By Jc of The Natural Haven
I have previously written about the possibility of African hair actually growing at a slower rate. However it should still get you to one foot of hair. I think that there is a huge disconnect for us in the triangular relationship that is retention, breakage and mechanics (i.e Hair does not gain length because the ends broke off. The ends broke off because they were either weakened or were pulled with excessive force.)
Truth is many of us are not willing to accept that WE are the reason why hair is not growing. We want it to be genetics or a hair product. It simply cannot be our fault.
Going natural is not going to automatically help your hair get longer (especially so if your curl is tighter).
Here is what I have observed
1. Long haired naturals (with a type 4 texture) LIVE in twists or braids (especially so in the beginning 2-3 years). The basic regimen is wash, condition and twist up for 3-4 weeks (and even longer). Hair is out for a weekend or a few days and then back to to the 3-4 weeks of twists.
2. Long haired naturals with a looser texture LIVE in protective styles. They do not typically twist up for 3 weeks but would regularly do so for 1 week then bun up or wear off the shoulder styles.
3. Natural hair thrives in a heat free regimen. This is especially true for people with thin strands. People with thicker strands can get away with murder. Type 4 hair is usually assumed to be thick and this is simply not true. Some have thick strands some have thin.
4. Most long haired naturals rarely if ever use extensions.
5. Trimming is more important than people make out. The less damage you have to your hair, the less you need to trim. It is not about trimming a quarter inch every 2-3 months but rather about examining the ends of your hair and assessing how much needs to be trimmed and how often (i,e look for split ends!). Splitting and thinning hair ends will not gain length. period.
Meanwhile the most common questions that people ask when it comes to growing hair are
1. Which hair product to use
2. Which washing method is best
3. How to avoid ‘chemicals’ in hair products
4. How to style hair
5. How little should we trim (emphasis on little)
6. How should I moisturise my hair
7. How can I make my hair soft
8. What can I apply to my hair/scalp to make my hair grow faster
9. What should I eat to make my hair grow faster
In my opinion, people have used different products and methods in their hair care and still gained length. The fundamental similarities are what we should see instead of investing time on the differences.
The simple truth is that people do not want to wear 4 week old twists which have been washed weekly and are a little puffy and undefined. We listen to and do things that are not suitable for our particular texture (i.e we do not listen to our hair choosing instead to do what works for a different person).
Ladies, what are your thoughts??
I wholeheartedly agree, but my hair locks if I don’t undo my twists quickly so I only keep mine in a week at a time, wash my hair, undo them, detangle, and retwist. I also don’t load my hair w/a lot of product and if I use product, it’s only on my wash day.
I know I’m late but I agree with napfrocurlzgirl… My hair locks after a week especially once I wash it. However our hair texture seems to be very different. Goes to show that diversity in natural hair is amazing and you dont always know what to expect.
That’s not quick! My hair begins to loc after a day. I have to deal with this thing EVERY day. The only good thing that comes out of that situation is that my hair detangles very easily. I have no problem with detangling, but the few time i’ve had to deal with SSK they were really a pain.
yyess!!! that’s exactly how my hair is It bugs the mess out of me because doing my hair every week feels like such a hassle especially since when I wash it it shrinks like a mug *smh* how do you keep your hair from getting all tangled up and knotted when you wash (I personally co-wash only and use shampoo like once a month)
I had that problem and I started putting conditioner on my hair after a wash n go, detangle, and put it in 4 to 6 braided platts (loose not to scalp) then wash. It also stretches hair in the process.
gotta agree with the author. i spent 5 years natural and only got to shoulder length. figured i reached a plateau. once i got hip to protective styling my hair retained length. never thought i’d be closing in on waist length but it’s so possible. i just have to face the fact that my hair thrives on protective styles. it won’t break off with braid out but it’ll need more trimming due to knotted ends and thus stay the same length.
Spiral sets are a great protective style! They won’t look scalpy and you can wear them up, down, half up-half down etc. They’re very versatile, and my hair grew in soooo healthy!
This is all a bit much for me. I’ve been natural for 8 years. I have no idea what number my hair is, I just call it kinky. I never thought of protective styles, I wear s ponytail, blow and flat iron, or wash and wear I have no clue what these acronyms stand for (AML, APL, etc.), I definitely don’t know how many inches I have, I just describe it as, in the middle of my back at my bra strap. I feel stupid saying that on here with all of this hair lingo being tossed around. I haven’t put that much thought into my hair. I just started having fun with my hair. I love the versatility being natural gives me. My hair is fun, not a source of stress– it’s like a job for some of you guys from what it sounds like to me. I didn’t post this to offend, so please don’t be. I just starting feeling stress from reading the posts and wondering if I wasn’t doing enough for my hair. However, I’m comfortable with just having fun and taking care of my whole self– inside and out.
K Nikki, if it’s working for you, then it’s working for you and what works for you may not work for others. No one wants to push any of their styling and care tips down your throat, but if it might help and not hurt, I don’t see the problem with it.
It absolutely is not a problem for me what people do. I simply expressed what was on my mind as a result of reading everyone’s posts. I’m sure this helps many people, but I’ve never had problems caring for my hair natural or relaxed. I wish you well.
