How To Promote Hair Growth For African Americans

Every day you lose about 100 hairs; this is a normal part of the hair growth cycle, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Your hair grows for several years and then enters a resting phase, after which it sheds and new hair begins to grow. African-American hair can grow just as healthily as any other hair type. However, it's a drier hair texture and is vulnerable to breaking, which inhibits its growth. A few home remedies can minimize breakage and nourish and strengthen hair to help it grow.

Step 1

Consult your doctor. Medical conditions such as lupus, hormones or alopecia may be to blame. Your doctor can conduct a variety of tests to diagnose any underlying problem. If a health problem isn't slowing your hair growth, it's time to revamp your hair-care routine.

Step 2

Wash your hair at least once a week. Oil and dirt build up on your scalp and can plug follicles, which slows hair growth. Use a mild shampoo and gently massage your scalp and hair. Do not over-shampoo as this increases dryness and breakage.

Step 3

Indulge in a weekly deep-conditioning treatment under a dryer. Deep conditioners restore moisture lost when you shampoo and strengthen your hair. Apply a light, natural oil such as jojoba on the hair to help seal in moisture.

Step 4

Apply a small amount of leave-in detangling conditioner. Gently comb through your hair with a wide-tooth comb. Work from the bottom up to the roots to avoid tugging and breaking your hair.

Step 5

Dry your hair under a hood dryer rather than with a blow dryer, advises Anthony Dickey, author of "Hair Rules!" He stresses that it's the only method women with relaxed hair should use to dry their hair. But, it's also useful for quickly drying natural hair after twisting it to create a wavy style.

Tips and Warnings

If your hair is relaxed, apply a protein conditioner for five to 10 minutes before a deep conditioning treatment. Protein conditioners help to strengthen hair weakened by chemical relaxers. However, they are quite drying, so you'll need to apply a moisturizing conditioner afterward. Do not use greasy hair products or pomades. According to Pamela Ferrell, author of "Let's Talk Hair," these products build up on the scalp, blocking your hair follicles. Eat a well-balanced diet and make sure you're getting enough protein and vitamin B--nutrients that your hair needs to grow.
Avoid using ceramic flat irons. In 2008, the American Academy of Dermatology warned that consumers tended to use these products at high heat settings on a daily basis to straighten their hair. Unfortunately, these tools break down the hair's structure and create problems that are difficult to repair.