Mane Attraction: Science-Backed Rituals For Long, Enviable Hair

Let’s be honest: if good hair were purely genetic, the rest of us wouldn’t be here Googling “how to grow hair faster” at 2am.

The good news? Long, glossy, head-turning hair isn’t reserved for the lucky few. It’s built through smart habits, scalp-savvy care, and a little science-backed consistency, not miracles or overnight promises.

No product, no matter how chic the packaging, can override biology. Hair grows from follicles that rely on blood flow, nutrients, and a healthy scalp environment. Translation? Your lengths are only as good as what’s happening at the root.

What you’re eating

If hair is built from the inside out, your diet is the blueprint. Hair is made almost entirely of protein, yet it’s often the first place your body cuts corners when nutrients are low. Iron deficiency, low protein intake, and a lack of healthy fats are some of the most common and overlooked reasons hair growth stalls.

Think eggs, lentils, and salmon for structure; spinach, red meat, and pumpkin seeds for iron; and avocados, walnuts, and flaxseed for scalp-loving omega-3s.

How you’re washing

Once the follicles have their fuel, it’s time to give them a home they actually want to live in. A clean, balanced scalp sets the stage for growth, while targeted oils like rosemary, castor, and jojoba nourish follicles and protect strands. Just a few minutes of massage boosts circulation, helping nutrients reach the roots and waking up sleepy follicles.

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil – €12.42

Try the Mielle Rosemary Oil treatment twice a week. Warm a few teaspoons of your chosen oil, massage it into the scalp with a scalp massager, then wrap your hair in cling film or a shower cap for an hour before washing it out. This locks in heat and maximises absorption, leaving the scalp nourished and strands soft, shiny, and resilient.

Expert-backed products like Nioxin Shampoo and Conditioner sets are perfect for cleansing after oiling, offering formulas tailored to individual concerns.

Nioxin System 2 Scalp + Hair Shampoo – €39.50

Back to basics

We’ve all fallen for the ‘Overnight Rapunzel’ hype at some point. Brushing 100 times, drowning hair in chemicals daily, or thinking trims are evil. Add in tight hairstyles that pull on follicles, heat styling that weakens strands, and suddenly growth feels impossible. The trick? Stop overcomplicating it.

Aveda Scalp Solutions Stimulating Scalp Massager – €22.88 

Feed your hair, care for your scalp, protect strands with a silk bonnet at night, and let smart, simple routines do the heavy lifting. Long hair isn’t magic. It’s maintenance. And the sooner we stop romanticising overnight fixes, the faster we get to the good part!

Cantu Satin Sleep Tie Bonnet – €10.17

Words by Indie Nair