Teaching you how to love your curls and grow your hair naturally.

23 Tips On How To Grow Black Natural Hair Fast & Longer

The rumors are true, according to a study , black people grow hair slower than Caucasian hair.

This study demonstrated significant differences between African and caucasian hair growth parameters, which might suggest a trend towards increased hair loss in Africans, even though it contrasts with a lower and slower incidence of the development of alopecia in Africans. Loussouarn G, “African hair growth parameters” Pubmed, August 2001, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11531795/

Growing longer hair can sometimes seem like an impossible task when you have natural black hair. All you need is a good hair care routine and patience.

Not only is black hair growth slower, but due to how our hair strands are wrapped around each other you will likely also encounter issues such as breakage, thinning, and shedding when trying to grow your afro hair.

From intense moisturization to protective styles and avoiding heat styling, we’ve got all the secrets to help you take proper care of your beautiful hair to encourage healthy hair growth.

Related Post: Tips For Length Retention Of Your Natural Hair Growth

Black Hair Growth Tips For Longer Hair

Having curly hair can be frustrating, especially because it won’t let moisture in and your hair needs moisture to thrive. But, with a few of these hair health tips, you will have your hair looking and feeling more moisturized and alive.

Although you’ll have to work a little harder than most hair types, it will be well worth it once you start to see that length retention.

You can mix and match these tips and find what best works for you because your hair has a mind of its own, not all these tips will work for you. An important part of taking care of your hair is knowing how to listen to your hair.

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1. Clarify Your Hair:

Clarifying your hair is the process of cleaning out product buildup from your hair follicle as well as your scalp.

Product buildup clogs up your hair follicle prevents hair growth and may even cause hair loss.

Because of the type of hair products we use, our hair is prone to product buildup, so it is important to regularly clarify your hair. I recommend clarifying your hair every wash day (every 1-2 weeks), with a good clarifying shampoo.

Related Post: How To Clarify Curly Hair & How Often You Should Be

2. Deep Condition With Heat:

Heat is a great way to open up your hair’s cuticle, which is especially important for curly hair, especially low-porosity hair.

When doing a deep conditioning treatment it is best to use heat to allow your hair to reap the full benefits of the deep conditioner.

When clarifying your hair, make sure to use warm water to open up the pores, then while the pores are still open, apply your deep conditioner to the hair.

Cover your hair with a shower cap and then your bonnet to trap the heat from your scalp and then, sit under a hooded dryer if you can.

Alternatively, you can run a blow dryer over your hair (while it is in the bonnet) if you do not own a hooded dryer.

Allow the deep conditioner to sit for 30 minutes to an hour.

Do a deep conditioning treatment at least twice a month, I do them every wash day.

Related Post: 15 Must-Try Deep Conditioners for 4C Natural Hair

3. Use Humectants On Your Hair:

Humectants love water molecules, so using them in your natural hair (which is often dry hair) is a must. Honey, aloe vera, flax seed gel, and glycerin are all great humectants.

These humectants have moisturizing ingredients that create a clear, penetrateble film around your hair strands to lock in moisture.

Humectants draw moisture from their surroundings to keep the environment moisturized. This is a great way for dry hair to retain moisture.

Related Post: Natural Humectants Every Curly Girl Needs For Dry Hair

4. Always Pre-Poo:

Pre-pooing is the method of preparing your hair before shampooing.

Because shampoos can be harsh on our hair, it is always a smart idea to pre-poo your hair to form that protective barrier and keep the shampoo from drying out the hair.

There are many ways to pre-poo your hair, here are the  Best Pre-poo Treatments For Natural Hair , in that post, I share with you not only how to pre-poo your hair, but also the best pre-poo to choose based on what your hair needs.

If you’re a DIY queen like me, here are some of my favorite DIY pre-poo treatments to try.

5. Add Moisture To Your Hair As Needed:

Because black women tend to have hair on the dryer side, it is always a smart idea to moisturize mid-week when your hair feels dry.

Adding that moisture back in prevents hair from breaking off.

Mid-week moisturization prevents hair from feeling brittle and snapping off. Add some aloe vera to spray bottles with some water.

Because it is a humectant it will absorb moisture from your surroundings and add it into your hair.

Related Post: Top 10 Moisturizers for Low Porosity Natural Hair

6. Use A Sulfate-Free Shampoo:

Sulfates dry out your hair,  causing hair breakage , loss, and damage. Use alcohol and sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that contain natural ingredients like humectants and hair oil.

7. Protective Styles Are Your Best Friends:

Protective styles are the best way to retain length. Because your hair is tucked away and untouched for a period of time. From twists to braids or weaves, protective styles are great for moisture retention.

If you find it hard to commit to one style at a time, there are cute protective styles that you can use to define your curls while they dry and take them out the next day, ie; twist outs, braids outs, and Bantu knots.

8. Moisturize Properly:

When moisturizing your low-porosity hair, use the LCO method.

The “ L ” stands for  l iquid, this is the hydration you are adding to your hair, which should always be water. 

So after washing your hair, make sure that your hair is drenched in water.

The “ C ” stands for  c ream or leave-in conditioner, this should be added to your hair to help style and form your curls, while also helping to add more moisture to your hair.

The “ O “, stands for, you guessed it,  o il. This step is the step that locks all the moisture into your hair, so using one of the best oils for sealing will help you retain that moisture.

Related Post: How To Moisturize Your Natural Hair – The LCO vs LOC Method

9. Use Lightweight-Water Based Products:

Low porosity hair means the hair cuticle is tightly packed and doesn’t let large water molecules in.

This means a lightweight water-based product will have more of a chance to penetrate first, than your medium-weight cream product.

So choose products that have water, extracts, and milk in the top ingredients.

10. Stay Away From Silicones:

While silicones add a nice shine to your hair they are synthetic ingredients that just coat the hair. Making it hard for water to penetrate the hair.

11. Do Protein Treatments As Needed:

Hair is made up of protein, so it’s hardly surprising that it’s needed in your hair to help with natural hair growth.

Do regular protein treatments as needed diet to keep your locks healthy and strong. Protein treatments I like are rice water rinses or using coconut oil as a pre-poo treatment.

Related Post: DIY Protein Hair Masks & Treatments For Damaged Hair

12. Use Natural Oils:

Hair oil is a great idea for your hair type because it helps seal moisture into the ends of the hair. Opt for oils like; argan oil , jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, and baobab oil. These natural oils are great for low-porosity hair.

Avoid using heavy oils like jojoba oil , olive oil, and  castor oil  often. I would also stay away from heavy butters like shea butter.

I do recommend using an array of hair oils and essential oils like peppermint oil and rosemary oil . But you should know how to best use these oils on your hair, and the best oils to use for your needs, you can read all about that here.

Related Post: Best Carrier Oils For Natural Hair Care & Growth

13. Steam Your Hair:

Steam works great when applying product to your natural hair.

The steam opens up your hair follicle to allow the hair products to better penetrate the hair and allow the moisture to get fully absorbed.

Steam in itself also adds moisture to your hair. Because the water is in it’s gas form, the particles are more active and make their way into the hair follicle much easier than in its liquid state.

14. Protect Your Hair While You Sleep:

Once you have gotten the moisture into your hair, it is best to keep that moisture locked in.

When sleeping, wear a satin bonnet to protect your hair from friction. You can also sleep on a satin pillowcase or a  silk pillowcase . This is because satin and silk don’t absorb the moisture from your hair like cotton pillowcases would.

15. Eat A Balanced Diet:

Your hair grows out of your body, so it only makes sense that you nourish your hair from within. having a healthy diet is ideal for growing healthy hair.

If your diet lacks protein, hair is likely to become dry and brittle which can cause hair loss as well as limiting growth. Eggs, dairy, nuts, and chicken are all high-protein foods that you should include in your diet.

Add moisture to your hair by adding moisture to your body. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated, also try and  eat these foods  to stimulate hair growth.

16. Apply Product To Wet Hair:

When styling your hair, make sure your hair is drenched in excess water first. This allows you to lock that water into your hair follicle as you add product on top of it. Make sure to seal with a good sealant oil.

17. Get Trims When Needed:

Because natural hair tends to have dry, more brittle ends. Make sure to get rid of these ends regularly to avoid the split ends moving up the shaft and causing breakage.

18. Avoid Chemical Treatments:

Chemical treatments cause breakage, and breakage makes you believe your hair isn’t growing. If you want healthy hair growth, avoid doing any chemical treatments on your hair, this includes hair dye, relaxers, and bleaching.

19. Have Regular Wash Days:

Avoiding wash day is something every natural does. But no matter what, I implore you to stick to your wash day schedule. I wash my curly hair every week, to a week and a half, that is my sweet spot.

Anything less than a week and I’d be overdoing it for my hair, anything more than one and a half weeks is too long and my hair becomes a matted mess.

When I skip wash days, my hair is more tangled and it causes breakage when I’m detangling my hair, so I try to not skip wash days, and neither should you.

Related Post: An Easy Guide For A Natural Hair Wash Day Routine

20. Oil Your Scalp Regularly:

Scalp oiling or hair oiling is the process of treating your hair or your scalp for styling or as a pre-poo treatment.

It is just what it sounds like, applying oils to your scalp to nourish dry scalp and also help with itchy scalp.

Scalp oiling has also been used to help stimulate healthy hair growth, this only works if you use the right oils that contain the essential nutrients to grow your, avoid hair loss, and give you thicker hair.

Find out how often you should be oiling your scalp here.

21. Avoid Heat Styling:

We all know that heat styling can damage hair by causing split ends and breakage, as well as dehydrating the ends of your hair.

The sun with its UV rays can also dry your natural hair. Vitamin E can help to provide protection from sun damage so make sure to add it to your diet as much as possible.

Keep heat styling to a minimum and always apply a heat protectant spray before use.

Also, invest in an SPF hair product to limit the effects that the sun can have on your hair.

22. Be Gentle When You Detangle:

Black hair tends to be dry hair, and this can make it more prone to tangles and matting, meaning you’ll need to detangle often.

But while it might be tempting to run the brush right through, that could be the worst thing you will do to your curly hair.

Roughly pulling a brush through tangles hair is going to place stress on both the root and hair follicle and can also lead to breakage and snapping, something which is entirely counter-productive for those wanting to see hair growth.

Rather divide your hair into small sections to make it more manageable and gently tease the comb through your hair.

Detangling sprays can help brushes glide through much more easily.

Related Post: Why Is My Natural Hair So Tangled After Wash Day

23. Avoid Over Manipulation

Leave your hair alone! If you want to grow your hair, it is best to leave your hair alone. Over-manipulation can cause breakage and affect length retention.

If you want to achieve hair growth quickly, then avoid placing your hair under stress through regular changes in hairstyles.

While some hairstyles protect the hair you should try to leave them in place for up to a month at a time.

How To Achieve Healthy Hair Growth

Many factors affect the rate at which your hair grows, like genetics, styling, manipulation, heat, and chemicals.

The key to hair growth is a healthy scalp so clarifying your  scalp  as needed is important. Ensure your hair follicles are not clogged by oils and excess product.

While you may be growing your hair, if you do not take good care of it, you will lose the hair as fast as you grow it.

So you need to focus on length retention.

The best way to retain length is to get regular trims, keep your hair moisturized and to do protective styles.

My hair was stuck at shoulder length for years and I believed I was just one of those people whose hair didn’t grow until I started doing my protective styles at home.

Now I notice that I retain length much easier than when I manipulated my hair often.

FAQ About Hair Growth Tips For Black Hair

1. How can I grow my black hair faster? Maintain a healthy hair care routine, including regular trims, deep conditioning, and protective styles to minimize breakage and encourage growth.

2. How can I grow my hair faster naturally? Promote hair growth naturally by eating a balanced diet rich in protein, staying hydrated, and minimizing heat and chemical treatments.

3. What promotes black hair growth? Regular scalp massages, proper hydration, and using moisturizing products can promote black hair growth.

4. What oil grows black hair the fastest? Essential oils like peppermint oil and rosemary oil are believed to promote black hair growth due to their stimulating properties.

5. How to get long hair in a week? While it’s not possible to grow significantly longer hair in a week, maintaining a healthy hair care routine can support overall hair health and potentially contribute to growth over time.

6. What foods help hair growth? Foods rich in protein, vitamins (particularly biotin and vitamin E), and minerals like iron and zinc can support hair growth. Examples include eggs, nuts, fish, and leafy greens.

