Ever since I can remember, I’ve had dreams of having long, flowing Rapunzel hair. But unfortunately for me, it’s never quite happened.
Whether it’s my genes or my highlighting habit, my hair has never quite reached the length I’ve envisioned. And so, for the past 10 years, I’ve been on a mission to achieve longer, stronger, and healthier hair.
I’ve tried a multitude of old wives’ tales and products that promise hair growth miracles. I’ve dabbled with horse hair shampoo (yes, really — apparently it has magical properties). I’ve tried in-salon treatments that have taken hours at a time to complete, and regular professional scalp massages to stimulate my hair follicles. For four years, I even kept the scissors completely at bay.
1. Hair restructuring
I was cynical when I first tried it, but I’ve been adding a mix of Olaplex treatments and L’Oréal’s new Smartbond in with my highlights for about two years now. I’ve noticed a considerable difference. Not only is the breakage far less, but the shine, thickness, and general health of my hair has seemed to improve, too.Admittedly, unlike most hair treatments, these aren’t differences you’ll notice straight away. These products don’t work on the aesthetic exterior of your hair follicles, but rather the inside bonds and structure. My hair is pretty thin and prone to breakage anyway, but the restructuring treatments give it a boost in the right direction, prevent breakage, and minimize the damage done in the coloring process.Restructuring treatments can be mixed in with your usual color, or you can have it done in between color treatments. The treatment is usually completed in several parts — two in-salon visits and the final step at home. It’s not cheap, and I know some people are tempted to give up since they can’t physically “see” the difference. But I cite this as a major factor in the journey between my before and after pictures.
2. Scalp massages
When properly done, scalp massages can increase blood circulation to the hair follicles. They not only lower stress, but also condition the scalp and boost the strength and thicknessTrusted Source of your hair. In other words, it’s great for your hair!I was instantly hooked. And while I did attempt to massage my own hair for a while (which is a great treat in the shower, because you get to enjoy the act of washing your hair, rather than feeling like it’s a chore), I decided the only authentic way to do it was to seek out a professional.
3. Horse hair shampoo
So why on earth did I start shampooing with a product formulated for horses? Well, your guess is as good as mine.I think I’d read somewhere that horses have special shampoo formulated for them to increase the thickness of their mane, tail, and coat. Plus, a quick Google search revealed that Demi Moore, Kim Kardashian, and Jennifer Aniston — three ladies known for their luscious locks — were all fans, so I wasn’t completely misinformed! And it’s clearly caught on. The popular brand Mane`n Tail has now brought out a new collection of their best-selling formula tweaked for human use.
4. Banning the scissors
At age 16, I was convinced that my hairdressers were lying to me. I had visions of them all plotting against me, advising regular trims as a means of keeping them in business rather than fulfilling my goal of miracle hair growth. Each time I thought my hair had grown, they’d snip it off, and we’d be back to square one.I couldn’t fathom why on earth they were putting me through such turmoil time and time again. So, to prove that I was “right,” I banned the scissors from coming near my hair for four whole years. In fact, it wasn’t until I turned 21 that I finally let my hairdresser trim my ends.
5. Selenium supplements
Again, I was very cynical when it came to taking supplements. My IBS journey didn’t give me an awful lot of faith in medication, which was probably my reasoning for not trusting oral capsules very much. But still, I figured it was worth a try.I set to work researching which would be best. Along the way, I came across a supplement called selenium, which is a component of proteinsTrusted Source that are linked to hair growth. Selenium is found naturally in foods such as Brazil nuts, oats, tuna, spinach, eggs, beans, and garlic.If you’re on birth control pills (as I am), they can cause a minor selenium deficiencyTrusted Source. After reading this, I found a relatively natural and basic supplement (not bulked out with lots of other things I hadn’t heard of) in my local pharmacy and stocked up on 60 days’ worth. Sixty days turned to 90, and 90 turned to 365.
