Black Hair Growth

Black Hair Growth

How great is it to know that armed with a good technique and understanding, your own black hair can be glamorously styled without adding harsh chemicals and enabled to grow to its optimum length.
Hair is organic and our fragile afro locks are under attack every day. From the way treat our hair, to the environmental effects of pollutants and the weather.  Listed below is a brief guide to our M.O.I.S.T.U.R.E. regime for keeping natural hair in tip top condition and creating natural healthier hair over time.
Moisture
Natural hair that is fully moisturised is less likely to break prematurely as moisture renders the hair more pliable. In effect the strands are more elastic and able to glide more smoothly on each other. Invest in a good water based moisturiser. Also drink plenty of water because when you are dehydrated your hair and skin are the first to suffer.

Oils
All oils have different properties and choosing the right oil for you is sometimes a matter of trial and error. There are many hair loving oils such as avocado oil, olive oil, jojoba oil but research suggests very few actually fully penetrate the hair shaft. Coconut oil however has been shown not only penetrate the cortex, but help condition, moisturise and strengthen hair as well.

Intervention: Change the Way You Treat Your Hair
Shampooing, combing, and drying are three of the most common reasons for cuticle (outer surface if the hair) damage. Controlling these factors is by far the most critical in maintaining afro hair and getting it right, hence the numerous techniques developed all aimed at limiting the damage.  This is because when the cuticle sustains damage, the hair can never be permanently repaired.

Scalp Care
Healthy hair will not grow from a dirty scalp, so keep your scalp clean and avoid clogging with oils and dirt, as this can retard growth.

Time
Nothing to date is guaranteed to make your hair grow faster.  Overall hair length and rate is genetically programmed, so despite the promises, you may never grow hair longer than an inch. Be patient and nurture it.
Uniquely You
What you eat impacts on many aspects of your appearance. Your hair, like your body, needs a variety of nutrients so eat a balanced diet, make sure you get adequate protein and vitamins; and exercise regular.

Resting Hair
Black afro hair can not withstand too much manipulation. Allow your hair to rest without pulling on the follicles. Hair loss occurs in all ethnic populations, but in black women, many forms of alopecia are associated directly to our hair care practices.
Education
Know that great hair ultimately begins with you, with what you think, what choose to put in your body and what you choose to put on it. Become educated on the products you use on your hair. Learn to read labels and make informed choices. Arm yourself with knowledge.