13 SECRETS TO LONG, THICK, SHINY HAIR We all want a mane of soft, silky, touchable
locks. But the reality is that hair grows only about a half inch per month. Want to
jump-start the process? Read on for insider tips to stop hair's biggest enemy breakage
and keep strands strong.
START IN THE SHOWER Go sulfate free. Overwashing can dry out
your hair, so the less you shampoo, the more hydrated it will be and the longer it will
grow without breaking. When you do shampoo, consider a sulfate-free formula; they often
contain less harsh detergents, or none at all, and therefore help preserve your hair's
natural oils. We like L'Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo ($6.99). While lathering,
remember that "shampoo is meant to remove product buildup and oil from the scalp, not
the hair fiber," says Paradi Mirmirani, faculty member of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Between washes, try Oribe Hair Care Dry Texturizing Spray ($39) to absorb oil at your roots and
keep locks looking clean.
Stimulate your scalp. When you massage your scalp with shampoos containing peppermint
or eucalyptus oil, you'll feel a tingling sensation. This helps increase circulation
and blood flow to your follicles, boosting growth. Try John Frieda Root Awakening Strength
Restoring Shampoo ($6.49) and Malin + Goetz Peppermint Hair Shampoo ($20). "Prior to washing,
massage your scalp for 30 seconds," says New York and London trichologist Philip Kingsley.
In one year, your hair can grow an extra inch, he says. Another option is a botanical leave-in
treatment like Leonor Greyl Complexe Energisant ($54), which claims to stimulate hair growth
when applied to clean roots two to three times per week.
Condition, condition, condition. When your hair is well hydrated, it is less likely to
dry out and split, so use a conditioner even on the days when you skip shampoo. Your hair
should be treated gently, like a delicate fabric, but it also needs to be regularly
nourished, says hairstylist Oribe of the Oribe Salon in Miami Beach. Boston dermatologist
Ranella Hirsch recommends applying a deep-conditioning product at least once a week. We suggest Kérastase
Nutritive Masque Nutri-Thermique ($60). STYLE WITH TLC
Brushers beware. If you're not careful, your hairbrush can actually do more harm than good.
Ripping through wet tangles creates split ends, so try gently running a wide-tooth plastic
comb like the version from Sephora ($4) from roots to ends. "When blow-drying with a round
brush," says Kingsley, "don't pull too hard or you can break and pull out your hair."
When you're not styling, avoid a brush altogether. "Brushing 100 strokes a day is completely
old-fashioned and not a good idea," he adds.
Stop sizzling. Applying hot tools directly to your hair can fry the cuticle, so coat
wet locks with a creamy moisturizing product for protection. We like Tresemmé Anti-Frizz
Secret Smoothing Crème ($4.49). The best tools to prevent heat damage are ionic dryers
and ceramic irons with uniformly heated plates (so you don't have to go over the same section
more than once). Try the Sultra Laser Straight & Smooth one-inch iron ($145). For waves,
hot rollers can be gentler than curling irons. FAKE IT
Flatten out. To maximize your length quickly, eliminate volume at the roots, advises hairstylist
Harry Josh. You want your hair to be as straight and flat as possible, "with a sleek Gwyneth
Paltrow-type blow-dry." Use Blow Ready, Set, Blow Express Blow Dry Lotion ($21) before
drying.
Choose products wisely. Smoothing out your frizz makes your hair look longer. Try Living
Proof Straight Making No Frizz Styling Cream ($24) on wet hair. And, for a glossy effect,
apply Avon Daily Shine Smooth & Shine Capsules ($8). The night before shampooing, try Michael
Van Clarke 3 More Inches Pre-wash Treatment ($38) to help your hair retain moisture during
and after your shower. Clip it in. If you're into extensions, both
Josh and Oribe recommend the clip-in kind. "Ken Paves's are the best. They're affordable
and available across the country," says Josh. To keep them looking natural, "choose ones
that really match your hair texture," suggests Oribe, and don't add more than three to four
inches. INSIDE THE SALON
Steer clear of scissors. Contrary to what some stylists say, haircuts don't stimulate
growth. "If you're trying to grow your hair, do not cut the length, no matter how fried
it is," says Josh. Instead, ask for your ends to be trimmed. For a style change, "short,
blunt bangs will make your hair look longer, because the jump is so dramatic."
Restore with keratin. Go for a keratin treatment every eight weeks while growing out your hair,
says Oribe. It smooths out the texture so there's less need for hot tools or dryers.
Also, by coating hair with a protective layer, the treatments help protect colored or chemically
straightened hair from further damage. For at-home keratin products, try Paul Mitchell's
Awapuhi Wild Ginger line (from $16.95). MONITOR YOUR HEALTH
Consider a supplement. For a boost, supplements like Viviscal ($49.99) "help reduce breakage
and increase hydration, which is crucial to the growing process," says James Murphy, CEO
of Lifes2good, which distributes Viviscal. The main ingredients are a blend of marine
proteins derived from four types of fish rich in protein and amino acids. Josh has encouraged
clients including celebs like Demi Moore, Cameron Diaz, and Hilary Swank to try these
supplements for years. "You take one in the morning and evening, and in two months your
hair growth will kick in at an accelerated rate," he claims. Some derms also suggest
taking a multivitamin with biotin and a fish-oil pill to make your hair stronger. We like Functionalab
08 Hair, Skin & Nails ($95).
Check your meds. Did you know that some birth-control pills can cause hair thinning? Although it's
typically not a direct cause and effect, "any changes in a woman's hormonal situation can
yield hair loss," says Hirsch. Check with your doctor if you're concerned.
Manage your stress. "Stress causes the release of cortisol and other hormones that contribute
to hair thinning," says Hirsch. The good news is you can reverse the problem by getting
your stress under control. Scalp massage, anyone?
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