Longer and stronger: Hacks for healthy, long hair

Hadid have opted for classic, long locks. A look at their hair can tell you that while length matters, natural good health and sheen do much more to ensure glory to one’s crown.

Healthy hair grows up to half an inch per month but a lot depends on one’s genetics and overall health. To optimise hair growth and reduce breakages, good scalp health is non-negotiable, especially as new cells are formed in the roots.

Founder of the Lotus Concept, trichologist Dr Candy Lewis Williams believes that healthy hair will not break as easily as dry, brittle hair, and therefore will reach its natural maximum length.

According to the expert, a giveaway for healthy hair is that it shines naturally, without requiring external styling products. She recommends a hair trim every eight weeks to get rid of spilt ends, which can be a major reason behind hair breakage.

Research shows that healthy hair grows quicker because there is less breakage and thinning. Hair that’s well-taken-care-of, for instance, can retain at least 90 per cent of its shine and thickness consistently throughout 18 inches of length. The same length of hair can thin out by 98 per cent if unhealthy.

Esha Rushdi, owner The Powder Room, Dhaka, says, “Keeping the hair well moisturised through the use of essential oils such as tea tree and rosemary, which are easily available nowadays, can help prevent dryness, especially in textured hair.