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How Historical Hair Care Grew My Hair to Thigh Length After Modern Methods Failed

Writer's picture: Katherine SewingKatherine Sewing



My brittle, chin-length hair was doomed. Until I abandoned everything mainstream hair care taught me, and discovered 6 forgotten secrets.


Eight years ago, I cut my stringy, damaged hair to chin length, thinking it would never grow long again. But today, it’s thigh length, healthy, and strong—thanks to a few forgotten secrets that historical women used to grow long, luxurious hair. And the best part? You don’t need expensive products—just a few simple, natural techniques. Here’s exactly how I did it.


hair growth cheat sheet


This is a print-able and to the point outline of my TOP HAIR GROWTH TIPS, complete with all the recipes and product links you need to get started! Normally, this is only available for my private consult clients!






My Hair Transformation Story

When I cut my hair, it was a fresh start. My hair had been stringy, frayed, and uneven for years. It never grew past a few inches below my shoulders, and even at its longest, it looked unhealthy. I relied on expensive products just to make it look passable, but they didn’t address the root issues. My ends were so damaged that my hair was much shorter in some places than others.


long curly healthy hair

That’s when I began to wonder: what if historical people knew something we’ve forgotten about growing long, healthy hair? Inspired, I dove into researching and experimenting. It’s now been eight years since my self-administered, blunt, chin-length hair cut, and my hair has transformed completely. Now, it’s thigh length, strong, much more shiny, and with healthy, even ends. So what was the hidden key to this transformation?



Historical Hair Care: A Source of Inspiration

As a historical fashion enthusiast, I had long noticed how many historical women seemed to have long, beautiful hair. Why was it that there were many 13 year old girls during the Edwardian period, for example, with waist length hair, while today, countless people who desperately want to grow their hair long, simply “can’t”?


historical long haired woman


The key must lie within the radically different ways that historical people cared for their hair, due to their different cultures, lack of indoor running water, and massive hair care product industries. Historical people in the west considered “frequent hair washing” to be once every two weeks, and didn’t have modern shampoos, conditioners or synthetic styling products. They relied on natural oils, gentle cleansing methods, and protective styles to maintain their hair. They also used mechanical means, such as brushing and combing techniques, to keep their scalps clean. This simplicity, paired with consistent, loving care of their hair, proved to be incredibly effective.


I realized that by understanding these timeless practices and applying them to my routine, I could unlock the same potential for my hair. This wasn’t about nostalgia but about learning from the wisdom of the past to solve modern hair challenges.


Let’s dive in to the six hair care secrets that have transformed my hair - and can do the same for yours too!


1. Lifestyle and Diet

Healthy hair starts from the inside. Eating a clean, balanced diet rich in calories and protein is crucial for hair growth. Avoiding extreme, restrictive diets, keeping stress to a minimum, and sleeping adequately are hugely important for hair growth. Hair is considered a non-essential part of our body’s system, which is why it is often the first to show negative signs if our diet, lifestyle, or mindsets are less than ideal. Certain superfoods and supplements have been game-changers for me:

  • Herbal Hair Growth Tea: Packed with nutrients to nourish from within.

  • Bee Pollen & Cod Liver Oil: For essential vitamins and minerals.

  • Chlorella, Amla, and Maca: Superfoods that boost overall health.

  • MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane): A sulfur compound that strengthens hair and promotes growth.


dietary supplements

Exercise is another key factor. Activities like walking, yoga, or weight training improve circulation and reduce stress, both of which are essential for hair health. By keeping stress low, eating well, and staying active, I’ve seen a dramatic improvement in my hair’s health and growth.


2. Clay Washing and Vinegar Rinses


clay wash in shower

Since I was 12 or 13, I have almost never used shampoo, but the problem became finding a natural, effective, and gentle alternative for cleansing my hair, but especially my scalp. It was a game-changer for me when I discovered rhassoul clay for cleansing my hair, followed by an apple cider vinegar (ACV) rinse for sealing and balancing my hair’s pH. Here’s why this duo is so effective:

  • Rhassoul Clay: Gently cleanses without stripping natural oils, leaving hair soft, bouncy, and nourished. It’s especially great for defining curls but works wonders for straight hair too, adding volume and silkiness. It’s a huge source of minerals and nourishment, and draws blood circulation to the scalp. Also a natural detoxifier.

  • Apple Cider Vinegar Rinses: Balances the scalp’s pH, removes residue, softens hair, and adds shine. Balances bacteria and can heal problems like dandruff, oil overproduction, or fungal growth at the scalp. 


