10 Things That Will Retain Your Hair Length
Near the Southern tips of Angola, reside the Mbalantu tribes of Namibia. As among the Ngandjera and Kwaluudhi, the Mbalantu girls also covered their hair with a thick layer of finely ground tree bark of the omutyuula tree (Acacia reficiens), which was mixed with oil. The mixture was applied to improve hair growth. A few years later the thick fat-mixture was loosened so that the hair became visible. Subsequently, fruit pips of the bird plum were attached to the hair ends with the aid of sinew strings.
If you're able to get your hands on some of that tree bark and leave it in your hair for YEARS then wonderful! But, if you're like me and need less aggressive ways to achieve the same thing, then keep reading.
Hair grows approximately a half of an inch per month. If you think about it that's 6 inches of hair growth per year. Sis, if you're struggling to grow your 6 inches AND keep them then I have some things that will most certainly assist you and change your entire hair game!
10 Things To Help Retain Your Hair Length
The ends of your hair tend to be the most fragile since they are the oldest part of your hair shaft and they need to be hydrated properly to prevent breakage and splits. Be sure to moisturize and seal your ends regularly for maximum length retention. Water and water-based products are the best moisturizers, while oils and butters are great for sealing in that moisture.
Daily styling and excess combing of natural hair can lead to less than ideal length retention. Many naturals swear by “protective styling,” which means they choose styles that keep fragile ends tucked away such as braids, twists or updos. Low-maintenance hairstyles are those that don’t involve daily styling such as a topknot that you’d only need to touch up two to three times per week, my go-to!
3. Protect Your Hair While You Sleep
Yes, those 500 thread count cotton pillowcases feel oh-so-cozy, but they could be the culprit behind your stagnant hair growth. Cotton is a highly absorbent material that robs your hair of moisture while you snooze. Furthermore, the weave of cotton fibers can cause individual strands to tangle and break. Satin scarves and pillowcases provide a smooth barrier that hair strands can glide across to decrease hair damage and friction.
4. Beware of Too-Tight Styling Habits
Braids and twists can be ideal as length retesting styles, but they defeat their purpose if they’re done with excessive tension. You should never feel headaches or soreness during or after getting your hair done. Another red flag is if you see bumps or have irritation along your hairline. These are tell-tale signs that your hairstyle is too tight and could lead to hair loss or breakage.
5. Wash Your Hair in Sections
Shampooing the hair in small to medium sections is the best way to avoid tangles that can cause breakage during washing. Prior to washing, detangle and section your hair into two-strand twists or by using large clips or hair ties. While in the shower, take down one section, add your sulfate-free shampoo or co-wash, scrub gently and secure the section back into place before moving on to the next. Yes, this process takes more time, but it is guaranteed to lessen breakage and tangles while cleansing.
6. Treat Your Scalp with TLC
Healthy hair growth starts with a healthy scalp. Ensure optimal scalp health by avoiding sharp pins and clips that could cause scalp scarring and damage the hair follicle. While cleansing your hair, make sure to massage your scalp with your fingertips instead of using your nails. You can also stimulate hair growth with daily scalp massages. Also, use a good herbal oil to nourish your follicles naturally like our HERBAL BLEND GROWTH OIL!
7. Get Rid of Split Ends
If you’re holding on to scraggly ends for the sake of longer length, stop it! No for real, stop it Sis! Split ends will continue to split up the hair shaft and can even begin to tangle onto nearby hairs which will cause even more breakage. And don’t buy into claims that split ends can be magically repaired by creams, pomades or conditioners. The only way to make them disappear is to cut them off. Period.
8. Be Gentle When Detangling
If you grew up having your mother yank and tug your kinky hair into little elastic bands with balls on the ends, those days are over and done. It’s now time for you to treat your curls with tender, loving care. Always detangle your hair in sections while it’s damp or wet, making sure to start at the ends and work your way up to the roots. Using the proper tools to detangle is imperative, so be sure to use a wide-tooth comb. Some naturals also see amazing results with just finger detangling as well.
9. Deep Condition
Please, don't skip this step! I recommend shampooing and treating your hair with a deep conditioner every 7-10 days. It is important to ensure your hair is strengthened and moisturized. Deep conditioning is a great way to accomplish this because it improves your hair’s elasticity and ensures the hair cuticle is closed for a sleeker look. Using a deep conditioner that is balanced in moisturizing ingredients and protein is the best option.
10. Be patient!
While this is not a “hair growth tip” per se, having patience during the grow-out process is imperative. Without it you may feel that your hair is not growing fast enough or get frustrated with your growth. Keep in mind that we all have different rates of growth and your hair can and will grow with proper care. Savor each stage of your journey and find inspiration from other naturals with hair the same length as yours. There are so many styling options for hair of all lengths which are equally fierce and fabulous! Rome wasn't built in a day.
This was very helpful. I see what Ive been doing wrong. Thank you for sharing!!!
Hi my hair grows but it’s really thin what can I do or use to thicken it up??
I didn’t know all this would help my hair! I’m implementing 4 of these things tonight!! Thank you for this info. Much needed.