How To Grow Long Hair

Long hair is a luxury that many men and women wish to have. Though many want it, not all understand that having long hair is a pursuit, not a whim. By following the steps below, you can grow long, healthy hair that even strangers will compliment.

1. Adjust your expectations. Not everyone can have beautiful knee-length hair. Some people can only grow their hair to their waist (this is common), some only to their shoulders, and some stop even shorter than that (this is uncommon). Whatever your capacity for hair growth, don't get upset if it won't grow as long as you'd like it to. There are plenty of great styles for all lengths of hair that look good and can make you feel good about yourself.

   Even if your hair is the type that will grow long, remember--hair only grows about 6 inches per year. Don't expect much more than that.

2. Evaluate your hair type. Is it brittle? Thin? Very thick and curly? You're going to have to make considerations for your hair type as you grow it out. Be very, very careful with brittle hair and condition thick hair often. If your hair is very thick, consider thinning it.
3. Cut off all dead and damaged hair first. Hair is dead material and cannot be rejuvenated or renewed, just washed and oiled. To be proud of your hair and truly make progress, you need to get rid of everything that's not worth growing out. Find a hair professional who can evaluate your hair and trim (or hack!) off all the split, unhealthy hair that you don't want to carry with you into your growth. Also, if you want your long hair to be one length, you may want to grow out layers and/or bangs at this point.

   Make sure to find a stylist who will trim your ends (or dust them) without pressuring you to cut your hair. Hair stylists only make money as long as you are cutting, dying, and fixing your hair. Some stylists, when they hear that you are growing your hair out, will be unsupportive and try to get you back into your old routine. If this happens to you, find a different stylist to help you work with your hair and encourage growth.
4. Begin to brush your hair as little as possible. Clearly you'll still want to brush your hair, especially when it begins to tangle, but learn to do it carefully. If you must brush, use a brush with boar hair bristles. If you can get away with it, use a wide tooth comb and fingers to undo snarls and knots. Brush out the ends first, and keep moving up and brushing down to make sure you don't complicate knots.
5. Wash your hair properly. If you can get away with it, don't wash your hair every day--if you have dry hair, definitely do not shampoo every day. Begin to shampoo at the roots of your hair, working down but without lavishing the ends in shampoo (it dries them out). Condition only the mid-section to the ends of hair. Consider using a leave-in conditioner or deep conditioning formula.
   
6. Begin to treat your hair like silk. Hair is extremely delicate, and long hair even more so. There are things that you'll never be able to do to long hair if you want it to stay beautiful. NEVER tease your hair. Don't knot your hair aggressively, or tear it with pins. Never use metal hair implements. Don't use hairdryers. Don't dye your hair. Never perm your hair. Use safe hair accessories like scrunchies and hair sticks to keep your hair up. Use a leave-in conditioner if your hair is thick or curly. Braid hair (and put into a loose bun if possible) before sleeping. If you must sleep with it loose, use a satin pillowcase. Protect your long hair when swimming by putting in a shower/swimming cap, and protect it from sun if you don't want it to lighten. Keep your hair braided and safe when relaxing.
7. Encourage hair growth from the inside. Begin to eat protein-rich foods, and don't neglect to take your vitamins. Being internally healthy creates more beautiful hair.