Are you looking for a way to grow out your natural hair faster? Natural hair is gorgeous at any length but we know many of you are looking for ways to speed up the process of hair growth especially when you have goals to meet.
Frankly, hair growth speed isn’t determined by-products or any fancy potions or serums. The truth is the rate at which your hair grows is determined mostly by genetics and can be affected by other factors including your age, your health, and your lifestyle.
In addition to these factors, we have shared before that hair grows faster in the Summer and spring in comparison to the Fall and Winter so it is important to have a solid plan in place to take full advantage of “fast growth” seasons. So where does that leave us when all we want is long hair, and right now?
According to Randy Veliky, clinical studies director for HairMax, “Hair growth can be described in three cycles, the anagen growth phase, lasting 5-7 years; the catagen resting phase and then the telogen shedding phase.
Each follicle goes through these phases independently. As we age or experience pattern hair loss, the anagen growth phase is shortened.
This is why it is difficult for women over 50 to grow their hair long like they did when they were younger,” Veliky said.
To really understand how our hair grows and some of the things that impede our retention rate, I want you to watch this detailed video:
Since we have identified a few general factors that affect hair growth, we wanted to share 33 ways to grow out your natural hair faster.
1. Utilize the science of protective styles
Seun mentioned protective styles in the above video, but it’s important to expand on the ‘science’ behind it.
The goal of protective styles is to reduce the number of instances you manipulate your hair causing breakage because the structure of curly, coily and kinky hair strand lends itself to more breakage in comparison to straighter hair types.
With that said it makes sense to just avoid manipulation to preserve the quality of the strand so that you can retain more length over time.
There are protective styles that are considered more protective than others. If you are focused on growth and length retention then you should choose styles that cause the least tension.
Wigs and weaves without a leave out are considered more protective than tight box braids when done correctly. If you need protective style options click here.
2. Try a DIY Sulfur Hair Growth Recipe
Sulfur is an element that has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties often found in treatments and medications for dandruff, pityriasis Versicolor rosacea, and warts.
Because of its properties, sulfur can be used to keep the scalp and follicles healthy encouraging hair growth.
You will need an applicator bottle so that you can apply the mixture directly to your scalp.
►Sublimed Sulfur Powder: Add ONLY 1 teaspoon of the sulfur powder to your bottle.
►1 cup of natural oil or oil mixture. Choose your favorite oil or oil blend. Make sure that you have penetrating oils in your mixture like coconut oil or olive oil.
►Tea Tree Oil: 5-10 drops of tea tree oil will give your hair growth oil a little extra boost.
Cover your bottle and SHAKE WELL. Watch this video to see how to make this sulfur-based oil mix yourself.
3. Use-sulfate free shampoo
Sulfates are a detergent used to cleanse your hair. They can easily be found in shampoos, body washes, and even facial cleansers.
Sulfates that can be found in products are sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate. When shopping for a new shampoo avoid ones with those ingredients.
Sulfates can cause extreme dryness to your hair shaft and are harsh on the skin.
4. Try L.O.C. Method
Moisturizing your hair is key to hair growth. L.O.C. stands for L (eave-in), O (il), and C (ream). This method is very popular in the natural hair community and was created by the founder of the natural hair brand Alikay Naturals.
It helps lock and seal in moisture for that perfect wash and go or twist out. If you struggle to maintain moisture in your hair I recommend this method.
5. Protein Treatments
Protein, protein, protein! Doing protein treatments are tremendously important for healthy hair. Protein helps to keep the softness, elasticity, and shine of your hair.
For damaged hair, it is vital for restoring hair to its healthy state by strengthening the hair. It is recommended to do a protein treatment once a month, however too much protein can cause your hair to become rigid.
6. Deep conditioning often
As described above about moisture being key. Deep conditioning allows for nutrients and vitamins to deeply penetrate your hair shaft unlike leave-ins or regular conditions.
Deep conditioning once a week will keep your hair moisturized and soft. To enhance your deep condition you can cover your hair with a plastic cap and sit under a hooded dryer on warm for 30 minutes.
7. Using Satin/Silk Pillow Covers
Regular pillowcases can be harsh on your hair and its ends. They can even cause breakage. Satin and silk pillowcases allow for your hair to easily glide across without breakage and keep your hairstyles “fresh” the next morning.
