Do you dream of long, natural tresses but don’t think you can get there?
You can if you include a few components in your hair care regimen:
Keep your hair moisturized and be gentle with your hair (try finger-combing vs. constant use of combs/brushes)
Use low manipulation and protective styling (e.g. twists, braids, coils, cornrows etc.)
Keep your hair care routine consistent
You may even have a few things on your mind about your natural hair:
“My hair is really coily. Will it still grow?”
Remember black hair is more delicate. Those with a looser pattern of hair strands don’t require as much care. While those of you with very coily hair may find it is more difficult for the oils from your scalp to travel down the strands as easily. This means your hair may be dry, more brittle and prone to breakage and needs more attention.
“The women in my family don’t really have long hair.”
While this may be a factor, genetics doesn’t necessarily determine how long your hair will grow. What’s key to understand is there must be a healthy black hair care regimen and consistency.
“If I don’t cut my ends, will it grow long?”
Just the opposite if you have split ends! Hanging on to your split ends will accelerate damage, so be sure to get them trimmed.
“Are there black hair care recipes for hair growth?”
Yes, there are! Consider these carrier oils with several properties as a base for hair care recipes:
Argan Oil
Is quite nourishing to the scalp
Contains unsaturated fatty acids which strengthen protein bonding in natural hair
Penetrates hair shaft and enhances elasticity
Has Vitamin E which aids in renewing and repairing damage caused by heat and chemicals
Avocado Oil
Smooths hair cuticles
Penetrates hair
Is high in protein
Melts on the scalp easily
Is good for finger detangling
Canola Oil (no, I’m not joking)
Is effective for repairing split ends and damaged hair
Is a great choice for moisturizing hair and massaging the scalp
Is quite cost effective
Makes a great hot oil treatment combined with essential oils
Castor Oil
Improves scalp circulation
Aids in (re)growth of hair
Moisturizes hair
Seals, preventing split ends and breakage
Coconut Oil
Provides deep conditioning and detangling
Helps with frizz and styling
Acts as a sealant for split ends
Eliminates dandruff
Grape seed Oil
Works as a sealant and detangler for damp hair
Enhances your moisturizer
Acts as a natural heat protectant
Is odorless and light, making it easy to use as a carrier oil when combining with others
Tends to be inexpensive
Jojoba Oil
Moisturizes hair and controls frizz
Acts most similar to natural hair sebum
Prevents hair loss and build-up around hair follicles
Reduces dandruff
Olive Oil
Penetrates hair
Is light weight and great for moisturizing/softening
Acts as an effective sealant
Promotes scalp health and prevents dandruff due to anti-inflammatory properties
Adds shine and helps to combat frizz
Sunflower Oil
Promotes hair growth with oleic acid (omega 9)
Eliminates frizz and adds shine
Is easily absorbed into hair
Protects against harmful UV rays of the sun
A Few Carrier Oil Foundation Recipes For Natural Hair Growth
You need to try a mix of oils for shine, moisture and of course, growth promotion:
Pre-Shampoo Oil Mix
1/2 cup grape seed oil
1/2 cup coconut oil
Apply one tablespoon at a time, while massaging the oil mix through your hair while using your fingers to untangle your hair completely from root to tip. First step before each shampoo. Yields 3 applications.
——
After Wash Oil Mix
1 oz castor oil
1 oz jojoba oil
½ oz vegetable/canola oil
½ oz grape seed oil
Stir together well. Use immediately after washing hair and follow up with a leave-in treatment.
—
Hair Growth And Strengthening Mix
2 oz extra virgin olive oil
2 oz cold pressed coconut oil
3 oz unrefined Sunflower seed oil
Massage a small amount into your scalp daily. This blend stimulates hair growth, improves hair elasticity and shine.
The above recipes make great foundations for natural hair care. You can also incorporate essential oils into your mix to enhance the benefits of the oils.
“I’ve been growing my hair but it’s taking so long!”
It will grow but it’s a process. Give it time. It’s going to take months of consistency rather a couple of weeks. In addition, our hair grows ½ an inch per month on average (others may be faster). Remember our hair thrives most when left to rest. The good news is, this means less maintenance for you!
I hope you’re feeling more encouraged about growing your natural tresses from this information. Let me know how your hair growth journey is going and what is working for you. As always …
Dedicated To Your Beauty
Juliette Samuel
Esthetician/Author/Publisher
Nyraju Skin Care