“My hair doesn’t grow” “My hair doesn’t get any longer than [insert length here]” “No matter what I do, it seems like my hair stays the same length”.
These statements, along with plenty of others, can be found on a variety of hair forums throughout the web. However, they aren’t true. The truth is, hair grows constantly, the average growth rate for any healthy person is ½ inch per month. If you give your hair the proper love and care it needs in one year you can have about 6 inches added to your tresses.
The problem isn’t growing hair, but retaining length that you grow. Ends may be damaged and prone to breakage, so even though hair is growing it appears to be the same length. Here are five reasons why you aren’t retaining length:
1. Not Trimming Your Ends
Our ends are the oldest part of our hair and believe it or not there was a time when our ends were at the top of our heads. This means that they may need more attention and focus than the rest of the strand.
Ends get damaged and worn down over time for many reasons, sun exposure, rubbing on our clothes or just normal manipulation. Perhaps your hair could be damaged from excessive heat or not sleeping with a satin pillowcase*. Whatever the reason, once ends are damaged they cannot be repaired and the only solution is to trim so that the damage doesn’t travel up the hair shaft.
There is no magic product that will restore a split end, healthy, trimmed ends are a fresh start for your hair and increase the possibility of retaining length. To maintain healthy looking hair you should get at least two trims yearly.
2. Personal health
While the products we put on our hair are important, the things we put IN our bodies are even more important. A healthy diet is key for promoting and retaining length. A great start towards a healthier lifestyle is to simply start incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet.
Some foods that are great for your hair include: salmon, walnuts, and spinach. Not to mention drinking a lot of water is one of the best ways to bring moisture to otherwise dry and thirsty strands. Also, don’t forget to take your vitamins*, biotin* can do wonders for your hair, skin, and nails.
Great article!
I use the LCO method for moisturizing and sealing. Actually I mix the Leave-in and cream together in one bottle, then apply my oil. Most of the time its coconut or safflower. But ever since I read about LOC/LCO on BHI my hair’s moisture is on POINT! THANK YOU! I also started “wigging it” for most of the winter months. Im from NYC so the wigs have been my hair’s saving grace. since I implemented these two major changes into my new regimen my hair is flourishing. Thank you so much BHI, JGA, L4L,RHH and Hairlista!
You are welcome, happy to help 🙂
My daughter’s hair is very dry. She is 5, soon to be 6. What products can I used to moisturize and soften her hair?