7. What oil helps hair growth? Essential oils like coconut oil, argan oil, and jojoba oil are popular choices for promoting hair growth and maintaining scalp health.

8. How can I make my hair grow faster in 7 days naturally? While significant growth in a week isn’t realistic, you can support natural hair growth by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, minimizing stress, and following a consistent hair care routine.

9. How can I make my hair grow faster in 2 days naturally? Hair growth doesn’t happen overnight, but ensuring your hair is well-nourished and protected from damage can support overall health and potential growth over time.

10. Does rice water grow hair? Some people believe that rinsing hair with rice water can promote hair growth due to its potential benefits for scalp health and strengthening hair strands.

11. How to grow hair quickly? Patience and consistency with a healthy hair care routine, including regular trims, deep conditioning, and protective styles, can support healthy hair growth over time.

12. How can I make my black hair grow faster overnight naturally? While it’s not possible to achieve significant growth overnight, protecting your hair with a satin bonnet or pillowcase can help prevent breakage, supporting overall hair health and potential growth.

13. Does cutting black hair make it grow faster? Regular trims can prevent split ends and breakage, which may give the appearance of faster growth, but cutting hair itself doesn’t directly influence its growth rate.

14. What oil thickens black hair? Natural oils like castor oil, known for its moisturizing and conditioning properties, are often used to help thicken and strengthen black hair.

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The Ultimate Guide to Growing and Maintaining Healthy Black Hair

In this blog post, we will discuss effective strategies on how to grow black hair longer and stronger. We will cover essential tips and techniques that specifically cater to the unique needs of black hair. From proper hair care routines and nurturing lifestyle habits to recommended products and styling methods, we'll provide a comprehensive guide that empowers readers to promote growth and maintain healthy hair. Whether you're embracing your natural curls or on a journey to restore hair after damage, these tips will help you achieve your goals and foster an enviable head of black hair.

Black Hair Hairstyles

How to Grow Black Hair

If you are looking for tips and tricks on how to grow black hair, you have come to the right place. Black hair requires special care and maintenance to stimulate healthy growth while maintaining its strength. In this article, we will provide you with useful information and recommendations to promote the growth of vibrant, strong black hair.

Nourishment and Hydration

One of the key factors in growing black hair is maintaining good nutrition and hydration. Include a balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and antioxidants to nourish your hair from within. Additionally, drink plenty of water to keep your hair hydrated. This will help to prevent dryness and brittle strands.

Protective Styling

Another essential step in growing black hair is protecting it from excessive heat styling and manipulation. Opt for protective hairstyles such as braids, twists, or updos to minimize hair breakage and manage split ends.

Moisturizing Routine

Moisture is crucial for black hair growth. Develop a regular moisturizing routine that includes deep conditioning treatments, preferably with products specifically designed for black hair. Use natural oils like coconut oil, olive oil or shea butter to seal in moisture and keep your hair healthy and hydrated.

Gentle Handling and Detangling

Be gentle when handling and detangling black hair to prevent unnecessary breakage. Use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. Avoid using fine-toothed combs or brushes that can cause damage to the hair shaft.

Regular Trimming

Keep your ends in check by getting regular trims every 8 to 12 weeks. Trimming helps prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft, leading to breakage. This practice promotes healthier hair growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: how long does it take for black hair to grow.

A: On average, hair grows around 0.5 inches (1.25 cm) per month. Therefore, growing black hair can take time and patience. It may vary from person to person due to numerous factors like genetics, health, and hair care routine.

Q: Can certain hair products promote black hair growth?

A: While there is no magic hair product to guarantee immediate hair growth, using products formulated for black hair needs, such as those containing shea butter and essential oils, can help improve hair health and maintain moisture, contributing to the growth process.

Q: Are there any specific supplements beneficial for black hair growth?

A: Hair growth supplements like biotin, MSM, and pre-natal vitamins can complement a healthy and balanced diet. However, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements.

Q: How often should I wash my black hair?

A: Black hair is prone to dryness, so washing it too frequently can strip away essential moisture. Aim to wash your hair once every 1-2 weeks or according to your hair's specific needs. Use sulfate-free shampoos and always follow up with a deep conditioning treatment.

Incorporating a nourishing, moisturizing routine, adopting protective styling, and following good hair care practices are essential in learning how to grow black hair. Remember, consistency and patience are key. With proper care and the right approach, you can promote the growth of strong, healthy, and beautiful black hair.

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Whether you're ready for a change or the black hair dye just didn't turn out the way you expected, getting it out of your hair can be a challenge. In this blog post, we will guide you through effective methods for removing black hair dye. From clarifying shampoo and dish soap to baking soda and vinegar, we will explore natural remedies and DIY techniques to help strip away the dye without causing excessive damage to your hair. Ultimately, you'll learn how to restore your hair to its original color or prepare it for a new shade.

Black Hair Dye: How Long Can You Expect the Vibrant Color to Last?

In today's blog post, we will delve into the question of how long can you expect black hair dye to last. Whether you recently colored your hair or are considering a bold black look for the first time, understanding the longevity of your dye is crucial. We will explore various factors that may affect color longevity, such as hair type, hair care routine, and the specific dye used. By the end of the article, you'll have a clear understanding of what to expect and some tips to ensure that your black hair color stays vibrant for as long as possible.

Reversing Grey Hair: How to Naturally Turn Silver Strands Black Permanently

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black girl hair growth journey

Just For Black Girls

An online safe space for black womxn & girls.

  • Mar 10, 2023

How to Grow 4C Natural Hair| My Simple + Affordable 4C Hair Routine that Grew My Hair Waist-Length

Updated: Jan 12

Hey lovelies! Today I am sharing my simple, affordable and extremely accessible 4C hair care routine that grew my hair back to waist-length. Natural hair does not have to be complicated, frustrating, confusing or expensive. This is truly the routine I’ve been doing and products I’ve been using for years, and with the natural hair community filled with so many different, elaborate routines, expensive products and conflicting info, I had to share my basic, easy-to-follow and apply hair care routine that works amazingly on my hair and those of my family and friends.

This is the written record of the routine I shared on YouTube, so if you’d like to watch the video instead, click here, and don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe while you’re at it😉. Without further ado, here’s the breakdown:

black girl hair growth journey

Protein Treatments

I had to begin with protein treatments because it is what feeds your natural hair the necessary nutrients it needs to thrive. I protein treat my hair 3 times a year : at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end. Unless I’m doing an extreme hair growth regiment/experiment where I protein-treat my hair once a month, I only do 3 times a year, and honestly, this is my recommendation for those who are looking for a simple routine; 3 times a year is enough. Sierra and I recorded the recipe and application of the protein treatment I’m referencing, so if you’d like to watch that video, click here.

The protein treatment we use is mayonnaise-based and is a great way to begin introducing your hair to protein, as protein-treatments vary in strength, and a protein-treatment that is too strong for your hair can cause your hair to seize and break off , especially if your hair is relaxed. So please be careful with stronger protein-treatments like rice water treatments, even if you are natural , until you’ve acclimated your hair to receiving protein. If you don’t like mayo, another gentle protein that I know people commonly use for their hair is avocado. So you can totally swap the ingredients that Sierra and I use for your own. As long as you’re feeding your natural hair those nutrients on a consistent basis, you’re in the green. ✅

Brace yourself… I wash my hair as often as I protein-treat: 3 times a year. Why? Well, first, let’s examine why washing natural hair multiple times a month, or at least once a month became popular. This practice became popular because “dirty hair doesn’t grow” or ”dirt doesn’t make your hair grow better” began circulating in the natural hair community; and while I’m not advocating for naturals to stop washing their hair, I am saying that there’s no need to wash your hair every month or multiple times a month for your hair to grow either, especially if your hair is not dirty. My hair follicles and scalp stays very, very clean in between wash days because I keep what I use on my hair light , and I don’t use products that causes dirt to accumulate and build up on my scalp and hair . Keeping what you use on your hair light, and eliminating products that causes your hair to accumulate dirt and build-up at high rates, not only diminishes the need to wash your hair often, but also, in doing this, decreases the likelihood of your hair breaking off at higher rates. Washing your hair often, despite its benefits, is high manipulation, which is something to avoid with natural hair care. You can keep your hair clean, styled nicely, well-nourished and moisturized while also keeping hair manipulation low, which brings me to the next topic.

What I Do in Between Wash Days

Products i use to moisturize + style my hair.

In between wash days, my focus is giving my hair what I call “The Big Three”: moisture, nutrients and low manipulation, or, as I like to call it, leaving your hair the eff alone. I like to think of hair like a plant. All a plant needs to thrive is the right amount of water, the right amount of sunlight and the right amount of nutrients, all on a consistent basis, in order to thrive. Similarly, all natural hair needs is moisture, nutrients and to be left the eff alone for it to thrive. So, this is what I do:

My Moisturizer

I moisturize my hair with warm water, my homemade leave-in-conditioner, and olive oil. My homemade leave-in-conditioner is made with water from the tap, my favorite conditioner, (Suave, the one in the green bottle, no specific scent), and olive oil. I place my warm water in the dollar spray bottle from the beauty supply store, and spray the part I’m working on until damp. Then I use my leave-in-conditioner and cover my hair in it, from root to tip, and massage it into my scalp as well. You must remember that moisturizing, nourishing and oiling your scalp is just as important as moisturizing, nourishing and oiling your hair. Then I coat the part in oil and braid it.

My Low-Manipulation Routine

I braid my hair into anywhere from 8-12 braids and leave them in there anywhere between 1-2 or sometimes, even 3 week s . While your hair is moisturized, it’s important for you to protect that moisture . If you want your hair to grow as long as possible as quickly as possible, it’s great practice to moisturize your hair and then protect it . But here’s the caveat : I don’t mean protecting it by going to the salon and getting your hair braided with weave. This is a big no-no for my hair care routine and I’ll get to that later. What I mean by protecting it is covering it so that way your hands, and no one else’s hands, are all up and in your head . Remember the third of The Big Three: your hair needs to be left the eff alone. And I’m serious. This is the most important step out of all of them, because none of the rest of them matter if your hair is constantly breaking off, drying out and thinning out because of high manipulation. I choose to cover my hair with head wraps (I LOVE a good head wrap 🥰), but you can even tuck your hair under a wig, if you like.

I’m not a huge wig person, so it’s headwraps, for me (and I can’t tuck my braids under a wig because they be too thick and I don’t like cornrowing my hair so🤷🏾‍♀️). After a couple of weeks, I take my braids out and wear my hair in a braid out for a week or two, then I begin the process all over again. This routine will ensure your hair is being nourished, moisturized, growing and becoming stronger in between your wash days and all year long. It will only be a matter of time before you start seeing results with this routine.

black girl hair growth journey

Benefits of This Routine

For someone looking for a simple natural hair care routine, this is perfect because with this, you’re probably moisturizing and styling your hair twice a month at most. The products I use are super affordable, so you’re not breaking the bank to do your hair. Your hair is staying moisturized for longer because you’re covering it and protecting it from not only being highly manipulated, but also all the harm it can be caused simply by being exposed. When your hair is out, it is being exposed to and affected by the sun, all kinds of free radicals in the air — like cigarette smoke and other pollutants in the air — and the weather — like high and low temperatures. All these external forces can dry your hair out and cause it to accumulate dirt at a higher rate, which is counterproductive to growing healthy, long, strong, thick hair.

Covering your hair only has benefits, and don’t get me wrong, if you have a date or somewhere really important to go where you want to wear your hair out, don’t let the 1 week - 3 week recommendations stop you. Life is for the living and do what brings you joy, always. Your natural hair growth journey will not be foiled if you bend these rules from time to time. And this is also what makes this routine awesome: it‘s flexible and can be adjusted to fit your needs and wants. Just stick to The Big Three and you’re good to go.

My “Don’t”s

After describing everything I‘ve done to grow my hair, here’s a short list of things I don’t do or have stopped doing in order to grow my hair waist-length.

I stopped using combs and brushes.

