How to grow long black African American hair
If you've decided to grow your hairstyle longer, you may be at a loss for how to get started. Many African Americans have adopted hair-care techniques that aren't necessarily conducive to promoting hair growth. A change in some long-standing traditions, along with a commitment to daily pampering, can help you minimize breakage and grow your hair longer. After your hair reaches the desired length, there are techniques you can use that will help you keep your hair healthy and long. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Moisturizing shampoo
- Moisturizing conditioner
- Deep conditioner
- Leave-in-conditioner
- Water-based hair moisturizer
- Wide-toothed comb
- Satin scarf or cap
Instructions
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Clean and condition your hair at least once a week. In order for your hair to grow, you need to cleanse the follicles of the excessive natural oil produced by your scalp, as well as dirt and product build-up. The shampoo and conditioner that you use should specify that they are moisture-enhancing. Black hair requires constant hydration and moisture application, even during washing.
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Employ gentle handling of your hair when washing. Avoid vigorous rubbing and manipulating of your hair while shampooing. When you dry your hair, do so by blotting it with a towel and gently squeezing out moisture rather than rubbing and scouring your head roughly.
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Deep condition your hair at least twice a month. Deep conditioners are left on the hair for extended periods of time and most use heat to penetrate deep into the hair follicles to keep it healthy. Hot oil treatments are an example of this kind of conditioning.
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Detangle your hair carefully after washing and conditioning. Your hair should be slightly damp when you do this. Spray your tresses with a leave-in-conditioner or hair moisturizer that is water-based. Remove tangles and tight curls using a plastic wide-toothed comb. Never start at the roots of your hair when detangling. Begin at the ends and work your way toward your scalp.
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Style your hair in a way that protects it from excessive stress and friction. Any style that requires excessive manipulation like combing and brushing can cause breakage while you are trying to grow your hair out. Styles like weaves and braids allow your hair to bypass daily styling. But beware of weaves that are applied with glue, as these can break your hair off when they are taken out. Also be mindful of any hairstyle that allows your hair to constantly rub against your clothing, office chair, or the seat of your car. All of these objects can contribute to breakage.
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Hire a professional to apply relaxers. Relaxers do not have to be synonymous with hair breakage if they are applied and cared for properly. The main mistakes made with this method of straightening are leaving the relaxer on too long in order to try and make hair extremely straight. Overlapping relaxer over hair that has already been straightened is another cause of breakage. A professional hairstylist is best able to determine when your hair has been adequately straightened. A professional can also apply relaxer only to the new-growth in your hair without overlapping. This can be extremely hard to accomplish on your own.
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Limit the amount of heat applied to your hair. Heat damage can result in split ends and breakage that will sabotage your efforts at promoting hair growth. Consider using hair wrap lotion to keep your hair straight and rollers for achieving curls. These methods give your hair a break from the heat.
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Protect your hair at night. Even when you are sleeping you have the opportunity to nurture your hair. Wear a satin sleep cap or scarf to cover your hair at night. The slick consistency of satin minimizes rubbing of your hair against your pillowcase and bedding, which can lead to breakage.
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References
- Photo Credit Photos.com/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
