- 1). Invest in quality hair products. Read the labels and try to avoid products with fillers such as mineral oil and petrolatum. These products clog hair follicles, inhibiting hair growth. They also sit on top of the hair and prevent the needed moisture from entering the hair shaft. You want products that impart moisture to keep the hair moisturized and that contain protein to keep the hair strong.
- 2). Shampoo your hair properly on a regular basis. A clean, oil- and dirt-free scalp serves as a good environment for hair growth. As mentioned, African American hair needs moisture, so a moisturizing shampoo is best. You should also consider a clarifying shampoo, which cleans the extra dirt and product build-up from the hair, unlike ordinary shampoos.
- 3). Condition your hair. Conditioners are a must. Depending on the state of your hair, consider deep conditioning your hair after every shampoo. To deep condition, you must use products that specify "deep conditioning" or "conditioning treatment." Typically, these products are left on the hair for an extended period of time--either 15 to 30 minutes under the dryer or 45 minutes to an hour if you're using a plastic cap.
Protein conditioning treatments are also necessary and should be performed as needed. Protein imparts strength to weak hair strands. To promote hair growth, you must assure that your hair is strong. So, if you find that you're having a lot of breakage, or if your strands are weak, use protein to strengthen the hair. Protein treatments usually mention words such as "restorative treatment" or "reconstructor." You can also identify protein conditioners by reading the ingredients. Protein is typically listed in products as wheat protein, soy protein, silk protein or silk amino acids. - 4). Moisturize hair daily or as needed. Add a small amount of moisturizer to the palm of your hand, emulsify it by rubbing your hands together, and apply it to your hair. A great moisturizer will have the first two ingredients as water and glycerin. Glycerin is a byproduct of animal and vegetable fats that acts as a humectant, attracting moisture. Products including glycerin have great moisturizing properties.
- 5). Protect the ends of your hair. If you have a relaxer and you see new growth every six to eight weeks, that means you hair is growing, but the problem is that you aren't retaining its length. To retain your length, keep your ends healthy by trimming split ends, as necessary, and keeping your hair up and off of clothing that will cause it to fray.
- 6). Protect your hair at night. Cover your hair with a satin or silk scarf, or use a satin or silk pillowcase. Satin and silk fabrics do not cause hair breakage, unlike cotton scarves or pillowcases that cause to hair to break upon contact.
- 7). Limit relaxers. Relaxers break down the hair and leave it in a weakened state. If done too often, it can cause weak and fragile hair that is prone to breakage. Try to relax at least every eight to 10 weeks. If you can go longer, that may be more beneficial in retaining the strength of you hair. When you do relax, be certain to only relax the new growth. Overlapping relaxers also causes weak and fragile hair.
- 8). Limit heat styling. Heat styling also weakens the hair and causes breakage, so use styling irons and blow dryers sparingly. This may be difficult, but it will pay off in the long run. Try to limit them to once a week, and then strive for longer if you can. As an alternative to blow drying, try air drying your hair either in a roller set or wet wrap. To maintain your style until your next wash, wrap your hair in the evening, or use rollers or pin curls to maintain the style. Even steam rollers would be a wiser alternative to heat styling, as they curl the hair using steam instead of dry, direct heat.
- 9). Increase your water intake. Drinking water keeps your body, including your hair, well hydrated. According to the Mayo Clinic, most doctors recommend 8 to 9 cups (8 oz. each) of water per day.
- 10
Eat right and take dietary supplements. As with water intake, eating right and taking dietary supplements helps your general health. But since your hair is the byproduct of what you ingest, it receives the benefits of healthy eating habits. Protein and enriched foods, such as meat and beans, and omega 3 fatty acids, found in certain fish like salmon, can also promote hair growth. You can also add protein and omega 3 fatty acids to your diet by taking supplements. At the very least, a multivitamin will help provide an environment for your hair to thrive.
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