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Can you imagine a person who never had a haircut, hair coloring procedure, or any other hair manipulations, was taking good care about their hair, and at the age of 17, they ended up with only shoulder-length and thin hair? Hi, it’s me!
When I was younger, I always had great naturally wavy, voluminous, thick hair. Everybody always complimented me on it, and every time new people saw me, they pointed out how great looking hair I had. However, I was a professional athlete, and at the age of 13, I developed rheumatoid arthritis. I went through multiple courses of nasty chemical procedures, hormonal therapy, and other treatments that brought with it allergies, bone problems, and other side effects that required even more treatments.
After all these treatments, when I was 17, I looked at myself in the mirror, and all I had left was shoulder-length, thin, terribly damaged hair.
I used to cry my eyes out since I tried so many ways to recover my original hair quality. From conventional recovery techniques like putting a raw egg on my hair, to the extreme ones like rubbing a cayenne pepper into my hair roots (ouch), fire trimming, or sleeping overnight with mayonnaise on my hair (yeah, I was desperate).
Everything made my hair situation even worse!
At 18 years, I went to college to study biomedical science and realized how many mistakes about my hair care I had made.
Now I am 24 and the mother of a beautiful baby boy, and I have hair lower than my hip bone!
In this article, I will share with you common mistakes people do in their hair care routine, as well as I will share with you how I was able to grow long hair by improving the health of my body and head!
Hair Washing Tips for Growing Longer Hair
Let’s start with the basics.
I read so many times that you must wash your hair with medium cold water or medium warm water, and rinse them with cold water at the end. I tried it for so many years, and from my experience – it doesn’t work!
Think logically about the reason for washing your hair.
It’s right in the name of it; your goal is to wash your hair from skin fat, dirt, and styling products (if you use them). Cold water can not wash off skin fat; you are just leaving it on your hair with trapped dirt and styling products leftovers (yuck). Comfortably warm water will remove all that nasty stuff from your hair roots.
Clean hair roots = healthy hair!
Another common piece of advice that freaks me out is to use shampoo only for your hair roots and not for the length of your hair. Once again, clean hair = healthy hair! You don’t squeeze shampoo directly on your hair, but you can always spread the foam from your roots to the length.
Don’t forget to wash your hair with shampoo twice during your hair wash session.
I as well don’t like advice on how often you should wash your hair since it’s individual. I don’t use any styling products, live in a not polluted area, have naturally dry hair, and my hair is long – so I don’t have to wash them that often. I can do it once or twice a week.
If you have oily, short hair, you are living in a busy city, or using hair styling products every day – you need to wash your hair often!
Using Too Many Products – Why It Can Stop You From Growing Long Hair
Omg! How many products are companies advertising for us? As if we will not use all 20 products after every hair wash, our hair will fall off and dry out right away!
I am the one who was a victim of this lie!
I noticed that during the times when I used fewer products, my hair was healthy and growing great. It was when I was young, as well as I have been practicing it for about six years and could not be happier with the results!
Which Hair Products Do You Actually Need to Grow Long Hair?
Shampoo + Conditioner
I cannot describe enough how much I love Natura Siberica! From the smell to the result, their hair products are my absolute “swear bys!”
Just give them a try, and you will never regret it! I like these specific products:
Natura Siberica Oblepikha Shampoo for Weak and Damaged Hair
- Delicately cleanses hair, intensively repairs damaged structure, and protects hair from heat...
- Perfect for taking care of weak, dyed, highlighted, and chemically treated hair
- Seals hair surface with a protective layer, creating a laminated effect; and smooths and thickens...
- Vitamins and amino-acids in the formula nourish and repair hair, while Altai sea-buckthorn oil and...
- After using this shampoo, hair becomes visibly sleek, strong and tame
Oblepikha Hair Conditioner for Weak and Damaged Hair
- Natura Siberica oblepikha hair conditioner Repairs damaged hair structure, seals hair surfaces with...
- Our hair conditioner Intensively repairs damaged hair structure and protects hair from heat exposure...
- This hair conditioner is Perfect for taking care of weak, dyed, high-lighted and chemically treated...
- Vitamins and amino-acids in the formula nourish and repair hair, Altai sea-buckthorn oil and...
- Snow cladonia, Arctic rose and white Siberian flaxseed oil retain moisture deep within hair...
