Rapunzel? Goldilocks? Or any Disney Princess is to be envied for their thick, flowing, lovely locks. Let’s be honest…we can all agree that having a full, healthy head of shiny hair is a coveted, youthful, sexy trait that we all perk up and pay attention to.
I will be the first to admit that genetically I inherited the hair gene of a Neanderthal. That’s awesome for my head and lashes…not so cool for my bikini line. Yet even the most folicularally blessed of us lose our strands if we don’t have quality nutrition and supplemental support for the environment of growth and vitality.
In this blog, I’m going to share with you my ultimate secrets to longer thicker hair. With these tips, you will be growing the most fabulous, jealousy-worthy hair on the block.
Seriously, if I had a dollar for every time someone stopped me to ask what local stylist did my extensions…I could afford extensions. LOL
Alright, c’mon let’s explore the internal and external hacks to hella happy hair.
Here we go….
Longer Thicker Hair Hacks
We have to first talk about the simple primary macronutrient that makes hair grow. Any guesses? No? Protein of course!
You know I always say, protein makes you pretty! Eating adequate amounts of protein is the pinnacle to hair growth because hair follicles are mostly made of protein.
How much protein is enough?
Aim for .75 grams per pound of body weight.
*Expert tip: Let me caution you against hitting this number with protein powders. Often, artificial sources do more harm than good with synthetic man-made ingredients, dairy, and fillers. Look at real food to feed your body.
Each hair follicle in our scalp is surrounded by and feeds off of a tiny blood vessel while it grows, therefore any lack of nutrients, hormone imbalance, or systemic inflammation (hello stress, and sugar?!) will directly affect our hair health.
According to a few medical journals and the Dermatology Practical, the absence of iron, zinc, niacin, fatty acids, selenium, folic acid, antioxidants, biotin, protein, and vitamins A, D, and E can lead to wimpy, skimpy, limpy hair.
{If you have followed me for even half a second, you know that I would rather chew on a cactus than sell my soul to make money off of you on a product I don’t even like. And I know you are an intelligent woman (because you’re reading my blog) but the FTC doesn‘t trust your intelligence. So here I am letting you know that when I suggest a product and provide a link that it may be an affiliate link…and I may receive a small commission at zero additional cost to you.}
Without you going and grabbing a list of single vitamins, I am going to share with you my top picks for healthy hair supplements…
Collagen
Staying close to the topic of protein, my favorite hair health supplement is high-quality collagen. Collagen contributes to strength and elasticity of all connective tissue in the body. With age and oxidative stress, our body becomes less efficient at producing collagen and replenishing cells at the dermis layer.
I used powdered collagen for over a year with no visible or structural benefit (Ummm I’ve squatted a lot, my knees had high hopes too.) After switching to this patented liquid formula I saw remarkable hair, skin, and joint health changes in less than 60 days.
Grab the collagen I use daily HERE.
Vitamin B Complex
The next most crucial ingredient for long healthy hair is Vitamin B Complex. Specifically biotin, but all the Bs contribute. Vitamin B helps create red blood cells which carry oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the scalp and hair follicles. You can get Vitamin B in your diet from sources like whole grains, almonds, leafy greens, meat, fish, and all seafood. Or you can always go above and beyond and supplement.
Grab a quality B Complex HERE.
Cod Liver Oil
My next high-level hair secret is none other than Cod Liver Oil. That’s right, the benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids win again! Norwegian cod liver is nature’s elixir for stimulating hair follicles and slowing down the process of hair loss. Even better than promoting long and thick hair it also kicks dullness and makes hair shiny from the inside out. Ummm, yes please!
Grab my favorite HERE.
Now, moving on to topical hair hacks. I’m a lover of all things natural and I’m also a believer that ‘there’s an oil for that’!
And guess what…wanna grow some hair?
There’s an oil, or 4 for that! Remember, quality is everything.
I use a blend of Lavender, Peppermint, Rosemary, and Cedarwood.
- Lavender has been proven to speed hair growth. Lavender can generate the growth of new cells and reduce stress which makes us lose hair more rapidly. It’s also antimicrobial and antibacterial which promotes scalp health.
- Peppermint increases circulation to the scalp, increasing the number of follicles, follicle depth, and overall hair growth.
- Rosemary oil is a great choice oil to improve thickness and hair growth due to its ability to improve cellular generation. There is one medical journal study that shows rosemary performed as well as minoxidil (the active ingredient in Rogaine) but has less side effects like itching and irritation.
- Cedarwood is the last oil that I use in my personal blend. Cedarwood is not only antibacterial and antifungal but it’s thought to prevent hair loss by balancing the oils in the scalp. It’s also been noted to reduce hair loss in those with alopecia.
So now what?
Mix 2 to 3 drops of each pure essential oil with a carrier oil (like almond oil, jojoba oil, or coconut oil) in a 2-ounce glass spray bottle. If you want to skip the oil, you can even just use water. Part your hair in sections and spray directly onto your scalp 10 minutes before showering. Wash hair like normal. Repeat 2-3 times each week.
My final secret for growing long healthy hair is using a shampoo that is free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and silicones. Okay friends this is a biggie!
To give it to ya quick…parabens and phthalates are added to most shampoos to extend shelf life, sulfates lather and remove dirt, while silicones coat your hair to make it smooth.
Parabens and phthalates are hormone mimickers, sulfates strip your hair of natural oil but also damage and break it, and silicones are metalloids and not something that we should have repeated exposure to. So much NO!!!
I skeptically made the switch years ago to a brand that I used and loved their cosmetics. This shampoo exceeded all my expectations and I’ve never looked back. I highly recommend you make the switch! Grab my favorite HERE.
However, as you’re shopping for shampoo, look for ones that are free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and silicones.
Grab links for all of my suggestions in one place HERE.
OK friends…the moment of truth!
You can do ALL the things, but the #1 way to get the best locks on the block is NUTRITION! I know, I know…that seems to be the answer to everything…but well, IT IS!
You literally are what you eat, and if your diet is full of heavily processed, dull, lifeless food, then your hair will look heavily processed, dull, and lifeless!
Get a quick fix on your nutrition and jump into our 7 Day Food + Fitness Fix. You will feel (and look!) so energized and vibrant that you will be doing a Beyoncé hair toss everywhere you go!
I’m excited for your journey of growing gorgeous hair! 😉
As always, if you have questions for me, drop them in the comments.
Found value here? Share this blog with your friends and family.
See you next week!
LV 💚
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Lovely Locks Kit
If you would like to check out my recommendations for healthy hair and the brands I love + trust, you can do that all in one place ~ CHECK IT OUT HERE
2 comments
Lauren. Loved the info about thicker hair. Mine has been thinning ever since my chemo 14 yrs ago. I purchased the Cod liver oil, B complex, and the essential oils. I’ve been taking fish oil and collagen but recently my cholesterol jumped 50 points I’m guessing from my year of bone density shots. Now that I’m done with them hopefully my cholesterol will come back down. Anyway wish me luck!! I’ll keep you posted
You got this girl and yes keep me posted! 💚