My Top 10 Haircare Tips for Long, Thick, Healthy Hair

ByRaena

Pixie cuts, hair dye, straighteners, oh my! If you’ve tried it all and just end up frustrated with your hair, you are in the right place. I used to change my hair so often, quick to get bored or frustrated with each new cut or color. 

But then I told myself it was time for a ‘real’ change. I was going to really learn to care for my hair and grow it to its full potential. In 2022 my hair was chin length and in my journey since then, it has grown to my low back. Not only that, but my hair is thick, healthy and my curls have returned.


Hair’s Significance

What’s so important about hair? Well, it has many purposes. Hair changes as we age; giving away our current stages of life. It can show whether you are in good health or nutrient deficient. Hair has been used to humiliate, profess love, enable sacrifice and endow strength and power or wealth. In some cultures, hair is believed to serve as an extension of our nervous system. 

My Top 10 Tips

In the end, what you do with your hair is up to you. After all, self expression is important. But if you’re wanting long, healthy locks, read on my friend.

  1. Find a Good Shampoo 

It is time to toss that bottle of Head & Shoulders; it is not serving you. The best shampoos will be free of sulfates, parabens, formaldehyde, silicon, and synthetic fragrances. There is no one-size-fits-all so you may need to test a few that are suggested for your hair type. 

I will also say it’s very drying to the strands when you wash often. I used to shampoo my hair every other day, especially because my scalp would get greasy real quick. That caused so much frizz and took away any natural shine. However, now I only shampoo once a week with Kitch’s rice water bar. I find it helps with keeping the moisture intact and the grease has slowed down as well.

  1. Get a Boar Bristle Brush or Wood Comb

A natural boar bristle brush is gentle on tangles, yet effectively drags any oil from your scalp down towards your ends. A wooden comb can do the same thing and more. It detangles, spreads the oils and can help clean your scalp by removing any dirt or dead skin. 

I have both of these tools and I use them interchangeably throughout the week. The comb I have is the double sided one from Rigr Crafts. When brushing, always start near the bottom and work your way up. 

  1. Ditch the Dye 

I know this one might be a deal breaker for some of you. Dying your hair just dries it out more and if you want healthy locks then it’s time to embrace your natural color. Your natural color is the one you were meant to have and goes the best with your eye and skin color. 

If you’re really hanging on to the dye, at least try to find options that are less damaging (henna, for example). Or you can choose to dye your hair less often. 

  1. No Heat Styling

Heat is another big no-no as it really damages hair. This goes for blow dryers, straight and curling irons. There are so many heatless options out there now that even blow dryers have a cool setting. 

I don’t even think the heat protectant formulas work and they’re usually full of harsh ingredients. It’s better to simply avoid heat on your hair.

  1. Protective Styles

Once your hair becomes long enough to braid, you can start doing so for bedtime. My hair is long enough to put in a topknot so that is what I typically do with mine if not a braid. Other people use silk bonnets to protect their hair for bed. 

It’s a good idea to also put in a protective style during the day if your hair is on the longer side. The less your hair gets whipped around the better. 

  1. Brush Before you Wash

Brushing wet hair is a recipe for breakage and split ends. So brush before you jump in the shower and if you must brush wet hair, use a wide tooth comb, conditioner and go easy.

  1. Scalp Oil & Massage

I mentioned a little about the hair’s natural oils, but oiling and massaging your scalp a few times a week is so good for circulation. And when you have circulation you get faster growth. All you need are 1-2 drops of Ayurvedic hair oil and 2 minutes to spare. You can make this a part of your evening routine so the oil has a chance to absorb while you sleep.

  1. Diet

You cannot eat like crap and expect great skin and hair. It just doesn’t work like that. Try to cut out as much processed food as you can, take a daily multi that contains biotin and eat your omega 3’s. Aim for 30g of protein with each meal and drink at least 60oz of water per day. You’re probably already doing better than you think so don’t stress; these are guidelines.

  1. Did I Mention Don’t Stress? 

This one is easier said than done, but it’s important. We’re all so stressed these days and could really use a chill pill or.. 5. We CAN stop and smell the roses. Our jobs will still be there, the housework never ends.. so just slow down. Become more present with what is happening in the here and now.  

  1. Patience

This one is a no-brainer. Growing hair takes time, but you can and will get there. Learn to enjoy the hair you already have. Build that connection with yourself through caring for it. Before you realize, a few months will have passed and your hair will be looking healthier, thicker, shinier, and longer. 

That’s all for now! Thank you for reading and, as always, let me know if you have questions or comments down below.  

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