Tips for Growing Long Hair

How I got long hair - sharing my long hair care routine, from how I grew it out to how I maintain my long locks. How I got long hair - sharing my long hair care routine, from how I grew it out to how I maintain my long locks. How I got long hair - sharing my long hair care routine, from how I grew it out to how I maintain my long locks.

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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Comments

Responses to “Tips for Growing Long Hair”

  1. Thanks for sharing your tips, I’m in the process of trying to grow out my hair. I think the main thing I’m doing right now is just trying to be patient

  2. Ever since I have started taking vitamins, I haven noticed that my hair has grown so much and I can go almost a week without washing it. Your hair is gorgeous!

  3. Courtney

    Thanks for this post! I’m constantly trying to grow my hair and can use all the tips I can get. I did recently start taking a beauty vitaminwith biotin and I am beginning to see a difference!

  4. you have such pretty hair!! I usually only wash my hair twice a week, sleep on it wet, and don’t use that many hot tools!

  5. I’ve been growing my hair out for the past two years and patience is key!! I only wash my hair every 3 days or so Though depending on what activities I’m doing I might switch it up by a day or two.

  6. These are great tips! I’ve finally been able to grow my hair longer than it’s ever been (which really isn’t that long), but I definitely have to take special care of it now that it has grown past it’s “stopping point.”

    Molly // Miss Molly Moon

  7. Such great tips your hair is gorgeous & looks so healthy!
    xo!

  8. I love this post. I feel my hair hasn’t been growing as fast as it used to – but maybe I’m just being crazy 🙂 I LOVE all of the DryBar products as well and the dry shampoo is the best I have tested so far. I am dying to get a hold of the dyson hair dryer!

    Thanks for sharing!

  9. I wish my hair looked good long. But it tends to just be bushy and unmanagable! I’ve tried growing it out and it’s jist not worth it haha I end up just pulling up in a ponytail when it’s longer. I wish I had hair that would look good grown long. I could think of a billion hairstyles I’d like to try!

  10. wow your hair is very long and looks healthy too. Will share these tips with my daughter who wants to grow her hair long

  11. Erica Schwarz

    Thanks for sharing your tips. I’m in my mid 40s, so hair thinning has really commenced. I’ve started supplements (like biotin) and they are making a huge difference fortunately. WIll keep your tips in mind to protect it further.

  12. Ann Bacciaglia

    My Daughter is trying to grow out her hair. These are great tips. I will have to share this post with her. We have noticed the colder weather has really dried out our hair.

  13. My Teen Guide

    I really want to grow my hair fast because I want to curl my hair! I totally love your hair it’s perfect.

  14. I relish in the “no wash” days, but I have been struggling to get my hair long since I have lots of breakage. I am going to try your tips!

  15. i shaved my hair two years ago i use coconut oil and no heat its working so far i love the results

  16. Thank you for sharing your article it will give me benefits to take more care of my hair

  17. Great tips for growing long hair! Your advice is practical and easy to follow. Thanks for sharing these valuable insights!

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