samaraI’ve been reading a lot lately because I’ve decided to grow my hair out. A total of 12 inches to be exact in the next two years. I learned a lot so far about products made for black hair and why women of color have hair shorter than all the other races out there.
The first thing I learned was that a lot of the products made for the hair contains cheap oils like mineral oil and petroleum such as grease and hair oil. These ingredients are not only toxic, but they also clog the pores retarding the growth of hair among other things. It’s so ironic when you go to the beauty supply store and see tons of greases and oils claiming to promote healthy hair growth, but 80% or more of the product is petroleum or mineral oil. When I found this out I threw away all my mineral oil/petroleum containing hair products and purchased a mineral oil/petroleum free hair oil by Doo Gro to keep my hair and scalp oiled which I found was unnecessary after reading “Ultra Black Hair Growth II”. Oiling and greasing the scalp is not needed and it can also retard hair growth. Instead we need to moisturize the hair (not scalp) daily paying close attention to the ends with a water based hair moisturizer.
I also learned that cutting the hair doesn’t help your hair grow and you should only have your ends clipped once a year. Hair only grows 1/2 inch a month and if you are cutting it every six weeks your hair will never get any longer. Instead deep condition your hair every week when you wash your hair to treat and prevent split ends. Then you can see your hair growth. If breakage is extreme try a good protein treatment like Aphogee Two-Step Protein Conditioner. Cutting the hair does not make hair grow!
We as black women also use too much heat in our hair. Blow Drying, flat ironing and even hooded dryers are damaging. Instead we should wash the hair, wrap it with wrap lotion or mousse, and let it air dry. Then spray it with some oil sheen or hair gloss and comb it out. It will be straight and without the heat damage. We should only use flat irons and dryers seldomly.
I’m still in the process of learning more about caring for my locks the right way. I also read about a relaxer called the Phytorelaxer. I’m going to try that relaxer the next time I relax. I read that it makes the hair feel stronger and healthier instead of fragile and weak after a relaxer from hundreds of reviews by women who’ve used it.
[Added on March 5th, 2008] Now that I’ve learned everything there is to know about caring for my hair I wrote an entire article with product recommendations for every black woman that is trying to grow her hair long. I’ve already gained a total of 1 1/2 inches of new growth! Please see Grow Black Hair Online for more info! [/Added on March 5th, 2008]
Thanks for writing this post, it’s hard to tell what you should use for conditioning your hair! I just cut my hair and re-dyed it and now I’m in need of a deep conditioning.
I should look up more about the Phytorelaxer.
I think using the natural products for your hair is also a good way to go.
I’ve learned many of the things you’ve stated as well. My hair is already pretty long and I stay away from applying heat to my hair. The most that I ever do with it is put it in ponytails or keep it braided.
I love using natural products for my hair but for the most part, I keep it well conditioned.
This is great info. I am from the UK where lots of black females are confused. The things I have read on the American sites I havent seen over here. It is so hard for us to get some of the same products you have in the USA for example Revlon for black hair etc and the only advertising is in 2 or 3 black hair mags. Caucasions girls are plastered everywhere!
So agree with you’re advice- I will be spreading the word. Happy New Year!
Try picking up this book from Amazon called “Ultra Black Hair Growth II“. It’s all about the proper care of black hair and will help you gain 6 inches of length in 1 year.
i want to know what i should use to make my hair grow fast
Your hair won’t grow any faster, but with proper care you can eliminate breakage so you can actually see your growth. Hair grows an average of 1/2 inch a month. Also clipping your ends will not make your hair grow faster or keep it from breaking. You need to deep condition the hair with the right conditioner and keep it moisturized. Visit http://osodivine.com/haircare/relaxed-hair.php for more information on proper maintenance of relaxed hair.
I like your article and agree with most of it except the fact that you are going to relax your hair. I am natural and I am encouraging more black women to go natural and treat their hair like its gold and wrap it in silk or buy a silk pillowcase. Most of the product on the market are made for other women’s hair. Our hair requires a certain kind of care not a cheap generic just grab something off the shelf type of regimen. Notice the extensive hair care section in the stores and then there is the small black haircare section in the corner. I agree with the not cutting your hair except once or twice a year. I noticed that my hair tangles less when I trim my hair but only once or twice a year. My hair is not difficult to comb til I reach the ends where it is frayed and tangled due to split ends and dryness. So to combat this I am putting extra moisturzer on the ends to keep them healthy. After my trim my hair holds a style longer as well. And that one trim will hold up to 8 months. I am growing my hair to the tailbone. It will be achieved. I have ordered Cathy Howse’s book and products. I can’t wait to walk down the street with my super long natural hair and watch heads turn. Because I will be the only one with my type of hair. My hair is arm pit length right now and when I where it down I alreay turn heads. I can only imagine what tailbone length will do. Black people leave the grease in the pan and fry some chicken. Stop putting in on your head!
I’m also african american and my hair have broken off so bad for the past years until now, the way I maintain my hair & keeping it healthy is I like to dye my hair so I use dark & lovely that you can purchase from any beauty supply for about six dollars (if you want hair dye) and keep it greased, another thing I use for my hair is a liquid that can be purchased from andy beauty supply also is called sea breeze and it basically cleans the pores in you hair and you could feel and see the dirt comming from hair and it will eventually grow hair, well it grew my, idk how well it will work for different texture of hair by the way I have darn good hair for an african american hope my info helps