Lots of brides tell me they want to grow their hair out for their wedding. But growing out your hair is surprisingly hard work. It takes patience. It takes time. And it takes visits to the hair salon. Here are some guidelines that I give my clients who want to grow their hair out for their wedding.
Be healthy. Your hair is a reflection of your health. So if you want healthy hair, you need to be healthy. See your doctor to make sure you're in good shape. Then, make sure you eat right, drink plenty of water, get your rest, and exercise. Don't forget to incorporate protein, fruits, and vegetables into your diet. You may even want to consider vitamin supplements for hair and nails. When your body is in optimum condition, your hair growth will be, too.
Be patient. Growing out your hair takes a long time, so don't expect it to get long overnight. Hair only grows about half an inch per month, so if you want your hair to go from pixie cut to shoulder length, it could take a year and a half or more. In the summer, hair grows a little bit faster, but dreadfully slow in the winter. Give yourself plenty of time for your hair to grow.
Be nice to your hair. Damaged hair will break off easily, making your hair look shabby and short. Avoid frequent flat ironing, bleaching, and at-home hair color. These things can damage your hair to the point of breakage. Instead, style your hair in a way that fits your hair type. The least amount of heat styling means the least amount of damage. The least amount of damage means optimum growth.
Be aware of hair myths. A client once told me that she pulled on her hair when it was wet to make it stretch longer. While it's true, hair does stretch when its wet, you can also damage and break it this way. Extreme brushing can also damage your hair. Run any wives' tails past your stylist before you try them so you don't put your beautiful hair at risk.
Be proactive. While it may seem counterproductive, getting regular hair trims will actually help your hair to continue to grow healthy. While there isn't a direct correlation between cutting your hair to grow it, keeping it trimmed keeps it healthy. Hair that is healthy will be more resistant to breakage, which will help it grow longer faster.
If all else fails, get hair extensions. If your wedding is getting close, and your hair just isn't the length you hoped it would be, try hair extensions. There are a variety of types and lengths of hair extension. You'll be able to find one that suits your look and your budget so you can have the hair you want for your wedding day.
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