5 Tips for Long, Healthy Hair

Everyone has a hair story.  For me, I’ve always loved the look of long hair but have struggled for years and years to grow mine out.  As you can tell from the first picture above taken back in 2010, my hair is naturally fine, dry, and easily prone to breakage.  Over the years, I’ve started really doing my research when it comes to buying the right shampoo and conditioner for my hair and have been giving my tresses the TLC that it deserves.  It’s taken years to get my hair where it is today and ,despite all the hormonal changes that it’s been through with my last two pregnancies (hello postpartum hair loss!), I wanted to share my tips on how to take better care of your hair and how I was finally able to achieve the long hair that I’ve always wanted!

• Take a break from hot tools.  Back in the day, I was applying heat to my hair on a daily basis.  Between the blow dryer, the flat iron, and my curling wand, my hair was taking a beating.  I distinctly remember a time when I was flat-ironing my hair and actually saw parts of the ends of my hair break off as I ran the iron over it!  It was then that I knew my hair needed a break from all the heat damage.  I’ve learned to embrace a more laid-back hairstyle so that I’m not applying hot tools on a daily basis.  These days, I maybe break out my hair wand twice a week and always air dry my hair whenever possible too!

• Use hair products that repair hair from the inside out.  Using the right hair products is also one of the most important factors in keeping my hair healthy as some damage can be inevitable.  I picked up the new Dove Regenerative Nourishment Collection shampoo, conditioner, and serum-in-oil a few weeks ago and have been loving how much stronger my hair has felt!  This new line is  infused with a unique Red Algae + Keratin Nutri Complex that helps replenish nutrients and repairs the internal structure of damaged hair.  After washing with the shampoo and conditioner in the shower, I towel dry my hair and wait until its about 50% dry before following up with the serum-in-oil.  It’s made a huge difference in adding back shine to my hair and I love that it prevents split ends too!  I love knowing that despite

 

• Use detangling brush to minimize breakage.  For years, I had been using a wide-tooth comb to brush out my hair after each wash.  Then, after a trip to a dry bar, I discovered the wonders of a detangling brush designed to work on wet hair!  I instantly noticed less tugging of my hair and have switched to using these detangler brushes even when my hair isn’t wet as it’s such so much gentler on my scalp too.  I also highly recommend waiting until your hair is at least 80% dry before running a brush through it to minimize the breakage!

 

 

• Part your hair on the other side.  My hair dresser actually pointed this out as my hair was significantly shorter on the side that I parted my hair as compared with the other side.  She mentioned that this was typical as the side that is parted has more exposure to the elements and it’s a good habit to switch up the part every now and then to let the hair recover.  Since then, I’ll try to switch up my part every few days or so, and I actualy love the extra bounce and volume that my hair naturally has when I switch things up with something as easy as a hair part!
• Avoid hair styles that add tension and pull on hair.  I’ll admit that I am guilty of putting my hair in a bun much more often than I should.  Unfortunately updos that put your hair under tension cause breakage and prevent hair from growing to its full potential.  Whenever I do end up putting my hair up, I’ve swapped out my tight elastics for big hair clips as well as invisibobble hair ties that are much gentler and avoid any unnecessary crimping to my hair.

I hope you found these tips helpful!  Next time you are at Target, grab the new Dove Regenerative Nourishment Shampoo, Conditioner and Serum in Oil.  Your hair will thank you!

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