Shampoo + Conditioner Options for Color Treated Hair
Shampoos for colored hair are slightly acidic, which helps to keep hair fibers closed (which prevents color from washing out). Here are a couple of natural options that I like:
Natura Siberica Colored and Damaged Hair Shampoo
- ICEA certified
- Unique product base, wild harvested
- 0% SLS, 0% SLES product
- 0% mineral oils and 0% peg
- 0% parabens and 0% glycols
Natura Siberica Colored and Damaged Hair Shampoo
- The Coloured & Damaged Hair Shampoo is suitable for color-treated and dry, damaged hair
- This protective conditioner helps to effectively protect color-treated and dry, damaged hair by deep...
- Intensive care is given to the hair using rhodiola extracts, while beeswax from wild collection...
- 0% SLS 0% SLES, 0% Mineral oils 0% PEG, 0% Parabens 0% Glycols
- After shampooing, apply a small amount of conditioner onto damp hair. Massage gently and leave for...
Related Reading: Best Argan Oil Shampoo for Your Hair
Hair Mask
You can use a hair mask just a couple of times a week (depending on how often you wash your hair). A Natura Siberica hair mask product to help grow long and healthy hair which I love is:
Natura Siberica Professional Oblepikha Hair Mask
- Natura Siberica Professional Oblepikha Hair Mask 300ml for Severely Damaged Hair
- 300ml
Hair Tip Oil For Significantly Damaged Hair
If your hair is in terrible condition, you can use hair tip oil. Use it only on the days you are not doing heat styling! Never use oil on your hair before heat styling; it will damage your hair really significantly! My favorite option is:
Active Organic Sea Buckthorn Oil for Hair Tips
- Yumi Bio Shop Exclusive Product - A free Sample of one of our products with every shipment!
- Instantly smooths and seals split ends, filling them with moisture. Revives hair by ends making them...
- Vitamins and amino-acids in the formula nourish and repair split ends, while Altai sea-buckthorn oil...
- Oils of Nanai magnolia-vine, white Siberian flaxseeds, and pine nuts retain moisture in hair...
- 0% SLS 0% SLES 0% Mineral oils 0% PEG 0% Parabens 0% Glycols
Heat Protection
Hot blow, heat styling, sun exposure – it all requires some protection! I suggest you try:
Sun Bum Heat Protector Spray | Vegan and Cruelty-Free Hair Protecting Spray for All Hair Types
- HEAT PROTECTOR SPRAY. This beautiful looking product reminds us of the raddest beaches. It’s great...
- GOOD VIBES FOR YOUR HAIR. Our Heat Protector dramatically decreases blow-dry time and protects...
- HOW TO USE. Shake well to mix this two-part formula then spray throughout hair. Use before blow...
- PROTECT YOUR HAIR. The key to maintaining healthy locks is healthy, natural ingredients. Our...
- TRUST THE BUM. What does that mean? It means trust us, the ones who live on the beach and need...
For Very Damaged or Bleached Hair
If you have very damaged or bleached hair which you would like to recover, try Olaplex products which are formulated to restore your hair’s internal strength and moisture levels, and restore your hair structure. It is recommended for all hair types. Olaplex products are created by two of the top PhDs in chemistry and materials science.
I personally used Olaplex repair treatment to bring my hair “back to life.”
Some of their products which I love are:
Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
- It is formulated with olaplex bond building chemistry
- It restores internal strength and moisture levels to add incredible shine and manageability
- It is recommended for all hair types
Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner
- It is formulated with olaplex bond building chemistry
- It restores internal strength and moisture levels to add incredible shine and manageability
- It is recommended for all hair types
Olaplex Hair Perfector No 3 Repairing Treatment
- Repairs damaged and compromised hair, strengthens and protects hair structure, restores healthy...
- Apply a generous amount from roots to ends on unwashed towel-dried hair. Comb through once and leave...
- Healthy hair
Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil
- heat protectant
Essential Hair Tools to Grow Long Hair Fast
If you want to grow long hair, you are going to need a few essential hair “tools” as well as hair care products. Check out a few of my favorites below!
Choosing the Right Hairbrush
The right hairbrush won’t just save your hair, but it might help you to manage your headaches as well!
Since I discovered the Tangle Teezer Brush, I cannot use any other one! Usually, I was in so much pain to untangle my thick, wavy hair, but with the Tangle Teezer, I am brushing my hair in no time! It gently detangles hair and prevents hair from damage and breakage.
It also provides a gentle scalp massage, which feels nice and helps me to manage my headaches.
You can use this brush on wet and dry hair without fear of damaging them.
