I once was that girl who could never get her hair to grow past a few inches below the shoulder. It would always break, split, and become frizzy before I could grow it long. It was an endless cycle of growing and cutting, without being able to gain any length.
But then I changed up my routine. I tossed my “long hair” shampoo, stopped taking the vitamins that “claimed” would help, and looked towards a more natural approach. And after over a year of having long, strong hair, I have to say, the results were incredible. My hair is now longer than it’s ever been before, it’s much more manageable, and I spend less time fighting my hair to get it how I want, and more time enjoying it. Yes, I said enjoying it, because our hair is something we should all enjoy! We should be able to look in the mirror and love the way our hair looks, no matter what type of hair we have.
So what’s my secret? Well, it’s a myriad of things. It’s a whole new hair-do lifestyle- and one that’s totally doable. And because I want you to be able to have long, strong hair too, I’m going to let you in on the secret. Below, I’ve gathered 5 simple ways that are guaranteed to help you grow out your hair.
1. Don’t wash it. Yes, you heard me right! Depending on how thin or thick your hair is, you should only wash it every 3-4 days. Simply put your hair up in a bun when you take a shower and after showering, brush it out. It may feel wet from sweat if you worked out that day or a little damp from the shower, but that’s okay! Let it air dry, then style. Your hair’s natural oils will provide your hair with the nutrients it needs to keep your hair soft and silky. And if it’s starts getting a little too oily, try using a spritz of dry shampoo.
I’ve tried out all sorts of dry shampoo brands, but the one that has worked the best for me is this Klorane Dry Shampoo. It soaks up unwanted oils and blends into your hair seamlessly so no powder will show. And you can use it multiple days in a row without it feeling cakey! You can order it here
.
2. Toss your conditioner. Conditioner can make your hair softer and easier to brush after showering. But because it will be softer and lighter from the conditioner, this makes your hair more difficult for it to hold its style. So when you straighten, blow dry, or curl your hair, you will need to use other products to hold it in place. By skipping conditioner, your hair will hold its style longer- product free!
I used to curl my hair and douse it with hair spray on the daily to keep my curls intact. But since I stopped using conditioner, I curl my hair every day and the curls stay intact without any product- thanks to my hair’s natural texture! And the same goes for when I straighten, braid, or blow dry.
Since you’ll only washing your hair 1-2 times per week and won’t be using conditioner, it’s important to invest in a good shampoo that will moisturize your hair. A great one to try, is this Paul Mitchell Instant Moisture Daily Shampoo. Or if you have color treated hair, like I do, try this Paul Mitchell Color Protect Shampoo
. I have been using it non stop for the past few months and it leaves my hair hydrated, bright, and squeaky clean.
3. Quench your hair with a leave-in serum. After washing your hair, apply a leave-in serum. This will make your hair soft and shiny, without weighing it down. This Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum is perfect for all hair types. My hairdresser introduced me to it, and it keeps my hair soft and shiny for the full 3-4 days I go without washing. Just apply it midshaft and down to your ends.
4. Brush your hair with a wet brush. Using a wet brush will allow your hair to be brushed while its wet without causing your hair to tear or break. And since we are foregoing conditioner, we will need this wet brush all the more. Brush your hair in the shower, after the shower, and give it a good long brushing at least once a day, all while using the wet brush even when your hair is dry. Brushing your hair each day will not only free loose strands and detangle those locks, but it will also stimulate your scalp and hair follicles! The more your scalp is stimulated, the faster your hair will grow. Check out this under $10 wet brush here.
5. Keep your ends trim. Head to your local hairdresser for a trim every 2-3 months. I know it can be easy to let your hair go without a trim for fear of losing all of the inches your hair has gained, but it’s important we keep those split ends to a minimum. Unfortunately, split ends are going to happen to all of us, and the worse they get, the more length we’ll have to get clipped off by the time we do go in for a cut. By going in as often as needed to get any dead ends off, our hair will be stronger and less-susceptible to breakage. And this is doubly true for those of us with dyed or highlighted hair.
So there you have it- five simple ways to grow your out hair long and fast. Give it a try, and you’ll soon see how well this process works!
What are some of your favorite ways to grow out your hair? How do you manage to keep your hair long and strong? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Don’t forget to check out my book, THE SMART GIRL’S GUIDE TO SURVIVING HER TWENTIES, for loads of advice for surviving, and thriving, throughout your twenties. Order your copy, or download it to your smartphone or tablet here. To read more about it, head to my books tab.
