The hair envy is REAL.

Sadly, we’re not all blessed with gorgeous locks right out of the gate. We know genetics play a huge role in being the subject of #HairGOALS, but don’t give up hope! There are several methods you can use to gain some inches if you find yourself on the short end of the stick.

Here is your complete guide to natural tips for growing thicker, healthier hair:

Get dirty.

Let your hair get a little dirty. Your hair density is a crucial factor in how long you may be comfortable letting your hair go without a proper shampooing; thinner hair obviously won’t go as long as thick hair. As your hair adjusts, you’ll find that the natural oils even out and that greasy appearance will begin to dissipate, allowing you to go even longer without shampooing your hair! Soon your hair and scalp will find a balance and the sebum production will lessen.  A little bit of dry shampoo can help keep your dirty little secret hidden from the world.

Oil it up.

Although your scalp produces oil, the ends of your hair may be suffering from a lack thereof. It’s no surprise that the ends of your hair are most susceptible to damage. From environmental pollutants to extensive heat exposure, it can be quite the challenge keeping the ends of our hair feeling silky.

There are dozens of products touting their ability to make hair look shiny, smooth, and healthy. Continuing usage of these products to “protect” your locks can destroy your hair. Some of these common ingredients include Isopropyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).

Cool it with the heating tools.

Heat is a BIG no-no when it comes to achieving healthier hair. As you try to wean yourself off of your straightener and curling wand, ditch your heat protectants, smoothing creams and other leave-in treatments that contain these damaging ingredients.

 An easy way to help keep your hair from going into shock-mode (literally. Frizz is never a pretty picture) is by applying organic and natural plant and seed oils to the lower portion of your hair. The oil will keep your ends from moisturized and prevent breakage, plus it’ll smooth things out along the way.

You can treat yourself the night before you’re planning on shampooing your hair by amping up your oiling to a special hair treatment. Combining base oils (like the ones above) with one of the following more potent oils is a beautiful way to nourish your hair to the max:

Neem Oil

Neem Oil is one of the miracles of nature. 

• Packed with powerful antioxidants that protect the scalp, it also can regenerate hair follicles and promote growth.
• Contains loads of fatty acids (linoleic, oleic, stearic acids) that provide nourishment to the scalp and condition hair.
• Combats fungi to alleviate dandruff and scalp agitation (redness and itchiness).

Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil is one of the star essential oils in growing healthy, thicker locks! In fact, in a study conducted by SkinMed, researchers found that the group who used rosemary oil had just as significant hair regrowth as the group who used minoxidil 2% (Rogaine) after a six month trial period. Rosemary is a fantastic treatment to use if you have thin or balding hair.

Sandalwood Oil

Sandalwood is majestic oil that has numerous properties that will boost your locks and keep your scalp healthy.

• Excellent for promoting blood circulation, which encourages hair growth
• Add beautiful luster to your hair for a glossy-looking mane
• Reduces sebum production that causes oily-looking hair
• Rids your scalp of dandruff

Castor Oil

This thick oil has gained a reputation as a fast-acting treatment for hair regrowth.

• With its natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, it diminishes scalp irritation and dandruff.
• Ricinoleic acid stimulates blood flow to the scalp, which prevents hair fall.
• Omega-6 and nine fatty acids nourish the hair shafts and thicken them, strengthening them for lush locks.

Just add a few drops of one of these oils, and maybe a splash of lavender, for a calming effect!

Give it a cleanse.

Cleansing your hair is the final step in this hair growth guide. One of the most popular hair rinses right now uses apple cider vinegar. The vinegar is used to rebalance the pH levels of sebum, revitalize the strands, stimulate hair growth and add brilliant shine. ACV is pretty fantastic stuff, but let’s not forget about the power of herbs.

Sage

Sage not only helps promote hair growth and restores luster, but it also deepens the color of brown and black hair for a more vibrant tone.

Rosemary

Got greys? Rosemary has a reputation for darkening them to reduce their visibility! Along with this comes perks like its softening and shine-restoring properties.

Horsetail

This plant is a silica powerhouse. Because silica forms collagen and helps bind protein molecules, so it does a fabulous job strengthening weak strands and promoting hair growth. Because it has very potent antiseptic properties, this herb should be combined with a softening herb like hibiscus to prevent overdrying. Horsetail is ideal for women with naturally oily hair.

Chamomile

Along with fighting dandruff, chamomile tea rinses will naturally lighten your locks.

Carrot Seed Oil

Packed with vitamins A, E, and beta-carotene, carrot oil will give dry locks a blast of hydration for a healthy, shiny hair.

Adding various herbs to your ACV cleanse can enhance its powers by accelerating hair growth by improving hair colors! Boil the herbs in water, then let cool. Add the ACV to it and let it sit overnight & voilà, perfect hair!

Now you can work that messy bun, guilt-free!