So you have decided to grow out your short hair, but do you have what it takes? Many people think it just means no haircuts. Sure, that may work, but it’ll take longer, look messy and you’ll end up needing to cut it short again to get rid of all those inevitable split ends. Here are some tips that may help this long road ahead be a little less rocky.
Set your Goals
First thing first, select a style as your ultimate goal. Having a goal in mind gives you something to work toward, and, in turn, gives you more chance for success. Along the way, you’ll also want to have “mile marker” goals. For example, if you have a layered inverted bob, you might want to start with letting the layers catch up to the length before moving on to the next goal. Those can be chosen with the help of your hairstylist with the end goal in mind. Once you meet a “mile marker”, choose a new one to work toward. Achieving these little goals makes the whole process a bit less daunting.
Reward yourself each time you reach one of these mini goals! A little treat will give extra motivation to reach your goals.
Establish a schedule
You’ll want to discuss a trim schedule with your hairstylist. Generally, a good rule of thumb says trims are recommended every 4-6 weeks to maintain your current style. While growing out your style, you can push that to 6-8 weeks. Don’t go longer than that since you’ll want to keep those split ends at bay.
Not getting the split ends cut off will result in breakage, which can continue up the hair strand and create a very unhealthy, straggly affect. Hair grows an average of 1/2″ a month and while that doesn’t seem like much, it really adds up. You may feel like you’re cutting off everything that just grew, but in the end you and your hair will be happy you kept it healthy and trimmed.
Schedule your next appointment before you leave the salon, that way time doesn’t get away from you.
Maintain health
Make sure you invest in some good products to protect your hair from damage and keep it at its healthiest. Using professional products is key in maintaining your hair’s integrity while letting it grow, since “over the counter” products tend to be very drying. You don’t want all this hard work to go to waste when you use a 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner from the dollar store. Ask your hairstylist what shampoo, conditioner and styling products he/she recommends for you.
Ask your stylist if there is a money-back guarantee when you purchase products. If you don’t like it, you should be able to return/exchange it.
Below are some additional tips to maintain your hair’s health:
- Purchase a good moisturizing conditioner to use as a treatment once a week. After shampooing your hair, wring out as much water as you can. Apply the conditioner scalp to ends, comb through with a wide tooth comb and wrap in a towel. Let it sit on for 20 minutes and then rinse thoroughly.
- Avoid doing too many chemical treatments. When you do need color or a perm done, make sure to get it done professionally.
- Use as little heat as possible when styling your hair. If your style requires a flat iron or curling iron, shampoo your hair the night before and let it air dry, then go in with desired tool the following morning.
Patience is very important. It can be frustrating when you don’t see results instantly, but eventually your hard work will pay off and you’ll meet your ultimate goal!
Photo Credit: CeceLynn Design
Thank you, Corinne, for all of the great tips. I think deciding on a hairstyle is quite difficult, as you don’t know if you want to commit to a cut or a color. Knowing that you can cut your hair and confidently let it grow out the right way is helpful in this decision making process. Some girls don’t worry about cutting their hair, as they know it will grow. I am not one of those girls…… I obsess over what I want to do next ! Your knowledge is greatly appreciated !!
Enjoyed reading these tips, Corinne. Very helpful. I know the pain too well of trying to grow out your hair. I think these will help in the transition. 🙂