Most women believe , and even dispense advice, on the fact that hair grows faster with more frequent trims and cuts.
According to John Barrett, a New York City salon owner, “Hair grows a half-inch per month, whether you cut it or not.” However, the rate at which hair grows can also be determined by other factors such as genetics, diet, seasons, weather and even endocrine function such as low thyroid.
“The benefits of regular trims are many and varied,” notes Cunnane Phillips, a trichologist at the Philip Kingsley Clinic in NYC. “They will aid in keeping the ends from splitting and looking frayed, thereby giving the appearance of healthier and longer hair. When ends split and are severely damaged, they can cause breakage and that breakage travels up the hair shaft, which leads to playing catch-up.”
Keeping hair clean and healthy is a top priority, and therefore, regular trims, every four to eight weeks (depending on the hair type and shape”> are necessary for the basic health of your hair.
A good basic hair care routine, including regular trims, can help bring your locks back to life, give them shine and bounce too. Here’s a simple routine to follow for healthy, growing locks:
Healthy Growth Routine
Healthy Diet, Healthy Hair
Find foods rich in vitamins and omega 3 oils, silica, iron and calcium. Green leafy veggies, raw oats, whole grains, raw fruits and organic proteins. Being that hair is composed of mostly protein, and in order to encourage hair growth, adhere to a diet rich in protein. A recommended diet for this purpose includes calves liver, brewer’s yeast, wheat germ, and two tablespoons of granulated lecithin. Along with protein, these foods are also high in B vitamins, an important nutrient for hair. Silica is found in the outer coverings of potatoes, green and red peppers and cucumbers. Bean sprouts are also high in silica. And don’t forget the water – and lots of it! Hydrating your body is vital, and leads to healthy curls and waves too.
Wash and Dry
Keeping hair cleansed with a gentle shampoo 1-3 times per week (depending on hair type”> is important. The scalp should be cleansed of residue and build up, exfoliated so that good circulation continues as well. Hair should be nourished with moisturizing conditioners and leave – ins as needed too. Be sure the water you use isn’t too warm or too cold so that you can get more shine from your wash.
As per drying, when possible, air drying curls is always best. Allow your products to go to work and air dry curls and waves. However, if you need to get the job done faster, a diffuser is the second best option – not allowing too much heat to be directed to the scalp or hair roots.
Environment, Seasons & Weather
Take note of the seasonal changes as well as those that come with a change in the weather from time to time. Rain and humidity, extreme cold and heat can make for changes in our bodies, hence, our hair. Protect your hair from the sun, chlorine, salt and other harmful exposures by using hats, scarves and safe hair products (ie oils and leave in treatments”>.
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Trim It
Regular trims can help avoid with split ends – which can lead to cutting off more than you hoped. Be sure to speak to your stylist about how often your hair type needs to be cut, in order to keep a certain length, or, eventually, grow into a new one.
Sleep Well
Try using a satin or silk pillowcase or scarf to avoid hair damage and breakage. Hair can catch and pull on cotton pillowcases. Also try pulling hair up, with a lose elastic, while you sleep so it doesn’t risk breakage.
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