How to Grow Natural Hair Into an Afro

If you have kinky or tightly-curled hair, it will naturally grow into an Afro with just a little care. The best way to achieve this is to let your hair do its own thing. It shouldn't be straightened or otherwise manipulated. Because hair grows an average of 1/2" per month, you can start with very little hair and have an Afro to be envied in several months' time.

Things You'll Need

• Wide-tooth comb or pick
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Deep conditioner
• Natural oils

Instructions

1. Let your hair grow on its own. There's nothing you can do to make your hair grow faster, but you can treat it gently to retain the hair that you already have, instead of losing it to split ends and dryness.

2. Keep your hair moisturized. Do this via regular shampooing, conditioning, deep conditioning and application of natural oils and hair products.

3. Trim your ends every three to four months. This may sound counterproductive to growth, but by trimming away dry ends that can split and damage an entire hair shaft, you're keeping your hair healthy.

4. Comb your hair with a wide-tooth comb or pick. Picking your hair out makes it take the rounded shape of an Afro.

5. Get an Afro trim from a professional stylist. A barber or stylist who's comfortable working with naturally kinky and curly hair knows how to trim hair to get that rounded look that signifies an Afro.

Tips & Warnings

• Protective styles like braids, twists, cornrows and buns encourage moisture retention, which helps to retain growth.

• Sleep on satin or silk pillowcases so that your hair doesn't catch on the fabric, as it can do with cotton.

• Don't use permanents or other texture-altering chemicals on your hair.