Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Hair Biology. All opinions are my own.
Spring is here so why not spring clean your hair in addition to your closet? I’ve been thinking about leaving my hair longer for a while, but it was earlier this year that I actually committed to it. Although I love my bob hairstyle I missed my longer hair – the long curly locks, the braids, the buns, the ponytail, and the messy dos. Maybe because I wanted to defy the belief that as you get older, your hair should become shorter.
And just because I’m getting older – 52 to be exact – doesn’t mean I have to accept the societal belief that I should cut my hair shorter. My hair is just as fabulous as in my 20s through my 40s, albeit a bit coarser and dryer naturally since then. And there’s a way to prevent this so please read on.
I’m a firm believer in doing and wearing whatever you like, rather than following generic rules. I’m also a realist. I know that as we get older our entire physique transforms gradually, especially with our hair – it will naturally get dryer, lose pigment, and change in texture. But, you can still sport longer hair that looks just as lustrous, healthy, and bouncy.
Here are some tried-and-true hacks – revealing my secret arsenal – that have been very helpful to me as I started to grow out my hair.
1. FREQUENT HAIR TRIMS
I know this may sound absurd because cutting your hair simply doesn’t make your hair grow longer. But, if you want healthier hair I highly recommend getting your hair trimmed regularly, especially if you are prone to have split ends on your hair. This helps to get rid of split ends that can break your hair. After all, breakage can occur from split ends which can lead to hair losing length as well as shine and volume. Although my hair has very little split ends (see tips #2) I try to visit my hairstylist as frequently as possible – just getting out of the house-made a huge difference.
2. USING THE RIGHT HAIR PRODUCTS
To help keep your hair healthy and shiny, I highly recommend you use any hair products with the biotin ingredient or labeled “volumizing.” My favorite is Hair Biology Full & Vibrant Shampoo and Conditioner because their products work with our changing chair needs and replenish the nutrients in our hair. I’m a serial diy hair colorist as well as hot curling and wand mile-high user. My secret arsenal to tame those frizzy strays during the growing process is the Hair Biology Argan Oil Taming Serum, free of parabens and infused with biotin, known to support healthy-looking hair. I usually apply a small amount to damp hair then blow-dry or leave to dry naturally. Occasionally, I would apply it to dry hair before going to bed.
3. HYDRATION HYDRATION
Remember to always hydrate yourself on a daily basis by drinking lots of water. You will definitely get better skin along with strong and softer hair.
4. SCALP TREATMENT
No, you don’t need to head to the hair salon for this. All you need is a hair bristle and give your hair a few quick strokes before you go to bed to distribute your hair’s natural oils. This simple step each night can help with circulation which can help make your scalp healthier. I have a hair bristle on my nightstand and I brush my hair before I hit the sack every night.
5. EATING RIGHT
First thing first, stay away from processed food if you can! You all know that my family lives a very clean and healthy lifestyle as much as we can, especially when it comes to food. To grow my hair longer and healthier I need to feed my hair from the inside. Protein is the building blocks of hair. I try not to eat too much red meat even though it has more protein, and I need the protein to increase my iron levels due to menopause. However, I take iron supplements and also increase my protein intake with foods like fish, nuts, beans, and whole grains.
6. VITAMIN INTAKE
I don’t take multi-vitamins but I do take these as supplements to support skin and hair health. I highly recommend them if your diet isn’t supplying you with enough nutrition. Bonus: your skin looks better in the process too!
7. AVOID EXCESSIVE HEAT STYLING
It wasn’t until a couple of years ago that I started to let my hair dry naturally after shampooing. I’m so glad that I developed this habit because I tend to over-style my hair not just with the hair blow dryer but also with curling and iron wands. This can easily lead to breakage and frizz but thanks to Hair Biology Argan Oil Taming Serum, I have not had any issues with my hair.
8. CURB YOUR STRESS
Last but not least, this is such an important step not just to grow out your hair but to improve your overall health. Do you know that stress has a lot to do in maintaining healthy skin and hair? One of the ways to combat stress is exercise. I know this sounds so cliche but it’s true. For the past few months, I have developed a great habit of working out 5 times a week the minute I’m out of bed. It was tough when I first committed to it and it still is. But it’s a must for me because as much as I don’t like to exercise I feel so amazing after. My skin is healthier, I’m more energized, and my hair looks better too.
If you’re thinking about growing out your hair for a change you can certainly do so by following the above steps. I guarantee it will work for you and your hair. And don’t forget to stop by Target to get brilliant and shiny hair from Hair Biology!