This combination transformed my hair’s texture. My curls became naturally defined, my scalp felt cleaner, and my hair was softer than ever. For beginners, start with a diluted ACV rinse to avoid irritation or over-clarifying of your hair. Also, rinse the ACV out afterward with lukewarm to cool water.


3. Oil Treatments


woman receiving hair oil treatment

Oiling my scalp and hair with time-honoured, effective, herbal blends has became a cornerstone of my routine. Historical women often used oils like castor, coconut, or olive oil, and I drew inspiration from their practices. I have even experimented with animal fats like tallow. Using oils on the scalp and hair is a very powerful technique for increasing hair health and hydration, and encouraging hair follicles to operate at their full potential. Oils used as a pre-wash masque can also provide deep moisture without the need for conditioners. Now, I use my own Herbal Hair Growth Oil Blend, infused with Ayurvedic herbs. I apply it to my scalp, massage it in, and let it work overnight before washing it out. These treatments keep my hair hydrated, soft, and manageable while helping to minimize split ends.




4. Scalp Massage


scalp massage

Another simple yet powerful, time-honoured technique is scalp massage. Regular scalp massage improves blood circulation to the scalp, delivering nutrients to hair follicles and promoting growth. It’s also great for reducing stress and improving sleep if done before bed! I started my journey by dedicating 10-15 minutes weekly to scalp massage, usually when I was applying my weekly oil masque. Once I invested in an amazing battery powered scalp massager, and during a bout of postpartum hair loss, I switched to daily scalp massages. They seriously helped 


5. Gentle Detangling


finger detangling

Let me tell all of you curly haired people who struggle with hair growth a secret. One of the biggest hindrances to your growing longer hair may just be the way you have been detangling your hair. The modern hair care community, while thankfully now very embracing of curly textures, has taught us dogmatically that the only way to properly detangle hair is while it is wet, drenched with conditioner, in the shower. I followed this advice religiously for most of my life, until I discovered some shocking information. Detangling curly hair while wet, while it may feel more gentle, could actually be the biggest cause of silent hair breakage. Hair is weaker and more flexible when it’s wet, which means you could be snapping tons of hairs while detangling, but not be able to feel or hear the breakage occurring. This is probably the biggest cause of stringy, uneven hair length for those with curly hair. 


One of the biggest changes I made was switching to dry finger detangling. By detangling dry with my fingers, I reduced breakage, preserved my curl pattern, and maintained healthier ends.


For those with straight hair, tools like 100% boar bristle brushes can help distribute natural oils. Occasionally, I use a wooden wide-tooth comb or a boar bristle brush to get a more detailed detangling. 


6. Protective Styles


protective styles

Protective styles are essential for retaining hair length. They are also another largely forgotten hair care secret, at least in the caucasian world. Protective styles are ones in which the hair is tucked up and away from the body, and the hair ends are protected from the elements inside the style. I have a video all about protective styles here, and another video demonstrating my favourite styles here. These again, keep ends tucked away, and reduce tension on the scalp and hairline. At night, I sleep with my hair in a pineapple if I want to preserve my curls, or more often, in braids and cover it with a silk cap or scarf. A silk pillowcase is another great option to reduce friction and prevent breakage.


Conclusion: The Journey to Thigh-Length Hair


woman with long curly hair

Growing long, healthy hair is absolutely possible—no matter where you’re starting from. The key is listening to your hair, treating it gently, and being consistent with your routine. Depending on what you have been doing thus far, it may also require completely revamping your technique and switching to something that may, at first, feel counter-intuitive. Every technique I’ve shared, from clay washing to protective styles, played a role in my own hair care transformation. But remember, hair care is deeply personal. What worked for me might look different for you, and that’s okay.


If you’re feeling inspired, I’ve created a free cheat sheet with all these tips and links to my favourite products. Sign up with your email to get it sent straight to your inbox. And if you’re curious about any of the techniques, check out my full videos for more in-depth guidance.

Growing long hair takes time and patience, but every small change you make is an investment in your hair’s health. Whether your goal is waist-length, hip-length, or simply healthier, shinier hair, you have the tools and knowledge to make it happen.

Happy hair growing!





If you found this information wildly helpful and informative and would like to thank me, consider "buying me a coffee" through one of the buttons throughout this article. Thanks! I appreciate it so much! Click here for the full list of sewing products I recommend. Click here for the full list of hair-care products I recommend. Click here for the full list of makeup and skincare products I recommend. I have personally used all of these products and can wholeheartedly recommend them to you. It also helps support this blog if you purchase anything through one of those links because I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.






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