5 Essentials for Growing Long Healthy Hair

One: Cut Your Losses
Beyond the claims of some product companies, there is no way to repair damanged hair. In order to start off your healthy hair journey you may have to…gulp…cut off the bad stuff; that is heat, color and perm damaged hair. For many, it is a scary step, but if you follow the 4 tips below your tresses will be back stronger than ever in no time!

Two: Scalp Check
A healthy scalp produces healthy hair growth. Although frequent shampoos can be drying, an occassional clarifying shampoo of the scalp is sometimes necessary to prevent product build up. I really love using the Elucence Volume Clarifying Shampoo every few weeks for this purpose. It is gentle and sulfate free. As a growth aid, the Beija-Flor Naturals Licorice Root Scalp Elixir is an awesome herbal solution w/ hair growing properties such as neem burdock and rosemary. This product is to be applied directly to the scalp to maintain proper moisture, and control eczema, scalp dermatitis, and dandruff.

Three: Moisturize and Nourish
Moisture is they key for healthy hair! As hair grows, it tends to be more brittle and dry. All hair types can benefit from a moisture regimine. I recommend weekly deep conditioning treatments, and adding natural moisture “boosts” to your everyday products (aloe vera gel, essential and natural oils). The Beija-Flor Naturals Juicy Summer Fruit Oil is a light mutipurpose product that can be added to your conditioner or used as a weekly hot oil treatment (smells delicious too!). Butters and oils are great for some hair types but the ultimate moisturizer is WATER. Do not be afraid to water or condition rinse, your hair in between shampoos and follow up with a petroleum free leave-in conditioner such as the Beija-Flor Naturals Hemp Buttercream

Three Protect what you have:
Treat your hair like fine silk. Do not pull your hair tight, use rubber bands that tear or be rough in your combing/brushing techniques. All of these things cause breakage…which is the antithesis to growth. For thick naturally curly hair, it is best to take your time and wash, condition and gently detangle hair in sections. Protective styles such as buns and updos are low manipulation styles that save your ends from breakage and help growth. Finally, do not be afraid to trim…I do so every 3 months in order to maintain hair health.

Stick to Low Manipulation Techniques:
If you are interested in growing long healthy tresses, everything that you do to your hair should be for the nourishment of it and not just for style. Avoid using heat whenever possible (blow drying, curling, hot rollers, and flat irons). If you must blow dry, air dry for as long as possible and use the blow dryer just to finish it off at the end. If you decide to flat iron, be sure to use a heat protectant product in order to prevent long term heat damage. Harsh chemicals (perms, peroxides, texturizers) are a NO as they break down the chemical structure of your hair causing it to be weak and brittle in the long term. If you color, make sure to seek Low-peroxide hair color or natural alternatives such as henna.

Nourish your hair with good things and it will be good to you back. For essential natural and organic hair treatments, please check out: www.beijaflornaturals.com