Growing afro hair can sometimes seem like an impossible task. One thing is for certain, however, and that’s that it requires dedication and a whole heap of patience. Scientifically, black hair is the slowest growing hair type due to its elliptical shape and only grows about one third of an inch per month.
Alongside slow black hair growth, you’ll likely also encounter issues such as breakage, thinning and shedding whilst trying to grow your afro hair; typically, this is due to dehydration. From intense moisturisation to heat protection, as well as increasing your vitamin intake, we’ve got all the tips and tricks right here to encourage your black hair to grow faster.
Tips For Faster Growing and Retention Of Your Afro Hair.
Although it might not seem like it, achieving healthy, strong black hair with length really is possible, even if you’ve previously come up against obstacles like breakages. Follow these steps to help manage your afro hair and improve its condition, and start to see your natural hair grow in as little as one week.
1. Keep it Moisturised
One of the biggest issues for those with curly, black or afro hair is that these hair types find it challenging to retain moisture, making your locks dehydrated. We’re all aware of how important it is to keep our bodies hydrated, but the same is also required for healthy, happy hair.
With the natural helix shape of coiled or curly hair making it a challenge for moisture to make its way down the hair strands, your main focus needs to be keeping your locks hydrated.
Find a set of designated products, like the Root2tip’s Triple M Moisturising Milk, Honey Rain Juice Leave-In Conditioner which focuses on moisturising your hair at every point of the hair wash and care routine as this will help your black hair grow faster and thicker.
2. Say No To Heat
It’s common knowledge that heat styling can damage hair by causing split ends and breakages, as well as dehydrating your locks. It isn’t just your hair drying and styling tools that can have an impact though; the sun with its UV rays can also dry your locks out. Vitamin E can help to provide protection from sun damage so aim to increase your dietary intake of this, wherever possible.
Keep heat styling to a minimum and always apply a heat protectant spray before use. Another great idea, simple though it may seem, is to pop a hat on when exposed to direct sunlight.
3. Say No To Sulphates
Many big haircare brands use chemicals in their products that hinder, rather than help, the health of your hair. Sulphates are put into shampoos to create that thick, foamy lather that many associate with cleansing, but the lather in a shampoo isn’t what cleans your hair and isn’t essential to the product.
Sulphates are known to strip hair of essential oils and moisture as well as damaging scalp health. Stick to hair care products with naturally-derived ingredients, such as the Root2tip’s Stimulate and Cleanse SLS Free Shampoo, that aren’t just kind to your locks and scalp, but to the environment, too!
4. Gentle Brushing
The dry and frizzy tendencies of black hair can make it more prone to tangles and matting, meaning you’ll never want a brush too far from reach. But whilst it might be tempting to yank the brush right through, this certainly isn’t the best move for your tresses!
Roughly pulling a brush through knotted hair is going to place stress on both the root and hair follicle and can also lead to breakage and snapping, something which is entirely counter-productive for those wanting to see hair growth.
Divide your hair into small sections to make it more manageable and gently tease the comb through your hair. Detangling sprays can help brushes glide through with greater ease. Not only should you avoid yanking your brush through knots, it’s also much better to avoid brushing hair whilst wet. The reason? Wet hair is at its most vulnerable and therefore more likely to break.
5. Up The Vitamin Intake
A balanced diet is a key factor in helping maintain a healthy body, but the vitamins and minerals you consume can also play a big part in helping your hair to grow, too. If you neglect your diet, this will likely be reflected in your hair’s appearance, quality and growth (or lack, thereof).
There are a variety of hair-targeted multivitamins available to purchase but, of course, you could always boost your intake of essential nutrients for hair through your diet, too.
6. Introduce an Oil
If you haven’t used an oil on your hair then now is a great time to try one and benefit from the instant improvements to your locks. Hair oils such as coconut, jojoba, argan or amla, rosemary are ideal for locking in moisture and restoring hydration to dried-out hair. You could even pop a few drops of peppermint oil into your shampoo for added hair growth stimulation.
Root2tip’s Root Engerizer oil contains a blend of scientifically proven Amla and Brahmi extracts, known for their ability to thicken, stimulate, and nourish hair. Plus, four clinically proven essential oils increase scalp blood circulation to promote healthy hair growth. Feel the refreshing tingle with this powerful, vegan-friendly scalp oil all day.
7. Deep Conditioner and Hair Mask Are Your BFF’s
Deep conditioning and hair masks often help to support the role played by hair oil. If you are suffering from dry, dull hair that breaks and sheds easily – or, perhaps you’re a regular user of chemical hair treatments that leave your hair a bit parched – then deep conditioning is the best choice.
If you feel that your hair is particularly damaged, then use a deep conditioner like the Root2tip’s Comb Out Conditioner. A hair mask is the ultimate intensive treatment for dehydrated hair that lacks moisture. Let these rich, targeted formulas hug your hair from root to tip and expect to see some serious hair growing almost overnight. We recommend using Root2tip’s Dream cream 3 in 1 Masque.
8. Daily Scalp Massages
Another great hair stimulation technique is the scalp massage. Performing a daily scalp massage stimulates the hair follicles to produce thicker hair and growth. Try introducing this for 5 minutes per day and see results in as little as 8 weeks when used with a stimulating hair oil and other growth supporting products.
Stress and anxiety can be a factor in hair loss. By introducing massage techniques, not only will you be supporting your hair and scalp health, but you could also be working to relieve some stress and tension throughout your body.
9. Take Care Of Your Edges
The edges and ends of hair are far more vulnerable and damage-prone than any other part of your tresses. Tending to be much finer hairs, the edges will require extra care through injections of moisture from oils and other hair hydrators.
Braiding hair keeps the ends far less exposed than if hair is just loose and hanging down. If you use a toothbrush to comb your edges into place, then switch to a soft-bristled brush to avoid placing hair under unnecessary tension.
10.Consistency Is The Key
Developing a hair care routine is going to be key to your black hair growth success. If you are keen to reach your hair goals swiftly then be sure to create a consistent routine that you stick to. Steps we would advise to put into your hair routine include:
· Washing hair with shampoo once per week.
· Using a hair mask or deep conditioning, with a product such as the Dream Cream 3 in 1 Hair Masque, twice per week.
Conclusion
Growing and maintaining healthy afro hair requires patience, dedication, and the right care routine. While black hair naturally grows at a slower rate, you can optimize its growth and retention by keeping it moisturized, avoiding heat and harsh chemicals, using nourishing oils, and maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins. Incorporating scalp massages, protective styling, and deep conditioning treatments will further strengthen your hair and promote growth. Ultimately, consistency is key—by following a dedicated hair care routine, you’ll be well on your way to achieving longer, healthier afro hair. Visit www.root2tip.com for variety of hair care products