How to Grow Long, Healthy Hair

As you’ve probably gathered from my recent posts, I haven’t exactly been a happy camper since last November. Actually — if I’m being honest — since the war began. The conflict has escalated again recently, and in the middle of all this, hair care (and self-care in general) has become one of the few rituals keeping me grounded. I’ve been doing it my whole life — not just for vanity, but because it gives me a sense of control when everything else feels like it’s falling apart.

  So, here are my hair growth tips — in no particular order — from someone who’s walked this path with a comb in one hand and a prayer in the other:

1. Wash your hair as often as it needs.

For me, that’s about twice a week (I have a normal hair type). Use lukewarm water — hot water strips the hair of moisture and leaves it dry and brittle.

2. Don’t over-brush.

Especially if your hair is wavy or curly. Too much brushing causes breakage and unnecessary shedding.

3. Use the right tools.

Wavy and curly hair does best with wide-tooth combs, boar bristle brushes, or Tangle Teezers. Always brush gently, starting from the ends and working your way up.

4. Clean your brushes and pillowcases.

They collect oil, dirt, and product buildup — not exactly the kind of thing you want to redistribute onto freshly washed hair.

5. Minimize heat styling.

Warm or cool blow-drying is fine, but try to avoid curling irons and straighteners. Heat is a silent killer of length.

6. Loosen up your hairstyles.

Tight ponytails and buns can lead to traction alopecia — and yes, that can be permanent.

7. Say no to heavy towels.

Microfiber towels are gentler and prevent frizz and breakage after washing.

8. Sleep on silk.

Silk pillowcases, silk scrunchies, silk bonnets — your hair will thank you. Frizz won’t stand a chance.

9. Braid your hair before bed.

And before exercising too. It prevents tangling and breakage while you toss, turn, or sprint.

10. Stress less, stay healthy.

Easier said than done, I know. But stress and illness both trigger hair shedding.

11. Feed your hair from the inside.

Eat a balanced, protein-rich diet. Hair is made of keratin, a protein — so don’t skip your eggs, beans, or fish.

12. Take your supplements.

I take:

– CoQ10

– Vitamin D

– B-complex

– Zinc with copper

– NAC

– Inositol

– Omega-3

– Collagen with vitamin C + hyaluronic acid

Occasionally, I also take silica, MSM, and biotin. If you’re iron deficient — take iron (after testing, of course). I also drink rosemary and nettle tea and take a teaspoon of pumpkin seed oil, which can help block DHT (a hormone linked to hair loss).

13. Don’t over-trim.

Snip only when you see split ends. Personally, I trim too often just because I love that fresh, blunt-end feeling — but it definitely slows down my length retention.

14. Exercise.

It boosts circulation, which supports hair growth. Sweating is good for your scalp!

15. Protect your hair from extremes.

Sun and harsh cold are both damaging. Cover up when needed.

16. Skip the dye - if you can.

Bleach and dyes break down the hair structure. If you must color your hair (hello, grey roots), use bond repair treatments. I love the Biolage Bond Therapy pre-wash mask.

17. Oil your hair before washing.

Use oils suited for your porosity. I have high-porosity hair, and argan and jojoba oils work beautifully. I also use a few drops of argan oil post-wash to help detangle.

18. Avoid product overload.

Dry shampoos, sprays, gels — all of them cause buildup and weigh your hair down.

19. Do a scalp detox.

Once a week or every 10 days, use a scalp peel (I use Biolage Scalp Sync with glycolic acid). Keeps the follicles clean and clear.

20. Alternate shampoos.

Use a clarifying shampoo when needed, and a gentle or hydrating one on other days. I prefer sulfate-free shampoos most of the time.

21. Use hair masks regularly.

I alternate between hydration masks and protein/keratin treatments. Leave them on for at least 15 minutes — your hair deserves a little spa day. Here’s my holy grail keratin hair mask by Karaal. I highly recommend it. 

22. Leave-in treatments are your friends.

Hydrating or strengthening — find one that suits your needs.

23. Stimulate the scalp.

Try a rosemary oil tonic, peptide serum, or caffeine shampoo. These can help boost blood flow and activate dormant follicles.

24. Be gentle with scalp products.

Part your hair in sections and tap the tonic or serum into your scalp. No rubbing or aggressive massaging. Think soothing, not scrubbing.

25. Try growth tools — carefully.

I use:

– Head massagers

– A high-frequency wand (Darsonval)

– A red-light laser brush

They do help, but don’t overdo it! I once triggered a massive shed from overstimulating my scalp. Lesson learned.

26. If you’re really struggling — see a trichologist. 

They can run tests and find the root cause. Some may prescribe minoxidil — which I personally wouldn’t use, but if you’re male, it might be worth trying.

27. My favorite number. :)

Be patient. Truly. Follow women online who are growing their hair out — not to compare, but to inspire. Long hair is a journey, not a race.

   If you’re feeling lost, go brush your hair. Oil your ends. Braid it gently. Sometimes, it’s the small rituals that hold us together. And remember — even in the dark, your hair keeps growing. Quietly, steadily. Just like you.

    “In a world full of chaos, be your own sanctuary.”