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YESSS! I swear by wet brush. I love this post. Such great advice for long hair. I wash my hair twice a week, three times at most. I just washed my hair tonight for the first time since Friday morning. Dry shampoo is a life saver.
xo, Meghan | http://tanlinesanddaisies.com/
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I just washed my hair for the first time since Friday too, haha! And yes, dry shampoo is such a life saver!! Thanks for reading xx
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Awesome. I’ve always had the same problem. And I love Paul Mitchell! Great post! 🙂
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Thanks girl- Paul Mitchell is the best!!
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I love my wet brush!! I only wash my hair every 3-4 days too! It’s so hard at first, but definitely worth it.
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Yes it is soooo worth it!
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Literally exactly what I’ve been looking for!! My hair is long but recently super dry and tons of split ends ;-(
I want it longer and it just seems stuck! Definitely will try your approach! Thank you!!
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Glad this could help, Kimmy!
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Gorgeous hair girl! I will definitely look at all these products
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Thanks girl! xx
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I LOVE Wet hair brushes! Great tips, I will definitely have to follow this so my hair will grow back out again. Thanks!!!
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Glad this could help Alyssa!
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Sounds like some awesome tips. Can’t wait to try some of them.
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Hope it helps! Xx
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I LOVE the wet brush! It is actually rather new to me, but on a friend’s recommendation I made the switch and have been loving it for the last few months! I’m definitely going to try some of these other tricks, as I, too, am stuck in the grow/cut cycle sans length 🙂
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Aren’t wet brushes the greatest?! Hope these tricks can help!
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These are some really great tips! I’m definitely going to follow the wet brush tip!
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Wet brushes are the greatest!! Makes brushing so much easier!
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Thanks for the advice and your hair is shining 🙂
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Thanks for reading!
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I had long hair… Decided to cut it off.. But when I see the Pictures… 😉
Have a wonderful day,
Tabea
http://tabsstyle.com
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I’ve been thinking about cutting mine off too! So tempting!
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There was no regret on my side. It’s so easy to handle now 😉
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Totally agree with the wet brush tip, since I got it I would never use any other brush. The wet brush is freaking amazing. xx
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It is so amazing!!
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Great information given in a precise manner. Thanks, Courtney. Alice Middleton
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Aw thanks Mrs Middleton! I’m glad you liked it! ❤️
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Skipping conditioner makes such a difference! These tips are so great! Thanks girl!
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It really does make such a difference! Thanks for reading xx
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Interesting suggestions! I always wear my hair long but noticed that wet brushing works the best for curly hair while straight ones have to be brushed while dry to avoid breakage. I guess everybody’s hair is different 🙂
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I never noticed that, but you’re right, everybody’s hair is different and you have to find what works best for you! ❤
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Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum is AMAZING ! I’ve been obsessed with it for years.
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YES! My hair feels so soft with it!
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A couple years ago, I’ve transitioned to shampoo bars that I make. I have a couple of oils in the bar that help naturally condition. You are so right about hair oils too. Coconut oil, I’ve read, is good to use on the hair ends after showering, and it is a natural conditioner.
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oooo I never tried shampoo bars- they sound interesting! Where do you get yours from??
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I make mine 😉
But there is a transition for your hair and they aren’t for everyone. I transitioned because I have extremely oily hair, like within less than 24 hours my hair would be oily after washing it. I didn’t like all of the chemicals and such in shampoo products. I already was making organic body soaps and face soaps, so after about three months of trial and error I created a recipe that allowed me to make shampoo bars out of melt and pour organic soap base.
However, there are a number of shops that do sell shampoo bars, and I’m sure Etsy sellers as well. I would read up on it, see what you think, and then check out reviews on products. 🙂
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Wow- go you for making your own- that’s awesome! I will have to check out Etsy to find some to try ❤
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Definitely do a little research first to see if it is something you want to try. 🙂
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Wow! These tips are really great! Does this work for men too?
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Yea definitely! Works for anyone!
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Have you tried to use oils? I’ve heard a lot of things about castor oil helping with hair growth. I’m trying it at the moment but it’s too soon for me to say if it works, so I was wondering if you ever tried it.
I’ll have to get the Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum though, it seems awesome!!
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I have only ever used Moroccan oil in my hair, but I have heard really great things about castor oil! Do you take it in a pill form or apply it directly to your hair??
