Like many women, you may enjoy changing your hairstyle. Some style changes, such as going from brown hair to blond locks or curly strands to straight tresses, require very little time. Switching to a shorter hairstyle may mean waiting a few days for your stylist to fit you in for an appointment. However, if you want to grow your hair, it may seem to take forever to achieve your new style. Although your genes may have a lot to do with your rate of hair growth, proper diet and styling techniques can promote healthy growth and help you to reach your desired length.
Protein
Consume adequate amounts of protein. Protein, one of the major components of hair strands, may encourage and improve the growth of your hair. Diets low in protein may adversely affect your hair’s growth, causing thinning and a slowed growth cycle. Boost the protein in your daily diet by consuming fish, yogurt, beans and eggs. Tofu contains soy, a good source of dietary protein.
Feed Your Hair
Eat a nutritious, balanced diet. In addition to protein, your hair needs foods that contain vitamins and minerals. Incorporate green vegetables, citrus fruits, legumes, dairy products and whole grains into your diet. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration may slow the growth of your hair and cause strands to break and fray.
Learn to Relax
Stress can result in slow hair growth. Excessive stress may even lead to thinning hair and hair loss. Make sure you get adequate sleep every night, set aside some time each day to rest and unwind. Incorporate enjoyable activities into your routine to help you relax. Take leisurely walks and enjoy the sights and sounds surrounding you, or join a meditation or yoga group that teaches you the finer points of relaxation and inner peace.
Pamper Your Locks
Treat your hair kindly. Yanking and tearing through tangles can pull out strands or cause them to break off, making it difficult to grow your hair long. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner, rinsing well to remove all traces of these products. Treat your hair to a gentle drying by patting with an absorbent towel, rather than harsh buffing or wringing. Use a leave-in conditioner that detangles your hair and provides protection from heat. Allow your hair to dry naturally when you can. Turn down the heat on your blow dryer, curling iron and flat iron.
Photo Credit
- my long hair image by Frenk_Danielle Kaufmann from Fotolia.com
