A variety of lifestyle factors and products determine whether or not you will have the healthy hair you are looking for. Here is some advice we can give you…
Why Does It Feel Like Your Hair Won’t Grow?
Although it may seem that your hair’s only job is to grow. The process is a little more complicated than that. It goes through three phases – growth, resting and falling out – and each one lasts a certain amount of time. Usually the growth and falling-out phases are shorter, while the resting phase is the longest, lasting up to seven years, and it is this length of time that will determine how long your hair can actually grow.
Don’t feel discouraged if you struggle to grow your hair, as there are many techniques you can try to achieve the look you want.
“Growing out your hair requires a plan,” says Shalene Shaer, master stylist at Tanaz Hair.
She recommends:
- Building a board of the hairstyles you like, so that you can have an idea of what you want to achieve, as this helps you to keep control of the process.
- Trimming regularly in order to keep it from splitting.
- Making sure its condition is always good, as this plays a part in its ability to grow. Speak to your stylist for reputable advice about what type of care it needs.
Top Tips For Growing Your Hair
- If you are growing out your hair, you should trim every 12 weeks in order to keep it healthy. However, if you are happy with your length, you should trim it every eight weeks.
Brushing your hair before washing works as both a form of detoxification and a treatment, by spreading the nutrient, filled oils released from from your scalp into your follicles.- If you enjoy swimming, you should always wet and run conditioner through your hair before jumping in the water, as it forms a barrier from the chlorine.
- Your best haircare ranges will be, pro-fibred, pro-amino acids and contain fewer sulphates and salts.
Your Hair Troubles Addressed…
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Fine and Limp
Problem: This is caused by a protein deficiency, and often by adding colour or chemical treatments.
Solution: Use a lightweight shampoo and only apply conditioner to the tips. To create a bit more volume, you can also blow dry against its grain and curl it using a flat iron. Apply hairspray on the roots if you want the look to last.
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Dry and Brittle
Problem: This is caused by a moisture deficiency and is commonly found in people with coarser, curlier hair. It can be as a result of sun exposure or even an air-conditioned environment; mechanical manipulation, such as blow drying and straightening, can also play a part.
Solution: Use argan oil-based products as a moisturiser, and trim your tips regularly. Use a shampoo and conditioner that can give you a healthy amount of moisture, and always apply a heat-styling cream before you blow dry.
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Oily Scalp
Problem: Firstly, you need to consider your hormone levels and that some people naturally make more sebum than others. Otherwise, the main cause for oily hair is from shampooing too regularly.
“If you shampoo every day, your scalp will understand that, in order to get its sebum levels right, it needs to produce that amount of oil in a 24-hour period,” Henri Kotze, creative director at Bar Ber Black Sheep.
Solution: If you shampoo less, your scalp will learn to produce that same amount of sebum over a longer period of time. While washing, leave the shampoo on for a few minutes before you rinse. It needs time to break down excess oil. “Use dry shampoo in between washes to stretch your routine, in order for oily scalp to be managed successfully,” says Hendrien Kruger, owner and director of INOAR Hair Care Professionals.
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Course and Rough
Problem: This is part of your genetic makeup. It has to do with the diameter of your hair shaft; the thicker its diameter, the coarser it will be.
Solution: To keep your hair soft and smooth without damaging it, use a combination of water and a natural moisturiser such as glycerine, and run it through the follicles.
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Frizzy
Problem: Unfortunately, genetics plays a major role in whether your hair is frizzy or not; however, environmental factors such as humidity, air purity and temperature can contribute.
Solution: Try to do regular keratin treatments to seal your cuticles. While your hair is still wet, you can also apply a bit of argan oil for moisture, and glide it through with a wide-toothed comb. Avoid brushing it once dry at all costs, and stay clear of doing the infamous towel rub.
Your Fail-Safe Tips For Healthy Hair From INOAR:
- Use professional products for your specific hair-type and switch them up regularly.
- Colour it only when necessary.
- Always use heat protection when styling or drying.