The way you style your hair should also be low-key, meaning it shouldn’t put too much strain on your hair. If you are wearing wash and go’s all the time, then this puts your strands at risk of breakage.
Try being more modest by wearing buns, scarves or even nicely styled cornrows. I don’t really like single braids because they seem to pull on your edges more than they should.
Straightening your hair should be put on the back burner as well, because not only does this damage your hair, but it will keep you looking to your ends.
Out of sight, out of mind works very well when you’re trying to retain length. So wear your natural kinks and curls, and you won’t notice your ends and be tempted to cut them.
Use natural products for maintaining the health of your hair and scalp
Other than protecting your hair from harsh regimens and mind states, you will also need to refocus your purchasing habits on completely natural hair products. So no more chemical shampoos, conditioners, moisturizers and butters. These only cause more damage.
You’ll find that your hair can instead get plenty of nutrients from natural ingredients like marula, olive, moringa, coconut* and baobab oils. I also recommend enhancing your oils with either herbs (horsetail, calendula, etc.) or essential oils* (rosemary*, lavender, etc.)
Be extra generous with the oil on your ends (though I’m generous from midway to the ends). You can also make a liquid shampoo using herbs like shikakai*, amla, rosemary* and aritha, which will help to cleanse, nourish, condition and grow your hair.
Avoid using protein treatments
This is especially so for those who are transitioning. I was/am a transitioner — never cut off my chemical portions. Not once have I used a protein treatment.
I deem it unnecessary and even harsh for your hair follicles and lead to excess drying and breakage. Instead, focus on deep conditioning* your hair and using natural hair masks made with amalaki, shikakai*, brahmi, neem and bhringraj.
You just mix the powder form of these herbs to get a paste and apply it to your hair in sections. Then allow the paste to stay in your hair for 20-30 minutes. You can then shampoo it out and finish off the session with an herbal tea rinse.
These tips come from my own experience growing out my hair. I do feel like adding in nutritional smoothies will also help, since your hair growth starts from within. My preferred smoothies consist of moringa, Irish moss, bladderwrack, kelp and baobab. All of these can be found and purchased online.
So are you trying to retain length with chemically processed hair or did you do the big chop? What methods are you currently using to help keep from over-trimming your hair?
Not all true I wash my hair with conditioner like everyday & my hair is long and healthy straight or curly
Agreed Some of the things suggested can help, but this may be one of those things where,” you do what works for you.”