A head of shiny, lustrous, flowing hair is the desire of many women of color, but often thought of as difficult to achieve. The misconception that that black hair doesn't grow could not be further from the truth. However, no one product can achieve those long, flowing tresses you desire. In other words, it's not what you use on your hair, but rather, what you do to your hair that can finally break you through your "hair growth plateau." Moreover, specific hair products don't grow hair---hair care regimens do. But as with anything, to see results, time, effort and consistency are required.
Step 1
Trim away damaged hair. Hair that is over-processed due to years of chemical relaxers and heat styling, warrants a visit your stylist for a trim to get rid of brittle, dry, split-ends. Begin using protein treatments on your hair. Prepare your hair for the growth stage by giving it a clean slate. Call your stylist and schedule regular trims. Trimming your hair every eight weeks will prevent split ends before they have a chance to form.
Step 2
Stop using relaxers with harsh chemicals. Find products that contain less harsh ingredients.
Step 3
Devise a good hair care regimen and be consistent with it. Handle your hair very gently and treat it with care at all times. Schedule time for your hair care regimen on your calendar as you would with any other important activity.
Step 4
Inform yourself of product ingredients not conducive to healthy hair. Take inventory your beauty supply cabinet and get rid of products containing ingredients such as mineral oil and petroleum. These products do not penetrate into the scalp and block hair follicles. Such products do not promote hair growth.
Step 5
Use products containing natural oil such as jojoba, olive oil and coconut oil. These products are best for use on African American hair.
Step 6
Throw away heat styling tools. Curling irons, hot combs and blow dryers fry the hair and are extremely damaging.
Step 7
Experiment with low-manipulation styles such as braid-outs and twist-outs. These styles look great and require absolutely no heat styling to achieve. Try a wet set. Consider wearing braids or weaves to give your own hair a rest.
Step 8
Purchase a proper comb. Refrain from using plastic combs that have ridges that shred and tear your hair during use. Buy a seamless bone comb. These allow for smooth combing that doesn't catch and pull hairs out.
Step 9
Avoid over-washing your hair. Wash hair only once a week followed by a good moisturizing conditioner. Use shampoos and conditioners that are non-alcohol and not drying to the hair. Deep condition your hair at least once a month. Apply a leave-in conditioner to your hair after shampooing and conditioning. Keep the ends of your hair moisturized everyday.
Step 10
Watch your diet, making sure to include fresh fruits and vegetables. Take a multivitamin and drink at leastsix to eight glasses of water every day.
Step 11
Sleep with your head wrapped in a scarf or on a satin pillowcase every night. This prevents hair from splitting and breaking off during the night.
Tips and Warnings
- Don't use elastic bands on the hair. Don't leave a hair weave in for more than two months Don't braid your hair too tightly. Always wear a hat when in the sun. Avoid using hair dyes with harsh chemicals.
- Never relax and dye your hair on the same day, as this can cause severe breakage.
Things You'll Need
- Hair salon appointment
- Calendar
- Jojoba oil, olive oil and coconut oil
- Comb
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Deep conditioner
- Leave-in conditioner
- Healthy diet
- Multivitamin
- Water
- Scarf or satin pillowcase
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