Tangle Teezer The Original Detangling Hairbrush
- Lengthened enhanced teeth for improved detangling
- Firm flex Technology ideal for gently detangling even the thickest and curliest of hair
- Ergonomically designed for a palm Friendly non-slip fit
- Can be used on wet or dry hair without any pulling or tugging
- Do not use with heat
They even have an option for thick and curly hair, which works even for Afro hair!
Tangle Teezer Thicky & Curly. Dry Detangling Hairbrush for Thick, Curly and Coarse Hair
- THE PERFECT DRY HAIRBRUSH FOR THICK, CURLY AND COARSE HAIR. Manage your thick, curly or coarse hair...
- INNOVATIVE DESIGN. Longer and stronger Firm Flex teeth detangle thick, curly and coarse hair,...
- LOCKS YOU LOVE. This easy to use detangling hairbrush gives you the control you need and confidence...
- QUICK & EASY DETANGLING. Detangling is the first step to beautiful hair. Comb through your locks...
However, If you like to spread hair masks evenly without any fear, try their wet brush:
Tangle Teezer Aqua Splash, Wet Detangling Hairbrush for All Hair Types
- - THE PERFECT DETANGLING WET HAIRBRUSH. Manage your mane in the shower as you comb through...
- - INNOVATIVE DESIGN. The unique two-tiered system has long teeth to detangle and short teeth to...
- - LOCKS YOU LOVE. This easy to use detangling hairbrush gives you the control you need and...
- - QUICK & EASY DETANGLING. Detangling is the first step to beautiful hair. Comb through your locks...
Hair Scalp Massager
I noticed a big difference after I began using a scalp massager during my hair washes. It is especially beneficial for those who have curly and/or thick hair. It helps to scrub your scalp from old skin and dirt gently and increase blood flow towards your hair roots, which allows you to maintain healthy hair.
Just shampoo your hair and massage your scalp with this brush! You can use it on dry hair for a scalp massage as well.
Hair Scalp Massager Shampoo Brush, MAXSOFT Scalp Care Brush
- ✔Shampoo brush with perfect grip handle to fit your hand comfortably (Manual with no battery...
- ✔Scalp massager with soft thick silicone bristles stimulate blood flow to the scalp and oil glands...
- ✔Relax the scalp muscles and reduce stress (Wonderful Feeling)
- ✔No need to worry about your long nails or sensitive scalp (as well as all hair types)
- ✔Get one and start your scalp salon (Game Changer)
Hair Ties
The only hair ties I am using for years are invisibobbles!
One pack serves me for years. First of all, they are hygienical since you can wash them at any moment. I even boiled them a couple of times to shrink them back and disinfect. To not lose them, I wear them as a bracelet on my arm.
Using hair ties usually caused me a headache, but these ties never caused me any discomfort. They are very stretchy, but hold their shape well. I never had my hair wrapped or stuck around them. I even pull them straight from my hair to take them off. I can not imagine doing it with any other hair tie! They are also not breaking nor damaging your hair, thanks to the unique form!
They have a bunch of colors, just pick your favorite one!
invisibobble Power Traceless Hair Ties
- The Strong Grip Hair Ring: The new invisibobble power is the answer for everyone with voluminous...
- Gives You Power: The intensified spiral shape of the invisibobble POWER gives your hair an extra...
- Big Power In A Small Pack: The POWER is the perfect companion for your intense workouts as it...
- All-rounder: The strong grip hair ring doesn’t only tackle every sporting challenge and tames your...
- Perfect Bracelet: Look delicate in the hair and like a fashionable bracelet around the wrist. Set...
They as well produce hair clips which don’t cause any hair breakage too:
invisibobble Waver Hair Clip with Strong Grip
- Slide Lock Technology: The innovative closure requires no effort. Instead, the invisibobble WAVER is...
- Strong Grip With Secure Closer: Intensive work out and stay active without having to constantly fix...
- Easy To Use: Our hair clips perfectly hold thin as well as thick hair in a ponytail, braid or messy...
- 3D Helix Shape: The hairpin has a smooth surface so that your hair does not break. Pins are very...
- Invisibobble, That’s Simple: We are here to take your everyday necessity to a completely different...
As well as sprunchie, nano version, and kids size:
invisibobble SPRUNCHIE
- SPIRAL HAIR RING MEETS SCRUNCHIE: Hidden underneath the luxurious fabric, the invisibobble...
- THE TRACELESS HAIR RING: Holding all strands of hair together thanks to its spiral shape, the...
- A LUXIRIOUS VELVET FEELING: The invisibobble SPRUNCHIE is featured in a luxurious leopard print...
- ULTIMATE FASHION ACCESSORY: Turned into a fashionable bracelet that looks great around your wrist,...
