Long, lush hair (or simply longer hair after a too-short cut) is a common obsession. I still measure my hair with the golden goal of having it to the crook of my elbow … but I haven’t gotten there (yet!).

The average head of hair grows only 1/4 to 1/2 inches per month, so if you’re longing for length, here are some tips that just may help speed up the process:

1) Your hair suffers an immense amount of damage between hair styling, chemical styling, chlorine and so much more. So are you using the right conditioner? The ideal conditioner will seal lipids and proteins into the hair shaft which will help replenish your damaged hair, restore moisture and a healthy appearance. It’s also important to avoid certain ingredients that can potentially further damage your hair such as sulfates, silicone, parabens, phthalates, petroleum & triclosan. Generally you can buy conditioners that are formulated for chemically treated hair, dry hair, oily hair, hair that needs nourishment, curly hair, natural hair & damaged hair.

2) There is a right & wrong way to condition (who knew?!) You can apply conditioner every time your hair is wet. This means even if you didn’t wash it, conditioning after you go swimming or after spending time in the rain also counts. Use a brush for even application - on wet hair only! - as using your fingers alone doesn’t always evenly coat the hair. Apply your conditioner liberally and rinse your conditioner out with cold water. Intense hot water causes more damage, which negates some of the benefits from using the conditioner.

3) Now, lets talk shampoo. Most people (me included) shampoo their hair way too often. Try to reduce shampooing to a couple of times a week. Shampooing strips natural moisture, and doing it too often causes additional breakage.

4) Our diet also contributes to our hair growth. Consider eating foods high in protein and biotin to help support healthy hair. It has been proven that consuming higher amount of biotin can help support hair growth so why not add it into your daily diet?! Some options to look into are avocados which are a great source of vitamin E- which supports hair growth; eggs which are high in both protein, biotin and contain zinc as well as selenium; fish which has omega-3 fatty acids, which support hair growth, and spinach contains iron which combats hair loss.

5) Stress is def a contributing factors to hair loss/damage. Stress can literally cause you to lose hair (how I have ANY hair left, I don’t know…) So if you’re trying to grow that hair … #SELFCARE.

6) Heat styling, as you can imagine, is one of the biggest culprits of premature breakage as well as overall hair damage. Try to reduce the frequency that you use your blow-dryer, flat-iron, etc. Ideally, you shouldn’t be using these products more than twice a week. Also, make sure to use a heat protectant to minimize damage, work fast & don’t go over any spot more than once. The more time you spend using the heat, the more likely you are scorching that beautiful hair of yours!

Changing your hair care routine and habits as well as choosing the right products will set you on a course to longer & healthier hair. Good lucks (& locks)!

Does This: Conditions & treats damaged hair while stimulating hair growth
Is This: Intense Repair Treatment Conditioner, Revitalize Conditioner, Advanced Hydrating Conditioner by MONAT
Get This: Monat Intense Repair Treatment Conditioner, Monat Revitalize Conditioner, Monat Advanced Hydrating Conditioner
Price: $47-Monat Intense Repair Treatment Conditioner, $47-Monat Revitalize Conditioner, $49-Advanced Hydrating Conditioner

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