Oiling and Moisturizing:
Have you noticed most of the Indian women? Especially south Indian? They swear by virgin coconut oil. They oil their hair almost everyday to maintain moisture balance of the hair. In today's world, no one is ready to step out with oil in their hair (Including me!) due to the limp, thin and sticky look it gives. We want our hair to be soft, flying and grease-free to make it comfortable for different hair styles. But most of the traditional women in India (like my amma) still oil their hair everyday and get a plaited hair style done. This locks the moisture in their hair and prevents hair breakage due to dryness. Though it is a myth that virgin coconut oil helps in faster hair growth, it can actually help you get long hair faster. Got confused? Let me clear it. By applying coconut oil on your scalp, you are preventing hair and scalp dryness, split ends, frizz and such. Hence, your hair stays healthy without any troubles. Dry hair is more prone to hair breakage than well moisturized hair. Then guess! If you leave your hair dry everyday, if it keeps on breaking, how would you get long hair? Your hair grows only 6 inches per year but if keeps on breaking and falling everyday, then how lng hair? But in Indian women's case, their hair breakage is less and hence the hair grows long without any disturbance or difficulties. This give them beautiful long black hair in a shorter time when compared to others who don't oil or moisturize their hair regularly. You can also use olive oil, apricot or almond oil for moisturizing your hair if you are not okay with the coconut oil.
Frequency of Hair Wash:
Hair wash frequency matters a lot in maintaining a healthy hair. If you want long hair, you MUST be following all the necessary rules to maintain your hair healthy and this is the only way you can achieve longer and stronger hair in a short time. Washing hair often stripes away the excess moisture from your hair and scalp, and leave them dry. My mom takes head bath only twice a week whereas I do it everyday :D But she said that one of her best long hair secrets is maintaining her hair wash routine only twice a week. By this, her scalp is prevented from any dryness and mainly, that itchy dandruff. In case if you are not comfortable with twice-a-week hair wash routine, wash your hair in alternate days but not everyday. And also make sure to wear a cap/scarf over your hair if you are stepping out in the sun. Sun severely damages your healthy hair if not protected.
Healthy Food Habits:
My mom swears by dates, curry leaves chutney and greens to grow long hair. She has been taking this diet from her teen-hood. Having soaked fenugreek with curd every morning in empty stomach also results in strong, shiny hair, she says. Include nuts, dates, fish and Vitamin B rich good items in your daily diet to ensure that you are following a proper way to grow long hair. You can also get a biotin capsule everyday consulting your physician to prevent excess hair loss or hair fall. I myself experienced less hair fall with the consumption of biotin.
Comb & Detangle Twice a Day
Combing and de-tangling hair twice a day ensures better blood circulation in the scalp, resulting in healthy lustrous hair outside. My mom suggests to comb hair with a wide toothed comb, especially after oiling hair. But be sure to give gentle pressures on the scalp and do not over do hair combing. Wash your hair brush/comb everyday in soap water and use it on your hair. Never ever use others comb on your hair and the same goes the the pillow, hair accessories etc. By this, you can prevent unwanted hair problems such as dandruff etc. You can also massage your hair roots and scalp with your palm and finger tips to improve blood circulation in your scalp.
No Shampoo! Only Shikakai
Still, in rural areas of India, women only use Shikakai to cleanse and wash their hair. Shikakai is a natural hair wash powder made of several natural herbs to cleanse and protect hair. From her childhood, my mom used to wash her hair with Shikakai only. This hair wash powder can be prepared at home easily without making any hole in your pocket and moreover it doesn't contain loads of SLS, parabens and silicons unlike many store bought shampoos. 'Where there are no chemicals, all you will be having is a healthy, damage-free hair.' Right? So Shikakai is definitely one of the top secret of Indian women's long beautiful hair. Skip your shampoos for sometimes and get some Shika for your hair!
Which is your favorite long hair-tip?
Do you love and adore Indian women's beautiful long hair? Share your comments below!
Image source: 1, 2, 3
