Blame being southern, or maybe blame being a free hippie spirit but I have always loved big healthy hair. Having enjoyed having long hair, it takes time and some care to maintain length and strength. Much like how we take care of our bodies inside and out, hair is no different. It needs some love and attention…so here are some tips for how I got big ole’ hair and how I keep it that way. 

Don’t worry, it’s not that complicated. I can’t be bothered to do too much. 

/ Health starts inside — Drink Water. Eat Good Food. 

This seems obvious but one of the keys to healthy hair, skin and nails is to eat a good solid diet with plenty of protein and healthy fats. Staying hydrated is also always going to be key to looking the healthiest you can, from the inside out. 

/ Don’t overly cleanse. Always condition. 

Much like your skin, too much is only detrimental. Different hair types and textures might require different levels of washing/conditioning… but all hair types can benefit from added moisture. 

Hair only needs to be washed at the roots (don’t scrub the ends!) when it’s dirty. I wash mine way too often, but I am trying to not wash it everyday. Condition from the roots down to the tips. I condition and wrap my hair into a bun, leaving the condition to soak in, with help from the heat of the shower, while I’m finishing shower things. 

Hair can also benefit from leave on conditioners and hair oils (like shea oil or argan oil) after washing/conditioning. I am always smoothing something on the ends of my hair. These are two hair oils I really like: 

Shea Moisture Finishing Elixir a little heavy for my hair, but I use it during the winter  

OGX Argan Oil

/ Be kind to your hair — Limit damaging practices

This could be a mantra for life, not just your hair (“limit damaging practices”) but for hair, especially long hair, it helps greatly to lay off heat styling. Heat can weaken hair, and cause it to be brittle. If you use heat regularly, use a heat protectant. 

I rarely do anything but blow dry it…and even then it might be the last little bit of wetness to get out, after air drying mostly. Air drying is so much nicer, I love the strange natural waves that happen even if they are haphazard. I save the blow outs and such for special occasions of when my stylist does my hair and I get to feel fabulous for a day. 

/ Take vitamins that support healthy hair

If you follow any of my socials, you know I take Biotin and/orBeauty Bursts… or a keratin hair supplement from Neocell. I started taking these for my nails and they made my hair and eye lashes grow…can’t complain about that. Collagen is also good for joints of active people, and skin. I talk more about these here. 

Neocell You can also find these items at your local GNC or Vitamin Shoppe

/ Other things that can help: 

Wide Tooth Combs / I only brush my hair before I wash it. This practice distributes oil all the way down and through the hair, that will "stay" to some extent because you're not cleansing the hair past the roots. For wet hair, I will use a wide tooth comb when I get out of the shower (wet hair is more prone to break) and then I might use a wide tooth comb if it’s unruly during the day. I buy these at the drug store for a few dollars. 

Quality Products / This does not mean you have to get salon priced items, there are plenty of great brands out there now that can increase the health of your hair. Read labels and pay attention to the quality you’re getting. Look for shampoos and conditioners that are free of parabens. Parabens are preservatives in many cosmetics and hair care items… they might be linked to breast cancer. Research is still being done here… but in the mean time, I say, avoid them and stay as natural as possible with what you put on, in, and around your skin and body.

Braiding or Putting in a Bun or Covering hair at night / Rolling around on loose hair can put it at risk of being torn and knotted up. Protect hair by keeping it out of the way at night in a gentle bun, loose braid, up and away. Or if you have specific styles or textures that benefit from being covered at night in a skin wrap or skin lined cap. Keeping hair away from your face can also help skin break outs as oils from the hair can get on the skin. 

Regular Cuts / Anyone who wants long hair dreads a trim but having a professional take off dead ends will only ensure your hair grows longer and stronger… not the opposite. Get a good cut and watch your hair get healthier. In NYC I go to Soon Beauty Lab West because they use the best, safest products for coloring hair.