- 4 COLORS: Purrfection, a leopard-pattern that gives every outfit an extra touch, Prima Ballerina,...
invisibobble Princess Sparkle No-Ouch Hair Ties
- Get Your Sparkle: With the invisibobble KIDS hair ties children’s dreams come true. They can be...
- No More Ouch: Thanks to the invisibobble KIDS hair ties the time of knots and hair pains is over....
- invisibobble, The No-Ouch Hair Ring: With the invisibobble KIDS hair ties it is time to say bye, bye...
- Perfect Bracelet: Look delicate in the hair and like a fashionable bracelet around the wrist. Set...
- invisibobble, That’s Simple: We are here to take your everyday necessity to a completely different...
invisibobble Nano Hair Styling
- The Perfect Styling Ring: Closing the gap between hair ties and bobby pins, invisibobble NANO is the...
- Make It Styletastic: Whether beginner or pro, romantic braid or casual half bun – this little...
- Put An End To Hair Challenges: Get ready to witness the comfort of invisibobble Nano revolutionary...
- Something Special: No kink, no hair breakage, no tangles like a knight in shining armor the...
- invisibobble, That’s Simple: The invisibobble NANO in True Black, Pretzel Brown, Nude and...
Vitamins and Supplements to Help with Growing Longer Hair
Vitamins
The most significant difference in hair quality and growth I noticed was after using vitamins. I would never expect such a huge difference!
Here is a little fact: hair always grows at about the same speed (unless you have certain health problems), and you can’t speed this process up (sorry for that). However, why does it looks like some people have hair that grows at “superhuman speed,” but for some, they are at a “lifelong hibernation?”
The answer is simple – they have healthier hair. You probably read it with a face like “duh,” but let me explain. With proper nutrition, your hair follicles create healthy and strong hair that can “survive” for a long time without breakage.
You cannot repair or do anything with already outgrown hair. You can only moisturize it and try to keep it as healthy as possible. You cannot recover breakage, which is why the only way to remove split ends is to cut them off.
So, if your hair growth seems like it stopped, it merely means that your hair is not healthy enough to stay alive for that long, and they are breaking at their ends, which is removing the length.
I have three favorites for hair vitamins.
Maxi Hair Plus is one of the strongest, but with a huge minus – they caused me a massive stomach ache. If you have a sensitive stomach, try to take them with a really big meal. They also have a particular taste which not every person is willing to handle for a long time. But they provide a huge result!
Country Life – Maxi-Hair Plus
- MAXI HAIR PLUS - Is the newest complement to the long-standing original favorite, MAXI-HAIR.It is...
- CONTAINS B-VITAMINS FOR SKIN CARE - Niacin helps to convert carbohydrates, fats and alcohol into...
- PROMOTES HAIR GROWTH - Biotin may help grow healthier and stronger hair according to a Harvards...
- ACCURACY OF LABELING - We always ensure that if an ingredient appears on our supplement facts label,...
- AUTHENTICITY OF INGREDIENTS - We always use a pure form of each ingredient and all our ingredients...
Nature’s Bounty Hair, Skin, Nails are a great alternative that did not cause me any stomach discomfort, gave a great result, and is a budget-friendly option!
- #1 BRAND FOR HAIR SKIN & NAILS: With over 50 years of making quality vitamins and more than 20 years...
- SUPPORTS BEAUTIFUL HAIR, GLOWING SKIN, AND HEALTHY NAILS: Hair, Skin & Nails Rapid Release Softgels...
- WITH BEAUTY-SUPPORTING BIOTIN: Nature's Bounty Hair, Skin & Nails vitamins contain beauty-supporting...
- ANTIOIXIDENTS + HYALURONIC ACID: Skin & Hair Nutrients Antioxidants A, C & E Plus Hyaluronic Acid....
- HELPS MAINTAINS HEALTHY SKIN: Vitamin E contributes to skin health, and Vitamin C is involved in...
My number one choice is SugarBearHair.
They definitely are worth the hype since they gave me a great result, plus they did not cause me any stomach discomfort even when I was taking them in the morning without any meal. I have a really sensitive stomach, so that was pretty shocking. They taste great as well.
SugarBearHair Vitamins, Vegetarian Gummy Hair Vitamins
- We designed our vitamins for those who were looking for easy to eat vitamins without the struggle of...
- This vegetarian formula is based off of clinical trials that have shown these ingredients to improve...
- Nourish your hair from within with our cruelty free gummy bear hair vitamins
- Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin B-6, Folic Acid, Vitamin B-12, Biotin,...
