Unless you have a medical condition that effects the growth rate of your hair, damaged hair follicles from relaxers/hair styles that are too tight (you would be bald if this was happening, I will do a separate post on balding), or your hair is thinning and balding from age, your hair hasn’t stopped growing. Whether you’re black, white, brown, yellow, orange, red or blue, your hair is and will grow. What is most likely happening to those of you who think your hair has stopped growing is that your hair is breaking off from lack of care and moisture faster than it is growing, giving the impression that your hair isn’t growing Anymore. Below are some tips on growing long healthy hair.

1- Moisture.

The number one rule in growing black hair is to moisturise. You want to keep your hair moisturised at all times to prevent your hair from becoming dry and breaking. Make sure you’re keeping your hair moisturised using the L.O.C method. Liquid/Leave in conditioner, a natural Oil to seal in that moisture and a Cream to lock all the nutrients in (skip the cream part if you have fine hair that is easily weighed down by product, just use your liquid and a lightweight oil such as Organic Coconut Oil). Remember to deep condition every wash day, especially after using a shampoo containing sulfates which strip your hair. Always wear a satin/silk headscarf to bed or sleep on a satin/silk pillowcase as contact between hair and cotton creates friction which dries out your hair resulting in breakage.

 

2- Protein.

Although moisture is essential to grow healthy long hair, use a protein treatment regularly to strengthen your hair. If your hair is chemically processed in any way, protein treatments are very important as those processes would’ve weakened your hair. Some people use a moisturising deep conditioner and then a protein treatment bi-weekly, however it comes down to what works best for you and your hair. I find that my hair loves moisture but is protein sensitive and so a protein treatment every 4-8 weeks is enough for me.

 

3- Manipulation.

Combing, brushing, and styling black hair in general puts stress on our hair which can cause breakage. Before styling your natural hair, lightly dampen it with water or a mix of water and conditioner in a spray bottle and then distribute some leave in conditioner/moisturiser throughout your hair to help loosen any knots and tangles. Detangle using a wide tooth comb and your fingers, starting at the bottom and working your way up to your roots to minimize the stress put on your strands. Use protective styles such as braids (as long a they’re not too tight) and weave to give your hair a rest, and use buns to keep the ends of your hair tied up and away protecting them. Trim your hair when your ends start to feel dry, or are beginning to split to prevent any damage travelling up the hair shaft.

 

4- Health.

What you put into your body will show on the outside. For healthy hair drink lots of water and eat foods that are high in omega 3 fatty acids such as salmon, avocado and pumpkin seeds. Greek yoghurt, eggs, lentils and spinach are great sources of protein.

P.S, daily vitamin supplements won’t hurt.