How to Promote Long Hair Growth for Relaxed Hair

A nutritious diet is a must to keep hair healthy.

Many African American women have their hair relaxed to achieve a smooth, soft and glossy mane. Whether you want a long hairstyle or a short, cropped 'do, relaxed hair is often easier to work with; it also has a "softer" look. Care for your hair every day to make it as healthy as possible, which will, in turn, help it grow long and strong. To maintain healthy hair, the key is to lock in moisture whenever possible.

Instructions

1. Ask your hairstylist to use a relaxer that contains conditioners. Some of the newer relaxers are formulated to moisturize hair. You should also use an at-home hair conditioner every time you wash your hair. Follicle-building conditioners will help your hair stay strong, which will prevent the breakage that often hinders growing out your hair.

2. Maintain your health by eating nutritious foods, taking vitamins daily and getting plenty of sleep. Beauty and hair health start from the inside. Add foods that are high in protein to your diet, which will help your hair stay strong.

3. Cleanse hair with a moisturizing shampoo. Relaxed hair has been treated by chemicals, which leave it porous. This makes it hard for your hair to hold onto moisture. Using a moisturizing shampoo will help you start moisturizing your hair from the very first styling step. You should only wash your hair once or twice each week; more often than that will dry it out.

4. Protect your hair from too much heat. Set your curling iron or flat iron to the lowest setting you can. Apply a straightening or curling product that will protect your hair from heat before you blow dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Switch up your products every few weeks. Your hair can grow too accustomed to one particular product and will stop reacting to it. You can go back to a product you've used before, but change up your styling products every three weeks.

• If your hair has been mistreated, you may experience breaking or thinning hair, or an irritated scalp. You may also start losing your hair or noticing that it's not growing at all. If you're experiencing any of these issues, find a different stylist to relax your hair.

References

• iVillage: African American Beauty
• Grown Afro Hair Long: Relaxed Hair Care
• Skin Biology: The Truth About Hair Relaxers