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Your hair looks so healthy!! I love your tips.
http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/
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Thanks, Court!
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Now that winter is approaching.
I suppose longer hair will help to keep your head warmer.
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Yes that is true!!!
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I love that dry shampoo!
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Isn’t it the best!?
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I didn’t know about #4! Lemme try that!
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Yes girl! Give it a go!
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I would’ve never thought about not using Conditioner! This is so useful to know so thank you! xx
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Glad it could be helpful, Chloe!
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Your hair looks amazing! Those tips are great, I have to follow them 🙂
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Thanks girl- hope the tips can help! xx
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Thanks for this tips Courtney! 😉
Have a great week-end
kisses
Agnese & Elisa
http://desiresinstyle.com/
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Glad they could help! xx
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I need to get my hair trimmed more! great tips!
kelseybang.com
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A good hair trim makes all the difference! xx
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I never knew about the conditioner! That’s super interesting but makes a lot of sense. Thanks for sharing these incredible tips. I’ll have to give them a try. Xo, Ellese
Rock.Paper.Glam.
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Hope they can help girl!! xx
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Your hair is amazing! I’ve been using hair masks/deep conditioners on my hair lately, and it caused it to grow a lot. Even my hair dresser was impressed. I got 3 inches cut off last month, and it’s grown an inch already!
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Ooo that’s a great idea using hair masks! I will have to try that since you had such great results!
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These are great tips. I’m guilty of washing my hair often and not going for a trim ever haha
http://myclusterofthoughts.com/
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Haha it happens to all of us!!
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I never knew not washing it for 3-4 days will make it longer.
Thanks for sharing dear!
Much Love,
Zarrah | The Bandwagon Chic
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Yea it can really help your hair stay strong and grow longer! xx
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I love this post. Such great advice for long hair. Thanks dear for sharing this awesome tips.
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Thanks for reading! ❤
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For me what works best is argan oil!!
http://justohana.blogspot.com.es
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Ooo I will have to try that!
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Good tips. your hair looks lovely!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
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Thanks Amy!
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I feel like my hair is so tangled after I shampoo I need conditioner just to comb through it
Your hair looks so long and lush
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
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Yea that’s why I have to use a wet brush! And thanks girl!
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Your hair is absolutely stunning – it looks so long and healthy! My hair’s curly so I can’t use all these tips (conditioner is what keeps my hair from becoming a frizz ball) but there are definitely some I’ll utilise!xxx
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Yea ultimately you have to do what’s bast for your hair type! Curly hair requires lots of taming, so maybe the serum would work on you!
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Great tips, your hair looks fabulous.
xoxo Falasha
Bite My Fashion
Instagram| Bloglovin’| Facebook
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Thank you!
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Thanks for the tips! Such a great recommendation!
xx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
NEW POST: MES VOYAGES A PARIS
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Glad they could help, Monica!
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Great tips! I love the first one because is so true! If we wash the hair constantly It can be a nightmare haha! Thanks for sharing!
http://beautyandvibes.com
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Yes it can dry it out!! Thanks for reading, Priscilla!
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OMG point one is totally my bible hair care tip! I wash my hair once a week it took ages to train it not to be greasy but it was so worth it!
http://www.mrswilleydiaries.com
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Glad I’m not the only one who does this!!
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i had no idea wet brushes existed or that conditioner is pointless! Thank you so much for sharing, hopefully I can get long locks now.
xo | Cindy Elena
http://www.boringclothes.com
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Glad these tips could help! xx
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Great tips! I personally don’t struggle with growing my hair out but I definitely know people who can find this post useful. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
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Ah lucky you!!!
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Your hair is so gorgeous babe!
x Rubi
Pose & Repeat
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Thanks Rubi!
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Interesting post, dear! Your hair is beautiful (:
CM | XIII.
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Thank you! xx
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Great tips. You do have lovely hair! Have a beautiful day. -Dominique
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Aw thanks Dominique! xx
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My pleasure Courtney! Have a great Friday.
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Love these tips! I’m obsesed with having my hair long, so they’re great for me! xx
http://www.thatnewdress.com
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Glad they could help!
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Your hair is a dream and therefore I’m convinced your tips are working well!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
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Thanks Rena!
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Your hair is so beautiful. ❤ I am always into natural remedies and I personally think they are the best. Your tips are really helpful and it looks like they work very well. 🙂
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Aw thanks Caroline!! Yes, it’s so good to try to find natural remedies!
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