15 Tips for Growing out Your Hair That Work like a Charm ...

1. Eat Plenty of Protein

One of the first tips for growing your hair out that I recommend is eating plenty of protein. Don’t worry, you won’t look like a bodybuilder, but your hair will look phenomenal. Your hair is basically made of protein, so skimping in this department slows down collagen production, which can actually stunt the growth of your hair. Eat at least 20-30 grams per meal. You may even lose a little weight since protein satisfies you more than fat or carbs. Protein intake at each meal has made my hair strong, silky, and helped it to grow faster than it ever has before. I like fish, eggs, organic chicken, raw protein powder, organic Greek yogurt and nuts and seeds for my protein sources. Depending on your diet, choose the ones that work for you.

2. Take Biotin

I don’t like to tell people to take a lot of supplements unless they need to, but Biotin is an exception if you want long and healthy hair. Biotin is also great for your skin and nails. Biotin is a B vitamin, so your body can’t get too much of it and will excrete the excess itself. Biotin is found in foods like eggs, fish, nuts and seeds. I like supplements that are extra strength, such as 5000 mcg. Now Foods is a brand that makes a great one you can find online. Biotin strengthens the hair and helps it grow since it aids in collagen production, preventing the breakdown of proteins.

3. Don’t Use Excessive Heat

Alright styling fanatics, put away all those hair tools! For awhile, give yourself and your hair a break. I still use a straight iron but use a pricier one that has special Tourmaline plates that don’t hurt my hair. I also skip washings on days I’m off work to give my hair a break from any heat at all. If you’re brave, let your hair air dry instead of using your blow dryer. Anything you can do to reduce heat, tugging, and overly brushing your hair will help it grow faster.

4. Eat Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are not just great for your body, but they are also great for your hair. Leafy greens are rich in iron, folate, Vitamin E and some B vitamins. Some like spinach are also a great source of protein. Leafy greens nourish your cells on a deep level and keep you beautiful in all areas. I try to get some in each time I eat, or at least during my main three meals.

5. Snack on Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds and hemp seeds are also excellent for your hair. These foods are rich in three key nutrients that your hair needs for growth and strength, including zinc, selenium and B vitamins. Their healthy fats also help your hair stay moist to prevent breakage. I also love making homemade energy bars with these or tossing some in a smoothie or on a salad.

6. Moisturize with Coconut Oil

Anyone who knows me knows I use coconut oil for everything. I finally made the switch from a pricey hair serum to coconut oil last year to moisturize my hair after drying it and I'm so glad I did. It is fantastic! I simply put about a nickel size amount on my hands and rub them together. Then, I comb through my hair, mainly on the ends of my hair and in the back after drying it to seal in moisture. I don’t recommend putting it in your roots if you’ve already washed your hair since it might make them oily. You can also use it as a hair mask and wash it out if you want. I still use my regular conditioner in the shower, but always use this little trick after drying it. By not washing it out, the oil has time to set in and really do its thing.

7. Avoid Sugar

Sugar, along with alcohol and too much caffeine, are horrible for your hair. These three things break down collagen at alarming rates and can increase acne, hair breakage, and pretty much make you unhealthy overall. They also lead to mood swings, which promote stress. When you are stressed, collagen immediately breaks down in your body faster than any other time. Anything you can do to de-stress is also recommended, like yoga, walking or spending time with friends.

8. Commit to Growing Your Hair out

By far, one of the biggest things that us girls do when we are growing our hair out is get bored. We want a new style and so we change it -- and typically chop it off. If you want long hair, you've got to commit to not cutting it completely off and just getting regular trims! Can we do it ladies?

9. Don't Wash Everyday

If you are one of those people that wash your hair every single day and you are trying to grow your hair out -- stop! Washing your hair every single day is actually going to take away all of those beautiful natural oils that you've built there. Give your hair a schedule and wash it every other day.

10. Oil Treatments

Oil treatments might seem like a fad, but they are a simple way to ensure that your hair looks beautifully lush and ever-so-soft! Olive oil and coconut oil (which I already talked about!) are the two oils that are amazing for your hair! If you use an olive oil treatment once a week, leaving it on your hair for about 45 minutes and then washing it out, you'll see how beautiful it looks and how easy it is to grow out!

11. Tie Your Hair up

Tying your hair up is another great way that a lot of people don't think about when they are growing out their hair! Tying up your hair causes a better flow of oxygen to the outside of your hair and stimulates the follicles!

12. Argon Oil

I know that I mentioned doing oil treatments, but Argon oil isn't exactly a treatment, it's something that you can leave in and it's fantastic for your hair -- and helps grow it out! Just a bit on the ends, a bit through it twice or three times a week and you'll love your new long hair!

13. Deep Condition Treatment

When you are trying to grow your hair out, the health of your hair is very, very important to take care of your hair, so besides oil treatments, you've got to make sure that you are deep conditioning too! Remember the coconut oil? You can use that or your favorite conditioner! Or -- how about try something new and fresh, such as egg whites or even avocado!

14. Massage Scalp

Stimulating the hair follicles is most important, so giving yourself an awesome scalp massage (or conning your partner to do it for you!) is huge! Just twice or three times a week, fifteen minutes or so and you'll see huge results!

15. Comb Hair when Wet

Finally, now that you know all of the different ways that you can grow your hair out -- remember to take care of the hair that you have! Combing your hair when it is wet instead of brushing your hair with a brush is a huge no-no. Combing won't damage your hair all that much, however, the brushing your hair when wet will. Keep that in mind after your next shower!

Growing your hair out can really test your patience. I’m still in the process of growing mine out, but I can definitely say that these tips have worked above any others I’ve ever tried. Have you ever tried to grow your hair out?

This post was written in collaboration with editor Heather Jensen.