I’ve been natural all my life, 42 years, but retired the heat about 2 years ago. I know what you mean by it being all too much, and frankly, it’s irrelevant what your hair type is, etc. When I decided to leave my hair alone and let it grow, I took my cues from the brothas…their hair grows like wildfire because they’re not always playing in their hair and loading a bunch of goop in it. And for me, it’s working. I wash/condition and twist it up once a week and don’t touch it until the following week. And you’re right…a lot of us are making this too complicated. It’s just hair! Good luck.
My hair stops at the bottom of my neck,nd that’s alright with me. I enjoy creating different styles. Hair length isn’t that big a deal. If it grows longer, fine. If not, as long as I am enjoying my hair, I’m content.
I used to keep my hair twisted ut didn’t know how tto care for it, so it was breaking all the time. Today I twist it to attain a curl pattern for styles. Today I care about strength, not length. It’s only recently Iearned how to moisturize and attain styling versatility. That’s a lot more fun than worrying about whether or not my hair is growing to a certain length. In that, I agree with K Nikki even though my hair isn’t as long as hers. What matters is that my hair is strong, and I’m enjoying it.
your hair is beautiful
I PS (hate that term) as a matter of convenience not because I’m obsessed with length. Hair will either grow or it won’t and some folks are genetically predisposed to have longer hair than others. I enjoy my hair as it is bc its what I havenow. Hair length is not worth waiting for.
My type 4 hair is thin, soft and very fragile. I keep it in twists and twist outs which seem to make a difference. Wash and gos do not work for me as I was getting fairy knots and split ends on a constant basis.I wore braids for years and am now dealing with thin to non-existent edges. They are growing back slowing with the aid of castor oil and just leaving them alone. I’m just trying to work with what I’ve got even though it’s frustrating at times.
I spray my hair w/a water bottle filled w/rosemary tea and sage oil a section at a time and apply a lil castor oil or coconut oil (sometimes shea butter)on the ends and twist at night. I cover w/a silk scarf and let it out the next day or just simply use beautiful scarf wraps as a style. If I leave it twisted it gives a nice look w/the scarf as a headband.
Hey im a newbie im MLB /4 I think lol hair is getting harder to wash need suggestions! Pls/thx
Can my hair still get clewned if washed while braided up?
Lol just noticed I said MLB I meant MBL lol also not sure what my type is how can I find out?
Also my hair really shrinks so i don’t like my natural hair out ever love the styles on other though
any one else have that experience or ideas for styles I can try? Maybe a fake puff?
Thx
So happy I found this forum!! So how often should i moisturize my hair I never wear it out, I keep it in 8-10 braids in between co washing and shampoos I also have tried pre poo! So question should I wet my hair with water and seal my ends daily or just after co-wash or shampooing? Thx
The only “person” I listen to when it comes to my hair is: MY HAIR. Actually for me, the best thing for my hair is to not mess with it by putting a whole bunch of product in it -just keep it moisturized and keep it moving. I read a lot of blogs and articles of the regiments that people put themselves through and I ask myself “Why? Is this really necessary?” Although I like to hear how others take care of their hair, I and my beautician know what’s best for my hair. People have tried to push me to do a BC, and just grow out my relaxer with out cutting off my hair. The “natural hair snobs” think I am “wrong” for not doing so,but my hair is just fine and progressing well. I get hit by other to use this crap or that crap because they liked the result they received with using whatever they use but the funny thing is those same people will complain about that product they once so thought was the “end all be all” for them just a few weeks prior. Now I do wear the “protective” hair styles, wash-n-gos’, braid outs but never twists -not my personal taste. I even wear it bone straight as well. I simply do what I want. People criticize me for how hair’s end result but my hair texture is different than others so my how my hair does -is how my hair does. Period. Some “Natural Snobs” can’t get past that either -but I don’t care.
Georgiana I agree. I am currently transitioning from relaxed to natural and have done a lot of research. Some people say Natural is the best and only way to go, and others say you can still have healthy hair with a relaxer. In my opinion taking good care of your hair and “listening” to it, relaxed or not is the only way. I didn’t choose to go natural to join the “cult” as some people would say, I simply made the decision because I was curious and I actually love the texture, feel and character of my natural hair vs. my relaxed ends. But really I’m just trying to enjoy my hair. I moisturizes, use deep conditioner, and shampoo when my hair “says” so and don’t drown my hair in product . Whichever you choose, your hair should not feel like a burden, and avoid “bandwagons”. What works works and everyone’s hair and preferences are not the same.
i have type 3 hair but i would say that my hair has no issue growing to about BSL when i’m not using heat. this is irrespective of protective styling. I didn’t struggle to get my hair to grow past BSB until i began going hard on the heat, but without, my hair tends to stay in good shape for a long time. it’s a blessing, but i credit my success with having the right tools and knowledge. its about finding what works for you. there’s no one shoe size fits all approach.
