Maybe she’s born with it, maybe it’s a smart haircare routine. For some women, enviably long hair just happens, but for the rest of us, tweaking certain aspects of our day-to-day beauty routine must be made. Whether that be using a different hair brush, adjusting how often you use your hair dryer, adding a vitamin to the mix, or sleeping on a silk pillowcase (yes, really), there are several easy steps that can be done to achieve long, lustrous locks. Check out these pro tips to guide you in the right direction
Get frequent trims
It may seem counterintuitive, but if you want long hair that’s actually healthy, you need to get regular trims. “While haircuts don’t make your hair grow any faster, they get rid of split ends that break your hair,” explains celebrity hairstylist Michael Dueñas. “Eliminating the breakage gives the appearance that your hair is growing faster.” After all, a split end that breaks can lead to your hair losing length — not to mention shine, volume, and smoothness. If you want to know exactly how long you can go between trims, follow this guide.
Distribute your hair’s natural oils
Going to bed with unbrushed hair may seem tempting when you’re tired, but giving your hair a few quick strokes can be great for its health. “Starting at the scalp, use a boar bristle brush to distribute your scalp’s oils evenly onto your hair so it stays naturally moisturized,” recommends Meri Kate O’Connor, senior colorist and hair educator at Eva Scrivo Salon. Bonus: This simple step each night helps increase circulation, which helps make your scalp healthier.
Eat the right foods
Having long, strong hair doesn’t just depend on which products you put on your hair; it also depends on what you put into your body. “To promote hair growth, you need to ‘feed’ the hair from the inside,” explains Dr. Francesca Fusco, an NYC-based dermatologist. “Try increasing your protein intake with foods like fish, beans, nuts, and whole gains.”
If you’re not a meat-lover, you should still aim to maintain a diet high in protein. Dr. Fusco warns that women who don’t get enough of it often experience “more shedding.” GoodHousekeeping.com’s nutritionist Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN adds that foods high in protein as well as vitamins A, C, and E, minerals like zinc and iron, and omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to healthier hair.
Avoid heat styling tools
“Stop over-styling your hair,” warns celebrity hairstylist Ken Paves. If you must use heat, Paves recommends decreasing the temperature and always using a heat protectant — otherwise, you risk damaging your hair, leading to breakage and frizz.
