Hair Care Routine + Hair Growth Tips

This time 2 years ago I cut my hair into a bob, one that barely touched my collar bones. It needed to be done because my hair had been ombred and was in pretty bad condition but I instantly regreted it. After about 2 weeks of enjoying my speedy hair drying time and the novelty of not being able to tie my hair up, I started the process of growing it out.
It stayed that length for nearly a year as my hair just doesn't grow. I actually used Mane and Tail shampoo and conditioner for a few month and noticed my hair was growing so quickly. I literally gained a couple of inches in a few weeks. I'm not including these in this post seen as I haven't used them since last year but if you'd like a review of them then just ask.

I'll start by saying I have a very irritated, itchy scalp that can be quite flaky. For this I use Head and Shoulders Smooth and Silky Shampoo. I can't use any shampoo more than twice a week without my scalp flaring up but I've been using this every time I've washed my hair since the middle of last year and I haven't had that problem - or any build up. It smells so good and just really cleanses your hair and leaves it feeling soft and looking shiny.

For conditioner, I use Hask Keratin Protien Conditioner. I have a full review of this and the accompanying shampoo here. (It's one of my earliest posts so be nice if you read it haha). I have quite big hair. It's very thick and wavy and can get frizzy sometimes. This leaves the hair incredibly soft, shiny and healthy looking. It helps with frizz and general poofiness. This keeps the hair in such good condition and for me, reversed the small amount of damage I had when I started using it.

If my hair is looking a little frizzy or brittle, I apply a small amount of the Hask Keratin Protein Smoothing Shine Oil to the middle and ends of my dry hair and it's instantly smoothed out and looks so healthy. It doesn't weigh the hair down either.

If my hair is in need of a bit of TLC after a couple of days of styling then I like to apply coconut oil to the lower-middle and ends of it. I just take a desert spoon sized amount and either let it melt in my hands or pop it in the microwave for 10 seconds before applying. I make sure it's well soaked in then put my hair up in a high bun and go to bed. I then wash my hair as normal the next morning.

If your trying to grow out your hair then I suggest following these few steps:

• Wash your hair as little as you can. I try not to wash my hair until the third night or forth morning but that's not always possible. I always use luke warm water to wash my hair and then rinse with cold to close the cuticle. I know that sounds a little crazy but I've come to love cold showers.
• I also use Batiste dry shampoo to prolong the time between washes.
• Air dry your hair as often as possible, I've only blow dried my hair twice since January. 
• I think it's important to use sulfate and paraben free products as often as possible.
• When tying your hair up try to use ties with no metal band as they can tear strands, leaving you with split ends.
• Using a head massager will help to stimulate the blood flow to your scalp and in turn promote hair growth. I like to do this before I apply the coconut oil at night as it can make your scalp quite greasy and I know I'll be washing it the next day. 
• You can also use multiple essential oils to help stimulate hair growth, Oiling Point have a great post on making an essential oil blend to do just that. The oils mentioned in this post can also help if you have problems with eczema or a dry flaky scalp. Applying this solution can cause a little tingling on your scalp, this is normal but as always, if anything feels wrong, wash it off straight away. 

My hair is now 18 inches long from my crown to the tips so if you'd like a more in  depth post on growing out your hair then just ask about that too! :)

I hope you enjoyed this post and I'll see you soon! Thanks for reading ♥