To be quite honest, we’re a little tired of the phrase “you always want what you can’t have” or “the grass is always greener,” especially when it comes to coveting another’s long tresses. It keeps us from going for that earlobe-grazing, collarbone-popping bob we always wanted in fear of losing lengths that take forever to get back, or worse, holding onto sad, dead straw ends because we can’t seem to part with the time spent on the growth.
We support a more positive spin on that idea of hair scarcity and say that the grass is greenest where you water it. And while that does include some amazing products, it’s also about taking care of yourself and nourishing from the inside out.
Healthy hair growth is a natural process, so when you hear someone tout, “This product made my hair grow like crazy overnight!” just know that it ain’t the truth, honey. The reality is that all our bodies are different. Though the smallest of changes can tweak the time in which our hair grows, nothing will make your tips reach your hips at superhuman speed.
Dr. Lamees Hamdan is a professional who has dedicated her studies to all aspects of health and beauty. She understands deeply that one does not go without the other. Everything from skin symptoms to hair loss to one’s general glow is intertwined.
She explains that the first and most obvious aspect to address if you’re worried your hair has slowed growth or is falling out is to check in with your protein intake. “Hair is a protein called keratin, so you need to make sure you are eating enough protein. Collagen hydrolysate powder is a great and easily digestible form of protein.” Bone broth is also a great form of this type of collagen.
Another super simple thing to remember about your scalp is that there is skin under there, and tons of tiny blood vessels. Massage and gua sha bring oxygen-filled blood to the surface of our skin and makes our faces glow. Even though your scalp doesn’t get much air-time, Dr. Lamees notes that “getting adequate blood flow to the scalp area is helpful, and you can do a quick and easy self scalp massage every day.” You can go for a full de-stress scalp massage that makes you look windblown, or just give your scalp a little love with your fingertips for under a minute to get circulation going.
Do a cold rinse at the end of your shower to seal the shaft and get some extra shine. On that note, it’s important to pay attention to your water quality for scalp and hair health. Wherever you live (but especially those in Southern California, yikes) you should definitely consider getting a showerhead filter to clean out gross debris and most importantly, chlorine, from the regular tap. You should be doing this anyway. This filter is super effective and affordable—seriously, just get it.
After the shower, careful how you treat your wet hair! Sopping wet hair is incredibly susceptible to damage, and brushing it right away or scrubbing it with a rough terry cloth towel is what causes frizz and breakage, basically shredding it. Use a microfiber towel like our Aquis x Poosh turbans to dry your hair quickly but also gently, to reveal soft, shiny, strong hair. While heated tools are clearly not the best way to baby your hair into thick, long locks, in a pinch, using this towel before you blow-dry will minimize the damage.
We hope this goes without saying because at the end of the day it’s the answer to most beauty woes, but … hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Dehydration immediately halts hair growth and promotes loss in brittle, dry follicles. Drink at least two liters of water a day to reach your minimum. Carry your favorite water bottle to make the task a little easier.
Another scalp trick you may have heard of sounds like an old wives’ tale, but it’s the real deal, baby. Apple cider vinegar is nature’s clarifier. It’s cleansing, alkalizing, balancing, and great for dry scalp. It boosts shine, and a clarified scalp makes way for rich, happy, full growth. Dilute it with equal parts water and put it in a squeezy bottle for easy application in the shower. Throw in an essential oil like lavender or rosemary to give a more herbaceous—rather than vinegary—scent with extra scalp-loving power.
The smell doesn’t stick around for long after rinsing, but if you’re prone to scalp sweat or live in a tropical climate, dampness might bring out the vinegar smell later in the day. If you really can’t take the smell, there are options. Grow Girl has a line of shampoos and conditioners and an in-between rinse touting ACV as the hero ingredient, sans the pungent stench.
Now, if you’re looking for that magic pill, it’s not out there. Biotin, we’re looking at you. Dr. Lamees agrees that biotin is good for hair. “It is, however, just one of the many important vitamins your body requires for hair growth. That’s why I recommend a good daily multivitamin that your body can effectively absorb,” such as her liquid DL.MD. Other vitamins to have on your radar include niacin (B3), pantothenic acid, and vitamins A, D, and C.
There are also some herbal supplements that prevent loss and stimulate normal growth. Ouai Thin hair supplements contain horsetail, an herb that Dr. Lamees swears by for hair health. She also sings praise to rosemary tea for an easy and widely available herb that helps with strong growth. Skip the tablet form, though. She says, “Just brew yourself some rosemary tea using either fresh or dried organic rosemary,” which also helps you stay on your hydration game.