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How to Grow Long Hair – 20 Pro Secrets To Grow Hair Longer

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How To Grow Long Hair

 20+ Secrets to Grow Long Hair

Do you know how to grow long hair?  Ever wanted long, gorgeous locks without extensions?  These secrets really work, so try a few, sit back, and watch your hair grow!

1. Wash your hair less.

Previously, my biggest mistake was going along with the misconception that you must wash your hair every day.  Actually, it’s quite the opposite; the more you suds up, the more you’re stripping your hair of essential oils it needs to stay healthy and moisturized.  Only wash your hair 2-3 times per week, and don’t feel weird about it–you’re doing your hair a huge favor!  Remember, less is more. With the extra length, you can experiment with these cute long layered hairstyle ideas.

2. Only trim when needed.

If your hair is healthy, there’s no need to trim every 6 weeks.  Give your hair a chance to grow!  Healthy hair can go months without needing a trim, some hair enthusiasts claim even a year.

3. Brush your hair every day {but NEVER when wet!}.

Daily brushing helps remove dust, dirt, and loose scales, as well as stimulates the blood supply and distributes sebum (oily matter that lubricates and protects skin) along the hair shaft.  You should brush once in the morning, and once before bed.  But do not use a brush on wet hair–instead, use a wide-toothed comb and start at the ends, working gently towards the roots.

4. What you eat and drink matters.

Better looking hair can start by what you eat and drink.  The cells that support strong hair depend on a balanced diet.  Superfoods for your hair: drink lots of water, eat plenty of lean protein, especially salmon (rich in omega-3 and vitamin D), walnuts (vitamin E), eggs (iron helps carry oxygen to hair follicles), and spinach (iron, beta carotene, and folate).  Honorable mentions: sweet potatoes, blueberries, and greek yogurt.

5. Take a natural supplement.

To help boost fullness and length, try a natural supplement like Biotin, vitamin B, omega-3, or Viviscal. I recently discovered these Biotin Gummies which have done wonders for my hair! (And they’re so yummy, it’s hard to just have one a day.) And if you’re like me and aging has thinned out your hair, also try these serums that helped my hair to regrow.

 For more help on how to grow long hair,  this article is helpful, but just remember it’s always best to consult your doctor and research each supplement for yourself.

6. Switch to dry shampoo.

Ever heard of the “No Poo” method?  Yeah, I thought it was something gross too.  Turns out, it’s a HUGE movement among ladies who want longer, healthier locks.  Basically, it’s a movement away from harmful commercial shampoos that do more harm than good for our hair.

 Try gradually replacing your shampoo with Big Sexy Hair Volumizing Dry Shampoo, Dr. Bonner’s Pure Castile Soap, or simply “washing” with baking soda and “conditioning” with apple cider vinegar for as long as possible.

Grow long hair

7. Ingredients matter.

Check the ingredients on every product before you apply them to your hair; some are harmful and possibly even carcinogenic.   Main ingredients to avoid: sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and sodium laureth sulfate–this industrial detergent found in engine degreasers and potent garage floor cleaners.  It’s also found in an enormous number of commercial shampoos.  Go check your’s now–bet it’s in there.  For a more extensive list of good and bad ingredients, check here for a complete ingredient dictionary.

8. Use a coconut oil treatment once a week.

There’s a reason this HowDoesShe post has over 1 million views!  Coconut oil treatments are like heaven to your hair.  Read all about this pre-washing treatment and how it can seriously transform your hair.

Coconut Oil for Hair

9. Do a deep protein condition once a month.

If you struggle with how to grow long hair consider adding deep protein conditioning to your routine.  Protein treatments will add strength and resiliency to your hair, helping it to grow longer.  This should really become part of your monthly hair regimen if you want to get serious about getting long hair.  Our long hair guru Lara swears by THIS Moroccan oil hair mask.  This one by Aphogee also gets good reviews.

Moroccan Oil Hair mask

 10. Stimulate your scalp.

Never underestimate the power of a scalp massage.  Scalp stimulation promotes hair growth by bringing nutrients to the hair follicles (where hair grows).  You can stimulate your scalp by massaging your scalp every time you wash your hair, every night before bed, or by brushing.  Do it at least once or twice daily.

11. Don’t apply conditioner directly to your scalp.

The jury is still out, but some hair-care professionals and beauty articles recommend NOT applying conditioner directly to the scalp.  Conditioner on the scalp tends to create flyaways and frizz, not to mention causes dandruff and weighs your hair down.

 12. Air dry whenever possible.

Harsh heat is your hair’s worst enemy.  Forget about the blowdryer–let your hair dry naturally as often as you can.  Over time, you’ll be able to see and feel a huge difference. If you do need to use a blow dryer, this one, from Babyliss is a less damaging option.

