How to Grow "African American" Hair Long

In my best Jan Brady voice..."moisture moisture moisture!" There is no special product, no quick fix, no home remedy. The key to growing long African American hair, is keeping it moisturized. Simply put, if your hair is dry and brittle, it Will break off. I'm sure you already know that hair grows an average of 1/2 inch per month. However most African American women don't see the progress because either, they're going to the salon regularly and their beautician is chopping it off or it is so dry that it breaks off. The solution to their problem is a lack of moisture. The more you do to your hair, the more moisture it needs.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Patience - Give your self time to see results, before you throw in the towel.
• Conditioners
• patience
• Oils
• Creams
• Silk scarf, bonnet and/or pillow case
• Did I mention patience?
• Plenty of Water
• More Patience
• Heat protecting serums

1. Keep your hair clean. Some people wash their hair everyday, others once or twice a week. How often you wash your hair is left up to you. Just be sure to choose a good moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.
   
   You should deep condition your hair atleast once per month, I recommend once a week. Choose a deep conditioner with protein. Your hair needs this add protein to keep it's moisture balance.
2. After you wash and condition your hair, always apply a leave-in conditioner. For thick textures, the creamy leave-ins work best. Fine hair ladies might find that the creams are too heavy and weigh their hair down. If this is the case, you will want to opt for the liquid leave-in conditioners.
3. Air dry your hair if time allows, if not, dry on a low setting and use a heat protectant.
4. If you choose to use hot curler, hot combs and/or flat irons, you must monitor the temperature to prevent scorching your hair.
5. Each night you should add some creamy moisturizer to you hair focusing on the hair line, the nape and the ends of your hair. Whether you wrap your hair or not is irrelevant, just be sure to either cover it with a silk/satin bonnet or scarf, or invest in some satin pillow cases. This will prevent your hair from drying out and breaking while you are sleeping.
6. You should find an oil that works well for your hair. Some oils tend to be heavier than others. Jojobo oil is my personal preference. Apply between a dime size and a quarter size amount of oil (depending on the thickness and texture) to your hair each morning.
   
   Set a routine and your hair will flourish in time. Be consistent and your hair will grow to lengths you never achieved before.
   
   Be blessed and keep it growing!

Tips & Warnings

• Everyone's hair is different. Find a moisturizer that works for you and use it daily.
• Be gently with your hair
• Be careful not to double process your hair. Try to stretch your relaxers at least 8 weeks.
• Use extra large combs and denman brushes only and manipulate your hair as little as possible.
• Do not allow your hair to get dry!
• Avoid tight ponytails and braids. They will rip your hair out.
• Try to avoid excessive amounts of heat. You should never use hot curlers every day.