I’m sure you’ve heard this before and I’mma say it again. Finger. Detangle. Finger detangling ensures that you’re not causing unnecessary shedding and breakage. Hair sheds naturally, and sometimes hair gets weak and breaks off. You don’t need to help your hair with this process by using combs and brushes, toils that rob you of the ability to tell if what’s coming out is natural or forced. When you use your fingers, you can tell when you’re being too rough on your hair, and, most times, untangle your hair from knots that have formed. I do it all the time. But when you use combs and brushes, and you come across a knot, the automatic response is to brush or comb it out, and we think we’ve won when that knot comes out. But what we don’t understand is that we‘re ripping out/breaking perfectly healthy pieces of hair, causing uneven hair, meaning uneven growth, damaged hair and split ends. Sweetheart! Put the comb and brush down, and finger detangle. Please!

2. I keep my hands and other people’s hands out of my head, ESPECIALLY other people’s.

Listen. It is not everyone’s goal or intention for you to have long, healthy hair. We see it over and over again in the stories womxn in our community share about their horror stories going to the salon or going to get their hair done; and we see it over and over again in our own lives and experiences. Do you know how many times I’ve gotten my hair done by someone else and it was not only painful but also buckets worth of hair all over the floor simply because the stylist carelessly ripped through my hair in the interest of time? I’m sure you even have stories of your own. Everybody does not know what they’re doing regarding keeping hair healthy and strong, and they don’t care. At what point do you stop letting other people in your hair? You can take of your hair! You can do it! And your natural hair is beautiful in its natural state because it’s yours. It doesn’t matter how long your hair is. Your natural hair deserves to be embraced and enjoyed at every stage. Embrace it. Love it. It will make your natural hair journey that much more enjoyable and is an extremely powerful way to practice radical self-love. 💞

This is all I have for now, lovelies! I hope you enjoyed this blog post and have fun applying these tips and seeing the growth! Try this out for a year and see how it works for you. This is not the last blog post I’ll be making on this topic so stick around for more as Sierra and I get Back to the Basics , a series we’ve started with this very blog post and on YouTube via our most recent videos. Please see the end of the blog post for other ways to keep up with Sierra and I as we run JFBG and provide this online, safe space for free and would appreciate your support in anyway possible. Thank you so much in advance.

Love you all,

Update: Hey Lovelies, after working with and growing natural hair holistically for over a decade, I now offer natural hair consultations so we can work together, one-on-one to get your hair to be as great as it can be! You can book a 1:1 Natural Hair Consultation Session with me here to receive even more hair tips, and to get personalized assistance and resources to grow your hair longer, thicker, healthier and stronger. JUST TO CLARIFY: I have made numerous videos giving out my secrets on how I grew my, Sierra’s and MANY OTHERS’ natural hair long, healthy, thick and strong and past their hair growth plateaus so you can definitely check those videos out to find out how. Those videos are uploaded here for free, on the Getting Back to the Basics Self-Care Series Playlist.

The consultations are for those out there who need/want something more than what I have already publicized for free— meaning they want to work with someone with a ton of experience growing natural hair one-on-one so they can reach their hair goals. If you’re interested, head over to book a session with me here . I can’t wait to meet you all🫶

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African American Hair Growth Tips: The Complete Guide

black girl hair growth journey

Who doesn't dream of having long, healthy, and luscious hair? Your hair frames your face, and is something you’ve come to associate with your identity. And as African American women ourselves, we know firsthand that your quest for achieving consistent, healthy hair growth can feel like an uphill climb. 

The good news? You're not alone in this journey, and it is entirely possible to unlock the dream hair you’ve always desired. Welcome to our comprehensive guide on African American hair growth tips - your one-stop solution to all your hair growth queries and concerns .

In this guide, we'll explore what makes African American hair growth unique and debunk common myths about its growth. With our advice on specialized hair care routines, a balanced diet, and crucial lifestyle modifications, we're here to empower you and transform your hair growth journey.

But, before we can unveil our top African American hair growth secrets , we want to start with the basics. Let’s dissect the anatomy of your hair to set the stage for the rest of our conversation on on hair growth for African Americans today.

The Anatomy of African American Hair

Before we delve into the specifics of hair growth for African Americans, let's begin by understanding the fundamental structure of African American hair. 

Across all races, hair is primarily made up of a protein called keratin and consists of three main layers: the medulla (innermost layer), the cortex (middle layer), and the cuticle (outer layer).

African American hair typically has a unique elliptical shape when observed in a cross-section, different from the round shape seen in other hair types. This elliptical shape results in a more flattened, coiled structure which is prone to dryness because natural oils from the scalp find it harder to travel down the hair shaft.

That being said, how is black hair different from white hair ? Let’s progress this conversation a bit by looking at what makes your hair so unique, now…

What Makes African American Hair Unique?

African American hair is unique not just in its anatomy but also in its characteristics. It's known for its texture, which can range from wavy to curly to tightly coiled or kinky. This hair type tends to have fewer cuticle layers than other hair types, which means it has less natural protection from damage. Its spiral structure also makes it prone to tangling and more susceptible to breakage.

Another distinct characteristic is its dryness. Due to the coiled structure, it's more challenging for the natural oils produced by the scalp to travel down the hair shaft, which can result in dry and brittle hair. Moreover, African American hair tends to have lower porosity, meaning it's harder for water and oils to penetrate the hair shaft, thus compounding the dry scalp black hair issue.

All that being said, it's essential to celebrate the inherent beauty of African American hair. It's incredibly versatile, lending itself to an array of stunning styles from afros to braids, twists, and locs. Its natural volume and texture allow for sculptural hairstyles that can't be achieved with any other hair type.

The beauty of African American hair also lies in its cultural significance. It's a symbol of identity and heritage that's deeply ingrained in history and self-expression. Each kink, coil, and curl is a testament to individuality and resilience, embodying the richness of the African diaspora.

African American hair can also be extremely healthy when cared for correctly. Its distinctive spiral structure can give it a gorgeous, lustrous appearance. It's an embodiment of diversity and beauty in its rawest form, and with the right knowledge and care, it can be nurtured to grow long and strong.

Debunking the Myth: Does African American Hair Grow Slower?

One of the most common questions we see asked here at Allurium Beauty is - how fast does African American hair grow ? Many are under the impression that it grows slower than other races…but is this fact or fiction?

Contrary to popular belief, African American hair doesn't inherently grow slower than other hair types. African American hair growth rates are primarily determined by genetics, and studies have shown that the hair growth rate of African American individuals is quite similar to that of people with different ethnic backgrounds, typically ranging from 1/4 to 1/2 inch per month.

The primary reason this misconception persists can be attributed back to the unique structure of African American hair that we just talked about. Due to its coiled nature, it might seem like your hair isn't growing because the length isn't as visible compared to straight hair. 

The dryness and susceptibility to breakage can also result in less retained length over time, which can give the illusion of slower growth. That being said, let’s expand on this point and assess some of the common challenges of hair growth for African Americans.

The Challenges of Hair Growth for African Americans

While African American hair possesses its unique charm and beauty, it also comes with its share of challenges, particularly regarding hair growth. While all these challenges can be overcome, it’s important to be aware of what you’re up against.

Understanding Hair Breakage and Loss

Hair breakage and hair loss are significant challenges that often plague African American hair growth. Because of the coil's tight nature, the hair tends to be more prone to breakage. 

This happens when the hair’s protein structure is compromised due to various factors such as over-styling, chemical treatments, heat application, and lack of moisture. That being said, it’s important that you’re able to differentiate between new hair growth vs breakage - as they can look quite similar.

Hair loss, or alopecia, is another concern. Traction alopecia, for example, is caused by tight hairstyles that pull at the hairline, causing it to recede over time. Other types of alopecia, like central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA), disproportionately affect African American women and can lead to permanent hair loss if not addressed early.

The Impact of Environmental Factors and Styling Practices

The environment and your styling practices play a significant role in your hair's health and growth. For instance, exposure to harsh weather conditions like excessive sun or cold can dry out your hair, making it more prone to breakage. Similarly, air pollution can have harmful effects, causing buildup and potentially clogging hair follicles, which inhibits growth.

Additionally, common styling practices such as the use of relaxers, perms, heat styling tools, or protective styles like tight braids and weaves can cause significant damage to the hair and scalp. Over time, this damage can lead to slower hair growth or even hair loss. It's critical to balance these practices with proper hair care to ensure your hair can thrive despite these challenges.

That being said, let’s get into what you really came here for: to learn all about African American hair growth and unlock your dream hair with a detailed guide on caring for your lucious locks!

The Comprehensive Guide to Unlocking Effortless, Luscious African American Hair Growth: Tips for Fast Results

So, you're committed to learning how to supercharge hair growth for African Americans. And with Allurium Beauty as your guide, you can feel confident and capable of making your dream hair a reality. 

While there’s a lot that goes into it, we’ve simplified it for you below, making your journey to healthy, luscious hair as seamless as possible. Let’s talk about caring for black hair from a hair-washing standpoint first. 

Develop a Proper Hair Washing Routine

There's an art to washing African American hair in a way that preserves its natural oils and promotes growth. This is your foundation, the first brick in your road to unlocking luscious, effortless hair growth.

So, how often should a black person wash their hair ? As we’ve discussed, African American hair tends to be on the drier side. Washing it too often can strip it of essential oils that maintain its health. But, washing too infrequently can lead to build up that prevents new African American hair growth.

The sweet spot for hair growth for African Americans is to wash your hair 1-2 times a week or once every two weeks if your activity level is very low. But remember - your hair's individual needs might vary, and listening to your hair is key . If it feels overly greasy or dry, adjust your washing routine accordingly.

Next comes the question of what shampoo to use. With shelves of brightly colored bottles and a plethora of options, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Here's a simple rule to remember - the gentler, the better . Seek out shampoos with natural moisturizers like shea butter, argan oil, or aloe vera, as they'll nourish your hair as you cleanse. 

Avoid shampoos containing sulfates and alcohols, as these ingredients are known to strip hair of its natural oils and dry it out. You can learn about what ingredient in shampoo causes hair loss in our blog if you’re curious.

When it comes to the actual process of how to wash African American hair itself, it's crucial to focus your efforts on the scalp rather than the hair. The scalp is the birthplace of your hair, and a clean, healthy scalp is key to hair growth. 

Use your fingertips to massage the shampoo into your scalp gently, which can also stimulate blood flow and promote growth. As you rinse, the shampoo will naturally cleanse your hair without stripping it of its oils.

Last but not least, let's talk about water. Water is your ally in hair washing, but only when used correctly. Scalding hot water can strip your hair of essential oils, so it's better to stick with lukewarm or cool water. 

If your home has hard water, which is high in minerals, these can build up on your hair and scalp over time and lead to dryness or damage. It could be worthwhile to invest in a showerhead filter to soften your water, keeping your hair clean without damage.

Harness the Power of Regular Deep Conditioning

Deep conditioning is like treating your hair to a spa day. It's a chance to infuse your strands with a concentrated dose of hydration and nutrients that will help them thrive. For African American hair, this step is absolutely non-negotiable. Remember - dryness is one of the biggest challenges you’ll face as it related to hair growth for African Americans.

Similar to shampoo, the right products can make all the difference when it comes to choosing the right conditioner. Opt for products with natural moisturizers such as shea butter, olive oil, or avocado. These ingredients can penetrate the hair shaft and provide intense hydration.

Actually applying the conditioner is simple. After washing your hair, apply the conditioner, focusing primarily on the ends where the hair is older and dryer. Leave it in for the recommended time on the package, typically about 15-30 minutes. 

This is the perfect time to wrap your hair in a warm towel or use a hair steamer to open the cuticles and let the conditioner penetrate more deeply. Rinse with cool water to seal the cuticle and lock in moisture.

Aim to deep condition your hair every 1-2 weeks, adjusting based on how your hair feels. If it starts to feel dry or brittle, it's time for a deep conditioning session. You can learn more about how to make African American hair softer in our blog, where you’ll gain access to our complete guide on how to moisturize dry brittle African American hair . 

Now, let’s move on to the next African American hair growth tip - perhaps the most important one we’ll share with you today.

The Allurium Hair Growth Serum: Your #1 Companion for African American Hair Growth

Meet your new best friend in your African American hair growth journey: the Allurium Hair Growth Serum . This is not your average hair serum. It's a potent blend of natural ingredients that work synergistically to promote growth, reduce hair loss, and revitalize your hair.

What sets Allurium apart is its unique blend of ingredients that increases hair growth and thickness African Americans . It's packed with essential oils, vitamins, and antioxidants, all selected for their known benefits to hair health. Plus, it's free from harsh chemicals, ensuring that it's gentle on your hair and scalp.

