How to Grow Black Hair

Black hair requires special care.

Growing healthy hair can be a challenge for many African Americans. While black hair comes in many textures, it is almost always coarse and extremely dry. Dryness is the main reason growing black hair is so difficult -- lack of moisture prevents hair growth. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to grow strong, healthy black hair.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Nourish your body. Commit to eating a well balanced diet every day. This means you should incorporate the recommended amounts of vitamin D, calcium, protein, fiber, omega-3 and B12 into your diet on a daily basis. All are essential vitamins and minerals that promote healthy hair growth.

2. Moisturize your hair. Black hair is prone to dryness, and because of its coarseness, preventing hair breakage can be especially difficult when you use chemicals and heat on already dehydrated hair.

   Opt for natural oils whenever you can. Mix jojoba, olive oil, coconut oil and wheat germ into a bowl and heat for 1 minute or less. Distribute the oil into the hair at night and in the morning. (Wrap your hair in a silk scarf overnight.) When you cannot mix your own hair concoction, go for higher end black hair products that have all natural ingredients in them. Products to look for include Proefectiv, Organic Root Stimulator and Carol's Daughter.

3. Wash your hair every seven to 10 days. Many African Americans refrain from shampooing their hair this often because their hair can become stripped of oils so easily, especially after shampooing. However, hair experts say washing your hair regularly is essential to freeing your hair of potentially harmful bacteria. To maintain your hair's moisture, shampoo just once and use a moisturizing, ph-balanced shampoo and follow with a moisturizing, protein-based conditioner, hot oil treatment or moisturizer packet (sold at most beauty stores), and sit underneath a dryer for 10 to 20 minutes to get a deep-conditioning treatment. On days when you don't have the time to sit underneath a dryer, wrap your hair in a hot towel or put a shower cap on, and let the conditioner set for at least 10 minutes before rinsing.

4. Reduce the amount of heat and chemicals you apply to your hair. Relaxers and dyes are a must to some women, but keep in mind that heat and chemicals can be detrimental to your hair if you don't keep it moisturized. Moisturize more often if you chemically treat your hair to keep your from weakening and to prevent damage to the hair follicles. Keep hair ends trimmed to prevent split ends. Moisturize the hairs ends with protein-based hair lotions to keep them from splitting.

References

• WebMD: Expert Q&A: African-American Hair Care