Natural Beauty: 5 tips for long & healthy hair

I’ve had long hair ever since I can remember. I have never had the guts for a true trim. I was probably shocked by a pixie cut I got at age six, and I never had the will to try again. Although being a professional dancer is probably not the ideal situation for growing long hair, I have somehow managed to live quite well with it. I won’t deny that I’ve been blessed with thick strong hair that naturally deals quite well with stress. However, I have also learnt quite a few tips and tricks during the years, which have helped me keep my hair long and healthy. In today’s post I am happy to share these little hacks with you, and I hope they’ll help you grow the luscious locks of your dreams.

Haircare is a big part of my daily routine, although I’ll admit that my busy lifestyle has significantly decreased the time I can spend on it. The following tips and tricks are incredibly powerful tools to help you improve the quality of your hair, even if you are on a super tight schedule. Long healthy hair is more attainable than you think, trust me, and just keep scrolling down…

1. Use a wooden brush

The type of brush you use has a dramatic impact on the health and quality of your hair. A couple of years ago I started using wooden brushes, and I haven’t looked back since. Wooden brushes have very porous bristles that absorb the natural oils of your hair. When you brush your hair, they redistribute these oils evenly, increasing your locks’ softness, and giving them a luscious silky feel. Opting to use wooden brushes will also reduce knots and frizz, and considerably decrease the amount of breakage you experience in brushing.

2. Oil your hair

Finding time to oil your hair each week can do wonders for your growing locks. I personally oil my hair, for at least one hour a week, with cold pressed coconut oil, which as you’ll know from my previous post, is my favourite oil in the world. If coconut oil is not really your thing, there are tons of different oils you can use: avocado oil, macadamia nut oil, hemp seed oil, and olive oil, are amongst the most nourishing oils you can find.

One hour to 45 minutes before washing your hair, coat your lengths in the oil of your choice. Then forget about it and get on with your day, before jumping in the shower to wash the oil out. I personally need to wash my lengths twice to remove all the greasiness, before conditioning my hair as I normally would. Once your hair is dry and you brush through it, you’ll notice how soft, hydrated and manageable your hair has become thanks to this easy and super convenient treatment.

3. Quit the heat

If you’re on a mission to grow long healthy hair, this is probably key rule n°1: quit the heat! Cut out your straightener, your flat iron, your curler, your crimper, and if the weather allows it, cut out your blow dryer too. Allow your hair the space and time it needs to grow back stronger. Heat damages your hair: it dries it out and makes it weak, making it almost impossible for your hair to grow long and healthy. Let it be, and believe me, in a few months you’ll already notice a major improvement in the health and quality of your hair.

4. Use natural shampoo & conditioners

What you shampoo and condition your hair with, counts a big deal when it comes to long healthy hair. Read the ingredient list on the products you buy, and try to go for the ones with the least ingredients. Especially concerning shampoo, the simplest product is probably going to be the best one for your hair. Try to avoid as much as possible any sulphates, fragrances and salts that will dry your hair out, and prevent you from growing the long luscious locks you are trying to attain.

5. Eat healthy

We’ve all heard the saying: “You are what you eat”, and we all know that a poor diet considerably affects our health and our wellbeing. But did you know that it could also cause problems to your hair too? Have a proper nutrition. Eat tons of organic whole foods. Eat avocados for the essential fatty acids, eat cucumbers for the silica*. Have good quality plant-based fats and proteins, and start your day with a yummy green smoothie. Eating a healthy diet really makes a difference. If you are healthy on the inside, you will shine on the outside and your long locks will too.

If you need any suggestions on what fruit and vegetables to eat, check out my free seasonal Fruit & Veggie Chart.

Do you also have the goal to grow long healthy hair? Which of these tips and tricks are you going to try? Do you have any other suggestions to share?

Please let me know in the comments below!

Bye for now,

Love,

Elly XO

*a trace mineral that contributes greatly to strengthening our connective tissues.

 

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