How to Grow Healthy, Long, and Thick African American Hair

Growing long, healthy hair is not an impossible task for African American women.

The more fragile nature of African American hair makes it important for women of color to treat their hair with care in order to grow long, healthy locks. Dr. Susan Taylor of Society Hill Dermatology in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, explains that black hair has more "microscopic knots" that make it more "prone to breakage." African American women who are aware of the care required to make their hair healthy will be able to find ways to nurture their tresses in a way that allows for growth.

Things You'll Need

• Vitamins
• Water
• Moisturizer
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Satin scarf or cap

Instructions

1. Care for your body. Replace fatty "soul food" dishes, the name given to traditional African American food, with more fruits and vegetables. Exercise more and try to drink 8 or 9 glasses of water daily. Take vitamin supplements if you suffer from any vitamin deficiencies. When you are in better physical health, you will be able to better grow healthy hair.

2. Moisturize your hair regularly since African American hair tends to look and feel more dry than other types of hair. Use light, natural based moisturizers such as those that contain olive, coconut or sesame seed oil. Apply moisturizer to your scalp so the roots of your hair are getting the nourishment they needs.

3. Wash and condition your hair regularly. Although African American hair has to be protected against dryness, it also has to be shielded from damage caused by dirty scalp and clogged scalp pores. Choose a gentle shampoo and a moisturizing conditioner to use at least once a week. Avoid washing your hair too often as that tends to contribute to dryness damage.

4. Make sure any braided hair extensions are not too tight and that the added hair is not too heavy. Both overly tight braids and heavy braids can give your hair extra stress and contribute to hair loss. Ask the person who braids for you to weave the hair less tightly than usual and that the braids come no lower than your shoulders.

5. Cover your hair when you sleep with a satin cloth or cap. The smoothness of the satin will help protect your fragile hair follicles from damage that can occur from your head moving against a pillowcase.

References

• "Great Hair: Secrets to Looking Fabulous and Feeling Beautiful Ever Day"; Nick Arrojo, et al.; 2008
• "Hair and Hair Care"; Dale H. Johnson; 1997
• Society Hill Dermatology: The Uniqueness of Black Hair; 2010
• Society Hill Dermatology: About Dr. Susan Taylor; 2010
• Food in Every Country: United States African American; 2011
• Mayo Clinic: Water--How Much Should You Drink Every Day?; 2010