You'll start noticing results within 1-3 months of consistent use. You might see less hair falling out, new hair growth, or improvements in the texture and shine of your hair. Remember, everyone's hair growth cycle is different, and patience is key. That being said, so is consistency. You’ll want to use the product every night.

Simply apply the serum to your scalp, massage it in, and let it work its magic. You don't need to rinse it out, and it's lightweight enough to use daily without leaving your hair greasy. 

It’s helped countless black women take control of their hair and feel confident looking in the mirror once again. It can do the same for you - whether you simply want to prevent hair loss or treat hair loss , or even encourage new hair growth.

But why take our word for it? Try Allurium Hair Growth Serum for yourself and experience the transformation! But, having the right hair growth products for black women is just another piece of the puzzle. Let’s keep going through our guide to hair growth for African Americans…

Implement Dermarolling or Massage

By applying a hair product like our hair growth serum directly to the scalp, you’re feeding hair follicles what they need most. But, what if there was a way to supercharge the absorption of those key ingredients at the scalp, and ensure they’re distributed evenly through the rest of your scalp? 

There are actually two ways you can go about this. But first, let’s talk more about why circulation is important. Beyond ensuring you get the blood flowing to deliver ingredients throughout the scalp, ample circulation ensures that toxins are transported away from the scalp. After all, these toxins can lead to the production of free radicals - which, in turn, lead to inflammation, and thus, inhibit hair growth.

That’s a long-winded way of saying that you should be either dermarolling or massaging the scalp to increase circulation if you’re serious about promoting hair growth for African American hair. 

Dermarolling, also known as microneedling, involves using a small device covered in tiny needles to create minor injuries on the scalp. This stimulates the body's healing response, promoting cell turnover and increasing blood circulation.

Massage, on the other hand, is a more gentle approach but can be just as effective. Regular scalp massages can stimulate blood flow, helping to deliver nutrients to your hair follicles.

Which method is right for you depends on your comfort level and personal preference. For both methods, aim to dedicate at least five minutes, a few times a week, to this practice. 

Get Regular Trims and Address Split Ends Frequently

You might think that skipping haircuts will help your hair grow faster, but the reality is quite the opposite. Regular trims are an essential part of maintaining healthy hair and promoting growth.

The reason is simple: split ends . As the ends of your hair become damaged, the split can travel up the hair shaft and cause breakage. Regular trims help to nip this problem in the bud by removing the split ends on African American hair before they can cause further damage.

Now, the question is when to cut hair for growth . Really, it depends on how fast your hair grows and its condition. But in general, our opinion is that you should aim to trim your hair every 8-12 weeks, or whenever you notice split ends. Remember, it's easier to trim a little now than to have to repair damaged hair later on.

Consider Protective Hairstyles

Styling your hair can be a form of self-expression, but some hairstyles can cause tension and stress on your hair, leading to damage. On the other hand, protective hairstyles can help to promote hair growth by reducing these stressors.

Protective hairstyles keep your ends tucked away and minimize the amount of hair exposed to damaging elements like the sun, wind, and harsh fabrics. Styles like braids, twists, updos, or wearing a silk or satin headscarf can all serve as protective hairstyles.

However, it's important to remember that not all protective styles are created equal. Styles that are too tight or left in for too long can cause tension and damage. Always listen to your hair and scalp and adjust your styling practices accordingly.

Sleep Tight With Satin Bonnets and Pillowcases

Believe it or not, your beauty sleep can affect your hair health. And not just in the simple sense that sleep is the foundation of good health. It comes down to what you lay your head down to rest on every night.

Cotton pillowcases can absorb moisture from your hair and cause friction, leading to dryness and breakage. A satin or silk pillowcase or bonnet can help to protect your hair as you sleep by reducing this friction and helping to maintain your hair's natural oils.

Look for a bonnet or pillowcase that is smooth and soft to the touch, and make sure it fits comfortably. Too tight, and it could cause tension and breakage. On the other hand, if it’s too loose it might slip off during the night. You may go through a bit of trial and error as you find the sweet spot - and that’s perfectly ok!

Dial in Your Diet

We've all heard the phrase, "you are what you eat" , but when it comes to hair growth, it's more like "your hair is what you eat" . The nutrients you consume can significantly impact your hair health. 

There are two things to consider here - black hair growth foods you should consume and problematic foods you should avoid. First, let’s go back to the role of inflammation in hair health.

Inflammation can hinder hair growth by creating a hostile environment for your hair follicles - which we touched on earlier. Thus, it's important to limit inflammatory foods like processed foods, sugars, and trans fats. Instead, opt for anti-inflammatory foods like berries, fatty fish, and leafy green vegetables.

Your hair also needs key nutrients to grow, such as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Foods rich in vitamins A, C, D, and E, as well as iron, zinc, and protein, can help to promote healthy hair.

Of course, even with the most balanced diet, it can be difficult to get all the nutrients your hair needs. That's where a high-quality multivitamin comes in. It can help to fill in any nutritional gaps and ensure your hair is getting everything it needs to thrive.

Don’t Neglect Hydration

Proper hydration contributes to the overall health of your hair, from the inside out. Ideally, you should aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day, equivalent to about 2 liters, or half a gallon - this is commonly referred to as the "8x8 rule". However, individual needs can vary based on factors like your activity level and climate, so be sure to listen to your body's signals for thirst.

But, hydration isn't just about quantity - quality is perhaps more important . If possible, try to consume filtered or purified water, as tap water can often contain elements such as chlorine and heavy metals, which could potentially impact your hair's health over time. Better yet, invest in 

When you keep your body hydrated, your hair follicles and scalp are also hydrated. This internal hydration keeps your hair healthy and lustrous, providing your strands with the moisture they need from within. Inadequate water intake can lead to dry, brittle hair that is more prone to breakage and slows down hair growth.

Avoid Heat and Harsh Chemicals

Heat and harsh chemicals can damage the hair shaft, leading to dryness, breakage, and slow hair growth for African Americans. Common culprits include heat styling tools, chemical relaxers, and certain hair dyes. We know what you’re thinking… I need those to keep my hair looking beautiful, though!

Yep, it’s true - some of the things you use to make your hair look its best are also detrimental to its long-term health. Quite the conundrum, right? That’s why we have a few guides that you may find helpful:

  • How to make African American hair curly without heat
  • How to straighten African American hair without heat
  • How to dye African American hair without damaging it

Even still, avoiding heat and chemicals completely may not be realistic, you can minimize their impact. Use heat styling tools on the lowest effective setting and always use a heat protectant. If you chemically treat your hair, be sure to provide it with extra TLC through deep conditioning treatments and regular trims.

Kick Stress to the Curb

You’ve probably always been told that stress can lead to premature hair loss - but you’ve probably also heard that hair grows faster in winter or summer . And we’ve put that myth to bed in a recent article.

So, what’s the deal? Does stress stop hair growth , or this is yet another myth? Nope - it’s true. Stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to hair loss and slow growth. While it's impossible to avoid stress completely, finding healthy ways to cope can make a significant difference.

Activities like yoga, meditation, journaling, or simply taking a walk in nature can all help to reduce stress levels and promote overall wellbeing, which in turn can positively impact your hair growth. Speaking of which, let’s talk about following an exercise routine…

Get Regular Exercise

Regular exercise can benefit your hair in a few ways. It helps to reduce stress levels, improve overall health, and increase circulation, which can help to deliver nutrients to your hair follicles more efficiently. 

Whether you prefer running, yoga, weightlifting, or dancing, the important thing is to find a form of exercise that you enjoy and can stick with. Beyond contributing to your hair growth goals, this will also help you live a healthier, happier life in other ways!

Be Patient - Hair Growth Doesn’t Happen Overnight!

And finally, remember that hair growth takes time. On average, hair grows about half an inch per month, but this can vary from person to person. It's important to stay consistent with your hair care routine and have patience. If you only apply our African American hair growth tips for a few weeks and then give up, you can’t expect to see results. 

So, commit right now to apply these tips for at least 6 months. Yes, that’s a long time. But believe us when we say that it’s worth it. After all, your hair is one of the most important parts of your identity. Who cares how long it takes if the outcome is your happiest, most confident self?

The journey to luscious, long hair may be a long one, but with the right care and dedication, it's well within reach!

Bringing Our Complete Guide on African American Hair Growth Tips to a Close

There you have it - your comprehensive roadmap to hair growth for African Americans. We’ve covered everything you need to know about promoting black hair growth . At this point, we’ve armed you with all the African American hair growth tips you need to start working towards your dream hair, one day at a time.

Remember, your journey to incredible hair growth is not a sprint, but a marathon. It requires patience, consistency, and a commitment to nurturing your hair from the inside out. But with time and perseverance, you'll start to see the fruits of your efforts - and trust us, it will be worth the wait.

At Allurium Beauty, we're here to support you every step of the way. Our Allurium Hair Growth Serum is designed to amplify your efforts and supercharge your hair growth journey. Made with carefully selected ingredients that cater to the unique needs of African American hair, it's your go-to companion for achieving that lush mane you've always wanted.

Ready to make your dream hair a reality? Visit us at Allurium Beauty and kickstart your journey to amazing hair growth today. The luscious locks you've always desired are just a click away!

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How to Grow Black Girls Hair

Last Updated: May 14, 2023 Approved

This article was co-authored by Courtney Foster . Courtney Foster is a Licensed Cosmetologist, Certified Hair Loss Practitioner, and Cosmetology Educator based out of New York City. Courtney runs Courtney Foster Beauty, LLC and her work has been featured on The Wendy Williams Show, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, and in East/West Magazine. She received her Cosmetology License from the State of New York after training at the Empire Beauty School - Manhattan. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 17 testimonials and 84% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 438,226 times.

African American people have one of the most beautiful types of hair. African American hair grows the same rate as any and every type of hair out there. It's retaining the length that is the problem because of the curl pattern, chemical treatments, and improper care. It is beautiful hair in its own right, but it is fragile, just like African American skin. The key to helping African American hair grow is keeping it strong, healthy, and moisturized.

Washing with Care

Step 1 Wash your hair every 1 to 2 weeks with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.

  • If you need to wash your hair more often, consider using just conditioner. This is known a "co-washing" and is safe to use regularly, because it doesn't strip hair of its moisture.
  • Consider rinsing your hair with cold water. This will help seal the hair cuticles, and make it appear smoother.

Step 2 Use the pads of your fingers to massage your scalp, and never pile your hair on top of your head.

  • Focus the shampoo on your scalp, and the conditioner on the ends of your hair.
  • It may be helpful to wash the hair in sections, especially if you have longer or thicker hair.

Step 3 Use a silicone and sulfate-free shampoo.

  • Just because a product says that it moisturizes, doesn't necessarily mean it's true. Always look at ingredients on the back label rather than empty promises on the front.

Step 4 Always follow shampooing up with conditioner to maintain moisture.

Adding Moisture and Nourishment

Step 1 Use a moisturizing, deep conditioner every 1 to 2 weeks.

  • Heating caps can be used to boost the performance of the deep conditioner.
  • If you do not have a heating cap, tuck your hair under a plastic shower cap, then drape a towel over your head, like a hood. Use a blow dryer to heat the inside and outside of the towel.

Step 2 Consider using a moisturizing, leave-in conditioner, followed by a natural oil.

  • You can use just about any natural oil, including: Argan, almond, castor, coconut, jojoba, and olive.
  • You can also use natural butters, such as shea butter.

Step 3 Consider a hot oil treatment once a month for extra moisture.

  • Don't use a microwave, or you'll destroy the oil's nutrients.
  • Warm oil is easier for hair to absorb than room-temperature oil.

Step 4 Try an over-night mask with a leave-in conditioner, oil, and setting cream.

Brushing, Styling, and Managing

Step 1 Always use a wide-toothed comb, and never a brush.

  • You can also gently comb your hair out using your fingers.

Step 2 Avoid using heat, if possible, and always use a heat protectant spray when you do.

  • When heat styling, don't go above 380°F (195°C).
  • Great styles that enable you to cut down on harsh heating tools include: roller sets, braid-outs, twist-outs, bantu knot outs, buns, and ponytails.

Step 3 Try to air dry your hair whenever possible.

  • You can also use a silk or satin scarf or bonnet instead.
  • Cotton pillowcases are not recommended because they draw the moisture out of your hair. They also tend to be coarse, and can lead to snags, frizz, and breakage.

Step 6 Keep your hair in braids or cornrows to reduce breakage and hair loss.

