10 Tips to Grow Longer Natural Hair
When you’re trying to grow a healthy mane, it’s always a good idea to look at tips to grow longer natural hair… even if you’re already knowledgeable about curls.
Constant reminders create lifelong habits.
Have you been dreaming of having long hair for a while?
Long healthy hair can be your reality if you take the right approach.
Just the fact that you’re avoiding strong relaxer chemicals is a great first step to having healthy, strong hair.
In this post, you’ll find 10 tips and techniques you can do to take your natural hair to the next level.
If you want longer, thicker or healthier hair, keep reading.
Tip #1: Do Deep Conditioning
This is hands-down one of the best ways to infuse nutrients into the shaft.
You can make your own deep conditioners, or you can purchase a branded product.
Try and do your deep conditioning with a little heat, for effectiveness.
To do this, put on a heat cap, use a steamer, or sit with the conditioner under the dryer.
Tip #2: Eat Well!
Diet is often overlooked among naturals who want to grow their hair out. But hair is made of protein.
And besides that, your body's cells need the right nutrients to grow hair.
Listen, there are a TON of hair supplements on the market to choose from, but I have an absolute favorite.
It's my go-to, and I use it every day to get long, lustrous hair.
Tip #3: Wear Protective Styling
If you’re serious about growing your hair out, you’ll want to protect it at least part of the time by using protective styling.
Protective styling works because you can cover the ends while your hair grows.
However, be careful of extension styles that damage the root.
Individual braids can do more harm than good if they’re installed so tight that they’re causing permanent alopecia.
Tip #4 Use Protective Hair Ties
One thing is often overlooked among naturals, and that is breakage from hair ties.
Conventional drug store hair ties were not made for natural curls.
They are abrasive, too small, and carry elastic underneath. It’s not enough to avoid metal clasps.
The white elastic bands you see underneath conventional hair ties spell danger for curls.
Want a protective hair tie that makes it EASY to do puffs and other natural hairstyles?
Use Snappee Hair Ties instead.
They’re made of soft, silky nylon, so they’ll stretch and won’t damage your mane.
Tip #5: Wear a Satin Bonnet at Night
Do you see a lot of frizz and no curl definition at the back of your head?
If the back looks worse than the front, you probably have a friction issue.
Your head is rubbing against your pillow too much at night.
Wear a satin bonnet or satin headscarf to protect your hair for the 6-8 hours you lay your head down each night.
Tip #6: Steam Your Hair
Hair steaming is one of the lesser-known hydration treatments for natural hair, but it can make a massive difference to the way your hair looks and feels.
You should add this to your regimen if your hair tends to be on the dry side.
Tip #7: Protect Your Curls from Friction
Pillowcases are not the only type of friction.
Are you having trouble growing your hair past your shoulders?
Be careful for abrasive car seat headrests and clothing.
Sweaters can often be too rough for curls, and even cotton shirts can be too drying.
Try choosing fabrics that you’d want your curls to rest on, like a silky blouse.
Wear a silk scarf around your neck to protect on days when you’re wearing something too abrasive.
And if you have no scarves or silk shirts, lift your hair off your shoulders by doing an updo.
You may also want to place a satin bonnet over your car seat headrest if you have a long daily commute.
Tip #8: Use Water-Based Products
Products that list water or aloe vera as the first ingredient are hydrating to the hair shaft and will help to reduce breakage.
Your shampoos, conditioners, and styling products should all be water-based and contain slip.
These moisturizing products will help your curls slide apart and you’ll be able to avoid tangles.
Applying water-based, moisturizing products is the way to go if you want longer hair.
Using sulfate-free shampoos is a must too.
Find out more about the best moisturizing products to use for longer natural hair.
Tip #9: Finger Detangle
It’s not necessary to rake a tool through your hair every day unless you’re using methods that require the hair to be completely tangle-free.
Fingers are smoother, and they’ll be able to gently guide curls apart better than any comb or brush can.
Plus, your own fingers will take care of your ends so that you can retain length.
Take any rings off when you finger detangle and avoid raking with sharp fingernails.
Tip #10: Keep Your Hair Organized
Curly hair can easily tangle and break when it’s left to roam free, and this can be a problem, especially on wash day.
Getting in the shower without sectioning your hair will create a lot of tangles and work.
Instead, part your hair into 4-6 sections and hold it with non-damaging Snappees to keep it organized and manageable.
You can still wear it in a wash 'n go or an afro during the day, but then aim to keep it organized on wash day.
Growing longer hair takes time and patience, especially when your mane is natural.
However, if you keep practicing the same techniques over a long period of time, you WILL reach your goal.
Stick to your regimen and keep your eyes on the prize!
Want to grow long, natural hair the EASY way?
