If you’re doing all the right things and still struggling to grow your hair past a certain length, it's time to talk about length retention. We’re breaking down everything to know about the topic and how it relates to hair growth- including the best expert approved tips for length retention. 

Hair growth can be tricky. Even with the right vitamins, healthy eating habits and proper hair care, some people still struggle to grow their hair past a certain point. If your hair won’t grow past your shoulders before it breaks or needs to be cut because of damage, it’s likely because of you length retention. What is length retention? It’s exactly what it sounds like- your hair’s ability to retain length. Specifically how well it holds up to damage like split ends and breakage, which inhibit long lengths. And though the terms might seem similar, retention is not the same as growth. Hair growth refers to how your hair develops and grows out of the follicles. Length retention refers to how well you maintain your hair’s length by keeping your hair as healthy as possible, and breakage to a minimum. Your length retention is how well you care for your hair after it’s grown out of the follicles.

Length retention is important to healthy hair because even if it’s actively growing, you’ll never see significant length if your strands are breaking off frequently. Proper hair care, including length retention, is a must for growing longer, stronger hair. Poor length retention means hair struggles to maintain length. It’s caused by things like heat styling and harsh chemicals, or not trimming your hair often enough. The effects of poor length retention include frayed or split ends, breakage, flatness, thinning or unmanageable hair, and hair that doesn’t seem to grow past a certain point. Length retention makes it possible to achieve long, healthy locks.

Now let’s take a second to clear something up. While length retention makes it possible for you to grow longer hair, it doesn't actually stimulate hair growth from the hair follicle. It does, however, promote longer lengths by keeping your strands as healthy as possible so they can grow optimally. So while you can’t accelerate hair growth or speed up the process with length retention, you can encourage faster growth

From understanding your hair type to deep conditioning, detangling gently, getting regular haircuts and using proper hair care techniques, there are steps you can take to better your chances of growing longer, stronger hair. These are Davines Stylist's top five tips for length retention. Take these steps to encourage healthy hair growth.

Knowing your hair type can help in maintaining length retention. Curly hair is more prone to breakage and shedding than other hair types. Curly hair is because it’s very dry. So it's more susceptible to breaking when combed, detangled, or styled. The same goes for fine and thinning hair. These hair types struggle most with retention, and knowing that is the first step to improving your length.

The deep conditioning process is a must for promoting length retention. Especially for very curly and coily hair types. Adhering to the L.O.C. / L.C.O. method, specifically. This method consists of hydrating the hair with a liquid, sealing in moisture with a cream, and smoothing down the cuticle with an oil. This curly hair hack will keep your curls deeply conditioned for maximum length retention.

Detangling is one of the biggest culprits behind hair breakage. So gentle detangling is another must when it comes to length retention. Be intentional when you detangle, and use the proper tools. This is a non negotiable when it comes to retaining length. Detangle with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Move through sections, starting at the ends and working up to the roots. Don’t pull or tug through any knots too hard; work through tangles slowly.

Wearing protective and low manipulation hairstyles can also help improve length retention. Protective styles like braids, cornrows or twists keep your hair hidden away from the damaging everyday elements. Keep these hairstyles protected with a silk scarf overnight and a shower cap while you shower or bathe. You can wear a protective style for up to six weeks before it’s time

wash and let your hair out to breathe.

It might sound counterintuitive, but getting your hair cut regularly will ultimately affect its ability to retain length. When your ends get dry, they can break or split, leading to shorter strands. Getting rid of split ends before they turn into damage is the best way to avoid breakage. To positively impact length retention, trim your hair every three to four months. This will keep your ends healthy, leading to longer, stronger lengths over time.

The most important thing you can do to promote longer, stronger strands; and maintain healthy hair in general, is to eat healthy. Never underestimate the power of a well balanced diet including protein, iron, zinc, omega-3s, and vitamins A, C, and E. A deficiency of any of these vitamins can slow hair growth and affect your length. Fill your plate with things like beef, fish, nuts, eggs, beans, pumpkin and chia seeds, leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts. Eating a mix of these foods daily plus drinking at least two liters of water will promote healthy hair retention.

The best length retention products encourage strong, healthy strands that can withstand the effects of damage. They add moisture and strength to your hair, while protecting it from things like split ends, flyaways and breakage. These are Davines Stylist top picks for length retention:

Instant Bonding Glow

An extra-shine fast acting serum to reinforce blonde strands, with an innovative formula enriched with Biacidic bond complex and Illuminating amino concentrate it strengthens and repairs the hair fiber, improving retention while leaving behind a glossy, intense shine.

NOURISHING Keratin Sealer

A protective and strengthening leave-in spray that nourishes, restructures and protects hair. Hair cuticles are sealed leaving hair soft, shiny and strong, improving length retention.

OI All In One Milk

This hydrating milk conditioning spray tames and detangles for a smooth, naturally shiny look. Formulated with Roucou oil, rich in beta-carotene and natural antioxidants, it also contains deeply moisturizing provitamin B5 and a functional amino complex that provides resistance to stress and heat protection up to 230°.

Liquid Spell

A best-selling reinforcing bodifying fluid packed with heat-activated amino acids that help fill, volumize and strengthen hair by compacting their structures. It’s a leave-in mousse treatment ideal for sensitized or fine hair in need of vitality or a body boost. It creates a natural shine and a healthier, silkier appearance when applied to the hair evenly - from base to end.

NOURISHING Hair Building Pak

This anti-split ends, repairing protein mask restructures and nourishes the hair shaft leaving the hair soft, shiny and strong. Leave the mask in for ten minutes at a time and use it as needed.

If you’re doing everything right and your hair still won’t grow past your shoulders, you’ve likely got an issue with retention. Not exactly the same thing as growth, but very closely related, retention is your hair’s ability to hold onto length once it’s grown. And it’s an important part of the hair growth process, because even hair that’s actively growing won’t gain significant length if it's breaking off frequently. Proper hair care- including knowing your hair type, deep conditioning, gentle detangling, wearing protective hairstyles and getting regular trims; as well as eating right and staying hydrated, is a must for growing longer, stronger hair. In addition, using high quality hair products free of toxins and harsh chemicals, like the ones from Davines, promotes better length retention. Our hair treatments for length retention and products for damaged hair help to restore and repair strands. Our damage correcting and anti-breakage products possess high grade, all-natural ingredients to restore your hair's true texture and retain length. After all, what good is length if you can’t retain it. 

by Jaclyn LaBadia, featured contributor