Relief for Growing-Out-Your-Hair Pains

Whether it's just time for a change or you're regretting your request for shorter hair at your last salon visit, sometimes your hair just can't grow fast enough! At the salon, the topic of how to get hair to grow out fast, and how to deal with that awkward in-between stage, is a common one. Fact is, hair growth is a science over which we have little control. What we can do during those painful months between "too short" and "just right" is use a few tricks of the trade designed to keep you looking your transition-time best. Combine them with healthy hair practices, and you'll see that growing out your hair doesn't have to be that painful at all.

Hair Science 101

Despite all efforts and wishing, hair grows at its own pace: an average of about half an inch per month, or 6 inches a year. Remember, your hair is a reflection of your health. The healthier you are, the better condition, and appearance, your hair will have. For optimum hair condition and growth, I recommend plenty of protein and vitamins in your diet. Get these essentials from a healthy daily food intake and a good multivitamin taken daily. Then, be sure to avoid those things that can prompt hair loss, like extreme diets and stress.

Damage Control

As hair grows, keep it strong and beautiful. After all, you're planning to keep it for a while! I recommend these steps for everyday damage control:

Use gentle, conditioning shampoos and conditioners for your hair type. Comb and brush out hair before washing to stimulate the scalp for a thorough and therapeutic cleansing. Use a protective hair styling product to shield hair from the damaging effects of heat styling. Be careful with styling tools and harsh chemical processes (like perms) as they can cause hair to break. Avoid hair accessories that can snap and damage hair, like too-tight ponytail holders or metal clasps on clips.

The Waiting Game

As you patiently wait on your hair, experiment with new looks to take you through transition time with style. Start by investing in an arsenal of hair accessories -- barrettes, elastics, bobby pins, headbands, scarves, hats, and the like -- and experiment with some new daily looks. Ask for advice and ideas from your hairstylist, who you should still be visiting every six to eight weeks for a trim. After all, hair with a great shape will grow out in a more flattering way, and the trims will fight any split ends and breakage. Updos are a great way to coax hair into a happening look as it grows out. Incorporate your hair accessories to give you some great day and evening looks. Use bobby pins to secure shorter pieces of hair. And a note on growing out bangs: They don't have to be the bane of your existence! The secret is to have your stylist angle them as they grow, then brush them to the side as they get longer.