I have to admit even though my hair is 4a/b and fine texture – I’ve been natural for 2½ years now. My hair hates twists – I hate twists! I wouldn’t and have never worn them to work and can’t understand anyone who does! To me they just look untidy! That said – I did try with them especially after a wash. The twists at the end always knotted – I always ended up giving me a trim!. But my hair still knotted… just too fine for them!
So what I did instead was up do puffs with a tight hair band and some days used various clips to make my hair look tidy.
Since April my hair has been loving hair buns. For me my hair has really excelled and the crown area has started to come down!. So it looks like it’s gonna be buns all the way – at least until the end of the year. For now I only let my hair out at the weekend. So its at least 80% protective styling..
I have finally ended my product junkie episode. I’ve brought so much stuff I could open a shop! Of course most products don’t make much difference, because its the moisture thats important. if anything this last year has taught me to be gentle with my hair and don’t pay too much attention to those gals on u-tube with their ‘good hair’ because whatever they do and use – wont work for u!!
Just do U – listen to U and you will get long hair in as little as 3 years…. I know – I’m on my way!…….
Patience:)
I agree with what you were saying but for those of us who have shorter hair, we can’t do these twist outs so what would you recommend as a holding for us? Also, my edges are in terrible condition, what would you recommend to grow them back?
You can use castor oil or jamaican black castor oil to grow your edges back.
I agree with using castor oil or jamaican black castor oil. I mixed mine with rosemary essential oil and it worked really well for my edges. Another thing you may want to try for your edges is being careful with those elastic head bands (just a suggestion based on the picture you provided). Elastic bands tend to pull and snag our edges and before we know it, we have lost hair in that area. I had my stint with those bands and had to kiss them goodbye. The elastic bands on satin bonnets can wreak havoc on your edges too, so try to be careful with those as well.
I have short hair also, but since I started reading articles on naturallycurly.com and watching YouTube videos, I learned how to care for my hair. The real moisture is water. Dampen your hair with it and some oil in a spray bottle before twisting it. Learn which oils penetrate hair and which ones coat it. That is, some add moisture, and some lock it in. I’ve just learned this over the past couple months. Once I figured out what my particular type of hair needs, I learned what it can do. I don’t have to blow dry to attain my maximum length. My ‘fro used to always be either a dry twa or a fly-away blow out. Today I use Shea Moisture products (because they’re all natural) to help me define and enhance a curl pattern. I use their curling souffle, or curl & style milk, or Eco styling gel with argan oil for hold. No flaking of any kind. I twist to elongate my hair. I use small rods to give my hair a slight curl pattern on the ends. When I take it out the next day, I have all of my (short) length; I have style; I have hold, and I have moisture.
For your ends, use a bit of water and oil before bedtime. I read that, tried it ,and it works. Have fun learning about YOUR hair.
P.S. Until just a couple months ago, I thought I coulnd’t do twist-outs too. Today I am elated knowing I can. The key was learning how according to MY hair type (4c).
Dear Rasheema two things that can help with both your problems
1)Only condition wash. Find a conditioner that makes your hair feels really soft on application. Add some of the conditioner to your hair when you finish (as a leave in.)
2)Each morning ( EVERYDAY)moisturize your hair with water (from shower moisture or wiping wet hands over you hair), oil and a nice butter or body lotion. Smooth your edges with your hands- NOT a brush -after applying moisturizer.
3) With edges not growing well watch headbands especially the skinny ones.
Try for a month and let us know how you go. Hope it helps.
Is it mandotory that I co wash my hair ever while I have in my twisst in for 4 weeks?
Nope, but do use some type of hydrating shampoo if you’re going that route. Shea Moisture makes a moisture retaining shampoo. Botanique (sold at Whole Foods among other places) makes a hydrating shampoo. Both contain all natural products.
What other styles are there for people with loose curls? I have attempted to do twists and braids on my hair and within a few minutes they come undone. I never realized that my hair is now about 4 inches away from being waist length. I use Shea Moisture restorative shampoo and conditioner. I normally use the conditioner as a leave in and add some curling smoothie and just let it go. The only regimen that I have is to always use a satin pillow case and put my hair in a bun when I go to bed. I also can’t go as long without washing my hair because I have psoriasis on my scalp and tend to have a lot of build up, so going for weeks with twists or braids won’t work for me. Any other suggestions?
I agree with some of the above comments. I have noticed personally that I gained more length when my hair is in protective styling. When you think about it’s not rocket science as long as you give your hair what it needs( shampoo/condition/ moisturize) and don’t mess with it too much as it could lead to breakage. Then your hair will be healthier which will lead to longer hair over a period of time.
Please follow my hair journey on YouTube.com/tarebless
Instagram: tarebless
Enjoy your hair curlies!x
I’ve just been washing my hair each week (yestocarrots conditioner) and doing a deep condition (neutrogena triple hair mask….but I might go back to yogurt ^^) on it, twisting it with shea moisture curl smoothie – put JBCO on my scalp….put my scarf on and wear a beenie all week until it’s time to redo my hair……..I want to retain as much length this year as possible – so I’m trying to do minimal manipulation – so far it’s grown 1 1/2 since Dec. when I got a trim ^^…..but I think I might start taking vitamins – if I can remember too ^.^ -