It’s a myth that afro hair doesn’t grow. In fact, it grows at an average of 4 inches per year. The problem is that black women have been miseducated about proper hair care routine. From relaxers to hot combs and super tight braids, hair loss has caused many to return to their natural texture and seek out the most effective routines to maintain growth. If you’re tired of not seeing results, it’s time to make a change. I recommend the simple approach of cleanse, moisture and style. Keep reading to learn how to get your crown of glory to grow and flourish the way it was designed to.
Shampoo and Condition
A clean scalp promotes hair growth, so wash your hair every 7-10 days using a gentle sulphate-free shampoo. Here are a few tips for wash day:
• Pre-poo: Apply coconut oil (Nuevo Noir Balm) to the hair, ensuring you saturate the ends. Cover with a plastic cap for 30 minutes.
• Shampoo: Focus on the scalp when shampooing and work the product in with your fingertips.
• Condition: Use a conditioner with a lot of slip to make the detangling process easier. Use your fingers or a wide toothcomb to detangle.
• Towel Dry: Squeeze any excess water out of your hair and wrap it up in a towel. Don’t blow dry your hair because the heat causes damage.
• Moisturise: Moisture your hair when it is partially dry; the key to hair growth is locking in moisture. Use the 3-step L.O.C method for ultimate hydration: Liquid–hydrate with a liquid hydrating spray. Oil: Use oil to seal in moisture, and cream – use a moisturising hair cream for extra moisture.
Low Manipulation Styles
Over-styling is the enemy of progress. Low-manipulation hairstyles require minimal handling, they don’t need constant restyling, and they are a great alternative to protective styles. Some low-manipulation hairstyles include:
• The halo braid
• Box braids
• Cornrows
Basically, leave your hair alone, and it will grow.
Use Natural Products
Afro hair is sensitive, and it should be treated as such. Using harsh chemicals in the hair will cause breakage and, in some cases, irreversible damage. To avoid this, use shampoos, conditioners, and oils that contain natural products such as:
Avocado: Avocado is a powerful source of biotin, which will seal cuticle cells, prevent breakage and give the hair a smooth, shiny appearance.
Jojoba: Products containing jojoba protect the hair against split ends, dryness, and breakage.
Cucumber: Cucumbers are packed with hair growth properties such as vitamin K, vitamin A, and potassium.
Coconut: The essential fatty acids and vitamins in coconut help eliminate sebum build-up from the hair follicles and nourish the scalp.
Final Thought
The key to growing afro hair is patience, because it’s curly, growth seems slow. Women chop and change their routines, hoping to find the magic pill to retain length, but there is no magic pill. It takes discipline and hard work to grow your hair, and I would suggest sticking with the above recommendations for at least one year. If you don’t see any progress, then move on, but you won’t know until you try.