How to Increase Hair Growth for Black Girls
It is a common misconception that African American girls' hair cannot grow as long as their counterparts of other races. In reality, black hair is made up of the same components as Caucasian, Asian or Indian hair and can grow just as well. According to Titi Branch, black hair care expert and co-owner of Miss Jessie's Salon in Brooklyn, New York the biggest challenge African American girls face in growing their hair is dryness. An estimated 80 percent of African Americans have a problem with dry hair and dryness leads to breakage, which is counterproductive to hair growth. With proper care though, African American girls can enjoy long and healthy hair. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Silk head scarf or satin pillowcase
- Conditioning shampoo
- Leave-in conditioner
- Hot oil treatment
- Pick or wide-tooth comb
Instructions
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Remove rollers, barrettes, headbands and other hair accessories before going to bed. These accessories put strain on the hair and cause breakage. Instead, tie hair back in a scarf or sleep on a satin pillowcase. This prevents hair from tangling and makes it easier to style in the morning. Cotton pillowcases wick moisture away from hair, causing it to dry out as your sleep.
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Limit the use of heated tools like blow dryers, straightening irons and curling irons. These tools are okay to use in moderation, but they cause the moisture in one's hair to evaporate. When using a heated tool, be sure to protect the hair first with a thermal hair care product so the hair will not turn brittle and break.
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Purchase hair care products specifically formulated for African American hair. Because it can be fragile, one must take special care of black hair by using products that do not contain sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate or ammonium laureth sulfate. These chemicals cause black hair to become dry and damaged.
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Moisturize and condition hair. Because of the curliness of black hair, it is difficult for the scalp's natural oils to make their way down the shaft of the hair, which is why the hair becomes so dry. As such, it is important to help the hair along by using a moisturizing shampoo and a leave-in conditioner, then sealing in that moisture with a hair oil. Monthly hot oil treatments are also a good way to lock in moisture.
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Choose a pick, a wide-tooth comb or, better yet, use fingers to comb through hair. Be gentle, moving slowly and gently through small sections of hair at a time. Do not attempt to brush from the roots of the hair down, rather start at the ends and work in small strokes. Using the proper hair care techniques when brushing and styling black hair is paramount to growth.
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Eat a good balance of fruits, vegetables and protein, which are all essential for healthy hair growth. Consider supplementing your diet with vitamins or herbs that promote healthy hair growth and be sure to drink lots of water. This will allow you to strengthen the hair from the inside out.
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Tips & Warnings
It is easiest to brush black hair by fully wetting the hair, then adding in a conditioning rinse or leave-in conditioner. This allows the pick to glide through the hair, causing less breakage.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit play with my hair image by Frenk_Danielle Kaufmann from Fotolia.com
