How to Grow Long African American Hair

Many African American (black) women believe that the only way they will ever have long, healthy hair is to wear a wig or a weave. I used to be one of those women until I discovered other black women who had learned the proper way to take care of African American hair. Black hair is the driest and most fragile kind of hair around, so it needs special treatment in order to thrive. This article covers the basics and is enough to get you started on your hair care journey, but to learn all the tips and tricks available, I suggest becoming a member of the Black Hair Media Forum. That’s where I learned how to have long, healthy hair.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hair moisturizer that lists its first ingredient as Water or Glycerin.
• Shampoo and conditioner labeled for Dry and/or Damaged Hair
• A Deep Conditioner (i.e., Queen Helene’s Hair Cholesterol or Motions CPR Hair Treatment)
• Olive Oil or Castor Oil
• Wide-tooth Comb
• Bonnet Hair Dryer
• Satin Hair Scarf or Satin Pillowcase

1. Moisturize hair at least once a day with the moisturizer. It is not necessary to completely saturate the hair, but do make sure it is evenly distributed throughout.

2. After moisturizing, you will need to use an oil to help seal the moisture in.

3. Shampoo and Condition hair at least once a week—twice a week if you have the time.

4. Once a week, use a deep conditioner after shampooing your hair. After applying the deep conditioner to your hair, put on a shower cap and sit under a bonnet dryer for 30 minutes to an hour. Then rinse the conditioner out.

5. After every wash, reapply moisturizer and oil before the hair is completely dry. Use a wide-tooth comb to remove any tangles.

6. Sleep with a satin hair scarf on your head every night to reduce split ends and damage from tossing and turning in bed. You can also buy a satin pillowcase if you don’t like having something on your head at night.

Tips & Warnings

• Air drying hair after washing is best. If you must use a hand held hair dryer, stop when your hair is about 90% dry, then let it air dry the rest of the way.
• Wear your hair up in a “protective style” (for example, a bun or under a scarf) as often as possible. This helps retain moisture and reduces damage and breakage caused by friction with clothing.
• Register at a Black Hair Care Message board. I frequent http://forum.blackhairmedia.com/default.asp
• There are lots of black women there with shoulder length and longer hair who are always offering advice and sharing what works for them. There is also http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/, but I don’t visit that very often. However, it is based on black hair care and is just as helpful.
• Only use a brush when you really need to! Brushing African American hair causes extra breakage and split ends because it is so fragile.
• Frequent heat is damaging, so use it sparingly.
• African American hair is naturally dry, so not moisturizing often will result in breakage and damage.
• Hair Sprays and Gels containing alcohol dry the hair even more, so moisturize after using them or dont use them at all!

Resources

• African American Hair Care - For Growth and Health Blog
• Black Hair Media Forums
• The Grow Long Healthy Black Hair Ebook
• Fusion Cash
• 6DGR
• Cash Crate
• GDI Financial Freedom Information

[msnulengths]

on 4/12/2009 Great article. I have an article similiar to this one. You should read it. We could exchange advice!

[YolandaJohnson]

on 1/21/2009 I am prefer hair vitamins "Nouritress".
http://www.afrohairgrowth.com/MClient.php?D1=S&F1=frame&D2=S&F2=La&D3=S&F3=proddetail&catno=59&no=339&category=name&keyword=

[nmcguire7]

on 1/14/2009 Thanks for writing this. I use to have long hair, but when childbirthing came along, my hair took a beating, but I am getting back on track.

[loola]

on 1/8/2009 Message board for all your questions and concerns about growing long African-American hair www.afrohaircentral.com

[lovejons]

on 12/29/2008 I had,thinning hair on the top part and edges are thinning. I would like to wear my hair out buy , with volumn, lenght, style, and healthy looking. I like a short look for my 30's, that will accentuates my posture and shape of face.