Recently I decided that I was going to really focus my attention on growing out my hair. As much as I love short styles and chunky shrinkage looks I like the fact that I have the choice if I want to wear my hair fully stretched and waist length.
The beauty of natural afro textured hair is that if we want to rock a fro or a short curly look a little of water is all that’s needed and on the other hand if we want to rock long straight hair we can do that as well. Having the choice is pretty amazing.
So with that said sometimes a girl just needs to put together a list of things I can do, eat and practice to get the best and healthiest hair ever based on my hair type (Mine being fine, slightly porous hair).
Since I am such a cool person I thought maybe I could share my list (in no particular order) with you and you can either use it, add to it, or just look it over if you like. Let’s begin!
1. Trim at least 6-8 weeks
Trimming for me is a must because my hair is very fine and it tangles very often. When I trim I typically use the search and destroy method or I twist my hair and trim the very ends where splits and knots are usually found.
2. Hot oil massages
Usually I would do a hot oil treatment for my pre poo but when you massage your scalp for hair growth you should try heating up the oil as well. Jojoba oil is a fave of mine because it is the closest oil to that of sebum that is naturally produced by my scalp.
3. Deep condition for moisture
Deep conditioning* weekly is a must in order to keep your hair strong moisturized and on your head. There was no way this was not making the list.
4. Lay off of direct heat
Heat styling is fun, I must admit, but heat can virtually destroy your strands when used too often. So while heat does not stop growth it does prevent length retention which is just as bad. If you can lay off direct heat to your strands it will make a world of difference.
5. DIY protein treatments
I love store bought products, really I do; however, when applying protein sometimes it is better to use your pantry and fridge. Eggs, yogurt and coconut milk are mild enough to use weekly and strong enough to help you to maintain your growing strands.
6. Let go of processed food
This is hard and most of us are in the process of eliminating foods that do not serve our bodies in healthy ways. Lean protein, vegetables, grains and fruits are top priority for healthy growing hair, water is next!
7. Water
Water can literally moisturize your hair from the inside out, drinking a gallon a day is a start but getting it in takes focus. I set a timer on my phone, other women literally carry jugs around with them to remember to remain hydrated. Whatever it takes, water is a must.
8. Stretch hair with braids and bands
Stretching your hair with a blow dryer is probably easier, faster and the most effective. But just braiding and using bands can be just as effective and less damaging if you are heat free. Even if your hair is not super stretched, that is ok, a little kink never hurt anybody.
9. Limit hair tools
Fingers can work wonders for curly hair. Typically you would think your hair needs brushes and combs and picks but honestly the more you can limit the use of these tools the safer your strands will be on a daily basis.
10. Try a stimulant treatment
While we do not want to force growth every time we take care of our hair, trying some form of stimulating treatment like the coffee oil treatment can work every now and again. The best advice is not to do these things too often!
11. Leave your hair alone
Do you suffer from hand in hair syndrome like I do? I doubt anybody is worse than I am with this but if you are I am telling you now this constant pulling and tugging leads to damage over time. I am working on it but you know what they say “He ain’t done with me yet.”
12. Wash with potato water
Let me explain! Potatoes are traditionally known for there vitamin content and the liquid from pureed potatoes is like pouring vitamin gold on your hair. Just grind the potato and strain it using a muslin cloth. Rinse your hair with the water after letting it sit for about 20 or so minutes before rinsing.
13. Make a super oil mix
I found a growth recipe made up of just essential oils* that can be used everyday for everything! It contains 3 drops of lavender oil, 3 drops of rosemary oil*, 2 drops of thyme oil and cedarwood oil* and some jojoba oil as a carrier oil. Use this mix daily! You can also try a sulfur oil mix.
14. Use onion water
Onions are definitely a growth stimulant and if you are dealing with hair loss try this! Check out this post for more details.
15. Incorporate apple cider vinegar*
We always mention apple cider vinegar as a great way to do a final rinse on your hair but ACV is great for hair growth too because it removes buildup and toxins from your scalp. Not to mention the mix is gentle on your hair and does not strip it like shampoo does.
16. Scalp massage with grapeseed oil*
Grapeseed oil* is known for stimulating hair growth and it is also pretty high in ceramides which help strengthen your hair so if you need a quick go to oil for scalp massages you can work this one in as well.
17. Avoid cones
You might hear that cones are not all that bad as long as you shampoo regularly. But what is the point of clogging your pores and creating buildup to just strip it all off again? Just avoid cones all together, its just more fun!
18. Work out
Get moving, cardiovascular health is great for your hair and your body, there is nothing more to it, get in the gym, go outside and play with the kids and then steam your hair in the steam room right afterwards.
19. Avoid too many styling products
Making your hair behave is not a priority when you are trying to grow it out. Just let if be free. Free of edge control, gels, and styling foams! The less build up you have the easier it will be for your hair to thrive. I can use one jar of gel for literally years.
20. Stay as natural as you can
I know it isn’t a must to use all natural products but your hair does much better with all natural solutions than it does with ‘man made’ synthetic products.
Well that’s it, what’s on your hair growth goal list?
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