How to look polished while growing out your hair
Deciding to grow out your hair, try a new style, or update one you’re tired of takes patience. Indeed, it can be tempting when working through the middle stages to throw in the towel and chop it all off again.
But, with these tips, you can stay committed to your new look while still feeling like your best self throughout the growing process.
Get professional advice
“Work with your stylist and make a hair journey, mapping out the haircuts you will have while the hair’s growing out,” says hair stylist Chris Southern, from the Pro Artistic Team at Headmasters salon in London. “This way you’ll always have a great shape and skip that horrid growing-out stage.”
Chris also advises you have salon appointments every 10 weeks rather than six to eight, so you have a little more to play with each time.
If you’re growing out a fringe
You can side-sweep your fringe as it gets longer, or part your hair in the middle and blow-dry the ends away from your face with a round brush so they curve outwards (think modern-day Farrah Fawcett). Alternatively, use a curling iron to give them a subtle flick. Once the hair grows past your cheekbones, it’ll be easy to blend it with the rest of the layers.
If you’re growing out a short style
You can battle the in-between stage by giving yourself this super-cool look: brush the hair right back, pompadour style, using some styling gel to give it height and keep it in place. This helps mask new growth while you’re approaching bob level.
Boost your hair growth
The B-vitamin biotin boosts hair growth, and vitamin D plays a key role in hair production. In fact, most vitamins and minerals are essential for strong hair, so it might be an idea to take a multivitamin every day, along with eating a healthy diet and exercising.
Also, you could rub some coconut oil into your scalp and through the ends of your hair, leaving it on overnight if possible, as it’s known for helping grow strong, healthy hair. Tip: when washing out the oil, massage in your shampoo before getting your hair wet, otherwise you risk your hair looking lank.
Keep hair strong
Be careful not to wash your hair too frequently as this will strip away the natural oils that protect your hair from breaking as it grows. Hair that’s been damaged at the ends by heat and styling products needs a conditioner that will strengthen the strands of hair and seal the cuticle to help prevent more damage, so hair will grow longer and look healthier.
You also need to take care of your scalp – after all, this is where healthy hair starts – so try a shampoo like Head & Shoulders Supreme Repair, which will ensure your scalp is healthy and your hair is nourished and strong as it grows.
Protect your tresses
It’s vital to take care when you’re brushing and detangling in order to avoid breakage. Use a wide-toothed wood comb to detangle your hair when it’s wet, and avoid wire or metal round brushes.
Avoid daily heat styling by wearing your hair up when you can. Although be careful your ponytail isn’t too tight, as a tight elastic has the potential to cause damage, or even break hair at the root. Instead, wear a loose ponytail and don’t just yank off the band when taking it down, but take care to unwrap the elastic.
Massage your scalp
Many salons offer a scalp massage after your shampoo, and this isn’t just because it’s relaxing. A scalp massage will improve the blood circulation to your hair follicles, encouraging growth. So why not give yourself a scalp massage while you wash your hair – or even when you watch TV?
We’d love to hear your tips for keeping your hair looking good when you’re between styles. Please share them with us in the comments section below.