11 TIPS TO MAKE YOUR HAIR GROW LONGER

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TIP 1: Follow A Healthy Lifestyle

Before we get to the outside, we need to take care of the inside. What you eat, drink and how you treat your body has an effect on your hair. Eat enough fresh fruits and vegetables, drink enough water and exercise regularly for your body's overall health. Your hair grows directly from your body, when you treat your body well, your skin, nails and hair benefit, too. People who suffer from vitamin deficiencies and unhealthy diets can suffer from dry, brittle hair.

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TIP 2: Get Regular Trims

Trims help get rid of dry, damaged and split ends which can work their way up the shaft of your hair, causing even more damage.Depending on the chemicals you have in your hair as well as your daily routine, you may need a trim anywhere from every six weeks to six months. The better you care for your hair on a day-to-day basis, the less often you'll need trims.

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TIP 3: Use Moisturizing Products

Because black hair is often dry by nature, it's best to use products that replace needed moisture. Use shampoos and conditioners formulated for dry and/or damaged hair. These products don't have to come strictly from the "ethnic" hair aisle, either; many mainstream brands make hair products for different types of hair, from oily to dry.

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TIP 4: Low Manipulation

 The less you do to black hair, the more it flourishes. This ties in with the next step, protective styling. Remember: just because black hair, especially in its natural state, looks strong, this is a fragile hair type that doesn't do well with too much handling.

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TIP 5: Use Protective Styling

 Protective styles keep your ends – the oldest and often driest parts of your hair – from rubbing against clothing, pillowcases and car seats. By keeping these ends up and out of sight, you hold in the moisture your hair needs and prevent dryness that can lead to breakage. Protective styling also applies to nighttime care; a silk or satin hair cover or pillowcase is better for the health of your hair versus cotton.

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TIP 6: Stay Away From Heat

Occasional flat iron and curling iron use is usually fine (so long as the heat isn’t too high), you should minimize heat styling as much as possible. Choose hairstyles that don't rely on so much heat, as well as gentle styling methods like wraps, wet sets and twists. Too much heat will result in dry, brittle hair that easily breaks, resulting in little to no length gains.

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TIP 7: Use The Right Tools

The best tools and accessories for black hair work with its natural texture. They don't pull on it, but are gentle. Plastic and wood are good materials to look for, while you should definitely avoid anything with sharp metal parts. Wide-tooth combs and boar bristle brushes are great, but when it comes to heat tools, opt for titanium or ceramic plates instead of cheap metal.

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TIP 8: Condition, Condition, Condition

 Besides the right shampoo and conditioner, use leave-in conditioners as well. You also need a good deep conditioner; use it at least twice a month. Well-moisturized hair is less prone to dryness and breakage, leading to more hair retention. It's very difficult to over-condition black hair, so feel free to apply the product you need whenever your tresses feel dry.

 

TIP 9: Relax With Care

Chemical abuse is one of the biggest causes of hair damage in black women. When it comes to growing relaxed hair longer, you can't relax too often, but when it's time for a touch-up, get one because the longer you wait, the greater the chance of breakage occurring where the relaxed hair meets the new growth. Overlapping a relaxer onto previously relaxed hair is another major cause of breakage. If you choose to wear your hair relaxed, it's best to find a competent stylist and stick with him or her. The fewer people you have applying chemicals to your hair, the better. 

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TIP 10: Go And Stay Natural

If you currently relax your hair and see a lot of breakage and damage, consider stopping chemical processes altogether. Getting rid of chemically processed hair at once, instead of trimming away as your new growth comes in, is the easiest way to return to your roots. It also leads to less breakage and less frustration in dealing with two different textures.

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TIP 11: Wear Gentle Styles

Black hair is not as tough as it may appear. You need to choose styles that keep its fragile nature in mind. Too-tight ponytails and heavy extensions worn over extended periods of time will eventually lead to breakage. Think: Be kind to your hairline and choose hairstyles accordingly. Bobs, wet sets, braids, twists and flat twists are just a few gentle hairdos you can try that won't stress your edges or the rest of your mane.