Too many of us have been struggling for years to achieve the flowing, waist-length tresses we see on screen and in magazines. We deserve to enjoy the results of all our salon trims and biotin pills. With that in mind, we went to the experts to learn exactly what we should do to promote healthy hair 
growth that just might lead to length of fantastical proportions.

Here are five power tips to think about when you decide to pursue those flowing locks:

Fortify your scalp

Many of us focus solely on our hair, but our scalp health is also essential. We suggest exfoliating old skin cells by adding a spoonful of sugar to your shampoo, then gently massaging it into your scalp.

If you suffer from a dry, itchy scalp, try adding omega-3s to your diet. Salmon, walnuts and supplements are all good options for delivering moisture to your scalp from within.

Indulge in a massage

Scalp stimulation is also essential for long tresses. According to the University of Maryland, massaging rosemary and peppermint oils into your scalp can help boost hair growth.

Sustain all day

Once your scalp is all set, you’ll want to focus your attention on the tips of your tresses. To keep them healthy and moisturized, we recommend to try using a daily serum with argan, avocado, jojoba and coconut oils. These oils will help sustain the health of your hair.

moisturize deeply

Keeping your strands hydrated promotes follicle strength and elasticity. To get the most moisturization, try using a hydration masque product. This not only targets your hair, but your scalp’s health as well. After shampooing, massage through your tresses and let your hair drink it up for about fifteen minutes.

NOURISH FROM WITHIN

The first and most important step is to invest in a quality supplement that targets hair and skin. You’ll want ingredients like biotin, iron, collagen and vitamins A, K and E. These will help hydrate your scalp and maintain your hair follicle’s strength as it grows.

Not sure which foods contain these ingredients? That's okay, because we've included an extra guide to help you navigate the sometimes-confusing world of hair nutrition:

Almond Butter for Biotin

Nuts are a wonderful source of biotin, the vitamin famous for hair and nail health. We particularly like almond butter for its rich taste, plus the added fiber and protein.

Why biotin? It’s a crucial B-vitamin that helps maintain the health of your nervous system, which has a direct link to skin and hair. It also promotes the regular functioning of your metabolism. Hundreds of hair care companies have begun including biotin in their topical products, but we suggest taking it either through food, or as a supplement.

Cooked Sweet Potatoes for Vitamin A

We’ll take any excuse to indulge in a good sweet potato. Thankfully, we can do it guilt-free –– sweet potatoes are packed with hair-healthy vitamin A, and they also serve as a great source of fiber and potassium.

 Why vitamin A? It helps our bodies produce sebum, which is an oily substance secreted by the scalp. Sebum maintains both scalp and hair health, so it’s essential to ensure it continues being released. Just make sure not to overdo your vitamin A intake: try to keep it to a maximum of 25,000 IU per day.

Flax Seed

We’ve been seeing this stuff all over health food store shelves, and now we have even more reason to include it in our diet.

Why flax seed? The ALA fats in flax seeds help promote healthy hair and skin. It also contains b-vitamins that help maintain hydrated, nourished tresses.

Garbanzo Beans for Zinc

Break out that can of garbanzo beans that you stashed in your cupboard years ago –– they’re a huge source of zinc, and the perfect vegetarian protein option.

Why zinc? It helps promote the healthy protein structures that make up our hair follicles, and studies suggest it may help maintain scalp hydration.

Kelp for Minerals

Taste-wise, this may not be everyone’s favorite, but kelp is an extraordinary source of nutrients that help maintain healthy hair.

Why kelp? It’s packed with minerals that all help support healthy thyroid functioning, which is a huge factor in hair health.

Sunflower Seeds for Vitamin E

Grab a handful of these and you’ll get around 90% of your daily recommended vitamin E. Just make sure they’re raw –– baked or roasted seeds may not contain the same amount of this important vitamin.

Why vitamin E? This is another nutrient that supports follicle health. It also has strong emollient properties, so it helps your hair shafts retain moisture and hydration.

Spinach for Iron

Don’t let Popeye’s lack of hair fool you –– spinach is a rich source of iron and other nutrients essential for scalp health.

Why iron? It helps maintain and regulate the flow of oxygen and other nutrients to the scalp.
 

Adding these foods to your diet will spark a revolution in your hair’s health, and if you stick to the other steps mentioned above, you can expect to see healthy hair growth and, eventually, the mermaid-length tresses you’ve always dreamed about. Tried these methods? Let us know!

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