  • After taking your braids out, be sure to detangle your hair before washing it. If you don't do this, your hair will get matted.
  • Consider giving your hair and scalp some time to recover from the pulling involved with braiding/twisting every once in a while.

Expert Q&A

Courtney Foster

  • Remember to keep your hair moisturized. Dry hair is brittle hair, and brittle hair breaks. If your hair breaks, it won't appear to "grow." Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
  • Eat right, exercise frequently, and take Vitamin B & C supplements, and Biotin. Deficiency of Biotin makes hair thin and break easily. Increase your protein intake with foods like fish, beans, eggs and nuts. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
  • Apply a natural oil to damp hair ten minutes before shampooing. This will help nourish and moisturize it. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

black girl hair growth journey

  • Co-washing, or washing with just conditioner, works for many people, but not for everyone. Thanks Helpful 62 Not Helpful 3
  • Don't go too tight with braids, cornrows, and weaves. This will strain your hair, leading to breakage and hair-loss. Thanks Helpful 72 Not Helpful 8

Things You'll Need

Product suggestions.

  • Moisturizing Shampoos: Crème of Nature (red or green labels), Elasta QP Crème Conditioning Shampoo, Keracare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo,Nexxus Therappe Shampoo, Softsheen Carson Breakthru Shampoo, Elasta QP Shampoo for Relaxed Hair, Neutrogena Triple Moisture Shampoo, Kenra Moisturizing Shampoo, etc.
  • Good Moisturizing Conditioners: Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Pak (the packs also come in a bottle labeled 'Replenishing Conditioner'), Suave Humectant, Keracare Humecto, Queen Helene Cholesterol, Lustrasilk Cholesterols, Le Kair Cholesterol, Hollywood Beauty Olive Oil Cholesterol, Silk Elements Mega Treatment, Africa's Best Hair Mayonnaise etc.
  • Oils: Unrefined virgin coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, Hot 6 oil, Jojoba oil, Kemi Oyl, Africa's Best Herbal Oils, any Doo Gro oils, Jamaican Black Castor Oil or regular castor oil etc.
  • Leave-in conditioners: Herbal Essences Long-Term Relationship Crème, Silken Child Leave-in, Sunsilk Straighten-Up Crème, Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioner, Crème of Nature's leave-in conditioner, etc.
  • Daily Moisturizers (can be used interchangeably with a leave-in conditioner): Sunsilk TLC Crème, Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Crème, Hollywood Beauty Olive Oil Crème, Neutrogena Silk Touch leave-in
  • Heat Protectants: Aveda Brilliant Serum, Fantasia IC Polishing Serum, Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Serum, Chi Silk Infusion Gloss, Tresemme Heat Tamer Spray, etc.

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Make Your Hair Grow Faster

  • ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/hair-care/african-american-hair
  • ↑ https://www.thelist.com/97934/things-every-woman-avoid-washing-hair/
  • ↑ Courtney Foster. Licensed Cosmetologist. Expert Interview. 9 December 2019.
  • ↑ https://www.ouidad.com/blog/curly-hair-routine-101/caring-for-curls-while-growing-them-longer
  • ↑ https://naturallclub.com/blogs/the-naturall-club-blog/the-ultimate-curl-pattern-guide
  • ↑ https://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/curls/your-top-3-protein-treatment-questions-answered
  • ↑ https://beautymunsta.com/why-is-a-wide-tooth-comb-good-for-hair/
  • ↑ https://www.naturalhairrules.com/5-ways-to-avoid-heat-damage/

About This Article

Courtney Foster

If you’re an African American girl who wants to grow her hair out, make sure to keep it strong, healthy, and moisturized. Wash your hair every 1 to 2 weeks with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to avoid drying it out, which can lead to breakage. Use a silicone and sulfate-free shampoo so you don't strip your hair of moisture. As you use the pads of your fingers to massage your shampoo and conditioner into your hair, work from the scalp down to the ends of your hair to prevent any tangles. For extra moisture, use a hot oil treatment once a month. When styling your hair, use a wide-toothed comb, which will help prevent breakage and frizz. Try to air-dry your hair whenever possible to avoid drying it out. To learn how to keep your hair healthy when you sleep, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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12 Effective Shampoos for Straight Hair that Add Body and Shine

Ath opinion: after years of relaxing my hair, was my natural hair journey worth it.

I'm happier than ever now with my afro texture.

Growing up, natural hair often felt like a taboo subject for me. From a young age, most young black girls, including myself, would get their hair relaxed to make it more “manageable” to style for their parents or whoever had the responsibility of styling their hair. Going through elementary and middle school, every girl who looked like me had relaxed or straightened hair. It wasn’t until the tail end of middle school that I began to see more people embracing their natural hair and texture. That is truly when I began to understand natural hair and how caring for it works.

What Makes Me a Proud Naturalista Today: This is My Story

As many black girls, young or old, experience the same realization at some point in their lives, it’s very important for those who have gone through the process of learning to love, care, and embrace their hair to share their stories too. In doing this, we are to raise up future generations in doing so as well. The goal is to break the stigma of growing up with natural hair. It should be a norm for young women to go. We can accomplish this with other people like me sharing their transparent stories about their natural hair journey. That’s why I want to share my journey.

My Hair Before Going Natural

naturalista hair relaxer

At a very young age, there was already a relaxer in my hair. For parents, like others, it made my hair easier to work with daily. In fact, growing up In elementary school, having straight hair as a black girl never felt unusual to me. All my friends’ hair was permed or straightened.

For as long as I can remember, once a month, I would have my roots touched up on my relaxer. I always thought of it as very normal and never questioned it until I got older. I thought it was the standard thing to do. However, I didn’t understand the magnitude of my textured hair at the time and its capabilities beyond the relaxer. My hair was healthy throughout my childhood despite the regular relaxer treatment. It wasn’t until later on in high school that I felt like it was growing weak. It was hard for me to get relaxers without cuts and scabs showing up on my scalp. I could also feel my hair getting my hair feeling stiffer after washes. That is when I raised an eyebrow at the future of relaxing my hair.

Why Natural Hair? My Decision to Make the Switch

braid on relaxed hair, natural hair journey

My love for natural hair all started through social media. Seeing how many unique styles and creations could be created through my coils is what led to the decision to go on a natural hair journey. Going natural to me was so much about having healthy hair and embracing the way my hair naturally grows from my head. Growing up as a Black girl or a young WOC, we’re often taught to do the opposite of this. Therefore, once I began transitioning from high school to my freshman year of college, I wanted my hair to reflect this key moment of growth in my life by doing something out of my comfort zone.

My Journey of Transitioning from Relaxed Hair to Natural Hair

natural hair journey

I can’t say my hair always looked the best during my natural hair transition. However, I learned to embrace every step. Upon high school graduation, I kept my hair in protective styles such as box braids, cornrows, and sew-ins for seven months. The method was to allow my roots to grow without interfering with my hair’s relaxed ends. Going natural often means implementing low-manipulation hairstyles like these and other protective styles to help with growth and time. There are many other ways that I could have transitioned into natural hair. However, this method felt the least daunting to me. At the end of the day, I was completely ready to lose all my relaxed hair length and start my hair growth afresh.

In January of my freshman year of college, I finally made the big chop, a big step in my natural hair journey. However, I did not cut off all the permed ends at once. I cut off most of the relaxer, then proceeded to cut off more each month until summer vacation, when I was fully natural. This method felt the least daunting to me as I could slowly let go of my length over time.  During this time, I concealed the relaxed hair with tons of braid outs from the natural hair.

This journey was not only super emotional for me but for my mom and other family members around me who were used to seeing me with my hair a certain way. They, too, had trouble accepting the change to my hair at first but grew to love it. Who knew hair could have such a significant impact on you? However, change, in general, can be hard. However, change, especially when it’s healthy, can become rewarding over time and can lead so much to personal growth.

After 4 Years of Natural Hair, Was It Worth It?

Natural hair journey

Despite the struggles of transitioning my hair and learning to maintain my 4c hair, going natural was the best thing I could have ever done for myself. Before I made the decision to go natural, I kept questioning if I wanted to put myself through the trouble of a new routine and find what worked best for me. Especially when it came to going through the big change of having bone-straight hair to coarse, textured, and coily 4c hair. However, I learned that the biggest and hardest step was simply making a choice to start the journey itself. This is already a big step; going out of your comfort zone has to happen gradually.

Transitioning to natural hair was also extremely fun. It allowed me to explore various fun protective hairstyles and natural hair products. The protective hairstyling also lasts longer on natural hair, as tight curls and coils grip onto protective styles better. This is why protective styles are known to be designed specifically for natural hair. It’s a journey you can personalize in any way you want. It becomes more beautiful when one realizes that their route doesn’t have to look like the next person. If anything, the comparison holds us back when trying to achieve personal growth in this matter.

Although hair does not define beauty, how you style your hair is a form of self-expression that shapes your identity. Natural hair is beautiful, and having healthy hair with reduced chemicals is a plus at that!

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5 Black Women Share Personal Stories Of How They Learned To Love Their Hair

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black girl hair growth journey

Every Black hair journey is personal. Shared experiences lend to a special understanding between people who know just how much money, time and emotional resources go into maintaining and styling Black hair, but there’s no one type of Black hair and there’s no one way to style it. Processes and products are very personal decisions, sometimes made with generations of family traditions behind them (and sometimes not).

For Black women, journeys through locs, braids, relaxers, rollers, heat treatments and big chops don’t just tie back to a school photo or a wedding portrait. These journeys are tangled up in lessons of identity, confidence and self-expression.

Here are intimate looks at the journeys that Black women have taken with their hair. Some deal with issues of trust, pride, shame and self-empowerment — and everything in between — but no matter the story, one thing is for sure: The cultural roots of Black hair run deep.

I had no big inspiration behind my decision to go natural, it happened in a moment of frustration. I had relaxed it from the age of five, and I wasn’t taking care of it. So I sat in my college dorm room, looked in the mirror, put my hair in a ponytail and cut it. I thought, “I’ll figure out the rest later.”

During the resurgence of the Black hair movement, you’d see big brands pushing natural hair products — but all for one type of curl pattern. So I thought my hair was going to be the same beautiful, lush curly style. It wasn’t. It was kinky, hard to manage, and I didn’t know how to take care of it. I washed it all the time and conditioned it so it would look how I thought it should look, but my hair wasn’t cooperating. I had a lot of moments when I felt insecure or self-conscious, but I never let anyone else know that.

After I’d been natural for eight months, I felt I had grown into it. At least, I had learned that I shouldn’t wash my hair every day and should let it breathe. I was sitting in the cafeteria on campus and without asking, my friend put his hand through my hair and said, “I still can’t believe you cut your hair. This looks so nappy.”

Kids are bullies. I defended myself saying, “Firstly, how dare you put your hand in my hair? Secondly, you don’t know the work that it took for me to be able to walk outside without feeling subconscious or insecure about my hair. I love the skin I’m in. I love the hair that I have. My hair is beautiful the way it is.” When you keep thoughts internalized, they don’t always feel true. When you say them aloud, they are reaffirmed. At that moment, I knew I wouldn’t be defending myself if I didn’t believe my hair was beautiful.

There are still moments my hair doesn’t do what I want it to do, but I decided a long time ago to take charge of my hair and my self confidence.

My natural hair journey started when I was 14 years old. I didn’t think I could ever do go natural, but my aunt — who had cut out her relaxer several years earlier — assured me, “Yes, you can.” But when my then-boyfriend saw me he said, “What did you do?” I felt that he broke up with me that summer because of my hair.

With my head swimming in 9th-grade insecurities, I decided to get box braids while my hair grew out. When I took them out, I only knew about styling natural hair with blue grease, green grease, black gels and water. I remember sitting under the dryer, trying to manipulate my curls with flexi rods and thinking, “Maybe I can pull this off.” But when I got to school, most people asked, “Is that really your hair? What happened? Why did you do that?” with a few commending me, saying, “You’re so brave,” or “I wish I could do that.”

I come from a Caribbean background. My mom and my aunt are half-Puerto Rican, so for our family it was the norm to go to the salon and get your hair blown out regularly. After my big chop my mom would ask, “How are you going to get a job?” But I always had my aunt rooting me on, teaching me which products to use and styling alternatives to wash ‘n’ go, like how to part my hair, do twists and then lock in moisture by taking the twists out and retwisting them the next morning. I had days where I felt ugly. It took years and years, but I’m happy where I am and am glad to be able to inspire others — my mom especially, who went natural, too.

