There is a prevailing myth that the hair of black children does not grow as quickly as the hair of children from other races. This myth is false. The average healthy person's hair grows at a rate of a half inch per month, regardless of race. This rate is consistent as long as your child is getting the nutrients her body needs. The best way to maximize your child's hair growth is to make sure she eats a proper diet and that you care for her hair in way that will protect it from breaking.
Step 1
Feed your child a healthy diet to ensure she receives the nutrition needed to fuel her body's growth. A diet based on the FDA's food pyramid will give her the protein, fruits, veggies, dairy, grains, and healthy fats her body needs to manufacture the keratin that composes her hair, skin and nails. You can also supplement your child's diet with a daily multivitamin.
Step 2
Wash and condition your child's hair at least once per week to keep the hair in its best condition. Regular washing and conditioning adds moisture back into the strands of your child's hair while keeping the scalp clean and clear from environmental debris that could clog the hair follicles and actually slow the growing process.
Step 3
Seal the moisture into each strand by coating the hair with an all-natural oil. Black children generally have curly hair. Because the hair curls, the natural protective and moisturizing oils released by the sebaceous gland at the root of the hair have a more difficult time reaching the ends of the hair. Using an oil like jojoba or olive oil to coat the strands, after shampooing and conditioning, helps to seal in the water molecules and also protects the hair. Allow the hair to air dry as often as possible to avoid heat damage.
Step 4
Learn to comb and brush your child's hair carefully so that daily maintenance does not damage the cuticle--outer layer--of the hair. Cuticle damage and a lack of moisture are the two biggest culprits behind the split ends and breaking hair that makes your child's hair appear to not grow. Detangle her hair, using a large toothed comb. Divide the hair into several sections. Start at the end of each section, detangling upward. Choose to apply a little oil or leave-in conditioner to each section to help with detangling. Lightly apply oil to the edges before using a very soft bristle brush to brush the hair gently.
Step 5
Protect your daughter's ends by styling her hair in protective hairstyles. French braids and braided ponytails are both good styles that will protect your daughter's fragile ends to keep them from splitting.
Tips and Warnings
- Trim hair as needed to remove split ends. Trim only as necessary.
- Avoid products with mineral oil or petroleum jelly in them. These ingredients can clog pores and cause hair to fall.
Things You'll Need
- Large toothed comb
- Soft bristled brush
- Gentle shampoo
- Deep conditioner
- Natural hair oil
- Leave-in conditioner
- Children's multivitamin
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