Growing your hair out is a commitment that takes patience and a lot more. Bored? Got a bad haircut? Just want some growth? By following a consistent regimen, you can lengthen your locks and adopt some good habits along the way.

Women and men who want to add new growth without using medical treatments, harsh chemicals, or extensions can do it on their own. Don’t be bored or disappointed with what you already have, just build on it. Check out these tips to help feed your strands!

Brush When Dry
Though wet hair is easier to brush through and detangle, water actually weakens the hair shaft, making it easier to break. Your hair isn’t as strong and elastic when it’s wet compared to when it’s dry, so pulling and brushing can cause breakage from the root or middle. That’s not what you want when trying to grow it out.

Brush it dry only, and brush it before you go to bed to encourage growth.

Forget the Daily Wash
That means that washing your hair daily is a no-no when trying to grow it out. Depending on the texture of your hair, it could take some getting used to, but it’s for the better. Natural oils found in the scalp and hair need to live there in peace and do their work. Too much shampooing and scrubbing removes those oils. There’s less work, less heat, and less stripping, which equals healthy hair growth!

Eat Better
You’ve heard it before: eat healthy in order for your hair to be healthy. Your hair is its own form of protein, and needs to be fed with it too. Eggs, fish, omega fats, leafy greens, and – according to one beauty blogger – pumpkins are among the cornucopia of hair growth fuel. Protein, fats, and iron nourish the hair from the root to the tip.

Avoid Sugar
It’s hard because sugar is found in just about everything, but eating too much destroys collagen and keratin, which are both needed for new growth. Collagen is an amino acid that makes hair strong, but sugar tears away at it like a raging monster. Cut down on the sugar and you’ll notice a difference in your hair, skin, and nails.

Heat isn’t Hot
Don’t you know too much heat isn’t good for anyone? Using blow dryers, curling irons, or flat irons – you name it – excessively can siphon moisture from your locks, resulting in weakness. We’re not saying to toss all your hot tools; just exercise good judgement and give your strands a break.

Oil and Condition
Keeping the hair moist is essential for faster hair growth. Giving yourself a deep conditioning or oil treatment regularly helps to lock in moisture. Oil treatments can be done before or after a washing, feeding hair strands with fatty acids. Try any of these good-for-hair oils:  argan, coconut, jojoba, olive, or castor.

Inverted Massages
A whaaa? It might sound like some newfangled yoga pose, but it’s just a way to massage your scalp. Beauty vloggers and hair stylists are raving about this method of increasing circulation to the scalp; it’s almost like exercise. To try it, sit in a chair and bend over until your head is lower than your heart.

Massage with your fingers or a wire scalp massager to increase blood flow. Add a few drops of oil for a great session but if you feel light-headed or dizzy, stop.

Trim
While hair and beauty experts have their own take on how often to trim hair, doing so keeps it healthy and prevents breakage. Leaving split ends unattended causes breakage, prevents hair growth, and can even travel up the strand. It’s sage, old advice but it works!

No Hot Water Washes
When we jump in the shower we want the temperature to be just right, and often it tips more towards hot than not. Hot water is good for removing buildup from the pores but it also causes the hair to become brittle, dry, and porous itself. It can lead to shedding and weakened hair follicles.

Cold water helps to seal in moisture and make the hair shiny. That’s the ticket for hair growth. Warm water – the moderate middle – provides a mixture of both worlds.

With these tips, guys and girls wanting to add length to their manes can do it. You can also keep track of growth from week to week. Just find the right combination for your hair type and lifestyle, and let it grow.
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This article first appeared on TipHero

Just because you aren’t rocking an elaborate mohawk or mullet, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be spending anytime styling and maintaining the quality of your mid-length hair cut. With these easy tips and tricks you can take your mop top from drab to dapper.
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1. Start with clean, towel-dried hair.
2. Using a blow dryer, begin directing air upwards to the scalp until fully dry.
3. Use a brush to take down any unwanted volume on the top on sides.
4. If you have wavy hair, work in a matte paste or cream.
5. If you have straight hair, try a higher-shine wax. Or, for a wet look, comb through some leave-in conditioner from the root to the tip when hair is still damp.

