I’m a haircare pro – too many at-home growth remedies are about the placebo effect, my tips will actually lengthen locks

A HAIR growth expert has revealed the secret to achieving longer locks – and it’ll make you reconsider using DIY remedies.

Marie Nieuwoudt said many beauty rituals that claim to stimulate hair growth at home only provide a placebo effect.

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Nieuwoudt is a stylist and ambassador at the UK-based brand Cloud Nine , with over 38 years of hairdressing experience.

Speaking to The U.S. Sun, she shared must-try tips for encouraging hair growth.

TEMPERATURE CHECK

Nieuwoudt said many home remedies have a placebo effect rather than any “meaningful impact” on hair health.

She recommends being mindful of the products and styling tools used on tresses to avoid unnecessary damage at home.

“Hair loss and thinning can be confidence-crushing, which makes learning how to style your hair essential,” she said.

“Often, simply finding new styling tips is the first step that’s needed in lifting your confidence on your hair growth journey.

“A great tool to help is the CLOUD NINE Temperature calculator, which gives you a personalized recommendation for heat styling based on your specific hair type and concerns, for healthier and happier hair.”

RELAXED STYLES

It’s also important to “be kind to your hair” by using high-quality products and keeping the scalp healthy.

“Most people treat their hair quite roughly, and this is something you definitely want to avoid when dealing with hair loss in particular,” she said.

“Make sure you’re choosing products and styling routines that you know are good for your hair, rather than causing additional damage.

“A low-maintenance style that limits pulling on your scalp will be your best option.

“Putting your hair up in a tight ponytail or adding hair clips can cause stress points at the roots. Instead, try leaving your hair down, or out.

“You’re not limited in your options, but it pays to be intentional with your hair styling.”

SUPER SUPPLEMENTS

Everyone’s hair growth journey is different, so it’s “very difficult” to time how long it will take to reach a desired length.

“There are many great supplements out there that you can take to help promote hair growth,” Nieuwoudt said.

“Of course, it comes down to a personal preference as to whether you follow a medical or natural format.

knowing your family history can help you understand the potential impacts on your own hair health.

Marie Nieuwoudt

“But some great ingredients to look out for include ginseng, argon oil, rosemary oil, and fish oils.

“You can also opt for Vitamin B or Biotin tablets which are convenient to take on the go.”

WHAT WOULD GRANDMA DO?

There are many reasons why people experience shedding or difficulty growing their locks.

A trichologist or professional hairdresser may be the best person to speak to for a personalized solution.

“The number one reason is usually hormonal changes or underlying health conditions such as thyroid conditions and stress,” Nieuwoudt said.

“But another very common day-to-day cause is excessive damage to your hair created by mistakes in your styling routines.

“This a big one to be aware of for people who are regularly applying heat to their hair.

“It’s important to know the right temperature for your hair type when using styling tools, as this is essential in reducing unintentional heat damage.

“I also see a lot of people facing hair loss resulting from hereditary conditions, which are passed down from generation to generation.

“So knowing your family history can help you understand the potential impacts on your own hair health.”

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