Rapunzel, Rapunzel

If you're like me, you have that type of hair that gets to a certain length and grows as slow as molasses. This means you also envy every girl with long flowing locks -- you know, the kind that most certainly has to be extensions but they claim they are not.

I've spent years searching for the best hair growth treatments on the market. I spent my first 3 years in the working world as a receptionist a hair salons, so that is a lot of products! But then one day, I was slapped with the harsh truth. I hate to break it to ya'll but....

There is no such thing as a product or treatment designed to make your hair grow faster.

The reality is, products that claim to make your hair grow faster really, in most cases, are just making your hair healthier. It's not putting hair growth into overdrive, but just making your hair stronger. Stronger hair = less breakage = more hair on your head and less in your brush.

If anyone has put their hair through the wringer, it's me. Blow dryers, straighteners, curling irons, bleach, bleach, and more bleach. At one point, all of that damage really caught up with me. My ends were breaking off and my hair was just stuck at that awkward length. So I decided to start taking good care of my hair again. Here are some products that have nursed my hair back to health, allowing it to grow.

Biotin. I'm sure you've all heard of this wonder supplement. Not only is it great for providing necessary nourishment to your locks, but it will make your skin glow and your nails grow. I take the maximum strength biotin (usually Target brand because it's cheap!) daily for the last year and I've noticed a huge difference in the health of my hair, skin, and nails.

Lee Stafford Hair Growth Treatment. I have not been using this product very long, but I already love it! After the first use, my hair was unbelievably soft and shiny, and the benefits just continued from there. This treatment is meant to be used in between shampooing and conditioning. It is full with protein, make the hair shaft stronger, as well as nourishing your scalp -- an important aspect of hair growth. Just like the packaging says, "Remember, if the earth is not nourished, you'll never grow beautiful flowers." You can find this treatment at Ulta.

Redken Extreme CAT Protein Treatment. Protein is necessary for healthy hair. It strengthens the hair shaft from the inside, preventing breakage. I always do a protein treatment after highlighting my hair (BLONDIES--- very important!) and every 2-4 weeks after that. You do not want to do protein treatments too often because too much protein will make your hair brittle and break easily! This treatment is usually not sold in stores or hair salons due to its intended professional use. I buy mine off of Amazon or you can ask your hairstylist to order some for you!

What products do you love for healthy hair?

Happy Wednesday!

Beauty Buys

Have I mentioned how obnoxious my obsession with new beauty products is? Because if I haven't, it's pretty obnoxious. So obnoxious that I can't walk into Ulta without walking out at least $50 poorer -- at least! As I mentioned yesterday, an Ulta opened up right around the corner from my apartment. I kid you not, I've been waiting since September for that bad boy to open it's glorious doors for me. Of course, I had to make sure that this Ulta is up to my standards, so I went on a bit of a beauty shopping spree. I bought some prrreeettttttyyyy amazing products that I must share with you all.

//One// Maybelline Color Whisper in Cherry on Top. Yes, I know I shared this yesterday, but it deserves to be on the top of this list. I cannot say enough about this lip color line. The color is bold and vibrant while still be smooth and translucent -- no cakey lipstick here! The Color Whisper line is a mix between a gloss and a lipstick. Seriously -- go get yourself one of every color!

//Two// theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer. The picture above doesn't do a good job at showing the product. Mary-Lou Manizer, besides having a bomb.com name, is the best highlighter I've ever used. Woke up looking like you were just run over by a truck and then a train? No problem! Dab some Mary-Lou Manizer in the corner of your eyes and you look wide awake! Feeling like your nose is taking over your face? Don't worry, dab some down the center and it's like you just got a nose job! Seriously, this stuff is magical.

//Three// Redken Extreme Shampoo and Conditioner. This duo has been one of my favorite shampoo and conditioners for years now. It's perfect for distressed hair -- hello blonde highlights and constant straightening. Ulta has these bad boys on sale for $16 a liter. That's a steal ladies! Go stock up, like right this very moment.

//Four// Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream. I fell in love with Smashbox's BB cream when I received a sample in my Birchbox a couple months ago, but there was no way I was going to drop an arm and a leg for a full-sized tube. So then the hunt for the second best BB cream ensued. Maybelline's BB Cream is by far the closest I've found to Smashbox's. It's light and fresh and hides imperfections on those days you don't feel like painting your face.

//Five// Bare Escentuals Full-Edge Liner Brush. I've been meaning to find a good liner brush for my cream liner since I've been using the one cent brush that came with the cream liner (which happened to be the worst brush ever). I'm loving this brush! It's easy to use, collects the perfect amount of cream liner, and makes the perfect cat eye every time.

//Six// Bare Escentuals Ready Foundation. I love, love, love, Bare Escentuals Mineral Foundation. But I hated how messy the loose powder was. I felt like I got more on the counter top than on my face. Well, problem solved! This compact version of the beloved foundation is perfection. The same flawless face without the mess.

And there you have it, my latest beauty buys! Before you leave me for the day, you need to know that you're definitely going to want to come back here tomorrow. I'm teaming up with some pretty awesome ladies to giveaway something ah-maze-ing. You're not going to want to miss this!