Over the years I have had long hair, short hair, blonde, black, red and brown hair. My hair has changed right along with me throughout the seasons of my life.
“A woman who cuts her hair is about to change her life” – Coco Chanel
Finding time to do my hair can often feel overwhelming but I have found that it is one of the major factors in helping me feel put together and on top of things. Even if I have no makeup on, if my hair is done I feel twenty times more confident about myself than when I have it piled up in a greasy ponytail. This confidence spills over into the other areas of my life and I find myself making more productive choices throughout the day.
Putting together a solid hair routine with the right products has helped me cut down on the time it takes to do my hair. If I take an extra 10-15 minutes up front to blow dry my hair it tends to not get as greasy as quickly and looks better for longer.
Below are my hair care must haves for growing long thick hair and establishing a hair care routine that will help you always be put together and looking your best.
- Utilize hair growth supplements and products
- Find the right shampoo for your hair type
- Protect your hair
- Use the right tools
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1. Utilize hair growth supplements and products
If you want to grow longer and thicker hair quickly then it helps to use products designed exactly for that. There are thousands of products on the market promising varying results but I have found that simple is best.
My first recommendation is to take a biotin supplement. Biotin promotes healthy hair, skin and nails. It is widely available and fairly inexpensive for a basic supplement. Or you can opt for combinations like Nutra Harmony’s Biotin, Collagen & Keratin complex for additional benefits.
My second recommendation is scalp massages. This one has the dual benefit of hair care and relaxation! Massaging the scalp promotes blood flow which helps with hair growth. If you don’t have any products you can simply massage your scalp with your fingers or run a hairbrush along your scalp.
For an even greater effect you can use oils designed to promote hair growth. I personally like Mielle Rosemary Oil because it is super cheap and easy to use. I tried using castor oil but the consistency was too thick and was difficult to effectively use and wash out of my hair.
Because I dont like greasy hands I use a scalp massage tool like the below when working with product. Extra tip: hang your head over the side of the bed or couch when massaging to further increase circulation!
While these work for me to promote fast hair growth they might not work for everyone. If you have underlying health conditions such as hormone imbalances those could be affecting your hair growth. This is especially common post-pregnancy as hormones shift. If you aren’t seeing results, consider working with specialists to check for any key deficiencies or imbalances that may be impacting your hair.
2. Find the right shampoo for your hair type
Out of all the suggestions in this post finding the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair type is by far the most important. You can do everything else right but if you are not using a good shampoo and conditioner your hair will still turn out greasy, frizzy or flat.
I have tried numerous shampoos from high end salon quality to the cheapest drugstore bottles. My absolute favorite and what I have found to work best for my hair is the Matrix Mega Sleek line. While I do like the other Matrix shampoos such as Biolage, Mega Sleek works best for my hair goals. My hair is naturally wavy and full of volume but I typically like to wear my hair straight. This shampoo has worked best for me on cutting down frizz and achieving smooth glossy hair.
If your hair is naturally straight and flat but you like to wear big bouncy curls then look for a volumizing shampoo. You may have to try several kinds until you find one that works best for your hair type and goals. It is definitely worth the investment to find a fantastic shampoo and will likely save you tons of styling time on the backend.
I do also like to use a deep conditioning mask when I feel like my hair needs an extra boost but haven’t found one that I love. If you have recommendations leave them in the comments below!
3. Protect your hair
While it is very important to protect your hair this doesn’t mean you have to completely cut out heat. By following step two above and finding a shampoo that works with you to achieve your hair goals you can significantly cut down on the styling time required and how much heat you are putting onto your hair. When you do use heat, always utilize a heat protectant of some kind.
Because I am looking to keep it simple without using a million products my go to is It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-in Product. This one product has so many amazing benefits.
First, I use it for detangling. Wrenching a comb through wet tangled hair is a one way ticket to breakage. If you are looking to grow your hair the last thing you want is to be breaking it off.
Second, I use it for heat protectant. Heat protectant is an absolute non-negotiable when it comes to growing and maintaining long thick hair.
My next piece of advice is to make sure that you are always blow drying your hair down the hair shaft. This will help reduce frizziness and reduce the amount of styling time on the back end. Pro-tip: Flip your head upside down when blow drying. This makes it easier to keep the blow dryer pointed down the hair shaft while round brushing, promotes blood flow, and increases volume!
Finally, use silk bonnets or pillow cases to protect your hair from friction and breakage overnight. There is nothing as frustrating as rushing to get ready in the morning when you have a crease in your hair and out of control flyaways. Applying heat to dry hair causes more damage than blow drying damp hair so helping your style last longer will minimize the amount of time you are spending with a flat or curling iron. Additionally, they have the added benefit of helping your hair retain moisture.
4. Use the right tools
When I talk about tools I am including products as well. The best results are typically going to require both. Here is my round up of must have tools.
Dyson Hair Dryer – I know, I know. It is super expensive. You don’t need to have the Dyson and I have heard excellent things about dupe products but you do need a good hair dryer. I personally like the Dyson because it significantly cuts down on the time it takes me to dry my hair. Regardless of which hair dryer you have – use the nozzle attachment!! Directing the airflow will always give you a much better blowout result.
A round brush and a paddle brush – When drying my hair I start off with a round brush and then when it is 99% dry I go through with my paddle brush to do final smoothing and directioning. I have been using the same round brush since high school and have no idea what brand it is. However, make sure you are picking one with boar bristles over wire and if you have long hair, opt for a larger size brush like the one below.
Paul Mitchell makes great hair tools and products. I have used everything from their shampoos to straighteners and brushes. This paddle brush is large and lightweight which I find perfect for smoothing out my hair at the end of drying. They also have smaller sizes available.
Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo – In an ideal world we would have unlimited time for self care and basic hygiene but all too often we find life getting in the way and we are pushing that hair wash back a day or two (or three). Dry shampoo comes in clutch during these times. Amika products smell positively AMAZING. When all else is equal I’m going to go for the smell. I also really like the Moroccan Oil Dry Shampoo. If you aren’t great at blending in the dry shampoo and have a fear of the white powdery residue then this is a great option because they have different products to match light and dark hair tones.
Moroccan Oil – I always finish off my hair by oiling the mid lengths to ends. It provides a smooth and shiny finish and helps prevent frizz the rest of the day. I’ve used BioSilk as well which is great if you are looking for a cheaper alternative.
Amika Fluxus Hairspray – Once again Amika comes in first place on best smelling products. This is a touchable hairspray so it won’t leave your hair super stiff. Depending on how you style you may want to opt for something with a stronger hold but this is great for everyday use.
Wax Stick – If you are going for the clean girl aesthetic with a slicked back ponytail then a wax stick is an absolute must. And even if you weren’t, some days that is all we are able to accomplish. It is also great for taming flyaways, which, if you are following the steps for promoting hair growth you are going to see more of for awhile.
I hope this helped provide you with the knowledge and products you need to grow and maintain long thick hair. By putting a solid hair care routine into place you will be miles ahead on always looking and feeling put together and becoming the Her you have always wanted to be.