Everything you need to know to transform fine, short hair into a thick, flowing mane
Whether it’s stress that might be causing hair loss or maybe a bad haircut you want to grow out after lockdown, there are many ways from the inside and out that can help you achieve Rapunzel-like hair once again. According to the HSE it’s normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day even without noticing. But if you feel like suddenly you’re noticing a lot more, it’s always a good shout to contact your doctor or check your vitamin intake. Below are a list of steps you can take to help maintain and boost your hair health, as well as some of the best products for longer, stronger hair.
Eat well
Achieving long and strong hair can’t be done by only using the right products as your diet is vital to nourish your hair from the inside. Foods that are high in protein such as fish, eggs, nuts and beans are a great way to help stimulate your hair growth. If you are vegan or vegetarian, you should also ensure you’re getting enough plant-based protein foods or alternatives as a lack of protein in the diet can cause hair shedding. Omega-3 fatty acids, minerals like iron and zinc and vitamins A, C, D and E also have a big impact on your hair strength and growth. Crash diets, iron deficiency and childbirth can also cause hair loss in women, so it’s good to keep track of your diet if you want healthier hair, especially if you have experienced any of the above.
Choose the right supplements
If you feel like you are not getting enough vitamins and minerals from your diet alone, incorporating supplements can be an easy and fast way to encourage hair growth. However, always check with your doctor before taking supplements if you are on any type of medication. If you are in the clear, check out some great brands below that contain ingredients that could make a world of difference to your hair’s health.
Annutri Grow It, 60 capsules for €29
Grow It by Annutri is a vegan friendly Irish supplement that works by aiding hair growth in the initial stages, deep beneath the scalp where the follicle is forming, ensuring it is nourished with the nutrients it needs to look and feel healthy and strong. Ingredients include biotin, a natural form of sulphur, copper, zinc, nettle leaf, vitamin C, vitamin B5, and many more.
Viviscal Maximum Strength Supplements, 60 tablets for €38.99
Viviscal is the UK’s most clinically researched hair supplement brand. The supplement is enriched with various nutrients like biotin, silica (which is essential for the body to create and maintain collagen), zinc and various vitamins and a protein complex.
Nourish Supplements Hair, Skin and Nails 60 tablets for €23.50
Nourish Hair, Skin, Nails Multi tablets contain nutrients such as alpha lipoic acid, grapeseed extract, as well as antioxidants. Natural silica and amino acids also provide added support for collagen and keratin production. These are an affordable purchase for all-round hair, skin and nail health.
Hush & Hush Deeply Rooted Supplement 120 capsules for €75 @ HushaandHush.ie
Hush & Hush supplements create the perfect foundation to encourage stronger, longer, thicker hair. It strengthens strands that have become weak, damaged and resistant to normal growth caused by over styling, hormonal changes and the aging process. DeeplyRooted includes what they call ‘Clean Clinical Vitamins’, amino acids, and fruit and botanical extracts as key ingredients.
Avoid heat
Sounds simple, but we know it’s hard. Heat has a massive impact on the breakage and brittleness and of your hair so reducing it will be significant if you want healthier hair. Try to air dry your hair whenever you can and if you’re using heat always use a heat protecting spray. You can also check out less damaging tools such as the Dyson hair dryer or try using a silk ribbon rod to curl your hair.
Fake the volume
Your hair won’t grow long and strong overnight (we know it’s not what you want to hear) but there are many ways to fake volume while you wait for that extra thickness. Simple tips like drying your hair upside down on a cool setting and adding products specifically for a voluminous result can make a big difference. However, it’s always good to avoid using too much product or shampoo in your hair as it can weigh it down.
Find the right products for you
Everyone’s hair is different. Just like skincare, finding the right routine for you is important. These products have been designed specifically to help strengthen and support long hair.
Olaplex No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask €27.50 @ Millies.ie
Olaplex, which is a deep repair treatment system that rebuilds broken hair bonds, has gained a cult following in the beauty industry in recent years. Infused with patented bond building technology, this highly concentrated 4-in-1 reparative mask adds shine and body while providing intense moisture. This is ideal if you notice that your hair has become brittle.
Lee Stafford Hair Growth Activation Treatment 200ml €11.99 @ Boots.ie
Lee Stafford’s hair growth treatment is an affordable product created for hair that won’t grow past a certain length. It aims to fertilise follicles and create a healthy environment on the scalp to help amplify growth.
Kérastase Nutritive Masquintence for Fine Hair €42.90 @ Millies.ie
To strengthen your fine hair, the Kérastase Nutritive Masquintence is a great choice that will bring hydration and softness to thirsty, dry ends.
L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths 8 Second Wonder Water €12 @ MccabesPharmacy.com
Dream Lengths Wonder Water has been tested on multiple hair textures to ensure the multi-tasking formula is suitable for all hair types. This product aims to make hair 10 times smoother, shiner and instantly detangled with less breakage.