Before deciding to go natural, my hair was dried and fried with an extra side of high-lye relaxer. It was not my choice (as it usually isn’t for most of us, until we enter college). In college, I began to question whether a relaxer was the only choice for my 4C tresses. So with a sweet taste of freedom and self-ownership, I began to silently ease my way into the natural hair realm — actively breaking away from my monthly relaxer routines and disguising the foreign texture in my new box braids.

All was going well until my mother saw it and, without hesitation, suggested I relax and cut it. Though slightly baffled, I did not put up a fight. I caved and permed it immediately. It looked great but after a while, as predicted, my hair became brittle and began to break as I kept relaxing and curling it. I finally decided to stop when I had just about two inches of hair left on my head.

At that point, I took matters into my own hands and restarted my natural journey for the second time. My mother was not a fan, but I’ve been natural ever since. I’m still relationship-building with the hair I was born with, yet removed from without choice, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. And here’s a funny plot twist, my mother is natural now. She finally caved, too.

I decided to loc my hair 10 years after starting my natural hair journey. It was time for a change. I had been contemplating locs for a few years, once I became worn out from my hair routine. Even the thought of taking several hours each week to wash and style my hair gave me anxiety — especially watching how easy the loc lifestyle was for my husband. I love the fact that I can wake up and leave the house without worrying about styling. Locking my hair is one of the best decisions I’ve made in my adult life.

I chose to start my locs with two-strand twists so that I wouldn’t have to cut the hair I’d already grown out. My loctician retwists them from the root when I see her each month, and she also washes and conditions them for me. But I still had to learn to care for them in-between wash days. Through trial and error, I found that I have a dry scalp that needs special attention every three days in order to keep dandruff at bay. My styling routine has evolved to include a spritz of water daily, as well as use of spray conditioners and dry shampoos, and I always sleep with a satin scarf to protect my hair at night.

This style marks a new chapter in my life. I believe it’s important to embrace my hair at every step of my journey and teach my daughter to do the same. You see, it’s an unexplainable feeling to loc your hair. You’ll know when you’re ready.

My childhood memories are crowded with hair horror stories. I remember a flood of cold tears on hot cheeks as I ground my teeth while my hair was braided. I remember my toes curling up like wood shavings as I squirmed in a salon chair, relaxer smeared across my scalp. I still have bangs today because of the time I accidentally singed the front of my afro in college. But for all the money and pain that went into my hair growing up, it was my sense of identity that pushed me to find a style that was comfortable.

My father is Black and my mother is white; when I was born, neither of them knew how to do my hair. My mother put herself through a self-designed Black hair bootcamp, ever patient and determined to detangle my hair, no matter how many hours or bottles of product it took her to get it done. The valuable lesson I learned from my mother was how to grow with my hair. She taught herself by trial and error. When I cut all my hair off at 18, I had to do the same thing. I’ve bought at least a bathtub-full of shampoos, serums, pomades, creams, gels and oils over the years, and I’ve spent hours in the bathroom mirror. At 28, I’m still learning how to do my hair, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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This article was paid for by Gold Series from Pantene and Royal Oils by Head & Shoulders and co-created by RYOT Studio. HuffPost editorial staff did not participate in the creation of this content.

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These Top-Rated Hair-Growth Serums by Black Women Will Add Some Length to Your Locks

These Top-Rated Hair-Growth Serums by Black Women Will Add Some Length to Your Locks

If your hair growth journey has been disappointing and you’re fed up — we feel you. Sometimes otherwise healthy hair arrives at a standstill and for more stubborn locks, sometimes you need a potent concoction to get those follicles in action.

Who better to aid you in your quest for long locks than Black women who know our hair and how to get it to respond? We poured through the comments of highly-rated oils to see exactly why users love these carefully curated blends and brought you only the best there was to offer.

Get your hair growth journey on tra ck with these user-approved oils today! Shop below!

These Top-Rated Hair-Growth Serums by Black Women Will Add Some Length to Your Locks

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Why This Common Form Of Hair Loss in Black Women Is Often Misdiagnosed

By Sierra Leone Starks

a purple abstract illustration showing representing a close up of hair growing out of follicles

This story is a part of The Truth About Hair Loss , an exploration into why we lose our hair, the emotional and monetary costs that come along with the experience, and what the future of treatment (and acceptance) could look like.

In January of 2021, Kristyn Wells sat on her couch at home and recorded one of her most vulnerable videos. She started a YouTube channel while in quarantine during COVID-19, initially sharing fitness and lifestyle tips. But the video she posted on January 29 was different. Wells decided to share her hair loss journey with the world for the first time.

More than halfway into the 10-minute video, she removes her scarf to reveal a patch of baldness along the top of her head.

What follows is a few deep breaths as she adjusts to the reality of full exposure. Finally, she says, "I did it. I did it."

Wells was diagnosed three years ago with central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) by a board-certified dermatologist in Columbia, South Carolina. "I had never heard of it before," says Wells of the condition. "Ever."

What is centrifugal cicatricial alopecia?

CCCA is a type of hair loss that starts at the crown of the scalp and spreads outward. Cicatricial comes from the Latin word for scar, which presents in CCCA as permanently damaged hair follicles that have been replaced by scar tissue.

Symptoms of CCCA, which include itching and/or burning of the scalp, and noticeable broken hair in the crown area are usually mild at first, explains Ife Rodney , a board-certified dermatologist in Fulton, Maryland. This usually begins to happen when patients are in their early 30s, she says, though she's seen women in their 20s come in for CCCA treatment as well.

When Wells noticed gradual thinning of her hair in her early 30s, she always assumed she had "female pattern baldness," also known as androgenetic alopecia, a condition that runs in her family.

In its early stages, CCCA can be misdiagnosed as androgenetic alopecia because they can look very similar, with thinning in the crown area of the scalp, says Yolanda Lenzy , a board-certified dermatologist in Chicopee, Massachusetts.

To ensure an accurate diagnosis, Lenzy performs a biopsy, where a pathologist can then see the hair follicles up close. Whereas androgenetic alopecia is characterized by shrinking of the hair follicles resulting in thin, barely noticeable hair, the key indicators of CCCA are inflammation and damage to the follicles.

"When you look at it, you can see the scarring," says Lenzy. "There are no openings. There are no pores."

What causes CCCA?

CCCA is the most common form of scarring alopecia in Black women, says Rodney. The exact cause is unknown, though it has been associated with certain hairstyles and hair care practices that are common among Black women, such as chemical relaxers and extreme tension from braids, sew-ins, and locs, which may trigger scarring in the crown area and lead to hair loss, she explains.

Rodney points out, however, that some women, and even men, who have never subscribed to harsh hair care practices or tension-heavy hairstyles still get CCCA. Increased research into CCCA is revealing that "there is a definite genetic component of risk for the condition," says Amy McMichael , a board-certified dermatologist in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

"For those of us who see many women of color with hair loss, the clinical patterns seem to suggest that CCCA is quite common in families," she tells Allure.

McMichael, who chairs the dermatology department at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, was one of the primary investigators of a study into CCCA whose findings were published in The New England Journal of Medicine in 2019 . The study concluded that mutations in a gene essential to how the hair follicle forms (PADI3) were associated with CCCA.

Lenzy has numerous family members who have been dealing with this particular form of alopecia for decades, including her mother, several of her aunts, and her sister, Lila Adams. Diagnosed 10 years ago, Adams calls her journey with CCCA a "rollercoaster ride."

"I live with it, and it's a daunting thing to lose your hair," she says. "As a Black woman, hair boosts your self-esteem, it gives you a sense of inner validation if it looks nice."

Adams admits she didn't take the condition as seriously as she should've in the first few years of her diagnosis. It was her mother's CCCA journey – coin-sized scarring that spread to the point where she now depends on wigs for coverage – that spurred Adams into action.

How CCCA Is Treated

Adams's CCCA treatment plan includes the application of prescribed medication to her scalp and regular visits to her dermatologist for progress check-ins. Adams stopped chemically straightening her hair and now rotates her hairstyles, going from protective styles to wearing her natural hair out, in order to give her scalp a break.

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There is no cure for CCCA, and it is a chronic condition, says Lenzy. Thus, treating it takes commitment on the patient’s part, in case another flare-up of inflammation occurs.

One thing Rodney stresses to her patients is that when it comes to this condition, time is of the essence. "Your hair follicles are actively under attack," Rodney explains to her patients after diagnosis. "And we need to intervene aggressively now to shut it down and save the follicles." She says when the initial symptoms are overlooked, patients in their 50s and 60s come in with more widespread scarring and advanced hair loss.

Treatment for CCCA begins by stopping the inflammation. Antibiotics with anti-inflammatory properties can be prescribed as well as topical cortisone to be applied to the problematic areas. Steroid injections are also an option for deeper penetration into the scalp, says Rodney.

To improve regrowth of hair in the affected area, Lenzy uses minoxidil, which is the active ingredient in Rogaine. As part of her patients’ overall treatment plan, she also recommends supplements like Nutrafol and Viviscal Pro to aid in the growth and thickness of the hair. Rodney says she's had success with the supplement Lambdapil in her patients’ hair loss treatment. (It's worth noting that research on supplements' efficacy is lacking, and you should always consult a board-certified dermatologist before starting a supplement treatment plan.)

The cost of CCCA treatment is based on factors like insurance coverage and the severity of the condition, notes Rodney. Initial evaluation and baseline treatments to shut down the inflammation like antibiotics, topical steroids, and steroid injections are usually covered by insurance, both Lenzy and Rodney say. More advanced treatments, like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) , where platelets are injected into the scalp at the level of the hair follicles to assist in hair growth stimulation, can range from $700 to $1100 per treatment, and require multiple visits, says Lenzy. Additionally, hair growth supplements can be pricey, with Nutrafol costing $88 for a one-month supply. 

Lenzy says she's seen a lot of women become defeated after diagnosis, thinking they’ll have to come up with hundreds of dollars for advanced treatment, when they haven't first undergone the initial, and often affordable, steps to combat the inflammation.

Treatment can be a months-long process, where Lenzy and Rodney have found themselves providing patient care that goes beyond prescriptions.

"What distinguishes the good doctors from the great doctors is the counseling," Lenzy explains, adding that educating her patients and setting expectations is key. "Because if they don't know what to expect, and then you give them something and they use it for six months and see no difference, they're going to stop."

The Mental Health Side Effects of CCCA

Lenzy and Rodney, who are both Black women, recognize the strong connection between hair and identity in the Black community.

"So suddenly, when your hair is falling out to the point where you can't wear a hairstyle confidently, it impacts your quality of life," says Rodney. "It's very emotionally stressful. Some of my patients, many are in tears in my office or depressed about it."

Wells originally felt that shame and insecurity in her CCCA diagnosis. That is ultimately why she says it was important for her to be vocal about her hair loss journey on YouTube. Soon after she posted the video, comments poured in from other women who said they, too, had been diagnosed with CCCA.

Having seen hundreds of patients with CCCA over her career, Lenzy says the effort to bring the dermatologic concerns of Black women to the forefront of the conversation often starts with Black dermatologists, who identify most with those conditions.

"It's my passion to use my research in order to elevate our knowledge and the knowledge gaps we still have about this condition," she says. "A lot of patients who went to the dermatologist in the '80s and '90s were told, 'There's nothing that can be done,' and they were sent on their way."

Read more from The Truth About Hair Loss:

What the Future of Hair Loss Treatment Looks Like

I Lost My Hair Before I Turned 30

Embracing the Beauty of Being Bald

Now watch a washday routine that won't irritate psoriasis:

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Top 13 Best Hair Growth Oils for Black Women

Updated May 29, 2024

Hair growth oils are an essential part of hair care routines for many black women. These oils are formulated with natural ingredients that help to stimulate hair growth, prevent breakage, and keep hair moisturized. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which hair growth oil is the best fit for your hair type and needs.

When looking for the best hair growth oil for black women, it's crucial to pay attention to the ingredients. Natural oils like coconut oil, castor oil, and argan oil are popular choices for their nourishing properties. Additionally, some hair growth oils contain essential oils like peppermint or tea tree oil, which can help to soothe the scalp and promote healthy hair growth.

