The term "ethnic hair" is often used to describe hair that is coarser or curlier than straight or "Caucasian" hair, according to Chris-Tia E. Donaldson, author of "Thank God I'm Natural." Ethnic hair has a reputation for not growing as long or as fast as other hair types. However, according to Hairfinder.com, all hair types grow at roughly the same rate---one-quarter to one-half inch per month. Ethnic hair tends to be drier than other hair types and is more prone to breakage before it can gain any length. The best way to promote ethnic hair growth is to provide the moisture it needs while styling to prevent breakage.
Step 1
Wash your hair no more than once every seven to 10 days with a moisturizing shampoo. According to Tulani Kinard, author of "No Lye! The African-American Woman's Guide to Natural Hair Care," you should avoid shampoos with sodium laureth and sodium lauryl sulfate, as these ingredients strip the hair's natural oils.
Step 2
Condition your hair with a moisturizing conditioner after each wash. Use a hot-oil treatment and a deep conditioner every four to six weeks to provide extra moisture.
Step 3
Comb your hair wet. Use a wide-toothed comb with a detangling product. Combing your hair dry disrupts the natural curl pattern, makes the hair frizzy and increases the chance of breakage.
Step 4
Avoid petroleum- and mineral-based oils. These products clog the pores and do not absorb well into the hair. Use natural, vegetable-based oils such as coconut or jojoba.
Step 5
Style your hair in plaits, twists or traditional styles, such as bantu knots, to protect the ends. Styles that encapsulate the hair, such as braided extensions and weaves, also protect the ends.
Step 6
Massage the scalp with a stimulating oil. Add 10 drops of peppermint, 10 drops of rosemary and 10 drops of eucalyptus essential oils to a 16-ounce plastic bottle filled with extra-virgin olive oil. Massage a quarter-sized amount of oil into your scalp 20 minutes before bed each night.
Things You'll Need
- Moisturizing shampoo
- Light conditioner
- Deep conditioner
- Leave-in conditioner
- Detangler
- Wide-toothed comb
- Thick bath towel
- Olive or coconut oil
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Eucalyptus essential oil
- Rosemary essential oil
- Peppermint essential oil
- 16-ounce plastic bottle
References
- "Textured Tresses: The Ultimate Guide to Maintaining and Styling Natural Hair"; Diane DaCosta with Paula T. Renfroe; 2004
- "Thank God I'm Natural"; Chris-Tia E. Donaldson; 2008
- "No Lye! The African-American Woman's Guide to Natural Hair Care"; Tulani Kinard; 1997
- "The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program: Hair and Skin Care for African American and Biracial Children"
- Hairfinder: The Special Needs of African-American Hair
- Hairfinder: How Fast Does Hair Grow
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