How I (Finally) Got My Hair To Grow

So, let's travel back in time for a second, shall we? A 17-year-old Cristina had a short-lived, but very prominent mid-teens life crisis. She was feeling some kind of high-school induced angst and needed something to reflect her non-comformity in the age of messy buns and french braids.  She grabbed herself a Diet Coke from the fridge, located her keys on the Betty Boop key chain and sped off to the hair salon one spring morning for a "change". An 11-inch change.

I'll stop talking in third person now. So, what was I thinking? I don't know. I thought that change was good for the soul and was really feeling like my soul was a pile of high-school mush, so I took matters into my own hands and let someone liberate me of my long mermaid locks. Not my best decision.

The bob didn't look bad on me. Some days, I wish I had it back. But, alas, I missed my long hair and having several styling options each morning, so I sought to grow it back. As you can see, I've made progress. I don't really think I could say my hair is "long" at this point, but I've come a long way.

I didn't just sit around and twiddle my thumbs and wait to be able to put my hair into a braid or anything other than a headband...oh no. Just like I did when I decided to cut my hair, I took matters into my own hands.

So, are you wanting to grow your hair? Or maybe just give it a little extra TLC? Take it from someone who has (literally) been there and done that:

You don't have to stop applying heat, just be smart about it
I tried to go without heat on my hair, but let's face it - sometimes some great waves done by a curling iron are cuter than the natural look. I did cut back on how much I used heat (maybe twice a week at most), and I always used heat-protectant.

Shampoo sparingly 
Ever hear you shouldn't wash you hair every day? I think some of us do that just because we are lazy. It's ok girl, no judgement; that's actually healthier for your hair. Washing too much dries it out and causes you to "over work" your hair. Give it a break and give yourself a break. #winning

HOLY WIDE TOOTH COMB
All caps because I'm obsessed and don't know how I went so long without it. I only brush my hair with a wide-tooth comb and only when it's wet or really tangled. With the wide-teeth giving off less friction, your hair doesn't break as much like it does with a regular brush. And an added bonus: it makes your hair super soft.

Trim regularly
Ugh, this is the hardest for me to follow, but it has really worked for me. We all know how it goes - "your hair will actually grow better if you cut it". Yeah, yeah, yeah. But really! So don't make a fuss, just book yourself an appointment and enjoy how good it feels when they shampoo your hair for you.

If you're in the Cypress/Tomball area you need to go see Kate at Sweet Olive Salon! (located in Vintage Park)

Use products that are gentle on your hair and the environment

I'm always into looking for the most "natural" way to see results with anything, and treating your hair with kind products is one of the best ways to promote growth and overall health.

My friends at HASK beauty sent me this Argan oil shampoo and conditioner set to try and I immediately fell in love. The oil, unique to Morocco, repairs split ends and restores damaged hair, leaving it super soft and delicious-smelling (orange-citrus scent). They also sent an Argan oil hair mask and shine treatment are my new BFFs.

I've been using this stuff for only a week now and can already see and feel a noticeable difference in my hair!

HASK products are free of sulfates, aritificial colors, dying alcohol and other harmful ingredients that are no good for your hair. They have a wide variety in their Exotic Oil Collection, so you've got to check them out. Find them at CVS, Walgreens, and several other locations.

Though my friends at HASK sent me these goodies, all thoughts and opinions are my own. (And my hair really does smell amazing.)



What are you waiting for? Hair envy starts here!

X,

Cristina