Another critical factor to consider when choosing a hair growth oil is the consistency. Some oils are thicker and heavier, which can be beneficial for those with coarse or dry hair. However, lighter oils may be more suitable for those with fine or thin hair. It's also essential to consider how the oil will interact with your other hair care products and styling routine.

We spent hours researching and testing various hair growth oils to identify the best options for black women. In our testing, we looked for oils that were formulated with natural ingredients, had a consistency suitable for a range of hair types, and were easy to incorporate into a hair care routine.

Top 3 Best Hair Growth Oils for Black Women

Artnaturals organic rosemary castor hair oil & scalp strengthening hair growth oil, brooklyn botany jamaican black castor oil for hair growth, baebody critically acclaimed vegan castor oil for eyelashes and eyebrows.

We understand that hair growth is a common concern for many black women. That's why we've researched and tested the best hair growth oils on the market to help you achieve longer, healthier hair. Our team has compiled a list of the top hair growth oils that are specifically formulated for black hair. These oils are packed with essential nutrients and vitamins that promote hair growth, strengthen hair follicles, and prevent breakage. Whether you're dealing with thinning hair, hair loss, or simply want to improve the overall health of your hair, our list has got you covered. Check out our top picks below.

Editor's Choice

Unveiling a potent blend of Rosemary Castor, Coconut, and Olive oils, this hair growth elixir targets dryness, damage, and split ends, catering specifically to the needs of black women. Embrace a natural and effective hair care routine, though be mindful of the robust rosemary scent. For visible results, commit to consistent use. Elevate your hair care with artnaturals Organic Rosemary Castor Hair Oil.

If you're on the hunt for the best hair growth oil, artnaturals Organic Rosemary Castor Hair Oil & Scalp Strengthening Hair Growth Oil is a top-notch choice, especially tailored for black women. With its 4.0oz formula enriched with Coconut Oil and Olive Oil, this hair treatment promises to be a nourishing solution for dry, damaged hair, split ends, and promoting healthy growth.

  • Rich blend of organic Rosemary Castor oil, Coconut oil, and Olive oil
  • Targets dry and damaged hair, split ends, and promotes healthy growth
  • Organic ingredients for a natural and effective hair care routine
  • Some may find the scent of rosemary strong
  • May take consistent use to observe visible results

The standout feature of this hair growth oil is its rich blend of organic Rosemary Castor oil, Coconut oil, and Olive oil. This powerful combination is specifically designed to target and address common hair concerns faced by black women, such as dryness, damage, split ends, and fostering overall healthy growth.

The organic nature of the ingredients adds to its appeal, offering a natural and effective hair care routine. However, it's important to note that the scent of rosemary may be strong for some individuals. Additionally, achieving visible results may require consistent and dedicated use over time.

In conclusion, if you're a black woman in search of the best hair growth oil to tackle dryness, damage, split ends, and promote healthy growth, artnaturals Organic Rosemary Castor Hair Oil & Scalp Strengthening Hair Growth Oil with Coconut Oil and Olive Oil is a compelling option to consider for your hair care regimen.

If you're in pursuit of luxurious hair growth and luscious lashes, Brooklyn Botany Jamaican Black Castor Oil is an absolute game-changer. Crafted with meticulous care and sourced from pure, natural ingredients, this versatile elixir offers a multitude of benefits for your beauty regimen.

  • Promotes hair growth and thickness for envy-worthy locks
  • Strengthens and nourishes eyelashes and eyebrows for a captivating gaze 100% pure and natural formulation ensures premium quality
  • Versatile usage as an aromatherapy carrier oil or moisturizing massage oil
  • Some users may find the thick consistency challenging to work with
  • The potent aroma may not be appealing to everyone

The standout feature of Brooklyn Botany Jamaican Black Castor Oil lies in its ability to stimulate hair growth and enhance thickness, granting you the crowning glory you've always dreamed of. Not just limited to hair, this miraculous oil also works wonders on your eyelashes and eyebrows, fortifying them with strength and nourishment, resulting in a captivating gaze that turns heads wherever you go.

Crafted from 100% pure and natural ingredients, you can trust in the premium quality of this elixir. Its versatility knows no bounds, serving as an exceptional aromatherapy carrier oil to invigorate your senses, or as a deeply moisturizing massage oil to pamper your skin.

However, it's important to note that some users may find the thick consistency a bit challenging to work with, and the potent aroma might not be to everyone's liking. Additionally, improvements in packaging could enhance the overall user experience, ensuring easier dispensing and better storage convenience.

In essence, if you're seeking a transformative beauty solution that unlocks the full potential of your hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows, Brooklyn Botany Jamaican Black Castor Oil stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of natural beauty care.

If you're on the hunt for a top-notch solution to enhance your eyelashes and eyebrows, look no further than Baebody's Critically Acclaimed Vegan Castor Oil. This pure castor oil formula is meticulously crafted to nurture and amplify your lashes and brows, offering a transformative beauty experience.

  • Vegan formulation aligns with ethical and cruelty-free beauty standards
  • Promotes lash and brow growth for naturally fuller, longer, and thicker strands
  • Convenient applicator kit ensures easy and precise application
  • Versatile: can also be used for hair growth and scalp nourishment
  • Some users may find the 1 oz size to be insufficient for long-term use
  • Results may vary; patience and consistent application are key
  • Sensitive individuals may experience mild irritation; patch test recommended

This critically acclaimed castor oil is a game-changer for anyone seeking lush, enviable lashes and brows. Its vegan formulation reflects a commitment to ethical beauty practices, ensuring guilt-free enhancement. The serum's potent blend works diligently to stimulate lash and brow growth, fostering naturally striking results that speak volumes.

What sets this product apart is its user-friendly applicator kit, making application a breeze for even the most inexperienced beauty enthusiasts. Moreover, its versatility extends beyond lash and brow care, offering a holistic approach to hair growth and scalp health.

However, it's important to note that while this castor oil is celebrated for its effectiveness, some users may find the 1 oz size limiting for extended use. Additionally, individual results may vary, requiring dedication and patience for optimal outcomes. For those with sensitive skin, a patch test is advisable to prevent any potential irritation.

In essence, if you're in search of a transformative beauty elixir to elevate your lash and brow game, Baebody's Critically Acclaimed Vegan Castor Oil emerges as a compelling choice, promising to deliver lush, captivating results that captivate and inspire.

Handcraft Blends Castor Oil with Rosemary and Peppermint Oil for Hair Growth

If you're on the quest for an effective natural solution to enhance hair growth and nourish your eyelashes and eyebrows, Handcraft Blends Castor Oil with Rosemary and Peppermint Oil is a compelling choice. This 100% pure and natural carrier oil serves as a multi-purpose hair oil and moisturizing massage oil for aromatherapy, providing a holistic approach to hair and skin care.

  • Hair Growth Stimulator: The potent blend of castor oil, rosemary, and peppermint oil in this formulation works synergistically to stimulate hair growth, promoting thicker and healthier strands.
  • Versatile Application: With its versatility as a hair oil and massage oil, it offers a comprehensive solution for both hair care and relaxation through aromatherapy.
  • Moisturizing Properties: The nourishing properties of castor oil help moisturize and hydrate the hair and scalp, preventing dryness and promoting overall hair health.
  • Strong Aroma: Some individuals may find the fragrance of rosemary and peppermint oil to be potent, which could be a consideration for those sensitive to strong scents.
  • Consistency: As with many natural oils, consistency is key, and visible results may take some time to manifest. Users should be patient and consistent in their application for optimal outcomes.

Incorporating this Handcraft Blends Castor Oil into your beauty routine brings the benefits of natural ingredients to your hair and skin care regimen. Its purity ensures that you're treating your hair with a high-quality product, and the inclusion of rosemary and peppermint oil adds a refreshing and invigorating element to your overall experience. While the strong aroma may be a consideration for some, the potential benefits in promoting hair growth and providing moisture make this product worth exploring for those seeking a natural and holistic approach to hair and skin care.

Handcraft Blends Castor Oil with Rosemary Oil

Revive your hair's natural beauty with Handcraft Blends Castor Oil infused with Rosemary Oil – the ultimate solution for Black women seeking luxurious hair growth. This 100% pure and natural carrier oil is a powerhouse for luscious locks, eyebrows, and eyelashes. Packed with moisturizing benefits, it doubles as a body and massage oil for a holistic beauty experience.

  • Infused with Rosemary Oil for enhanced hair growth and thickness
  • 100% pure and natural, free from additives and chemicals
  • Versatile – works wonders on hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, and body
  • Ideal for aromatherapy, providing a soothing and invigorating experience
  • Scent may be strong for some individuals
  • Results may vary, requiring consistent use for optimal benefits
  • Packaging may be prone to leakage during shipment

Handcraft Blends Castor Oil with Rosemary Oil emerges as the go-to hair growth oil for Black women. Experience the revitalizing synergy of castor oil and rosemary oil, promoting not just hair growth, but also thickness and strength. The absence of additives ensures a pure and natural remedy for your hair care routine.

This versatile oil extends its benefits beyond hair, making it a multi-functional addition to your beauty regimen. Whether applied to eyebrows, eyelashes, or used as a moisturizing body oil, it leaves you with a nourished and radiant glow. Dive into a sensory journey with its aromatherapy properties, offering a therapeutic and calming effect.

In summary, Handcraft Blends Castor Oil with Rosemary Oil, in its 8 fl. oz brilliance, encapsulates the essence of natural beauty for Black women. Elevate your hair and body care routine with this exceptional blend, celebrating the purity of nature in every drop. Embrace the transformative power of Handcraft Blends, and let your radiance shine through.

Handcraft Blends Jamaican Black Castor Oil

Revitalize your beauty with Handcraft Blends Jamaican Black Castor Oil. Crafted to perfection, this 100% pure and natural oil is a game-changer for hair growth, eyelashes, and eyebrows. Immerse yourself in the richness of this exceptional carrier and body oil, perfect for aromatherapy and moisturizing massages. Embrace the beauty of natural care as you witness the transformative effects on your hair and skin.

  • Unleash the power of Jamaican Black Castor Oil for enhanced hair growth, thicker eyelashes, and fuller eyebrows.
  • 100% pure and natural formulation ensures a safe and effective beauty regimen.
  • Versatile use as an aromatherapy carrier oil and moisturizing massage oil adds to its holistic benefits.
  • Its thick consistency may feel heavy for some users.
  • The natural aroma might be strong for those sensitive to scents.
  • Results may vary, requiring consistent use for optimal effectiveness.

Our firsthand experience with Handcraft Blends Jamaican Black Castor Oil speaks volumes about its efficacy. This transformative oil stands out as the best solution for Black women seeking vibrant hair growth and enhanced beauty. The richness of this 16 fl. oz oil extends beyond traditional hair care, making it a versatile addition to your beauty routine.

Discover the beauty of nourished hair, voluminous lashes, and defined eyebrows with this potent blend. Handcraft Blends prioritizes purity, ensuring that every drop contributes to your overall well-being. Embrace the confidence that comes with naturally radiant hair and skin. Elevate your self-care journey with Handcraft Blends Jamaican Black Castor Oil – where pure beauty meets nature's excellence.

CB Smoothe Wild Jamaican Black Castor Oil

We highly recommend CB Smoothe Wild Jamaican Black Castor Oil for black women who want to improve their hair growth and scalp health.

  • CB Smoothe Wild Jamaican Black Castor Oil is a powerful hair growth serum that promotes natural hair growth and thickness.
  • The nourishing blend of Biotin, Niacin, Vitamin E, and Rosemary helps to nourish and strengthen hair follicles, preventing breakage and hair loss.
  • This lightweight, non-greasy formula is easily absorbed into the hair, offering superior moisture retention and shine without weighing you down.
  • Some users may not like the scent of rosemary.
  • It may take a while to see noticeable results.
  • The 4oz bottle may not last as long as expected.

We have been using CB Smoothe Wild Jamaican Black Castor Oil for a few weeks now and have already noticed a difference in the health and thickness of our hair. The natural ingredients and non-greasy formula make it easy to incorporate into our daily hair care routine without worrying about harmful chemicals.

The combination of stimulating peppermint oil and circulation-boosting niacin and black castor oil makes this follicle-nourishing serum an invigorating treatment for the scalp. The nutrient-rich treatment boosts elasticity and strength, while carrot, soy, grapeseed, and wheat germ oil help relieve dryness—resulting in stronger, softer hair with a lustrous natural shine.

