8 Tips For Growing Your Hair

Like many of us, I thought I would be brave and go for the chop, opting to cut off my 17 inches of hair and have a long bob. Although I did love it, come the third week I was pining over my lost locks, considering anything from Sellotape to a stretch-out strap to make it grow. Unfortunately the truth that no hair-grower wants to hear is that once it is off, it will take its sweet time to grow back. However, there is a light at the end of the wind tunnel hairdryer attachment; there are several things you can do to speed up the growth process, all of which are relatively cheap and easy:

1.  Never use a hairband to tie a ponytail or bun; try using a scrunchie; I’ve found that velvet ones work best. The tautness of a regular hairband pulls on your hair and can rip hair from the follicle. A scrunchie is much softer and less aggressive on your scalp, meaning your hair can be up without too much tension put on it. Claire's Accessories do some really sweet ones that you can wear both in the house and as part of an outfit.

All Claire's Accessories at £2.45

2. When drying your hair, avoid using towels as sometimes the coarseness in the fabric can be harsh on thin hair. Instead, try an old t-shirt (I find my Dad’s ones are perfect, as they are extra soft from years of washing) as it is much gentler on the scalp and gives the follicles a rest.

3.  If money is a bit tight but you want to buy a hair treatment, try using things from around the home. One product that works a treat is olive oil. Heat it in the microwave in a microwave-safe measuring jug (or just a mug will do if you can’t find one) for 2-3 minutes. Pour this over the head and leave for 5 minutes to work. Wash it out with lots of shampoo and see your new shiny, healthy locks. Please note, any longer than 5 minutes left on will not make a difference. Oh, and BE CAREFUL as the oil will be hot!

4. Try one hair-wash a week without using shampoo, just use conditioner. The reason for this is that shampoo is effectively a soap, and certain soaps can remove moisture from the hair. This can cause breakages and split ends which means a lack of hydration and ultimately, dry, frizzy hair in bad condition.

5. It sounds obvious but I cannot stress the importance of using a heat protection spray. I like Lee Stafford’s Poker Straight Flat Iron Protection Mist (£6.49) as it works brilliantly and the smell is divine but again, a cheaper option is Superdrug’s Style Expertise Heat Spray at £2.99. Use it every time you blow-dry, rough dry, straighten, curl or even roller your locks to avoid unnecessary stress and damage.

    6. When handling wet hair, it can be a pain to get to a reasonably manageable state, especially if you have thick, curly or knotty hair. Use a children’s detangling spray (L’Oreal are notorious this product but a home-brand also can work well) and spray well before combing. You can also get adult detangling sprays, such as Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Curl Silkening Detangler (£6.50) but I find children’s ones are more equipped to combat the tantrums that ensue with hair brushing. This helps prevent any (painful) tugging and maximises hydration in the hair that will give a smooth and shiny finish for any hair type.

    7. Following the use of the spray, avoid the temptation to use a hairbrush to get your wet hair ready for blow-drying. Using a hairbrush can yank the hair from the root and take weeks, even months to grow back again. Substitute this with a wide-toothed comb (I think Wilko do one for about 80p) and slowly comb from root to tip in sections. If you have particular difficult or curly unmanageable hair, comb from about 3 inches from the ends of your hair downwards. Repeat this all the way to the section of hair until you get to the roots and can brush downwards in one smooth motion.

8. In the shower, I have a real habit (especially if I am in a hurry) of rushing my hair wash and giving no time or attention to it. Instead, give yourself a lengthy scalp massage, focusing on the roots, the crown and behind your ears when lathering. This stimulates blood circulation which brings more nutrients to your hair roots. Plus, who doesn’t love a cheeky massage?!