How to grow long hair

13. Use Oils.

  • Combine two drops of each of these essential oils and massage them into your scalp 3-5 nights a week: lavender, rosemary, thyme, cedar wood, and jojoba.
  • Massage grape seed oil into your scalp nightly (or every 2-3 nights if it gets too oily)
  • Apply Palm oil to hair 1-2 times per week
  • Hair enthusiasts SWEAR by Moroccan oil or Argan Oil

grow long hair fast

 

14.  Try a {strange but true} pantry product rinse.

15. Use a leave-in conditioner

If you struggle with dry hair or frizz, try a leave-in conditioner that locks in moisture and keeps your hair hydrated all day.  Try these top leave-in products on Amazon or these homemade recipes on Pinterest.

How to grow long hair

 

16. Try Shikakai Powder

Shikakai is a shrub-like tree that grows in India and has been used for centuries to cleanse hair and promote growth.  This is another great tool you can use in how to grow long hair.  In its powder form, Shikakai is a natural conditioner and strengthens hair roots and promotes growth with vitamins A, C, D, E, and K, along with essential antioxidants.  Mix it with water and use as a paste on the hair instead of shampoo.

skikakai powder for your scalp

 

17. Use silk pillowcases…seriously, it makes a difference.

Ever wake up to find strands of hair on your cotton pillow cases?  You’ll never believe what a difference silk pillow covers can make for your hair.  Find out more and how to make your own here.

Homemade silk pillowcase

 

18. Stop bleaching

If you want to get serious about growing your hair longer, stop putting it through harsh chemical processes that will stunt growth, dry it out, and promote breakage.  Try going natural for a while, at least until you achieve the length you want.  The currently popular ombre is also a great option that does less damage to your hair.

Want more hair hacks?

Now that you’ve learned the secrets of how to grow long hair, you may be interested in these styling hacks.  Like these hair braiding secrets here, or these hacks below:

17 hair

 

hair hacks

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Comments

  1. Ellen says

    I just started taking a hair supplement and am already noticing a difference. I’d really like to try coconut oil but I worry that since my hair is so thin it will really weigh my hair down.

    Reply

    • Sofie says

      Hi Ellen,
      I have also very thin hare and I’m using coconut oil ones a wee.
      And it totally don’t weigh my hair down :). I really notice a difference!
      I have to wash it in two times to get it all out but it’s a very effect after the 2nd/3rd time you use it :).

      Reply

        • Nishka Nachappa says

          All the hype around and the fierce marketing done for Indulekha oil is mostly fake. No herbal concoctions can be as effective and beneficial for your hair such as coconut, olive and castor oils.

    • Jada says

      I have the frizzyets hair ever I NEED to try all of these thank you SO much cuz my hair is a jumper it won’t sit down and my mom and dad say there going to cut it because they won’t wash it being there TOO protected so only they can wash it Im nine you can’t see AND treat me like I’m a toddler forever so I try to get some cash and get stuff like big girl stuff on low prices and hair stuff so they can start to realize that I ain’t no toddler anymore >8(

      Reply

      • Milind says

        Amazing tips. actually I was suffering from hair fall and dry hairs but when I applied your tips on my hair…I got my hair back….its wow tips. thanks for your valuable remedy.

        Reply

    • Debra says

      I have baby fine thin hair too and my ends were always so dry. I swear by coconut oil. After I shower, I use coconut oil on my body and what’s left over on my hands, I put on the bottom half of my hair. If I need more, I’ll rub a little more on my hand and then run it through the ends of my hair. The key is to not glob it on your hair but to rub it on your hands first. If I do this, my hair feel moisturized and not greasy at all.

      Reply

  2. Adriana says

    #3 is quite the opposite for those of us with type 4 hair. Brushing my super curly hair dry would not only mess my style but also promote breakage.
    I do want to try taking a hair supplement though. I want my hair to grow so bad!!!!

    Reply

  3. Diane says

    My hair is long, below my bottom long. Years ago I started following the advice from some beauty school students, most of which you have in this article. 1st, only use a wide toothed comb with wet hair. 2nd, Always comb or brush (dry hair only) from the bottom up so you aren’t making tangles worse. 3rd, When washing hair, leave it hanging down, don’t moosh it all up on the top of your head. It will tangle more. 4th, Use conditioner. I love your #2. I hear people say all the time that they trim their hair so it will grow more. I don’t know why they think ti grows from the ends. Trimming often will keep the ends looking nice, but it won’t make it grow any faster or slower.

    I use a cheap shampoo, no regular vitamins or special products. I do blow dry, but only for a few minutes twice while it’s drying. ( I want it to be straight and I have to hang my head upside down to be able to comb it out while I’m drying it.)

    I think the most important things you can do are to prevent tangles and breakage. Flannel sheets tangled my hair terribly! I’m sure a satin pillowcase would work wonders if you like how it feels.

