The resurgence of women rocking their naturally textured hair is a beautiful thing! But somewhere along the line, many have become more preoccupied with length than with the health of their hair. What they don’t realize is that once you focus more on maintaining its health, length will come. Here are some healthy hair habits you should practice, which will ultimately help you reach any hair length goals you might have.
- Feed Your Hair
This can’t be stressed enough: healthy hair starts from within. We’re not saying you have to become vegan, but you should include healthy fruits and veggies in your diet and drink lots of water. If you’re someone who has a hard time with vegetables, blending up a fruit and veggie smoothie is an easy and tasty way to get your daily dose. This will give your hair follicles the nutrients needed to help your strands thrive. - Take Your Vitamins
A daily supplement like our Advanced Healthy Hair Vitamins will work along with your diet to fill in whatever nutrients you might be lacking and promote healthy hair growth. - Be Careful with Heat
As the saying goes, too much of a good thing can be bad for you. Too much heat too often can lead to damage, and eventually your hair won’t revert back to its natural state. Also, too much or improper use of heat can lead to dry, brittle hair, breakage, and split ends. - Cleanse Hair & Scalp Regularly
Yes, healthy hair starts from within, but it also needs a clean, healthy environment from which to grow. A dirty scalp full of buildup can clog pores and follicles and essentially slow down healthy growth. And frankly, dirty hair is just not sanitary! - Use Fingertips When Cleansing
Depending on how your scalp feels come wash day, a good scratch might feel really good. But using your fingernails could cause unnecessary damage to the scalp. The pads of your fingers, along with a little pressure, is all you need for a thorough cleanse. - Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Shampoos containing sulfates strip the hair of its natural moisture. Instead, reach for a moisturizing shampoo like our Babassu Oil Conditioning Sulfate-Free Shampoo to gently cleanse while moisturizing the hair. - Deep Condition
Our hair needs help in the moisture department because of the shape of our hair. So, as the final step in your wash routine, follow up with a good deep conditioner to infuse moisture into the hair. - Use Deep Conditioner As Directed
Overnight conditioning may be popular, but it’s unnecessary, and it could cause damage to your strands. There’s no need to leave your deep conditioner on for longer than the time period recommended in the directions. Check out our post on deep conditioner to learn more! - Gently Detangle From End to Root
Curly and kinky hair needs lots of TLC. When getting the tangles out, start from the very ends, then slowly and gently work your way up to the roots to cut down on breakage. - Moisturize & Seal
Continuing the process, applying product to your hair while it’s still damp is the most effective way to retain moisture. Use a leave-in conditioner with your choice of styler, along with an organic hair oil to seal in moisture, to keep your hair healthy, soft, and manageable. - Get Regular Trims
Some may find this counteractive to growth, but trimming your hair gets rid of broken and split ends that could lead to more damage. Nipping damage in the bud with a trim about once every season (or as needed) will keep the hair at its healthiest. - Wear Protective Styles
Tucking your hair away in styles that require little to no manipulation for a few days or a few months will help you retain lengt - Protect the Hair at Night
Keep hair moisturized and less prone to breakage by wrapping it up with a satin or silk scarf or bonnet at night. If you prefer to leave your hair free, a satin pillowcase will do just fine! Check out our post on protecting your natural hair for more tips. - Massage Your Scalp
A soothing scalp massage every few nights will help stimulate the hair follicles and help with blood flow to the scalp to encourage healthy growth.. - Don’t Stress
This is easier said than done, but the best thing you can do for your hair is to simply relax. Whether it’s worrying about your hair length or anything else, stress will often show up in our skin as well as our hair. So try to reduce your stress as much as possible.