Overall, CB Smoothe Wild Jamaican Black Castor Oil is a safe and healthy hair care solution that is gentle enough for daily use. If you're looking for a natural hair growth serum that promotes scalp circulation and enhances hair thickness, CB Smoothe Wild Jamaican Black Castor Oil is definitely worth trying out.

Hair Thickness Maximizer Jamaican Black Castor Oil

We highly recommend the Hair Thickness Maximizer Jamaican Black Castor Oil for black women looking for a hair growth oil that is all-natural and effective.

  • Made from the highest quality castor beans that are fire roasted, pulverized, and slow boiled to preserve its nutritional content and natural balance.
  • Great for eyelashes and eyebrows, as it easily absorbs into your lashes and brows to promote recovery.
  • Stimulates and nourishes hair follicles for stronger, thicker, and long-lasting hair.
  • Some users may find the dropper messy and prefer an eyelash applicator.
  • May not work for everyone and results may vary.
  • The scent may be too strong for some users.

We've personally used Hair Thickness Maximizer Jamaican Black Castor Oil and noticed a significant improvement in the strength and thickness of our hair. The all-natural formula is gentle on the scalp and doesn't leave any residue or build-up. We also love that it's vegan and free of harsh chemicals and gluten.

We recommend applying the oil to your scalp and hair, focusing on the roots and ends. You can also apply it to your eyelashes and eyebrows for added growth and recovery. The 2 fluid ounce bottle is the perfect size for travel and daily use.

Overall, if you're looking for an effective and all-natural hair growth oil, we highly recommend giving Hair Thickness Maximizer Jamaican Black Castor Oil a try.

iQ Natural Jamaican Black Castor Oil

If you're looking for a natural hair growth oil that also works as a skin conditioner, iQ Natural Jamaican Black Castor Oil is a great option to consider.

  • Rejuvenates hair, skin, and feet with its wide growth oil
  • Serves as a natural hair conditioner and leave-in conditioner for natural hair
  • Promotes hair growth and strengthens hair roots
  • Some users may not like the thick consistency of the oil
  • The plastic jar may not be as durable as a glass one
  • The oil has a natural scent that may not be appealing to everyone

We've been using iQ Natural Jamaican Black Castor Oil for a while now and have noticed a significant improvement in the health and strength of our hair. The oil is 100% natural and effective, making it a great choice for those who prefer natural hair care products.

One of the best things about this oil is its versatility. It can be used on the hair, beard, skin, and even the feet, providing a range of benefits. As a natural hair conditioner, it leaves the hair feeling soft and moisturized, making it easier to manage.

Moreover, iQ Natural Jamaican Black Castor Oil is an excellent choice for those looking to promote hair growth and strengthen their hair roots. The oil is filled with natural nutrients that nourish the scalp and hair, promoting healthy hair growth.

However, some users may find the thick consistency of the oil a bit challenging to work with. Additionally, the plastic jar may not be as durable as a glass one, which may be a concern for some users. Lastly, the oil has a natural scent that may not be appealing to everyone.

Overall, we highly recommend iQ Natural Jamaican Black Castor Oil for those looking for a natural hair growth oil that also works as a skin conditioner. It's an effective and versatile product that provides a range of benefits for the hair and skin.

Allurium Hair Growth Serum

If you're looking for a natural hair growth serum that's designed specifically for black women, you might want to consider Allurium Hair Growth Serum.

  • Formulated with organic herbs and natural vitamins that stimulate hair follicles and encourage new hair growth
  • Contains 34+ other natural hair rejuvenating ingredients that are clinically proven to help you grow longer, stronger, and healthier hair quicker
  • Created by black women for black women, so it's tailored to the specific needs of black hair
  • Some users reported that it irritated their scalp
  • One user received a half-full bottle
  • The results may take 2-3 months to become noticeable

Allurium Hair Growth Serum is easy to apply and comes in a 1 oz bottle that's perfect for travel. To use, gently apply the serum to the affected area or entire scalp and massage for 1-3 minutes. For best results, use consistently for 2-3 months.

The serum is formulated with a unique blend of ancient organic herbs and natural vitamins that stimulate hair follicles and encourage new hair growth from your trouble areas. It also contains 34+ other natural hair rejuvenating ingredients such as peppermint oil, stinging nettle, and rosemary oil that are clinically proven to help you grow longer, stronger, and healthier hair quicker!

Allurium Beauty Hair Growth Serum is specifically formulated to help stop the root causes of female hair loss without nasty chemicals and filler ingredients other companies use. It also reduces inflammation in the scalp and helps your hair stay moisturized in harsh environments.

Created by black women for black women, because black problems require black solutions. Our founder, Tonya Astor, was sick and tired of hair care products on the market that didn't work for her and women that looked like her. So she decided to create her own.

Overall, Allurium Hair Growth Serum is a great choice for black women who want a natural hair growth serum that's tailored to their specific needs. However, some users reported that it irritated their scalp, so it's important to do a patch test before using it.

iQ Natural Biotin Hair Growth Serum with Rosemary + Mint + Jamaican Black Castor Oil

We highly recommend purchasing iQ Natural Biotin Hair Growth Serum with Rosemary + Mint + Jamaican Black Castor Oil for its powerful root stimulator that promotes thick, luscious hair for women and men.

  • The organic rosemary and peppermint oil blend fights hair loss and provides pure, nourishing benefits.
  • Thicker Fuller Hair Serum is the ultimate hair growth solution for men and women and is ideal for effective hair loss treatment.
  • The scalp oil treatment nourishes and relieves dryness while stimulating growth, providing the best dry scalp treatment.
  • The serum is a little sticky, so it should be used at least 40 minutes before washing your hair.
  • The product can weigh down hair if too much is used.
  • It is too early to say about the effectiveness.

We have personally used iQ Natural Biotin Hair Growth Serum with Rosemary + Mint + Jamaican Black Castor Oil and found that it helps to strengthen and nourish hair while combating hair loss. The peppermint oil rejuvenates, while the rosemary oil stimulates hair growth. The serum is easy to use and smells good on your hair. It is packed nicely, and the thickness of the oil is perfect for easy application.

In conclusion, iQ Natural Biotin Hair Growth Serum with Rosemary + Mint + Jamaican Black Castor Oil is a premium product that is made in the USA with high concentrations of natural ingredients for superior results. It is the perfect duo for healthy, beautiful hair and is a must-have for those looking for an effective hair loss treatment.

Hair Thickness Maximizer Clove Oil

If you're looking for a vegan hair growth oil that is cruelty-free and made with non-toxic ingredients, Hair Thickness Maximizer's Clove Oil might be a great option for you.

  • Made with clean, sustainable, and restorative ingredients
  • Combines Clove Oil with other top hair growth oils for maximum effect
  • Suitable for all hair types, including chemically-treated hair
  • Unscented, which may not be appealing to those who prefer fragranced hair products
  • Some users may find the oil to be too heavy for their hair type
  • May take some time to see visible results

As someone who has tried this product, I can attest to its ability to strengthen, replenish, repair, and protect hair. The combination of Clove Oil with other organic oils like Pumpkin Seed, Jojoba, and Argan Oil, as well as Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Peppermint Oil, Cinnamon Oil, and Rosemary Oil, creates a potent blend that nourishes hair follicles and promotes hair growth. It's also suitable for all hair types, which is a plus.

However, one downside to this product is that it's unscented, which may not be appealing to those who prefer fragranced hair products. Additionally, some users may find the oil to be too heavy for their hair type, which can weigh down hair and make it look greasy. Finally, it's important to note that it may take some time to see visible results, so patience is key.

Overall, if you're looking for a vegan hair growth oil that is made with natural, non-toxic ingredients and suitable for all hair types, Hair Thickness Maximizer's Clove Oil is definitely worth considering.

Hair Thickness Maximizer Argan + Tea Tree Oil + Black Castor Oil For Hair Growth

If you're looking for an effective hair growth oil for black women, Hair Thickness Maximizer's Argan + Tea Tree Oil + Black Castor Oil is definitely worth considering.

  • This oil is made with non-toxic, clean, sustainable, cruelty-free, and restorative ingredients that are specifically designed to promote hair growth.
  • The combination of Argan Oil + Tea Tree Oil + Black Castor Oil with other top hair growth oils like Organic Eucalyptus EO, Organic Red Raspberry Seed Oil, Organic Marula Oil, and more, makes it a highly effective treatment for stimulating and nourishing hair follicles.
  • It can be used on all hair types, including weak hair, thinning hair, receding hair, curly, straight, short, long, dry, wavy, frizzy, or chemically-treated hair, braids, and weaves.
  • The scent of eucalyptus may not be for everyone.
  • The oil may be a bit heavy for those with fine hair.
  • Some users have reported leakage from the bottle.

We've been using this hair growth oil for a few weeks now and have noticed a significant improvement in the overall health of our hair. It feels stronger, looks fuller, and has a healthy shine. The oil is easy to apply and doesn't leave any residue. We appreciate that it's vegan and free of harsh chemicals and gluten.

One thing to note is that the scent of eucalyptus is quite strong, so if you're sensitive to smells, you may want to consider a different product. Additionally, if you have fine hair, this oil may be a bit heavy for you, so use it sparingly. Finally, some users have reported leakage from the bottle, so be sure to store it upright.

Overall, we highly recommend Hair Thickness Maximizer's Argan + Tea Tree Oil + Black Castor Oil For Hair Growth as an effective and natural way to promote hair growth and improve the overall health of your hair.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best hair growth oil for black women, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind when choosing a product:

Ingredients

The ingredients in a hair growth oil can make a big difference in its effectiveness. Look for oils that contain natural ingredients like coconut oil, castor oil, and argan oil. These oils are known for their ability to nourish and strengthen hair, which can help promote growth. Avoid products that contain harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances, as these can damage hair and scalp.

Different hair types have different needs when it comes to hair growth oils. Consider your hair type and texture when choosing a product. For example, if you have fine hair, you may want to look for a lightweight oil that won't weigh your hair down. If you have thick, coarse hair, a heavier oil may be more effective.

Application Method

Consider how the oil is applied to the hair and scalp. Some products come in spray bottles, while others are applied with a dropper or pump. Look for a product that is easy to apply and won't leave your hair feeling greasy or weighed down.

Hair growth oils can vary widely in price, so consider your budget when choosing a product. Keep in mind that a higher price doesn't always mean a better product. Look for a product that fits your budget and meets your needs.

By considering these factors, you can find the best hair growth oil for your hair type and needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some effective hair growth oils for black women.

Some effective hair growth oils for Black women include castor oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, peppermint oil, and rosemary oil. These oils can help to promote hair growth, increase hair thickness, and prevent hair breakage.

What ingredients should I look for in a hair growth oil for Black hair?

When looking for a hair growth oil for Black hair, look for ingredients such as castor oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, peppermint oil, rosemary oil, and vitamin E oil. These ingredients can help to nourish and strengthen hair, promote hair growth, and prevent hair breakage.

Are there any natural remedies for promoting Black hair growth?

Yes, there are several natural remedies for promoting Black hair growth. Some of these remedies include massaging the scalp with essential oils, using aloe vera gel, drinking plenty of water, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding harsh chemicals and heat styling.

Which hair growth oil is best for 4C hair?

For 4C hair, some of the best hair growth oils include castor oil, coconut oil, and jojoba oil. These oils can help to moisturize and nourish the hair, promote hair growth, and prevent hair breakage.

What are some tips for regrowing thinning hair as a Black woman?

Some tips for regrowing thinning hair as a Black woman include avoiding tight hairstyles, using a gentle shampoo and conditioner, massaging the scalp regularly, using a wide-tooth comb, and eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals.

Can hair grease help with Black hair growth?

Hair grease may help to moisturize and nourish the hair, but it is not a guaranteed solution for promoting hair growth. It is important to use hair grease in moderation and to also incorporate other hair growth practices such as regular scalp massages and a healthy diet.

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    Artnaturals Organic Rosemary Castor Hair Oil & Scalp Strengthening Hair Growth Oil. Brooklyn Botany Jamaican Black Castor Oil for Hair Growth. Baebody Critically Acclaimed Vegan Castor Oil for Eyelashes and Eyebrows. We understand that hair growth is a common concern for many black women.

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  24. Hair Routine

    I cut my hair a month ago and it was the best thing I did. I can run my fingers through my hair and cater to my hair in so many ways. When I was younger my m...