- No gelatin. No dairy. No gluten.
Supplements
My favorite superfoods mix, which helps to produce collagen naturally! My husband and I use the entire line of Your Super Superfoods powder, but their Forever Beautiful is certainly the best for those of you looking to grow long hair fast!
Forever Beautiful Superfood Mix by Your Super
- REVITALIZE YOUR SKIN: Support your diet with natural beauty superfoods to nourish and rejuvenate...
- BOOST YOUR COLLAGEN PRODUCTION: One serving contains 110% of your daily vitamin C plus omega-3 fatty...
- POWERFUL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS: Naturally dried ingredients to preserve all micronutrients; tested by...
- NO SWEETENERS OR FILLERS EVER: No stevia, thickeners or artificial flavoring – Made with 6...
- EASY TO USE: Simply add one teaspoon of the mix to smoothies, juices, water, yogurt, muesli,...
Bio-cell Collagen is scientifically proven to work for anti-aging and health purposes!
Bio-cell Collagen II with Hyaluronic Acid
- This high-quality Vitamin B-complex supplement provides a full range of B Vitamins for healthy...
- Biocell collagen provides nutrients for supporting collagen as well as tendon and connective tissue...
- Collagen promotes healthy skin, moisture content and appearance. Type II collagen, which is mainly...
- Directions: As a dietary supplement, take two (2) veggie capsules two (2) times daily, preferably on...
- Does Not Contain: Artificial Colors or Flavors Added as well as Citrus, Corn, Dairy, Fish, Gluten,...
Additional Products to Help Grow Long, Healthy Hair
Rose Water
I love to spray rose water all over my hair and rub it into my scalp. It makes my hair soft, hydrated, and smell fantastic! Make sure that you are buying real rose water, not an alcohol version, or an oil dissolved into water.
Here is a great one for you:
Premium Organic Moroccan Rose Water
- Our 100% Moroccan Rosewater is also Food Grade. It is widely used in North African countries such as...
- ✔ FOR SKIN - It is slightly astringent, making it a good toner for dry skin. Putting rose water on...
- ✔ FOR HAIR - Rose water is a natural moisturizer that can restore your hair. After you spend the...
- ✔ GENTLE - Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and irritated skin. Rejuvenating,...
- ✔ MULTIPLE USES - Rose water possesses the sweet, delicate scent of the roses from which it is...
Silk Pillowcase
You will be impressed by how huge a difference it will make for your skin and hair once you are using a real mulberry silk pillowcase! Cotton pillowcases absorb moisture and oil from your skin and hair, as well as damage your hair and skin by rubbing them while you are moving.
Silk helps to prevent breakage! I always see the difference in my hair and skin quality from even the first day of use. If you would like to buy your own, I suggest this one:
ALASKA BEAR Natural Silk Pillowcase
- ✅【PURE SILK BOTH SIDES】100% 19 momme mulberry silk, 600 thread count, a sensuously smooth,...
- ✅【COOL TOUCH & ULTRA SMOOTH】Dermatologists recommend natural silk pillow cases for the cool...
- ✅【ZIPPER CLOSURE】Hidden zipper for style, comfort and better fit; Handmade, top-quality...
- ✅【QUEEN SIZE】20 x 30 inches (51 cm x 76 cm), fits most queen-sized pillows
- ✅【REAL & NATURAL】Chemical-free, non-dyed, no color shading or fading; "Makes a great Christmas...
Air Humidifier
Dry air can damage your hair more than you think! Sometimes even the most expensive hair care will not work for your hair simply because they are drying out. Try this one to keep your hair hydrated without putting any extra effort into your life:
LEVOIT Ultrasonic Humidifier for Bedroom
- 2-in-1 Humidifier&diffuser: The Dual 100 acts as both a humidifier and an aroma diffuser, letting...
- Top-Fill Design: For easy refills and cleanup, simply remove the lid at the top of the Dual 100 to...
- Safe and Reliable: BPA free ETL listed and CA65 tested make it safe for everyone it will...
- Advanced Ultrasonic Technology: Spiral Air Duct Technology produces an ultra-fine mist, humidifying...
- Adjustable Mist Level: Easily choose between 3 mist levels to create a comfortable environment and...
Concluding Thoughts – The Best Tips for Growing Long Hair Fast
Sometimes more doesn’t mean better! The best way to grow healthy hair is to take the right care about it in the simplest way possible. I shared with you my favorite products and the way I am using them, so I hope they will help you as well, and you will love them as much as I do!
Read Next: Benefits of Castor Oil for Hair Growth