One of my goals last year was to focus on my hair – I wanted it to grow longer and thicker (blogged about here). My hair has definitely grown a lot longer (I think it will be my goal-length by summer!) but I’m still working on getting it thicker. As I discovered last year – *some* hair-growth supplements do NOT agree with me (never take Biotin if you have acne-prone skin!!!). Last May I reviewed some supplements and topical products here. Since it has been a while, I thought I would post an update of my current hair routine:
Wash days (I only wash my hair twice a week, other days I wear a shower cap when I shower. My scalp does not get oily/greasy in between because it is used to this washing schedule.)
SHAMPOO:
On my scalp I use Nioxin 1
(to promote hair growth) and Burt’s Bees Shampoo
(to build volume). On the length of my hair, I use a tiny bit of moisturising shampoo (brand may vary – I’m currently trying to use up previously purchased products)
CONDITIONER:
I use Nioxin 1 conditioner
on my scalp and Terax Crema
on the length of my hair. I use my fingers and a wide-tooth comb to detangle my hair and then cover it with a shower cap for 3 minutes for a deep conditioning effect. I rinse the conditioner off and apply Nioxin 1 scalp treatment
.
AFTER-CARE:
I use a microfiber towel to squeeze the water out of my hair. I apply Moroccan Oil
to the length of my hair and use my Mason Pearson natural bristle brush
to distribute the treatment evenly. (My hair was getting quite tangly – but this boar bristle/oil combo keeps my hair straight and sleek for days!). I take 6 jumbo Velcro rollers and position them along my crown and let my hair air-dry. The Velcro rollers keep my roots volumised (this works even better if I use my Aveda volumizing tonic
and a hairdryer – but I only do that for special occasions).
Weekly Treatments
I try to apply oil twice a week to my hair (in the morning on Shampoo-days – then I shower in the evening). Of course I can only do this if I’m staying at home for the day! I used to apply oil overnight, but I ended up breaking out on my forehead and the sides of my face – even if I covered my hair with a scarf. The Castor oil
is to promote hair growth and the Coconut oil
is to condition and prevent split ends.
Dietary Supplements:
Silica 
is supposed to be good for hair, skin, and nails. I’ve taken the orthosilic acid form before in Biosil – my nails grew stronger and it cleared up my skin, but it didn’t increase hair growth. I’m now taking the mineral form of it – it is supposed to be more effective – but it tastes like you’re drinking ground up chalk – yuck! I also take Omega 3-6-9 and Multi-vitamins with Folic Acid . I make berry smoothies with Vanilla protein powder a couple of times a week (I want to start having this everyday – it is a healthier alternative to iced coffees – and it provides antioxidants too! But I’ll be honest, iced coffees are much more yummy!)
So that’s my current hair routine. What are your hair goals? Do you use any special products or take any special supplements for your hair?
Nioxin is really good, I used it to bring my hair back to normal after severe damage during my blonde phase in college. Another really good thickening shampoo/conditioner is Aveda Pure Abundance, that is probably the one and only shampoo that gave me a noticeable difference right away, but I find I have to rotate it every so often or my hair will get too heavy so I rotate it with Aveda Shampure. I haven't even tried supplements but I do want more length after chopping alot of it a few months back and wearing extensions til it grows haha.
It's good to know that Nioxin worked for you – I've noticed less fallout and stronger roots since I've been using it.I love Aveda hair products – thanks for the Pure Abundance recommendation – I'm definitely going to check it out.
You should also try a hair steamer with your deep conditioning treatments…you can find them on Amazon.com and they work amazingly.
Thanks for the tip on Biotin/acne prone skin. I will stay away from that but my sister takes it. I wonder if that is part of the problem with her skin. You hair is looking gorgeous in the photo. I assume you don't color it as it looks beautiful and natural against your skin??
Dye-A-Graham – thanks for the hair steamer tip – I had read about them before – they seem really effective – is there any brand you prefer?Ashley – does your sister take it for hair growth? Maybe she could try an alternative supplement (like marine collagen or silica) and see if her skin improves. Thanks for the compliment on my hair colour – it is natural at the moment – although near the ends you can see lighter bits from highlighting. My hair does NOT take well to colour – even if I condition and "baby" it – it always looks dull and fried, so I'm sticking to natural colour for now 🙂
Your hair is gorgeous! I'm currently growing my hair out again so I can donate to locks of love again. My hair grows fairly fast and I've been very fortunate that I've always had fairly healthy hair. I am looking into the silica though as I have very weak nails and hope it will also help with the few breakouts I get from stress.
You should try the Biosil – it worked well for my skin and nails – and it comes in pill form. The Silicea version if much harder to remember to take LOL! And it tastes SO bad!
does the burt's bees shampoo contain SLS?
The Burts Bees shampoo is sulfate-free…but I do think it's too drying to use on its own, especially if you have long hair. But it's great on the roots 🙂 And it smells SO good!
Let just say that ever since I took prenatal vitamins, my hair has never been stronger and healthier… now after six months I had my daughter, I'm still on it. 🙂 xo, Jeannewww.shopsweetthings.com
I've had trouble getting my hair to grow out longer too. What do you think about the castor oil? I'm not sure where to get it from and honestly, if it doesn't work I'd rather not spend money on it. I use neutrogena shampoo because I get a lot of buildup..it works really well!
Jeanne – prenatal vitamins are great, aren't they – 4 years later, I'm still on Materna :-)Nuha – I think Castor Oil is good for encouraging new hair growth (I notice lots of baby hairs after using it). From what I've read, Black Castor Oil is more potent than Clear Castor Oil – but it is harder to find. I order mine online – it's pretty cheap and lasts a LONG time – but it is a bit stinky (smells like smoke)!
Grogeous hair you have!
I've tried that Vatika before, I found it too be too smelly & I'm so lazy at oiling my hair. I take Bayer vitamins by the name of Priorin much better than what I was taking before. I've been meaning to write a post on it. Your hair looks so healthy!
Thanks Kim!Monica – the oils are pretty smelly – another reason why I don't use them overnight anymore…but I just love how effective and natural they are!
Hi, this is a great blog!I really loved this post as my hair has been awful at the minute. It's quite long and thick and used to be very healthy but it has got so dry this winter. I have been longing to try Morrocan Oil would you recommend it for helping with frizz and breakage? I'll have to do a hair post soon. I take that silica supplement as well, I think it's great but never noticied it helping with my hair eitherx
I would definitely recommend Moroccan Oil for frizz – it really transforms your hair. Most salons sell a travel size, which is great to try out – and will last AGES.