. The Aussie line of stuff is really good, too, if you can afford to spend that much money.
Never brush your hair when wet - it will break.
Drink lots of water and take Vitamin E.
Finally, chemical treatments are very bad! I strongly urge you not to color or perm your hair. If you already have a chemical treatment, please have patience and grow it out, trimming regularly until you finally come back to your natural, beautiful, healthy hair.
Taking care of long hair:
Everything I said about growing your hair still applies, of course. Just a couple more hints:
Washing: Long hair doesn't need to be washed as often. Twice a week is enough (provided you don't use styling products). Only lather the scalp, not the length of the hair. Be sure and condition the scalp and the entire hair well, and rinse with cool water (this is to keep from stripping the hair of it's protective oils).
Sleeping: Protect your hair at night as well. Pull it up behind one ear (or both) and braid tightly for sleeping. This will keep it from getting tangled and broken - and keep you from laying on it! You also get the added benefit of pretty waves the next day.
Brushing: For straight hair, use a paddle brush with flexible bristles. Curly or wavy hair should use a wide vent brush or pick. Brush the hair often to stimulate the scalp. Start brushing at the end of the hair and work your way up (brushing downward, of course).
Monthly cholesterol treatments help too. Not only will they make your hair shiny and smooth as silk, they feel wonderful! You can get them at most salons (or beauty schools), or you can buy the cholesterol salve and do it at home. You simply rub the salve into the scalp and all along the hair, then cover and apply heat for about 20 mins. or so. Wash out normally.
I hope these tips are helpful, and good luck growing your hair. Remember, if you treat your hair like precious silk, it will be!
