Many African Americans desire long, flowing hair but think of it as difficult to achieve due to the belief that African American hair grows at a slower rate than other ethnic hair types. This is simply untrue as plenty African Americans enjoy long, luscious hair. However, achieving long flowing locks involves more than merely shampooing and conditioning it on a regular basis. Rather, it is adhering to a strict hair care regimen to provide it with the essential care it needs to flourish and grow on a consistent basis.
Step 1
Handle your hair with care at all times. Avoid hairstyling processes that involve harsh chemicals or heat styling tools if at all possible. Chemical straighteners strip the hair, causing it to weaken and break off and heat styling tools singe the hair, which contributes to damage ends. When either of these styling methods is overused, the end result is damaged hair.
Step 2
Pay special attention to your diet. Many people overlook the importance of giving the body the proper nutrients to ensure overall health and this includes the hair too. A diet of lean proteins, legumes, fresh fruit and leafy green vegetables is an excellent way to achieve a head of healthy, growing hair. Supplement your diet with vitamins such as Vitamins B3, B6 and B12. Also include vitamins E, A, C and biotin.
Step 3
Stimulate your scalp with regular massages, which, according to Black-women-beauty-central.com, "...can dramatically speed up hair growth and make hair grow faster." Massages provide blood flow to the scalp, which encourages faster hair growth.
Step 4
Moisturize your hair consistently. Because it is naturally dry, African American hair requires lots of moisture. Keeping it moisturized eliminates brittleness, thus helping reduce breakage. The more hair you preserve, the better chance it has at growing longer. Using a daily leave-in conditioner is a good way to give your hair moisture.
Step 5
Exercise on a regular basis. Make fitness a part of the equation. Just as the growth of your hair is dependent upon a healthy diet, it can also benefit from physical fitness. "Cardio speeds up your circulation, bringing nutrients to your scalp and promoting growth," says Black-women-beauty-central.com. In other words, don't be afraid to work up a sweat at the gym and let it work to your hair's advantage.
Step 6
Use protective-styling to give your hair a rest from time to time. Protective styling includes styles such as wigs, weaves, buns and braids. Protective styling allows you to give your hair a break from damaging heat styling methods.
Step 7
Go natural, meaning, do away chemical processing altogether in favor of wearing your hair in its natural, kinky, curly or coiled state. In addition to being easier to maintain, natural hair is considered better for your hair's overall health.
Tips and Warnings
- Avoid using products with mineral and petroleum oils in them as these products block hair follicles preventing your hair the ability to grow. Drink plenty of water on a daily basis.
Things You'll Need
- Healthy diet
- Vitamins
- Leave-in conditioner
- Exercise equipment
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