Black hair, especially thin-strand, kinky hair, gets very dry without the proper care and is very susceptible to breakage. Constant breakage makes it seem like your hair is not growing. Adding harsh chemicals from hair dyes or relaxers or using very hot styling tools can cause breakage, states the American Academy of Dermatology. Before you spend hundreds of dollars on hair growth products, follow a few black hair care fundamentals for stronger, healthier hair.
Step 1
Take good care of your scalp, because as A. Dickey, author of "Hair Rules!" explains, the scalp is the "manufacturing site" for hair---if it's not cared for properly, hair growth will be stunted. Clean your scalp once or twice a week with a mild shampoo, or a shampoo suitable for any scalp condition you might have, such as seborrhea dermatitis or dandruff.
Step 2
Follow the instructions for using the shampoo carefully because, when used incorrectly, shampoo can make your hair dryer, states Dickey. Do not over-shampoo your hair or twist or tug at it during the washing process.
Step 3
Apply a hydrating conditioner after shampooing always to replenish oils and moisture stripped away by shampooing.
Step 4
Avoid using heat-styling tools to style your hair. Braid or twist your hair to let it dry naturally, or put it in curlers and dry it under a hood dryer.
Step 5
Apply small amounts of a moisturizing lotion or cream daily or every other day---depending on how quickly your hair dries out---to combat daily dryness and breakage.
Step 6
Wrap your hair with a silk or satin scarf whenever you go to sleep to minimize friction and breakage, or as Deborah R. Lilly, author of "Wavy, Curly, Kinky" advises, sleep on satin pillowcases.
Tips and Warnings
- Eat more foods rich in vitamin B and protein to support healthy hair growth from the inside out. Your hair consists primarily of protein, and vitamin B is one of its building blocks, states Seymour Weaver, a dermatologist and publisher of the website Black Hair Medical Expert. Good sources of both B vitamins and protein include lean meat, fish, eggs and dairy. Whole grains, beans and peas are good plant sources for vitamin B, while soy is a vegetarian source of complete protein. Do a deep conditioning treatment once a week to strengthen hair. Apply a deep conditioner to your hair, put a plastic cap over it and sit under a dryer for 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid wearing hairstyles that pull your hair back from your scalp or tight braids or cornrows; they increase breakage and increase your risk of traction alopecia and permanent hair loss.
- If you notice that your hair isn't growing despite using these methods, consult a dermatologist as soon as possible. An underlying condition such as a hormonal problem, iron deficiency or chronic stress might be preventing your hair from growing.
References
- Medical News Today: Hair Loss Most Commonly Due to Poor Grooming Practices
- "Hair Rules! The Ultimate Hair-Care Guide for Women with Kinky, Curly or Wavy Hair"; A. Dickey; 2003
- "Wavy, Curly, Kinky: The African American Child's Hair Guide"; Deborah R. Lilly; 2006
- Black Hair Medical Expert: Hair Loss Solutions
- KidsHealth: Vitamins
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