Things You'll Need:
- Wide Tooth Comb
- Light hair moisterizer
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Step 1
Avoid Chemicals – For growing long hair, natural hair that is free from relaxers is the best bet. Relaxers, hair color and curls are chemicals that break down your hair and make it weak. If you do decide to chemically alter your hair, don’t double process it. If you relax your hair, don’t color it. If you color you hair, don’t relax it. Make sure you always have a professional do it and deep condition regularly.
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Step 2
Apply a light oil/leave-in moisturizer to your hair daily. Do not apply it on the scalp. “Greasing the scalp” is unnecessary as it tends clog up hair pores (slowing hair growth) and leaves a dirty residue. Your scalp already produces it own natural oil. If you suffer from dry scalp or dandruff, use a special shampoo and limit the amount of oil you apply to it. The dry scalp could be a result of the dependency it developed from you constantly greasing it. If your condition is serious, you may want to consult a doctor.
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Step 3
Avoid excessive brushing - Use a wide tooth comb or your fingers instead. Brushing too much tends to break the hair. Some believe brushing help distribute oils from the scalp down to the hair shaft. This is not necessary for black hair since you will apply a small amount of oil to your hair daily.
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Step 4
Avoid excessive heat – heat from blow dryers and curling irons help to dry out hair and cause more breakage. Use rollers, wraps or air dry your hair instead.
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Step 5
Be extremely careful with rubber band or hair ties. Rubber bands/pony tail holders will break your hair if you tend to rip them out when letting your hair down. Loosen them slowly and carefully so you don’t break any of your hair. If you wear braids, make sure to add some braiding hair and braid past your real hair. You may then tie it with a rubber band or secure it with super glue. That way, your real hair will not be damaged.
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Step 6
Give your hair a break. Braid or weave styles are wonderful ways to give your real hair a break from everyday styling and can help retain hair length. Make sure not to keep these styles for longer than two months at a time, as it will cause breakage or cause your hair to lock (dread.)
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Step 7
Carefully wrap or braid your hair at night to avoid breakage while you are sleeping. A satin pillow or a satin scarf is best. Avoid tying your hair in tight ponytails before going to bed.
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Step 8
Eat a good diet - Take a multivitamin and drinks lot of water daily to ensure maximum hair growth.
Comments
brat011981 said
on 8/31/2009 I noticed when I added extra vitamin e to my diet my skin and scalp needed less external moisturizing. I like this article, it makes a lot of sense.
greatgreat8 said
on 4/14/2009 thank this is great information.
msnulengths said
on 4/12/2009 Great article. I have an article similiar to this one. You should read it. We could exchange advice!
angeltimesthree said
on 1/21/2009 Great info. It's like... I knew these things but I needed reinforcement to remind myself of these important key facts! :) Thanks and this a great article... I am multi-racial with frizzy Shirley temple hair. I wear it straight (natural/flatiron) and curly but need to know of a GOOOOOOD leave in conditioner for dry hair? Any suggestions? No-nonsense conditioners... I mean a great conditioner for THIRSTY hair... Please comment.
SUCCESS31 said
on 10/28/2008 Thanks for the advice. It is the advice that I needed now that I am letting my hair grow. I am an african american but I always wear a short cut but now I am trying something different and letting it grow.