3. Not Being Gentle
Let’s face it, wash day can be annoying sometimes. Finger detangling can seem like torture, unless you’ve learned the divine art of managing your hair. It’s crucial to be very gentle with hair, even though it may take a little extra time. Using combs or harsh brushes can rip out hair and cause breakage and being rough, or trying to detangle in clumps of wet hair can also be damaging.
Try sectioning dry hair and detangling with olive* or coconut oil*. Opt for finger detangling instead of your regular comb or brush. Detangle starting from the ends and working upwards, there will be less breakage, and more length retention.
4. Constantly Using Heat
Heat damage is real Y’all. Constantly using blow dryers*, flat irons*, or other straightening tools rob hair of its necessary moisture. Over time, the damage becomes more apparent, in that hair always seems dry, frizzy, and ends may become frazzled.
For the natural hair community, heat damage is especially appalling because it can alter the curl pattern. Heat damage may cause more frequent trims, because ends become weaker due to the excessive heat. Heat damage does not go away, especially once it’s become apparent, the only alternative is to grow out the damaged hair and cut it off.
This constant cutting keeps hair from retaining its length so it is better to avoid heat and use other techniques to achieve stretched hairstyles, such as banding, braids, or twists. Opting for styles like these make it so that hair doesn’t become weaker or more damaged over time.
5. Not Moisturizing or Sealing Properly
Properly moisturizing and sealing hair is a vital step towards retaining growth, and sometimes it can be underestimated or done incorrectly. A common misconception is that hair can be moisturized with thick butters*. This idea is incorrect, butters* are considered sealants and are used to lock in moisture, not provide it.
One of the best methods for moisture retention is the LOC Method. With this method you apply first a leave in conditioner*, than oil, and finish with a cream. Use these products separately and they may be effective, but combining them will work wonders. Applying your favorite products in this sequence will ensure that your curls stay moisturized all day long.
6. No Protective styles
This one cannot be applied across the board because some women can retain length without protective styling. If you find that you are not retaining length and you think incorporating protective styles can help, you should try it.
A protective style could be anything from braids, to buns to a weave. It just depends on your preference, but we know that protective styles definitely is a great way to help you to retain length.
Comment below and let us know how you retain length
Tana Hickman says
Great article!
chocolatestarbx says
I use the LCO method for moisturizing and sealing. Actually I mix the Leave-in and cream together in one bottle, then apply my oil. Most of the time its coconut or safflower. But ever since I read about LOC/LCO on BHI my hair’s moisture is on POINT! THANK YOU! I also started “wigging it” for most of the winter months. Im from NYC so the wigs have been my hair’s saving grace. since I implemented these two major changes into my new regimen my hair is flourishing. Thank you so much BHI, JGA, L4L,RHH and Hairlista!
Alma Ruddock says
You are welcome, happy to help 🙂
Renee Harris says
My daughter’s hair is very dry. She is 5, soon to be 6. What products can I used to moisturize and soften her hair?