Tips and Tricks for Fixing Damaged Hair

As I explained previously, the reason I dyed my hair brown {and cut it short back in October} was because it was pretty fried.  10+ years of bleaching the hell out of it will do that to you.  So I'm using this summer as a "hair do-over" if you will.  I want to grow it long again and the only way to do that is to take extra special care of it.  I'm going to share with you a few of the tips/tricks I have found out so far.  And please let me know if you have any other ideas!

{one} The big and simplest thing I'm doing is not touching.  No more coloring {this color is my natural hair color} no blow drying, no straightening, no curling iron on a daily basis.  I only will blow dry and straighten now if it's a special occasion.  I wear it down for bed, so the elastic won't pull at it.  My hair may look like crap all the time, but it'll pay off in the long run!

{two} Vitamins.  I've stayed on my prenatal vitamins {no more babies still they're just fabulous for good hair and nails} and have been taking extra Biotin.  The Biotin has shown improvement in hair and nails for people.

{three} Mane and Tail shampoo and conditioner. 

image from Amazon.com

Crystal told me about using these when I was lamenting my hair woes on twitter once.  Yes, they are shampoo and conditioner used on horses.  But humans have had great results using them as well!  The shampoo is super clarifying and helps stimulate more hair growth at the scalp.  Per Crystal's advice, I only use it two or three times a week, as more than that would end up be more damaging.  I have definitely noticed some results already.

{four} My most favorite new product though has been coconut oil. 

image found from Amazon.com

I found out about the wonders of coconut oil while searching the Internet.  Coconut oil is really the holy grail of pretty much everything!  You can eat it, wear it, and cook with it!  So far I have only used it as a moisturizer and to make cookies with, once.  I have used it as a facial moisturizer at night and my skin has cleared up a lot{apparently my skin is going through a delayed puberty post-two babies...awesome} But this has really helped!  And I use it on my hair ALL.THE.TIME.  If I'm going out somewhere or am going to see people, I just use the tiniest little bit to add some shine.  But most nights and during the day if I'm going to stay in the house, I slather it on.  I look like a big greasy mess, but whatever works!  My hair is definitely softer and way less damaged than it was {though I still have a long way to go}

Besides being amazing for your hair and nails {and let me tell you, my nails have never been better the past few weeks!} you can also use coconut oil for cooking and baking.  Just use it in place of other oils while frying and sauteing.  I used it in some chocolate chip cookies the other day. 

Doesn't it look sooo good?  We ate the cookies too fast for me to remember to take a picture!

Just replace equal amounts of coconut oil with however much butter the recipe calls for.  It adds just the tiniest hint of coconut to the cookies....they were delicious!


So any other tips or tricks for me to fix my damaged hair/help it grow long?  Let me know!!