How to Grow Afro Hair Long
Although much of your hair's growth depends on genetics, there are steps you can take to grow your hair as long as it will possibly get. Afro hair may look tough and strong, but it's often quite delicate and requires gentle care to obtain its maximum growth potential. Following a hair care routine is important to retain your hair, prevent split ends and promote healthy growth. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Wide-tooth comb
- Brush
- Natural oils
- Satin cap or satin pillowcase
- Accessories
Instructions
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Maintain a regular hair care routine. This includes regular shampooing and conditioning.
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Shampoo hair about once a week. Because Afro hair is usually dry, too much shampooing can dry it out even more, leading to brittleness and breakage.
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Shampoo hair in the shower. Wet it completely, then add shampoo and concentrate on cleaning the scalp. Use your fingertips, not fingernails, to clean your entire scalp, letting the shampoo run down the length of your hair.
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Rinse with warm water. Squeeze out excess water.
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Apply conditioner, concentrating it on the ends of your hair. Comb through with a wide-tooth comb to distribute evenly. Rinse completely.
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Style your freshly washed hair with products that are as natural as possible. Products that contain heavy amounts of petroleum only coat the hair and don't moisturize it. Jojoba oil and aloe vera oil are better options.
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Concentrate the oils on the ends of your hair, which tend to be drier. Comb or brush through with a wide-tooth comb or soft bristle brush.
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Wear protective styles as much as possible. This prevents your hair from drying out and retains moisture. Protective styles include cornrows, braids, two-strand twists, buns, ponytails and flat twists.
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Use hair accessories that are gentle to your hair. These include silk or satin scarves, satin scrunchies and ponytail holders without metal pieces.
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Sleep in a satin hair cap or on a satin pillowcase instead of cotton. The satin won't rub against your hair and pull it like cotton will.
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Get trims every three to four months. You can either do this yourself or go to a professional. A trim should only remove the bottom 1/4 inch of dead and dry ends. By removing these ends, you prevent split ends, which will eventually damage your hair and require cutting.
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Tips & Warnings
Between shampoos, you can wet your hair and comb through with conditioner to keep it fresh. This is important for people who exercise often.
Drink lots of water. This not only keeps your body healthy, it promotes clear skin and well-moisturized hair.
Do not braid your hair too tightly. This can lead to hair loss.
Avoid wool caps in the winter. If you wear knit caps to keep your head warm, sew in a satin or silk liner so that it's gentle to your hair.
