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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.
Steps
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Wash your hair every 1 to 2 weeks with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. If you wash your hair more often then that, your hair will end up too dry and brittle. This can lead to breakage. [1] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
- 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.
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Use the pads of your fingers to massage your scalp, and never pile your hair on top of your head. [2] X Research source If you pile your hair on top of your head as you massage your hair and scalp, you will create tangles and make it more difficult to detangle later on. Instead, massage the hair, starting from close to the scalp and going down to the ends of the hair, to prevent your hair from tangling. Never use your fingernails to scrub your scalp.
- 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.
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Use a silicone and sulfate-free shampoo. [3] X Expert Source Courtney Foster
Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Interview. 9 December 2019. Silicones are great for making hair smooth, but they can only be washed out using sulfates. Sulfates are harsh cleaning agents that strip hair of its moisture, leaving it dry and brittle. If you don't wash the silicones out, you will end up with build-up in your hair, which can leave it looking limp and greasy.- 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.
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Always follow shampooing up with conditioner to maintain moisture. After you have rinsed the shampoo out, divide your hair into sections, and apply the conditioner. [4] X Research source Then, gently comb your hair with a wide-toothed comb. This will allow for a more-even distribution of the product. It will also make your hair easier to detangle later on. Rinse the conditioner out after a couple of minutes (or as per the conditioner’s directions).
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Be wary of hard water. If you live in an area with hard water, consider getting a shower filter. Hard water contains minerals that can lead to build-up, and make your hair dry, brittle, and unmanageable. You can also use a chelating or clarifying shampoo once a month instead to clear up buildup and improve the state/manageability of your hair. [5] X Research source
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Use a moisturizing, deep conditioner every 1 to 2 weeks. Apply the deep conditioner to damp hair, then tuck your hair under a shower cap. Leave it there for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing it out. [6] X Research source
- 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.
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Consider using a moisturizing, leave-in conditioner, followed by a natural oil. The leave-in conditioner will moisturize your hair, and the oil will help "seal" the moisture in. Make sure to cover all your hair with the leave-in and 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.
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Consider a hot oil treatment once a month for extra moisture. Heat ½ to 1 cup (120 to 240 milliliters) of oil in a double boiler, then apply it to your hair. Tuck your hair under a shower cap for about 20 minutes, then rinse it out with shampoo. You can use any type of natural oil, such as: Argan, avocado, castor, coconut, jojoba, and olive.
- 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.
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Try an over-night mask with a leave-in conditioner, oil, and setting cream. Apply some leave-in conditioner, oil (such as coconut oil), and setting cream to your hair, then twist it. Cover your hair with a scarf or bonnet, and fluff it out the next day. On the third or fourth night, you can re-twist your hair. Spritz your hair with water to re-activate the leave-in conditioner, and reapply the oil and cream. Use a little bit less product than the first time, since the same products are already in your hair from before.
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Try a protein treatment once every six weeks for extra strength. If you have finer hair, you can use it as often as once a week. You can use either a store-bought protein mask, or make your own. [7] X Research source
- Consider massaging egg whites into your hair and letting it sit for ten minutes under a shower cap. [8]
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Expert Source
Courtney Foster
Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Interview. 9 December 2019. Wash it out with cool water, not hot. Egg white contains vitamins which will make your hair healthy and strong.
- Consider massaging egg whites into your hair and letting it sit for ten minutes under a shower cap. [8]
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Expert Source
Courtney Foster
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Always focus conditioners, oils, and butters on the ends of your hair. These are the oldest parts of your hair, and need the most moisture. Dry hair is brittle hair, and brittle hair tends to break easily. If you don't take good care of the ends of your hair, it will just keep on breaking; it won't "grow" very fast.
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Always use a wide-toothed comb, and never a brush. Fine-toothed combs can snag and break hair, while brushes can lead to frizz. When combing your hair, remember to start from the tips, and work your way up. Never comb straight down from roots to ends. [9] X Research source
- You can also gently comb your hair out using your fingers.
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Avoid using heat, if possible, and always use a heat protectant spray when you do. [10] X Expert Source Courtney Foster
Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Interview. 9 December 2019. Try to use a lower temperature, if you can, as heat protectant sprays can only do so much. It may take longer to get the results you want, but it will be safer for your hair. [11] X Research source- 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.
Jen Atkin, Celebrity HairstylistUse heat protectants and other nourishing products. "Make sure that you’re protecting the hair and not creating more damage with extreme heat."
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Try to air dry your hair whenever possible. This is the safest way to dry your hair. Consider putting your hair into twists or braids first. When you take them out, after your hair dries, you'll end up with beautiful curls. Avoid drying your hair out in the sun, however, as the sun's rays can be just as harmful to your hair as your skin. If you must dry your hair out in the sun, consider using a UV protectant spray for hair first.
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Be gentle with your hair when towel-drying it. Never rub your hair with a towel, as this can lead to frizz and breakage. Instead, gently pat it dry, preferably with a microfiber cloth or towel. You can also use a t-shirt instead. To preserve your curls, consider wrapping your hair in a microfiber towel or t-shirt instead.
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Keep your strands protected at night by using a satin pillowcase. If your hair is long, or not already in a protective style (such as braids or twists), consider putting your hair into a high ponytail or high bun. This will help preserve curls and prevent your hair from getting tangled and roughed up as you toss and turn throughout the night.
- 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.
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Keep your hair in braids or cornrows to reduce breakage and hair loss. At the same time, however, avoid braiding your hair too tightly, as this can weaken the hair follicles and lead to hair loss. Also, remember to care for your hair and scalp. You should wash and condition your hair at least every two weeks. [12] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
- 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.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow do I keep black girl hair healthy?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.Use a shampoo that's sulfate-free to keep your hair clean and healthy when you wash it. To avoid any breakage, avoid using heating tools and keep your hair in loose styles rather than tight braids or ponytails.
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Tips
- 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
- 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
- Apply a natural oil to damp hair ten minutes before shampooing. This will help nourish and moisturize it.Thanks
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Warnings
- Co-washing, or washing with just conditioner, works for many people, but not for everyone.Thanks
- Don't go too tight with braids, cornrows, and weaves. This will strain your hair, leading to breakage and hair-loss.Thanks
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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.
References
- ↑ 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://www.thelist.com/97934/things-every-woman-avoid-washing-hair/
- ↑ 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
- ↑ Courtney Foster. Licensed Cosmetologist. Expert Interview. 9 December 2019.
- ↑ https://beautymunsta.com/why-is-a-wide-tooth-comb-good-for-hair/
- ↑ Courtney Foster. Licensed Cosmetologist. Expert Interview. 9 December 2019.
- ↑ https://www.naturalhairrules.com/5-ways-to-avoid-heat-damage/
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/hair-care/african-american-hair
About This Article
Article Summary
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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!
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- "It helped very much. I have never relaxed my hair since I was young, because relaxer can damage your hair even if you used it for a long time. I saw a girl who had wounds on her scalp just because of relaxer and she used it for a long time." ..." more
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