Slow Hair Growth

Hair that snapped off
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Q: Hi, about 15 months ago I had blonde highlights put in my dark hair. I didn't like it and had some of the strands darkened back at the same salon. However, I still wasn't happy with the result, so I put in my semi permanent on top at home. At the same time I was straightening my hair twice a week. On top of all this, I was using an intensive therapy treatment every wash. Since then loads of hair snapped off. My hair is frizzy, wavy on top and curly underneath.
 
The new growth is growing back so slowly. My hairdresser can't understand why it's so slow. The problem isn't getting worse, but it's not getting better. I am taking sea kelp, but I still can't see any new hair growth. I have since stopped using strengtheners and the intensive treatment. My diet is very good, and I drink moderate amounts of liquids. My age is 34. Do you think it was the chemicals and straighteners that caused the hair to break off? But what would you suggest about the slow growth?
 
A: Some people's hair simply grows slower than others. Unless you can see signs of breakage or damage indicating a reason why the hair isn't appearing to gain any length, you probably are just one of those people.
 
I do have to say that the highlighting, daily straightening, additional color and intensive treatments are most assuredly the cause of the damage to your hair. My advice is to go gentle, and go basic. Select a gentle shampoo and a moisture-rich conditioner for use when you need to wash your hair and avoid over-shampooing. The hair only needs to be shampooed when it is dirty or if you have product build-up.
 
Avoid blow-drying and flat-iron styling (or any heat-appliance) as much as possible. Experiment with "natural styles" and let the hair air-dry whenever you possibly can. When you shampoo the hair, wrap the hair in a towel, turban-fashion, and allow it to sit wrapped up while the towel wicks away the excess moisture. During this time you can be continuing with other parts of your beauty regimen. When you MUST blow-dry the hair, use a diffuser attachment and be very gentle with the hair.
 
Use a spray-on, leave-in conditioner and smoothing serum before any heat styling or drying. And try backing of from drying the hair all the way. Stop when the hair is mostly dry in most cases and let it finish drying on its own.
 
These tips should help you to recover some of the damage done to your hair and keep it safe and healthier while the damaged portions grow out.
 
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See also:
 
Does different people's hair grow at different speeds?
 
After-care for colored or chemically treated hair
 
How badly will straightening my hair damage it?
 
What negative effect does having highlights do to your hair?