Hair Growth Products for Women of Color

How Hair Grows

The hair follicle
Your hair forms in a pouch-like structure called the follicle; the part you see and comb is called the hair shaft. There are three growth phases. The active growth phase, or anagen phase, lasts several years. During the anagen phase, hair has an active amount of melanin, which determines color. The regressive phase, or the catagen phase, lasts from three to four months, during which the hair does not grow and does not shed. In the resting phase, the telagen phase, the hair sheds and new hair begins to grow.

Sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners
Many shampoos contain sulfates that can strip the hair and make it brittle and break. This can be particularly damaging if your hair has a tightly coiled texture or delicate curl patterns. Shampoos containing sulfates should not be used. Read labels and make sure your shampoo is sulfate-free. EverPure Shampoo from L'oreal is a readily available sulfate-free shampoo. Moroccan Oil Moisture Repair Shampoo adds moisture and protein without sulfates.

Your hair needs moisture and protein for strength, so every product you use needs to address these two needs. Aphogee is a great protein treatment that can be used for all textures and for chemically relaxed hair. Use a water-based moisturizer that effectively penetrates the hair. Profectiv Mega Growth moisturizing conditioner has this property. Oil-based moisturizers seal moisture in or out and should only be used for shine. Read the labels of any conditioner or treatment you are using to make sure it does not rely on oils like lanolin, mineral oil or petroleum to get results.

Vitamins and nutrients for growth
Vitamins are essential for your hair's health and growth. The intake of the right vitamins and minerals plays a major role in the health of your hair. You can maximize the growth cycle by taking proper nutrients. Beta-carotene and biotin are essential for promoting hair growth. Methylsulfonylmethane, or MSN, helps to produce healthy keratin and boosts the anagen growth stage. Niacin and vitamins B6 and B12 have also been shown to promote hair growth. These vitamins and minerals can be found in foods you eat and also in supplement form.

Blow-dry
Use heat sparingly on your hair. Pulling your hair into a ponytail and letting it dry naturally is the best way, but not always possible. A smoothing serum is the best type of product to use when blow-drying. You can use a flat iron for smoothness; a ceramic iron, such as the CHI iron, is the best choice. Silk-based products such as Biosilk are great for blow-drying and flat-ironing. Biosilk is an excellent finishing tool as well and gives lovely shine

Moisturizing relaxer
Relaxers and perms are different. Relaxers make the hair straight and perms encourage curl. FiberGuard relaxer from Affirm is a great choice as it moisturizes and relaxes. Relaxing your hair should be done in a salon; a stylist can see areas of your head that you cannot. Touching up new growth means the relaxer should only be applied to the new growth and should avoid the scalp. If you have naturally straight hair and want to add texture and volume, choose a perm. Perms use a solution applied over a curing rod to create new curl patterns in the hair.

Ceramic flat iron
Use a wide-tooth comb and a natural-bristle soft brush to keep from breaking and pulling your hair. Avoid using rubber bands. Adding an egg to your favorite conditioner will give it added protein, and leaving in treatments such as Redken Extreme Anti-Snap can address dryness while you are blow-drying. Don't use any thermal tools that cannot be heat-regulated. A satin cap or pillow case while you sleep will help prevent breakage.