tips to help hair growth

as i have mentioned in a previous blog post, i attend aveda institute (for hair). and since i have been there my hair has seen major improvements. my hair has always had a difficult time growing and i never really understood why; ive worn (clip in) hair extensions for about two years! but while attending school, and through my own discoveries and i have found out what works (for me and my hair) to help strengthen and grow. so here are some of my tips, for all of you ladies who struggle with your hair growth pattern.

FYI: if you've always had a problem with hair growth, it may just be that your genetic growth cycle is shorter than others. 

1. DO NOT BRUSH YOUR HAIR WITH A PADDLE BRUSH WHEN WET

*especially if you have fine/thin hair

when your hair is wet, it is more vulnerable to stretching. and when you brush with a paddle brush it will stretch it passed its capacity and break it off, giving the illusion that your hair isn't growing. instead use a comb! COMB COMB COMB

2. PROTECT FROM HEAT

*duh....

• heat #1: blow drying, flat irons, curling irons, ect.  this means using a product that will protect from thermals. so easy to find..
• heat #2: the sun. this means using a product that has UV protection.

here are the products i use:

they're both by aveda, and have reasonable prices. you want to put these in towel dried hair (70-80% dry). for the damage remedy use a dime size amount through ends. the brilliant damage control has the UV protection, thermal protection, and also detangles. use about 3-4 sprays in hair, and comb through.

• heat #3: hot water. im not saying dont take a hot shower. im saying when you rinse your hair use room temp-cool water. why?! because, hot water will open up your hairs cuticle and will stay open, which will result is the open cuticles getting caught on each other creating tangles, and breakage. so rinse with COOL COOL COOL water. 

3. MASSAGE YOUR SCALP///NATURAL OILS

if you still don't see results this may be your saving grace. hair needs blood flow to grow. so at night you can massage your scalp to create your own blood flow. 

OR

when your hair is on the dirty side, brush it. the natural oils are the best oils!! if you distribute them to the ends they cure and repair your hair, and it also doubles as massaging your scalp. use a paddle brush; (but) if your hair is tangled start from the bottom and work your way up. do not brush through all those tangles. thats a no-no! (it's okay to wash your hair every day, but you'll benefit more with hair growth and damage repair if you skip a day; so you can use the oils)

SIDE TIP: put your hair up when you sleep (with a scrunchy or soft band), this will also help hair fall out!

*also, remember to get your hair trimmed every 4-6 weeks. that will help get rid of the bad, and also stop split ends (which prevents hair from growing). 

those are a few of my tips and tricks. i hope those help out a little bit.

xo.