The Secret to Longer, Stronger Hair

Hair is a woman’s best accessory. I think we can all agree that when our hair looks good, we feel good. However, achieving that good hair day usually requires heating and over processing our tresses. There are ways to have great hair without sacrificing your hair health. No, I am not suggesting you throw away your curling iron and straightener. However, just making a few diet changes and giving more attention to your locks can make a huge difference in hair growth.

Did you know the strands on the midsection of your hair are over two years old? Think of the over processing you have put that section of hair through. In addition, that area of the head is where we most often secure our tight ponytails. All of this results in one thing: breakage. This breakage is the reason hair may not be growing to its full potential.

Taking vitamin supplements is a key step on the path to stronger hair. What we put inside of our bodies is reflected on the outside in the form of healthier hair, skin, and nails.

• All women should start their day will a multivitamin. Many of us do not get the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of vitamins and minerals from our food. Taking a multivitamin can only enhance nutrition and overall wellbeing.
• Biotin is a B vitamin that promotes hair health. It does not promise to make your hair grow a couple inches overnight, but the vitamin does encourage hair growth.
• Omega 3 Fish Oil Pills provides nourishment for hair follicles. The oils add luster to your hair making it shiny.

All of these vitamins can be purchased at CVS, Target or Wal-Mart.

An expensive price tag on your hair products does not guarantee results. Often, you are paying for the brand name – not the quality. Many products contain watered down versions of essential oils. An easy fix for this is to make a natural hair mask.

The following is a recipe for a natural hair mask. Do this once or twice a week for a month, and I promise your hair will thank you.

The mask contains three essential ingredients: distilled white vinegar, coconut oil, and rosemary oil.  This mask is an overnight process—so plan to do it on a night that you’re staying in and watching movies.

1. Apply half a cup of distilled white vinegar all over your hair, especially focusing on the scalp. Do this continuously for fifteen minutes. The vinegar acts as a clarifier. It removes the dirt and product build-up that is preventing hair growth. Unfortunately, it does not smell very good.
2. Next, add a tablespoon of rosemary oil to your scalp. Rosemary oil acts as a stimulant for hair follicles by opening them up. Massage the rosemary oil for another fifteen minutes. Remember, healthy hair follicles means healthy hair. The massaging is key for product absorption.
3. The final step of the mask is to add coconut oil. Start at the midsection of hair and work your way down to the ends, adding a quarter sized amount of coconut oil at a time. Coconut oil seals your split ends and softens your stresses. Continue the massaging process for ten more minutes. Warning: your arms may be getting tired at this point, but just think that you’re getting healthier hair and more toned arms at the same time!

Finally, top your head off with a shower cap. It’s not the most fashionable look, but your locks will thank you. Keep the shower cap on overnight, and rinse your hair thoroughly in the morning. Shampoo twice to ensure you get that vinegar out so that you don’t smell like a salad.

Longer, stronger hair is achievable. We put our hair through quite a lot of damage. Breakage seems inevitable, but it can be prevented if you take vitamins and give your hair the nourishment it needs. Also, taking a day off from your straightener each week might not be such a bad idea either.

Photo by Victoria Oberdorf