The terminal length is different for each and every person. Every person’s hair grows for a certain time, usually a few years and then fall out. Since women’s hairs grow at different rates, the hair length also differs. You may have noticed that your hair will also not grow past a certain length. The moment you notice it tapering towards the end, it means that your hair has grown its terminal length.
However, there are a lot of ways to grow hair past terminal length. If you have curly hair, you need to know that it takes a lot more patience to grow them out than straight or wavy hair as curly hair coils making them look short. It definitely doesn’t mean that you can’t grow them past your terminal length. Let’s take a look at how to grow your curly hair past terminal length.
1. Keep your hair moisturized
By now you may have realized that curly hair requires more care than anyone with straight or wavy hair. So, the first thing that you need to keep handy is a gentle shampoo and a moisturizing conditioner. One trick that will work wonders is by combing out your hair while you still have conditioner in them.
Another important thing that you need to remember is to shampoo your hair only when required. Shampooing everyday is a big no-no even if you’ve bought the mildest shampoo. Shampoo dries out the hair by stripping them of their natural oil. If you must wash your hair every day, then don’t shampoo. Instead, only use the conditioner. If you have a dry scalp, then you can use the conditioner to scrub your scalp.
2. Don’t damage your hair on purpose
You may have never realized it but you are probably damaging your hair on your own. Straightening and dyeing will dry your hair and also cause a lot of split ends. Your main aim needs to be to grow out healthy hair and not unhealthy hair. This will ensure that your hair is more strong and lustrous.
If you feel that you can’t do without styling your hair by using products like flat irons, blow dryers, curling irons and the like, ensure that you don’t use it very often. Restrict yourself to as less times as possible. Instead learn of ways to style your hair naturally. Use a mousse or gel to scrunch your hair. Try different hairstyles like side ponytails, braids or ponytails for longer hair and pigtails or half down-half up hairstyles for shorter hair.
3. Reduce trimming your hair
Ideally, hair needs to be trimmed every six weeks. However, it’s not possible to do it all the time, and many don’t even require it. On the other hand, if you do have split ends, there is absolutely no way of getting rid of them other than trimming.
Although, you can possibly try the ‘dusting’ method to remove split ends. For this, you’ll need to take a look at your hair and cut only those hair that are split at the ends; doing it against a blank background like a wall will help. Don’t get haircuts frequently; only get haircuts when you feel your ends are unhealthy.
4. Pamper your hair, especially the hair ends
By taking extra care of your hair and your ends, it’ll ensure that you don’t need to run for a haircut every now and then. To replenish moisture in your hair, use hair masks or deep treatments. Always use a little bit of olive oil or coconut oil to keep your ends from drying. Long hair, and especially long and curly hair, tends to have more dry ends as the natural oils from the scalp don’t reach the ends.
5. Be protective of your hair
Detangling curls is always a task. But, you need to be very patient with it. You need to be very gentle, so that your hair are not snapped or pulled in the process. If there are any huge snarls, use a wide-toothed comb or even your fingers.
When you’re drying your hair, don’t muss or rub your hair. Instead, press or scrunch the water out of your hair. Remember, wet hair is the weakest and rubbing them will only cause more damage. Also, try and refrain from using a blowdryer as much as possible. Let your tresses dry naturally.
Another great way of protecting your hair is by wearing them in protective styles like buns or braids. While tying your hair, remember to use elastics that are fabric covered and without any metal pieces. The fabric-covered elastics cause less tangling, and hence, less brushing. The less you brush, the more you protect your hair. While out in the sun, try and protect your hair by wearing a bandana or a hat. You can even use products that contain sunscreen.
6. Maintain a healthy diet
You may have probably heard before that hair is actually a reflection of your personal health. So, exercising, drinking adequate water and eating healthy will ensure that your hair gets the vitamins and minerals it requires. There are also special supplements for nail and hair growth that you can pick up at any local pharmacy.
7. Additional tips and tricks
Here are some additional tips and tricks you can follow to ensure that your hair grows beyond its terminal length.
- Avoid washing your hair every day. Use a conditioner only if you wish to wash it every other day.
- Growing out your curly hair will require a lot of patience and is much more tedious than wavy or straight hair as it coils.
- To check how much your hair has grown, comb it out gently while its wet, and you’ll know the exact length. Another thing that you need to keep in mind is that your curly hair will become less curly as it starts growing longer.
- When you are trying to grow your hair out, use products that are as natural as possible. This means no heat, no dye and absolutely no harsh chemicals.
If you wish to dye your hair, then use henna. It’s a natural hair dye and in fact enhances the hair while moisturizing it at the same time. Although, henna is good, remember not to apply henna at the roots. It will cause your roots to loosen and hence, increase hair fall.
