You know this feeling too well if you’ve ever gotten a bad haircut.

Sometimes we just don’t pick themost flattering cut.

How could we have known?

Enhance Natural Waves

Credit:Hector Manuel Sanchez

Sadly this is not an instant gratification scenario.

We’ll do anything to speed our strands up.

But the question is: how do you grow long, healthy hair?

How Fast Does Hair Grow?

It’s all about taking steps that will make your hair the healthiest it has ever been.

Healthy hair grows at a better rate than damaged hair.

It’s like the difference between running flat-ground versus uphill.

Besides feeling posh, a silk pillowcase will prevent hair breakage and face wrinkles in one sleepy swoop.

Many swear by Olaplex Hair Perfector No.

3, but we suggest tailoring it to your texture and specific concerns.

It’s not the time to grab whichever shampoo has the prettiest bottle.

“We based each reboot upon what source of damage you’re going to expose your hair to.”

Leave-in serums and masques condition your hair while you sleep.

We like a clean scalp but don’t want a dry, stripped one.

“There are two major ingredients to avoid: sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate.

Daily shampooing can strip your scalp of its natural oils, making your hair dry and brittle.

Dry, brittle hair will break, split, and keep whisperingshortnothings to you at night.

Use gentle, no-tangle brushes and opt for a soft microfiber towel for your post-shower routine.

It all comes down to keeping all sorts of damage at bay.

One of the easiest ways to do that is to skip the hair straightenerand curling wand.

Consider pushing back your touch-up appointments, focusing more on root touch-ups, or asking for demi-permanent color.

All-over bleach blonde is not your friend.

“Stay away from big changes, like dying brown hair to platinum blonde.

double-check To Condition

Dry, brittle hair means one thing: breakage.

Breakage means “slow-growing, sister.”

Introduce deep conditioners, hydrating hair oils, and moisturizing hair masks to your hair routine.

Hydrated hair is healthy hair, and healthy hair will grow.

Embrace The Cold

It might also be time to embrace the air-dry.

Another way to cool things down is to use colder water when washing your hair.

If you must blow-dry, use a heat protectant, like Aveda’s Heat Relief.

Otherwise, turn the temperature lower on other heat-styling tools to minimize damage.

Not to mention, spending time on self-care practices like this is always beneficial.

Get Regular Trims

We know that you’re thinking, “Notthere.

It might sting at the moment, but consider yourself playing the long game.

And the long game always wins.

These worries will not favor your hair, as stress can increase hair losshealthy living leads to healthier hair.

What are you waiting for?

It’s time to say goodbye to the bob and hello to long and luscious locks.

Growing Out Your Hair?

See How you could Speed It Up.