Every time summer rolls around, I want my hair to be longer. Maybe it’s something about the way it feels in an ocean breeze, or maybe it’s the vision of sun kissed, flowing locks. Whatever the case, I need my hair to begin growing faster, immediately. If you can relate, read on as I break down product and habit-related solutions that will help you get curtain-length locks in no time.
Scalp health is key
When focusing on growing out your hair, don’t forget about your scalp. Trichologist Penny James, of NYC’s Penny James Salon, encourages people to think about scalp health as a key component of hair growth. She recommends Hair Clinic Active Scalp Treatment, which she carries at her salon, for its ability to “make hair thicker, healthier and stronger starting with the roots.” This product also works to increase blood flow and metabolism in the scalp at the roots of your hair—resulting in faster growth.
Dr. Iris Rubin, dermatologist and Co-Founder of SEEN Hair Care, also has years focusing on scalp health and its impacts in regards to overall hair growth. Rubin focuses on reducing clogged pores on the scalp, which can hinder hair growth.
“Oily scalps produce a lot of sebum, the skin’s natural oil, and sebum can mix with dead skin cells to clog pores,” said Rubin. “You may want to avoid oils and overly hydrating ingredients in your shampoo if you already have an oily scalp. Also, avoid the temptation to use harsh cleansers, which can strip the skin of its natural oil, and stimulate more oil production.”
Rubin suggests the SEEN Skin-Caring shampoo, which contains hemisqualane — an ingredient that’s sugar-derived and acts like a natural version of silicone. The shampoo reduces frizz and keeps hair smooth, all while soothing the scalp with a chamomile derivative called bisabolol.
Watch the temperature on hot hair tools
If you’re like me, you prefer your straightener or curling iron to be adjusted to the maximum possible level of heat. It should come as no surprise that if you’re trying to make your hair grow faster, this isn’t the best idea.
“Just because our tools can reach 450 degrees these days, doesn’t mean our hair requires that heat setting,” explained Cynthia Diersen, an artistic team member at CHI Haircare. “Usually anything above 400 degrees is for extremely coarse hair or for professional use only.”
Diersen recommends keeping your hot tools at around 360-380 degrees in order to “maintain your hair’s shine, hydration and flexibility.”
Supplement your locks
I know that some supplements may not seem legit, but hear me when I say that I’ve been taking these new vitamins from Hush & Hush for just over one month and my hair has never looked better. I’m serious. I just went on a trip and two different people asked me what I was doing differently. While the bottle says to take four a day (I know!), I’ve only been taking one and it seems to be doing the trick. The supplement contains zinc, pantothenic acid, which acts as a sebum controller, vitamin A, hydrolyzed fish collagen and green tea leaf extract. It also contains saw palmetto, which is a natural hair-loss agent that is chock full of fatty acids.
I’ve also taken Nutrafol over the years and it’s definitely an oldie and a goodie. These supplements focus specifically on women that may have underlying causes, such as vitamin or immune deficiencies, that have slowed their hair growth in the past. It contains stress adaptogens that are specific to this brand, as well as DHT inhibitors to fight off hair loss. Don’t worry, it’s also packed with lots of antioxidants.
Protect your hair
There are two main ways that I recommend protecting your hair from damage and breakage: sleep on a silk pillowcase, and use heat and water protectants.
The Slip pillowcase is one of my all-time loves. I asked for one of these babies for Christmas a couple years ago, and there’s just no turning back. Not only is it great for maintaining a blowout, but also it reduces breakage so that your hair looks better in between cuts. I also love that my moisturizers and face serums don’t rub off nearly as much as they do with a cotton pillowcase.
Diersen also suggested using heat protectants before using a blow dryer or heat tool, like BioSilk Silk therapy.
Another product that has worked for me is the Aquis hair pre-shower water protectant. It’s formulated to prevent moisture loss during cleansing and helps hair maintain its natural pH. It’s also so lightweight, and I’ve even used it before swimming.
Make sure to check out the Lisse Hair Turban from Aquis, which not only absorbs moisture more than any towel I’ve ever used, but reduces breakage. It also minimizes frizz, which is a summertime miracle if ever one existed.
Be careful in the sun
As a person with incredibly pale skin, my scalp often gets sunburned, which can damage the hair at the root and slow down its growth. While I’ve found that my favorite sunscreens for this issue are in powder form (don’t forget a brush applicator!), I recommend the Oribe Soothing Scalp Treatment. It feels amazing to use any time, but has mint and chamomile that is perfect for when your scalp has been sunburned.
Whether you try one or all of these products, small changes are sure to improve your hair health and growth.