How to get Beautiful, Healthy, Soft, Silky, Long, Flowing Locks!

When I was around nineteen years old, a woman approached me at the restaurant I was working at and said, “You have such beautiful hair; you should donate it.” I said, “No, thanks. I love my hair; it has always been long; it defines me.”

The more I thought about it, my hair grows, I cut it, it grows back, and the cycle repeats….so I decided to check out what Locks of Love does with the hair that they get for donations. I was amazed at what they can do with ten inches of hair and decided to donate. I originally donated ten inches, and have been doing so faithfully every two years. Last time I donated thirteen inches, and this year I plan to have my four-year-old daughter participate as well; we have never gotten her hair cut, so this will be something we can do together.

Since I donate every two years, I do not get my hair trimmed every six weeks like recommended. I don’t have slit ends, and my hair is shiny……and I will tell you how I do it.

First of all, I do not wash my hair every day. I wash every other day. This way, my hair is not dried out. Your scalp naturally produces oil, so it is OK to not wash it every single night or day.

Secondly, I let my hair air-dry as much as possible. If I must use a hair dryer, I use one with a diffuser. I like ones that have different levels of hot and a cold air button.

Tertiary, experiment with different shampoos, conditioners, gels and mousses. Switch up your shampoos every once in a while. Find out which ones work the best for you and your hair type.

Next, deep condition- One of the first things I do in the shower is wash my hair, put condition in, comb it through, and tie my hair in a bun. The last thing I do is rinse my hair before I get out. For a shine inducing trick, rinse your hair with cold water- it does really bring out the shine! (For days I off days when I am not washing, I pull my hair back in a tight bun on top; shower caps work wonders too!)

Also, limit the amount of products you put in your hair. If you are using gels, mousses, and sprays, apply them when your hair is still wet. If you want to add waves and volume while your hair is still wet, lean over, flip your hair so it is pointing to the ground, comb and add gel. Scrunch your hair and use a towel to soak up any extra water. Then don’t touch it!

Finally, take a multi-vitamin or a pre-natal vitamin. Whether or not you are planning to have a child, pre-natal vitamins do wonders for your skin, nails, and hair. My hair has changed since I had a child, but I still get complements on my hair all the time!

Remember to find the products that work the best for you, and don’t be afraid to try different products until you find the ones that fit your needs. Also, take a break from the heating elements- let your naturally beautiful hair shine without the blow-dryer, curling iron, or straightener! Also, if you are considering a drastic hair cut, why not donate ten inches or more to Locks of Love? A child will be forever grateful for your generous life- changing gift!

For summer, Hair can become dry quickly between the trips to the beach, swimming in the pool, and just being outside in the elements. If you put a little conditioner in your hair before you go outside into the elements, then it will won't dry out as much and you will have an easier time combing through it when you wash it. Also, I have my hair pulled back when I swim. I don't recommend braiding naturally curly hair before swimming- I can tell you from experience-it's a recipe for disaster! I also recommend letting hair air dry in the summer months- let your hair do what it wants to do naturally and avoid all of the extra heating elements to prevent breakage.

For Fall, Try to style your hair the way you want it in the morning and forget about it for the day. (Except when exercising-always pull it back!) If you have curly hair like mine, the worst thing you can do is to constantly be touching it/ brushing it all day. Fix your hair in the morning and then leave it alone!

For Winter, Static electricity can be a hair raising experience! One easy solution is to use a dryer sheet and run it through your hair. Not only will the dryer sheet help with static hair; it will also make your hair smell delightfully refreshing!

For Spring, If you find yourself with oily roots and dried out ends, you can try to use a little talcum powder and rub into your scalp (make sure you use it sparingly or else it will make dark hair look grey!) I use baby powder; the powder will help absorb the oil in your scalp.

For an all seasons tip, don't brush wet curly hair! Start at the tips (using a wide tooth comb or my favorite- the pick) Don't pull through, but gently work your way up to the top of your scalp. (I always complete this step in the shower with conditioner still in my hair). For the off day (if you are not washing hair every day) spritz your hair with a little water, comb through, scrunch, spritz a little spray (if desired) and you are off! Or else, brush dry hair (from bottom to top) and braid or pull in a bun for the day.