Since I made the decision to go natural a year ago, I’ve fielded as many questions about growing hair as styling it. While long hair with hang time (laid for the GODS *Kid Fury voice*) is desired by many women no matter their texture, for naturals, who have big chopped, it’s a bit more complicated. You literally have to grow your hair back from scratch all while getting to know your new texture and learning how to style and manage it. See? No easy feat.
I am currently growing my hair out after big chopping last December with Julia Sarr-Jamois as my inspiration (love her ‘fro!) and am really pleased with the progress (below).
As soon as I can fit it comfortably in a glorious top knot (my no-fuss, on-the-go style of choice), I will be wearing it out for the world to see. In the meantime, here are the tips I’ve fully embraced (curated by my own trial-and-error and by interviewing every natural woman I see) to get my hair to grow:
1. Protective Styles
Your hair typically grows a quarter to a half inch per month. The problem? It can break off as much if not more than it grows causing a heap of frustration when you see no progress at all. In addition to practicing good hair habits including wearing a satin bonnet or sleeping on a satin pillow (cotton is not your friend) and staying away from drying ingredients like alcohol, find a style where your ends are covered or “protected.”
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Protective styles like a bun, two strand twists, braids, weaves and wigs (with proper haircare underneath) are great options that will help increase hair retention.
2. Vitamins
Use caution (aka consult a doctor) but there are several vitamins out there that can help you with your journey to grow out your hair.
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Omega 3 supplements and Vitamin D are hailed as excellent for growing out your mane.
3. Natural Oils
There are plenty of products on the market that promise to grow your strands but I’ve found natural oils are the very best. Olive oil, carrot oil, Jojoba oil and Jamaican Black Castor oil are exceptional.
4. Get Your Ends Trimmed
For some reason, many women are afraid to trim their ends. Trust me on this: split ends are your worst enemy.
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They don’t stop hair growth but they increase breakage which obviously prevents hair retention and leads to damage.
5. Diet
What you put into your body shows in your hair! In addition to staying hydrated (cue Sh*t Natural Girls Say), choose a diet rich in iron, protein, vitamin B and omega-3 fatty acids.
What tips do you use to achieve long, healthy hair?
Kisses,
Glamazon Jessica
I cut my hair off last week since my hair was falling out from a perm. I use Shea Moisture curl smoothie and my hair has never felt so moist. Where would I also use olive oil in my hair regimen? I want my hair long again, of course, but I really want it healthy this time.