    Let it grow! You’ll be amazed.

    Reply

    • Debra says

      Although the hair grows from the roots, the hair ends will break off and split in unhealthy hair and so the hair never gets longer despite growing the usual 1/2-1 inch a month. For those who are trying to get rid of the damaged ends and don’t want a pixie cut, trimming frequently will allow the damaged ends to clear out, then trim less frequently once the damage is gone depending on how healthy a person’s hair. My hair is fragile and does better with frequent tiny trims, however, I know people with coarse healthy strong hair that trims are usually just to manage the desired length.

      Reply

  4. Tiffany says

    I have been growing out my hair for a while and can’t wait to try the coconut oil treatment! The company I work for sells Hair Skin Nails and my hair took off once I started taking that, so #5 is a must!

    Reply

    • Debra says

      I started taking the hair, skin, and nails too and that plus other changes has made a huge difference.

      Reply

  6. Debbie Mahew says

    I’ve been using nuhairrx serum for 30 days and finally see new growth. My hair was badly damaged from chemical treatments that left thinning and bald spots; and my hair had actually stopped growing. This product is the fix I needed to get my hair back.

    Reply

  7. LilyKylie says

    I am working in a Health centre and I’ve been using this Nuhairrx hair product for over a year and it really works. I’m a 35+ female with thinning spots and hair is growing where it had stopped. It’s definitely worth trying.

    Reply

  8. Tazie says

    omg cant wait I love long hair but at the moment it is really short just above my chest so I hope these really work!!! <3

    Reply

  9. Adriana Moore says

    When I see that my hair is not growing long then I search and find your post. This is an amazing article for growing hair longer. Really It is an information-able post. After seeing this I will try to do this. Thanks Nicolette for such type of useful post.

    Reply

  10. Rii Moses says

    I use to have very long hair when I was a teen now m married had kids and at 40 my hair stop growing. Please I need help. I havie been applying coconut oil but will see what happens. Thanks

    Reply

  11. Jennie says

    Please help. My hair has always been my pride and joy. I figured since it is pretty damn healthy, it could deal with some bleach damage. And I figured the master stylist who did all the color-corrections would know how much would be too much. I was wrong, and now I want to burst into tears every time I look at my hair or touch it. I just don’t know what to do. my hair has also NEVER been shorter than this and it breaks and falls out. What should i do to regrow hair?

    Reply

  13. lilian says

    hi am 16 n i want to grow my hair natural n i do not understand most of de things u wrote could pls de ones i can find in Nigeria thanks

    Reply

  14. Portia says

    I have breakages…i see my hair not growing anymore…so i decided to visit your web …and i hve seen the testimonies my female friends are giving…i will try it too

    Reply

  15. Conniee says

    I have very dry dull hair which breaks easily, because its difficult to keep as natural it put chemical on it, I can’t wait to try on this, probably it could save my hair from severe breakage

    Reply

  17. Milind says

    I just started taking a hair supplement and am already noticing a difference. I’d really like to try coconut oil but I worry that since my hair is so thin it will really weigh my hair down. hope for the best… big thumb-up for your impressive article.

    Reply

  21. Roman hadi says

    Please help me my hair was very beautiful and strong but few days later started falling and week halp me plz

    Reply

  23. Rudolphia C says

    thank you for your help on how to us the oils I cut my hair short and I want it to grow back long again it is growing ginger is also good for growth and alovera.

    Thank you

    Yours sincerely

    Rudolphia

    Reply

  25. Srinivasan says

    It’s shocking to me how many women skip conditioner when showering, which is the worst thing you can do for your hair — especially when you’re trying to grow it long — and it’s actually shampoo that you should be skipping as much as possible,” Townsend says. Here’s why: The purpose of shampoo is to wash away dirt and product buildup, but it can also take essential natural oils that keep strands soft and healthy along with it. When you really do need shampoo, be gentler on your hair by only lathering up at your scalp and then simply letting the suds slide down strands, hitting the rest of the hair as the water rinses it away.

    Reply

  29. Jessica says

    Shampooing hair is essential to remove all the dirt, grime, and excessive oil. But if you are using strong shampoos with high levels of chemicals and cleaning agents, then they wash away hair protective moisturizers along with them.

    A too strong shampoo can even affect the hair growth level as they damage the internal cortex. So, make sure you use a mild shampoo and don’t overdo it.

    Reply

  30. nonywaji says

    Awesome post. kindly keep it up. I always like these kinds of tips your tips are really useful.i have tried these all home remedies with seal and shine light hair oil by naturalrizado.com. and I get 100% result my hair really stopped falling

    Reply

  32. J Barman says

    I just want to say thanks for your wonderful post, it images a lot of knowledge and information that I needed right now. Thank for sharing with us this great post.

    Reply
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