HOW TO: Grow and Maintain Long, Healthy Hair

Let's face it, a huge amount of us, me included, would most likely give quite a lot to have hair like the gorgeous LC and all the other luscious-locked celebs that grace our TV screens and magazines on a regular basis. Most of us probably feel like we'll never achieve it though, don't we?

Image courtesy of http://www.weheartit.com/

Well, I can't promise you the steps below will leave you looking like this, but I can tell you that I have noticed a considerable improvement in the condition of my hair since following these processes so they may make you one step closer to that Conrad-esque hair you've so long desired.

1. Restrict heat use! Try to limit the amount you blow-dry, straighten and use curling tongs on your hair. I know this is a tough one, especially if you're used to that perfectly preened and put together look but it is a vital step if you want your hair to grow and be healthy. Try to restrict heat styling to nights out and special occasions only.
2. Heat protectors! When you do use heat it is absolutely vital to use a heat protector or your hair will split higher and higher up the hair shaft and get shorter and shorter - not what you want when on the long hair pursuit! The one I use and would recommend is John Frieda's Frizz Ease Serum with Heat Protection (the orange one). It's only about £5.89 and is available in drugstores and supermarkets. I apply this on my damp hair before blow-drying and then again on the dry hair before straightening/curling and it keeps my hair glossy and healthy looking.
3. Natural Shampoos/Conditioners. Read my review on Naked Shampoos and Conditioners here for info on this step!
4. Hair masks. Treat your barnet to a hair mask once a week. There are loads of these out there from drugstore to high end depending on your budget. I've found some really effective ones in the past from the likes of L'Oreal and Herbal Essences so it's not necessarily vital to spend an arm and a leg on one! Some alternatives that you might find in your kitchen cupboard are olive oil and mayonnaise (if you can bare the stink!)
5. Take your vitamins! Vitamin D and Biotin are said to be great for maintaining healthy hair and skin. I got my tablets from Holland and Barrett and take them daily. I have definitely noticed a reduction in shedding since taking these.
6. A healthy diet. This one goes without saying really. If you want any part of your body to be healthy you can't eat rubbish. This means lots of fresh fruit and veg, oily fish, wholegrains etc...and LOADS of water! 2 and a half litres daily if you can!

I hope these tips help you out if your on Operation Healthy Hair like me! Have you got any tips that might help me out in my mission?
Thanks for reading chicas! xx

'Naked' Shampoos and Conditioners

We all know that having bleached blonde hair can be a pain in the bum at times. However, having dabbled in different shades of brunette, red and even purple (didn't last long!) I just can't seem to wave goodbye to the bright blonde hue I hold so dear to my heart. As we're all aware though, this can pose some problems with regards to hair health and length.

I've always longed for flowing, waist length hair but with my poor barnet suffering from years of dying damage, this hasn't been the easiest of ventures! However, whilst searching for tips on how to grow long hair on Youtube, aside from all the usual suggestions such as no heat appliances, healthy eating, drinking lots of water, something I had not considered before was using all natural shampoos and conditioners. The videos I watched taught me that the sulphates and parabens you will find in near enough every other shampoo and conditioner out there are really damaging to your locks. So I set sail on my all natural mission....

And, whilst probing the shelves of Boots I discovered Naked Shampoos and Conditioners. 97% Natural and completely free of sulphates and parabens. Priced at £3.99 I thought why not give it a whirl? So I picked up the Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner and was very impressed indeed! My hair genuinely felt healthier from the first wash and even more so after a few washes.

Now several months on I use the Colour Protecting shampoo and conditioner and I'm even more impressed. My hair hasn't felt so healthy in a long time and I truely believe I'm well on my way to those flowing locks I have for so long desired!

Naked products can be purchased online at http://www.nakedbodycare.co.uk/ or at Boots. They don't test on animals either!

PS I'm not being sponsored or endorsed or anything for this blog post, I genuinely just really love these products!