hair

GROWTH PLANS

photos: denman/masonpearson; jen gotch; jen gotch; amazon.com  post designed by kristin ess

Other than updos and color, most emails coming in are about growing your hair out– quickly. Currently working on some video tutorials for you gals struggling with that “awkward stage” (aka middle length) to get you through, but let’s start here. Below are several basic yet important things to do while on the road to longer hair.

-Brushing. It stimulates the scalp. We know that. Let’s take it one step further. Stimulation from brushing produces natural oil. The more oils that come out, the more nourishment your hair will get naturally and that’s the best kind because it helps to speed up the process from the inside out. Focus on brushing the scalp and don’t worry so much about the ends. If your hair is dry or brittle, brushing the ends too much can lead to breakage. Above are 2 examples of different brushes in very different price ranges. Find more details on these brushes here: “Brush Up”.

-Treatments. Between technology + trichology (the study of hair/scalp) conditioning treatments have come so far. I have seen hair transform and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Unless you’re really into splurging, you don’t need to spend more than $20-$30 for a deep conditioning mask or treatment. Most importantly, please have a chat with your hairstylist. Ask them what they think is right for you. They can feel your hair and tell if you need moisture or protein. There’s a huge difference. Hair that has been chemically treated or over-processed with color usually calls for more protein because it will strengthen the hair by building a shell around it. Hair that is dry and dull is often just starving for moisture. You may even need both, so when it comes to treatments, please pop into the salon and talk to your pro!

-Vitamins. Lauren is a big believer in pre-natal vitamins helping with hair growth and I am a big believer in biotin + viviscal vitamins. Whichever you guys choose, always consult with your doctor first. If you’re not going into the doctor any time soon, ask a nutritionalist at a health food store for a quick consultation. Take vitamins with lots of water to insure they’re properly digested. The hardest part about vitamins isn’t finding them, it’s taking them consistently. My recommendation is to get a vitamin box and keep a small supply in your purse or put them next to your keys so you take them on the way out the door.

and lastly…

-The spider head massager thingy. Um, don’t laugh. Here’s my theory on this freaky little thing: When you use it, it gives you the chills all the way up to your scalp. When you get chills, you get goosebumps. When you get goosebumps, what happens to the hair on your newly shaven legs? That’s right friends, it grows. Just a personal theory, but I can’t help notice that since I started having these around 6 or 7 years ago, my hair grows insanely fast. Coincidence? I dunno. Worth the 7 bucks to find out!

Check back soon for video tutorials on how to style your hair to get through the mid-length stage!