Almost 100% of the time someone recognizes me in person, 99.9% of the time they will tell me it’s because of my hair. It’s the most conversation-starting, attention-getting, head-turning part of me, so today I’ve partnered with Dyson to share some answers to the burning questions I get about how to get hair as long as mine.
Health & Diet
I wish I had magic tips about eating a certain food to make your hair grow long, but I don’t do anything super special with my diet. I do still take prenatal vitamins (all natural vegan formula), but those have not been proven to help assist in hair and nail growth. Off the “scientific” record, I do feel like they help my hair and nails, and I could use the boost in iron anyway.
Frequency of Wash
I only wash my hair on Mondays and Thursdays. I know it sounds crazy, but my hair does ok with this unless I’m swimming in salt or chlorine, or somewhere really, really humid. I chose these days because Monday is the start of the work week, I can spend all day cleaning or working on home projects Sunday then start fresh the next day. Often times events that I need to attend fall on Thursday evenings, so Thursday works best, plus my hair can’t go much longer than that while still looking ok. Sometimes I bump the days by a day depending on my schedule.
Wash Method
I use a ton of product on my hair on my “wash” days. I start with Soma Blonde Silver Shampoo and massage it into my scalp and hair above my neckline. I let it sit for a few minutes and then use a 50% mix of either Soma Reconstruct Deep Conditioner or Soma Color Protect Conditioner mixed with Overtone Pastel Purple Daily Conditioner only below my neckline. I let that sit for awhile as well before rinsing.
Once every few weeks I will use the Soma Clarifying Shampoo followed by the Soma Reconstruct Deep Conditioner. I can usually tell when my scalp starts to feel extra grimy that I need to clarify my hair. I really, really love the Soma products because they have a lower PH which is better for your hair.
For fun I once tried the Overtone Go Deep Silver Hair Treatment in lieu of conditioner and ended up with silver highlights in the whitest part of my blonde hair. It faded after about 6-8 weeks.
Post-Wash
After the shower, I spray my hair with Soma Leave-in Conditioner, split it down the middle, and detangle it with my trusty Tangle Teezer, working my way up from the bottom. After that I flip my head upside down and spray with the Nioxin Thickening Spray. This stuff works miracles for thinner hair, or if you just want an extra oomph in your hair volume.
Styling
If I have time I prefer to let my hair air dry for a decent amount of time, maybe around an hour. If I don’t I flip my head upside down and rough-dry my hair with my finger tips to about 85%. Then I flip my head up normal and part my hair in the middle. I then dry each half straight using my Kellie Little Elliptic Brush (similar). I love the shape and how it’s not a full round brush so it doesn’t get stuck in my hair as easily.
Dyson recently sent over their new Supersonic™ hair dryer and I’ve been thoroughly enjoying how quiet and quickly it dries my hair. It measures the temperature 20 times every second, keeping the heat constant and safe. It is a little larger than your average hair dryer, but is very lightweight and feels balanced in my hand. The attachments are magnetic and easy to add or remove.
Finishing
After styling, I like to put a few drops of Herbivore Botanicals All Natural Hair Oil on the very ends of my hair to help control any frizz and maintain shine.
Non “Wash” Days
On days I don’t wash my hair, I usually spray a little DryBar Detox Dry Shampoo onto the roots of my hair, focusing on the crown area. I can usually wear it down for a couple of days before having to resort to a half-up or bun style. I then add a few more drops of Herbivore Botanicals All Natural Hair Oil to help maintain moisture.
Cuts & Color
I have to admit that this is where I am not great, as I get my hair cut when I remember to or when my hair starts to not feel as great. My hair is natural and aside from blowdrying I don’t usually heat style it. I get a few inches (or more) trimmed every 6 months to a year. Everyone’s hair is different and the amount of time someone can go between trims will depend on the amount of damage they do to their hair with heat styling, dying, etc.
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Do you have long hair? What are some of your best tips for growing your hair long?
Photos by Kate Skogen for Hej Doll.
The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.
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