EXPERT TIP: Anthony Nader – Raw Hair Salon Sydney
#1 Mmm the in-between style that never really defines whether you are growing your hair or if you just haven’t had time to see your Hairstylist yet. Personally, I love this look as I think it gives off a more charismatic and softer feeling to your appearance.
#2 To keep your hair more compact to your scalp so your don’t looking like a lions mane, try rinsing your hair in the coolest water temp possible and then you’ll have more control throughout the day.
#3 The other secret is if your wanting to put some product in, always add in your light weight wax into damp hair and your good to go.
#4 Calvin Klein Platinum S/S 2014 is your go to for inspiration here.

EXPERT TIP #2 – Kevin Murphy, International Stylist
#1 The current look for medium hair is basically short hair and has been slightly grown-out, just over the ears. Whatever you do, don’t over style it, you want the hair to have a natural texture and matte finish.
#2 The great thing about medium length cuts is that they’re so versatile and with the right products, you can have a new look every day.
#3 Many men don’t wash their hair properly, but if you’re going to let your hair grow out, using a good shampoo and conditioner is vital to keep it looking great.
#4 And the cut is really important. Make sure you ask your hairdresser for a square shape, because if the cut is too round it will look feminine.
 
This article first appeared on D'MARGE

by Kyle McManus
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With summer looming, millions of we gents are making travel plans.

Wherever you’re going, sitting on a plane, train, or boat for hours and hours tends to leave you looking and feeling past your best. Even if you start your trip without a single strand out of place, you’ll still probably look like a scruffy shadow of your former self by the time you reach your destination.

Basically, you need to travel-proof your hair, but that’s not as easy as it should be. Fear not though, chaps – we’re here to help
 
Tip #1: Wash and Go
Be sure to wash your hair during your morning shower before you head to the airport.

Why? By being thorough with shampoo and conditioner, you’ll give your hair much-needed texture and remove excess oils.

As a result, your hair scalp will be in better condition while you travel. If you style hair that hasn’t been washed in a few days, it’s bound to look worse after hours on a plane with all that oil and product mixed together.

Tip #2: Dry and Dry Again
Grab a travel-sized can of dry shampoo, and then just spray it lightly on oily spots throughout your journey (be sure to do this in the bathroom, so you’re not irritating your fellow passengers).

This is ideal if you want to top-up your style too, letting you refresh your locks ready for a dash more product.

Still, with that in mind, be sure to …

Tip #3: Go Easy on the Product
You want to look good when you touch down or step off that train. You want to drop your luggage off and get straight out there, seeing the sights and sampling the local delights.

Obviously, you want to style your hair just as you like it, so you still feel like YOU even though you’re halfway across the planet (or further!). Still, it’s essential that you don’t overdo it on the product – even though you might think you need more to keep it looking sharp during long periods of travel, you might end up overloading your hair, leading to an oilier, messy look later on.
 
Use as little as you can to maintain your style, and go with water-soluble wax or a light gel. Start with a small amount, and then add more as needed; don’t just slap a golf ball-sized clump on.
 
Tip #4: Resist Temptation or Sit on Your Hands
When you’re a few hours into a long flight, it’s easy to start feeling uncomfortable, frustrated, maybe even a bit stir-crazy. You’ll probably be tempted to run your fingers through your hair, check your style in the mirror, play around with the odd strand here and there …

Don’t do it!

While you might think you can make your style look better by constantly smoothing or twisting it into shape, you’ll keep adding more oil (from your hands). These will mix with those oils already on your scalp, too, making for a pretty unpleasant look and feel.
 
Tip #5: Mix it Up
Of course, you don’t HAVE to keep your hairstyle exactly the same while jetting off on holiday. What better time to try something new, fresh, and cool than when you’re breaking from your usual routine?

Maybe go for a shorter, lower-maintenance cut, or for longer styles, go for a top-knot. The less you feel the need to keep it perfect, the more travel-proof your hair will be!

We hope these tips keep you rocking your favourite look when travelling – have fun, and remember to keep it Rugged, Yet Smooth!
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This article first appeared on Rugged Yet Smooth

by Kelsey Rzepecki
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When it comes to your hair while traveling, it can be frustrating and time consuming when humidity or other drastic changes in weather throws your hair routine for a loop. Depending on when and where you’re traveling, you should take time to evaluate your current hair routine and prepare for different weather and climate changes that could require you to take a different approach when it comes to styling. But you might be asking yourself: where will I find a hair salon near me? While traveling, you will have to compromise on upkeep since you won’t have the comfort of your favorite stylist nearby. Remember these useful tips on your next great adventure!

