eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Grow an Afro with African American Hair

Contributor
By Andrea Hermitt
eHow Contributing Writer
(12 Ratings)
Grow an Afro with African American Hair
Grow an Afro with African American Hair

The afro is a natural hairstyle worn by African Americans and other people with African heritage. An Afro is also called "a natural," which means the hair is allowed to grow naturally and without any chemicals. Afros can be short, as in a "teenie, weenie afro." An Afro can also be quite large and extend a 12 inches or more and form a halo or cloud of hair around the head, as was popular in the 1970's when afros were worn by most African Americans.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Start with a freshly trimmed head of hair. Remove all signs of chemicals in your hair by cutting off processed hair into a short Afro. Keep as much length as possible, without leaving any processed hair on your head. Have any damaged or split ends cut off your hair as well. Consider a barber who specializes in caring for natural hair.

  2. Step 2

    Make dietary changes that will improve your hair growth rate and the condition of your hair. Make sure your diet is well balanced with a good amount of protein, nuts, fruit, vegetables and vitamins.

  3. Step 3

    Oil and massage your scalp on a regular basis. You might think products popular in the 1970's like DAX and other thick hair greases might help your Afro, but these petroleum based products will clog your pores. Instead use natural coconut oil, shea butter, or a commercial product that does not have petroleum in the ingredients. Apply the oil directly to the scalp and massage to stimulate hair growth.

  4. Step 4

    Twist or braid your hair at night once it reaches about 4 inches long. This will encourage a curly hair pattern and will eliminate the need to fix a lopsided afro in the morning. Take out the braids and twists after your shower in the morning.

  5. Step 5

    Use a wide toothed comb or afro pick to style your hair. Using the wrong comb will fray your Afro and cause you to have to cut it more often. To pick your hair, insert the pick into the hair and pull straight out. Do this all over the head and your hair should stand up in all directions. Use your hands to pat the hair down so that it is even all over.

  6. Step 6

    Trim your Afro on a regular basis to keep it looking attractive. You may not want to cut your Afro as you want it to grow faster, but a well groomed Aafro is more attractive than a long Afro.

Tips & Warnings
  • You must be patient to grow an Afro. It could easily take a year for your Afro to reach 6 inches long.

Post a Comment

Post a Comment
  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This

Related Ads

Get Free Fashion, Style & Personal Care Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

eHow Fashion, Style and Personal Care
eHow_eHow Fashion, Style and Personal Care