Thissss! Who else longs for those inches for your hair?? Especially those with natural hair?! Doesn’t it seem like our hair doesn’t grow at the speed that we desire?

Some people think that their hair doesn’t grow AT ALL – which couldn’t be further from the truth. I am here to attest that hair absolutely does grow! How to grow your hair longer you might ask?

Well, it takes a little more effort than buying Wild Growth and vigorously rubbing it into the scalp. You/We MUST take in the proper nutrients needed to produce hair growth on the outside. With a combination of diet and proper hair maintenance, those inches will be flourishing in no time.

So who wants a few tips on how to grow your hair longer from the inside out? Let’s go!!

Disclaimer: I am not a nutritionist or medical professional. The information provided below is based on personal experience. I do my own research and share what I have learned.

Smoothies are the G.O.A.T

Fruits and veggies are so beneficial for health in general. Did you know that most people do not get the recommended intake on a daily basis?

Unfortunately, this is not surprising. The majority of society would rather eat what tastes good, instead of what makes them feel and look good!

Hey, it’s OK to indulge now and then, but eating ‘recklessly’ on a regular basis is a No-go. Instead of ice cream when that cold and sweet sugar craving hits, blend yourself a smoothie 😋.

tropical fruit and smoothie
Photo by Element5 Digital from Pexels

But first, a little background on the ingredients and how each may promote hair growth!

Strawberries- Rich in powerful antioxidants such as folate, manganese, and vitamin C. 1 cup of strawberries contains 99% of the daily value of vitamin C. That C vitamin is needed to help the body produce collagen (a type of protein) – which contributes to hair structure. It also helps the body absorb iron, another supplement that is vital to hair growth.

Pineapples- One of the best tasting tropical fruits that is a good source of vitamin C! It also contains additional antioxidants such as beta-carotene and flavonoids.

Bananas- Excellent source of potassium! Also, loaded with vitamin C, manganese, vitamin B6, and more nutrients.

*Note – since fruits and veggies are prone to pesticides, try to reach for organically grown fruits – fresh and frozen.

Strawberry Banana Pineapple Smoothie

1 cup frozen strawberries (organic preferred)

1/2 cup frozen pineapples (organic preferred)

1/2 cup frozen bananas (organic preferred)

1 1/4 cup spring water or milk of choice (almond, coconut, dairy)

Sweetener such as honey, agave, or stevia (optional)

Add ingredients into a high-powered blender and blend until smooth. **For additional benefit, add 1-2 tbs sea moss gel.**

tropical fruit and smoothie
Tropical Fruit and Smoothie

Smoothies are a simple and efficient way to help get those fruits and veggies into the daily diet. Here’s another favored recipe of mine – which is actually a juice. I promise, you will not be able to taste the green!

Apple Green Juice

3/4 cup spring water

3/4 cup organic apple juice (I used honeycrisp from Whole Foods)

1 small avocado (organic preferred)

1 pink lady apple (or honeycrisp to match the juice 😊)

1-2 cups organic baby kale or baby spinach

Add ingredients into a high-powered blender or juicer. **For additional benefit, add 1-2 tbs sea moss gel.**

Apples, avocados, and leafy greens are also very nutritious and may aid in longer lengths. Here’s how!

Apples: Nutritious and delicious! Apples contain vitamin C, E, calcium, and antioxidants.

Avocados: This green delight is full of healthy fats and nutrients such as vitamin E, potassium, folate, fiber, and more. Vitamin E aids in reducing oxidative stress on the scalp, which is likely responsible for hair loss. Once reduced, the better the chances are for hair to healthily grow.

Leafy Greens: Powerhouse for nutrients that aid in hair growth! Dark leafy greens in particular are packed with iron and vitamins A, C, and E.

fruit and veggie smoothie
Photo by Alisha Mishra from Pexels

Water, Water, and Mo Water

Yes. Most people may or may not care for this tip, but water may be the answer to your long hair prayers Folded Hands: Medium Skin ToneFolded Hands: Medium-Dark Skin ToneFolded Hands: Dark Skin Tone. Proper hydration will help to strengthen and lengthen your hair. Our bodies are made up of mostly water. So, in order to stay up and running, we must give our bodies what it is made of in an abundant amount!

glass of water with lemon
Photo by Suhairy Tri Yadhi from Pexels

To get the most benefits, you must drink at least 2 liters of water. DAILY. The average person does not drink the recommended amount of water per day. I used to be one of them Woman Raising Hand: Medium-Dark Skin Tone. If water is too boring, add fruit such as lemon slices, lime slices, watermelon, pineapple. I do not have any issues drinking plain water because I know that it helps my body absorb the nutrients that I take in.

Supplements May Give That Extra Boost

In order to boost hair growth results, you may want to consider taking supplements. I have taken the following:

Sports Research Collagen Peptides helps to build keratin in the body; keratin is a type of protein that makes up hair.

MSM Powder rich in sulfur, which encourages strength and growth for hair.

Centrum Multigummies Multi + Beauty Hair, Skin, & Nails packed with nutrients that support overall health. Includes Vitamins A, C, E, and biotin to help with hair health and growth.

Viobin Wheat Germ Oil can be used directly on scalp and hair or taken internally. Rich in vitamin E and other ingredients such as Omega-3 and Omega-6.

**Please research thoroughly before trying these or any other supplement(s)!**

Consistent Hair care and Maintenance Routine

Taking care of the outside is just as important as being well within! Some of the best options to grow longer lengths are to wear low manipulation styles, protective styles, and maintain a healthy scalp. I have covered protective styles in previous posts, but not so much on low manipulation styles.

Low manipulation styles are hairdos that last for about 7-10 days. They are styles that allow you to go for a while without touching your hair. Wash n go’s, twist outs, braid outs, and finger coils are examples of these styles.

Maintaining a healthy scalp may sound easier to do than it actually is! I think we all have had an issue or two along the way. Some general tips for keeping the scalp healthy are as follows:

Wash Regularly The frequency may vary from natural to natural, but aim to wash your hair weekly or every 2 weeks.

Moisture Keep the scalp hydrated and dandruff free by using oils such as jojoba, tea tree oil, or hair growth oil of choice.

Scalp Massages to Improve Circulation the more that blood flows to the scalp, the better the chance of creating new growth. Massage with the pads of the fingers in a gentle, yet firm circular motion for 3-5 minutes at least twice daily.

woman massaging scalp
GIPHY

Balance PH try an apple cider vinegar rinse. You can use a rinse such as Creme of Nature Argan Oil Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse or Organic Apple Cider Vinegar by Bragg’s. Apple Cider Vinegar works wonders for cleansing the scalp. It helps to alkalize the scalp and restore the proper level of PH.

bragg apple cider vinegar mother
Photo by Rosana Solis from Pexels

The Takeaway

Growing longer hair may seem like a challenging task, but it’s worth it! Who doesn’t like a challenge? Why not adopt a healthier lifestyle for more vitality and voluminous lengths? Sounds like a win-win! What are your favorite tips for growing longer, stronger hair? Help out the community by commenting below!