Anyone can learn how to achieve easy and trendy hairstyles while out and about. These hairstyles shouldn’t take time away from your traveling adventures. Also, learn about some versatile hair products to take with you that were made to make your life easier while traveling.

Pre-Flight Blowout
Get a pre-flight professional blowout. Instead of spending a lot of money on a full-blown hair appointment before you leave, opt for a trip to a blow dry bar instead to save some extra cash. The service includes a wash, blow dry and style, then you’re on your way. You can make an appointment at a salon or simply walk in at a blow dry bar that’s near you. To achieve fresh, voluminous hair right off the plane, this is a hassle-free way to start a trip off because you won’t have to worry about taking the time to freshen up and wash your hair when you get to your destination. Added tip: just throw your hair up in a loose pony the next day to help maintain volume.

What to Pack?
Collect travel and sample-sized items. No one wants to be stuck lugging around full-sized bottles of hair products when they’re traveling. It can be hard to stray from your normal hair routine and part ways with your favorite products, but you really don’t have to. For the sake of convenience and space, utilize small sample packets of shampoos, conditioners and lotions - you name it and there’s probably a smaller version out there! Don’t forget to re-use old makeup tins and small perfume vials by transferring small amounts of your favorite products that you know you will actually use and won’t go to waste. You can always find TSA-approved sizes of plastic travel containers at Target, Walmart, or any other general store.  Keep the containers under 4 oz to take with you on an airplane.

Remember to keep it simple and think about the necessities: extra hair elastics, bobby pins, hair wraps or scarves and clips.  Put the items in a compact, small bag or secure container to easily find them because when we’re traveling we all know the less fuss, the better.

Easy Travel Treatments
There are natural hair care products and treatments you can do to keep your locks healthy anywhere. An easy remedy to revive your dry hair after a hot and sunny vacation is a coconut oil hair mask, feeding the hair with the natural oils and moisture it is craving.  Another alternative is an avocado hair mask that brings dull hair to life emitting a soft and silky texture while also adding shine from the heavy dose of natural oils.

Cute Travel-Friendly Hairstyles
Traveling can also be a great time to embrace and enhance your natural hair and texture since you’re not constricted by your usual day-to-day hair routine. Time to embrace the freedom of low maintenance styling. No hot tools required for these looks!

African hair braiding is a popular, low maintenance style that is perfect for traveling because the braids keep the style in place and can be worn for long periods of time while still looking fashionable.

A topknot or half-knot is a simple hair staple to combat flat hair and helps keep hair out of the face; especially, in hot and sweaty conditions. It can also preserve hair volume by giving your hair an added boost at the roots.

Braids are a go-to style because you can undo them later to reveal effortless, natural waves.

Must-Have Hair Products When Traveling
Travel-sized dry shampoo will fit easily in your purse and uses non-aerosol packaging, which means you won’t have to worry about it making a mess on an airplane. Just squeeze the bottle and a perfect-sized ‘poof’ of product comes out to absorb oil, prolonging your style and pumping up your hair’s volume.

Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer from Bumble and bumble: A multi-purpose product made for all hair types that protects, moisturizes and makes styling that much easier. Their unique lightweight formula is infused with six different types of oils that provides protection from UV and heat and also tames frizz and protects against hair breakage.

The Conair Vagabond Compact 1875: This is the best travel hair dryer to consider based on a high number of positive customer reviews and affordability. It is compact in size, has consistent drying power and includes a dual wattage dial that allows you to switch to 240 European wattage. It is compatible with plug adapters and has a foldable handle. A compatible watt converter is also an optional add-on that has 5 different adapter plugs for various wattages.

For those who can’t part without a dose of fast hair straightener style, CHI makes a ceramic travel set. This trifecta set contains some of their popular hot tools in compact sizes along with a sleek travel bag. The set includes a 3/4 inch straightener, 1000 watt hair dryer and a 1 inch curling iron.

Remember, the less product you bring, the less you have to lug home. You and your hair shouldn’t have to stress because traveling is not only a nice vacation for you, but it can also be a great break for your hair from the daily styling and damage we tend to put it through day after day.
 
This article first appeared on The Right Hairstyles