We’ve probably all had this experience at some point in our lives…
I asked for layers and I ended up with no hair left!
I wanted a trim but my hairdresser cut it way shorter than I asked for.
I wanted to try something new and now I know short hair is not for me.
Don’t despair! Luckily hair does grow, it just requires a bit (ok a lot) of patience. Yes patience is a virtue but unfortunately it’s not one we’re all blessed with so if you’re like me and you need a quick fix there is hair extensions! As far as getting your natural hair to grow quicker I have a few ‘old wives tales’ which have helped me personally.
1. Bergamot essence. Pour some bergamot essence in your shampoo or conditioner.
2. You are what you eat. Eat a healthy diet rich in protein – peanut butter, eggs and fish are good protein sources.
3. Jelly. The gelatin in jelly speeds up hair growth. If you like you can buy plain gelatin and mix it with water but jelly powder tastes so much better!
4. Vitamins. A daily multivitamin is a good start but boost your results by taking Biotin, Silica, Vitamin D and folic acid.
All these wonderful potions will certainly make a difference but honestly they can only do so much. If you crave your longer hair and can’t bare being patient while it takes months (or even years) to grow, there really is only one solution…hair extensions.
If you’re a novice when it comes to hair extensions, you’re bound to be a bit nervous about getting them and probably have hundreds of questions. I’ll try to cover some of the basics but feel free to ask if I leave anything out!
In order to get hair extensions (and natural looking results), your hair should be at least 10cm in length.
Ask your stylist where the hair comes from. Make sure you’re getting 100% caucasian hair that is ethically sourced. The truth is that you get what you pay for when it comes to hair extensions. So if you’ve found a fantastic deal that seems too good to be true, it always is. Most companies claiming to be 100% human hair have a blend of caucasian and asian hair, some even have a blend of horse hair in to lower the cost. Temple hair could mean the lowest quality grey hair that has been striped and dyed then coated in a silicone that will wash off and leave you with dry, unmanageable extensions.
Only human hair can be heat styled, coloured, permed and kertin straightened. Synthetic hair is cheaper but can not be altered in any way.
Ensure that a qualified hairdresser that is certified to apply and style hair extensions is putting them in your hair. Great Lengths certified stylists attend a thorough 2 day workshop and complete a live model application and write a test in order to become certified. Often the placement and cutting of hair extensions makes a huge difference as to how natural the results are.
Permanent hair extensions, such as prebonded individual strands are best. They’re washed, styled and maintained with your natural hair and the best part is it’s your secret…no one would be able to tell you had hair extensions unless you told them! (Get them before anyone sees your short hair disaster!)
Oh wow – yes, I definitely did just have the experience of getting my hair cut too short. It seems to defy gravity!
Thanks for all the tips – I had never heard of the bergamot essence one, I think I might have to try it out!
Hi Noor, give it a go. It definitely helps. I’ve also heard that if you get a keratin straightening treatment on your hair, it makes it grow faster. And it probably won’t be defying gravity either!