Get Longer Stronger Hair

Get longer, stronger hair in a few easy steps.

Long, strong hair is healthy hair, naturally more attractive, and more forgiving of our styling decisions and need for change. If you make the effort to get longer, stronger hair, you'll be rewarded with locks that let you get the look you love.

Instructions

1. Maintain a healthy diet for longer, stronger hair. Beautiful hair (and nails and skin) comes from within. Your hair records your health in every strand, so the better your overall health, the more beautiful your hair will be. To prevent hair loss, make sure your diet contains adequate amounts of iron (lean red meat, eggs, broccoli and tuna) and protein (poultry, fish and legumes), as well as good sources of vitamin C (dark, leafy vegetables and citrus fruits).

2. Treat your hair with tender, loving care. Use a wide-tooth comb to de-tangle your hair after washing it. Use the best brush for your hair type. Look for combs, clips, barrettes and other hair fasteners that won't snag or pull on your hair, and all your tools should be gentle on your scalp. Yanking on your hair or using the wrong fasteners can break your hair, which completely defeats your goal of getting longer, stronger hair.

3. Limit the number of times a week that you wash your hair, and use the appropriate shampoo and condition for your hair. Wash your body ever day, of course, but your hair probably doesn't need as many cleanings. Healthy hair is protected by the natural oils from your scalp. Washing too frequently strips your hair of this natural protector, and leaves your hair dull and brittle. Use a gentle daily shampoo and a conditioner appropriate for your hair type to get the most out of each washing.

4. Try to avoid chemical treatments. Although they're far better now than they were in the past, chemical treatments like perms, colorings and straighteners still damage your hair. If it's necessary to get the style you want, of course you'll choose to use a chemical treatment. But if you want your hair to be as long and strong as possible, try to avoid these treatments.