Hair growth 101

Hey beautiful people,
So let's talk hair growth..and the myths that black (miro)hair can't grow like other ethnicities unless your multi racial. I hear many people claim that their hair doesn't grow and I can loudly state that NO that's NOT TRUE!!! Your hair is growing the issue is are you retaining the growth???


African hair can grow if properly maintained and that’s the key. The natural, coily texture of our hair is fragile and frankly many of us are very ignorant about what it takes for it to thrive. (Hence the YouTube tutorials.) So if you’re interested in hair that graze the top of your booty, here are some tips to grow and retain long, luscious African hair.

• The naturally, curly texture of African American hair makes it difficult for oils to travel from the scalp throughout the hair shaft. It’s not enough to oil your scalp. Pay special attention to the ends, seal them with natural oils like Olive oil.Our kinks, curls and coils could very well easily break if our moisture levels isn't right.Also drinking plenty of water helps to keep our hair moisturised as well. 
•  Free-flowing styles can be keeping you from the length you desire. Wearing your hair in a bun or in twists or braids will keep the ends of your hair from dragging against coats and car seats or getting tangled in the wind. The ends of your hair are the oldest and driest and need to preserved. Protecting your hair at night with a silk or satin scarf  and pillowcase is equally important.

• Our hair has a tendency to be more dry than others. By frequently using blow dryers and straighteners you could be making a bad situation worse. Air drying is the best for your hair but when you’re in the salon opt for the hood dryer instead. When you’re at home you “must” blow dry or straighten make sure you coat your hair with some type of oil  or heat protectant first.

• Shampooing cleanses your scalp while conditioning restores some the moisture lost. Just in case you haven’t noticed moisture and it’s retention is paramount to the health and length of your hair. In fact, if you’re scalp isn’t too dirty you can wash your hair using only conditioner in process is called co-washing.  In addition to the conditioner you use during your weekly washes, make sure you utilize a leave in conditioner and deep condition at least once a week.

• Products that contain alcohol strip and remove excess oils from the hair. Which is counter productive. While you can look at the ingredients and not see the word “alcohol” there are other products that can cause just as much damage. Avoid products containing:

isopropyl alcohol
propylene glycol
mineral oil or petroleum
sodium lauryl sulfate
sodium laureth sulfate
chlorine
diethanolamine
momoethnanolamine
triethanolamin
imidazolidinyl
urea DMDM hydantoin.

• Never comb or brush dry hair! This causes breakage! Use a denman brush or wide tooth comb when your hair is wet. Detangle Hair with a really good conditioner. This helps the knots to easily slip out! If you have thick, coarse hair patience is truly a virtue. While combing remember to be gentle. Comb you hair like you would a young child, carefully and patiently. Divide the hair into sections and start at the ends and work your way to the root. . Be gentle with your hair when it is wet. Don't rub your hair vigorously with a towel, gently squeeze the towel down the length of your hair. 
• The key to growing long hair is to only trim your hair when you need it. This will vary depending on how your hair grows. If your ends are prone to splitting this may be every 3 months. If you don’t suffer from split ends try to hold out to only once or twice a year.  Even if you do have to cut your ends often, remember your hair grows from your roots.
•  Don't use any harsh chemicals on your hair. Definitely no relaxers and no peroxide! Stay Natural! If you must color, use non peroxide color or 100% natural henna (henna comes in a full range of colors,)
•  Avoid chlorine and salt water. If you go swimming in either, clean your hair soon after. If you swim very often, invest in a good swimming cap (and to be really kind to your hair, apply deep conditioner and take advantage of the body heat that will be generated while you're wearing it).
• Be careful of what kind of hair accessory  you use and be sure to use only hair-safe accessories. Never use metal barrettes and absolutely NEVER use rubber bands, they will tear your hair when you try to remove them. Avoid anything that has sharp or rough edges, such as plastic combs with rough seams or hair claws with metal hinges. 
• Never put your hair in any kind of style that will put undue stress on the roots or edges... no extremely tiny braids, no extremely tight puffs or ponytails. Pulling hair tight repeatedly commonly results in thinning sides, and edges.
• Rinse your hair in as cold water as you can stand. This will make your cuticles lay flat and less likely to snag and break.
• Become familiar with the ingredients in your styling products. Once you know what affects your hair positively or detrimentally, you will be able to effectively choose products and ingredients that is best for your hair type.
•  Be sure to maintain healthy eating habits! Be sure to consume plenty of living foods. This is our source to the many needed vitamins and minerals.
• Find natural alternatives to store bought products! The benefits are amazing!

OK people there you have it, some of my tips to growing healthy hair! Embrace your natural beauty! Thanks for your support! 

Be blessed!