8. Avocado Oil
Avocado Oil is a cold-pressed oil from avocadoes that is rich in vitamins and nutrients. Avocadoes are rich in vitamin B, vitamin D, and vitamin E. It stimulates blood flow and allows nutrients to penetrate the hair follicles. You can use avocado oil in hot oil treatments, mix with your deep conditioner, or as a scalp massage to promote hair growth.
9. Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is extracted from the residue of grapes after they have been juiced. Grapeseed oil has high amounts of OPCs (Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins). High amount of OPCs promote hair growth and accelerate the process of hair growth by deeply moisturizing the hair shaft. It can be utilized as a scalp massage or in a hot oil treatment.
10. Castor Oil
Castor oil is a yellow oil obtained from castor beans. It is filled with fatty acids; these fatty acids provides nutrients to the hair follicles and stimulates hair growth. Mix it in with your favorite deep conditioner or hot oil treatments!
11. Trim your hair (yes, we said trim!)
Trim your hair frequently. Once every two or three months will promote hair growth. Trimming your hair allows you to get rid of dead, damaged, and spilt ends. Keeping these damaged ends can cause further damage as they rise up the hair shaft.
12. Avoid Heat
When growing your hair out, try to avoid all heat styling products. The constant application of heat to your hair can ruin your hair shaft and cause permanent damage.
13. Avoid chemicals
Resist the urge to bleach, perm, or texturize your hair. The ingredients present in these chemicals permanently change the chemical makeup of your hair. They cause permanent damage and are very drying to your hair.
14. Using Cold Water
During wash days, try to rinse your hair with cold water. The cold water helps to reduce frizz, lock in moisture, and retain strength in your hair.
15. Don’t Shampoo Daily
Natural hair does not need to be shampooed every day. Shampooing too often can be drying to your hair. Reduce to shampooing once or twice a week. When shampooing only focus on the scalp instead of adding shampoo to the whole head.
16. Try Pre-pooing
Pre-pooing stands for pre-shampoo. It is a process of treatment like a hot oil treatment before shampooing.
Pre-pooing adds moisture, reduces breakage, and makes your conditioner more effective. For dryer hair types pre-pooing is perfect for maintaining moisture in your hair.
17. Staying Hydrated
Keeping your body hydrated is important to promote hair growth. Providing your body and hair with water will keep it moisturized.
18. Taking Vitamins
Taking certain vitamins can speed up your hair process and allow for healthier and longer strands. Some of the best vitamins for your hair are vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin B, and Zinc. Your hair needs a vast amount of vitamins to stay healthy.
19. DIY Hot Oil Treatment
Oils are a great way to provide your hair with the vitamins and nutrients it needs to stay healthy. They are also great moisturizers. They will leave your hair shiny, moisturized, and soft. My favorite DIY hot oil consists of:
Ingredients
• Avocado Oil
• Grapeseed Oil
• Castor Oil
• Peppermint Essential Oil
Directions
1. Gather all your ingredients. In a bowl or bottle mix 1/3 of avocado, grapeseed, and castor oil.
2. Mix all these oils
3. Boil a pot of water to heat oils or you can heat using a microwave.
4. After heated, add two to three drop of peppermint essential oils (this will increase hair circulation)
5. Apply directly to the scalp and throughout hair.
6. Tie your hair up and cover with a plastic cap.
7. Allow penetration into hair for 30 minutes
8. Shampoo and condition hair and style as normal.
20. Leave-in Conditioner
Having a great leave-in conditioner not only helps with keeping your hair moisturized, but also helps to gently detangle hair. Leave-in conditioners help your hair to feel and look smooth while reducing frizz.
21. Detangling
Detangling your hair removes tangled hair and prevents breakage. When detangling your hair, make sure to detangle gently. Detangle your hair while wet, start from ends to roots, and use a wide-tooth comb or finger detangle.
22. Micro-Fiber Towels
Cotton towels can be too abrasive on your hair and cause frizz. Microfiber towels are gentler and keep moisture in your hair when drying due to lack of friction.
23. Diet Change
Changing the type of food you intake can drastically affect your hair growth. Improving your diet can make your hair shaft and follicles healthier. Foods to promote hair growth include eggs, nuts, fish, avocadoes, and spinach.
24. Consistency!!
Hair growth can sometimes be a long process. Staying consistent will improve results quicker like weekly deep conditioning and monthly protein treatments. Making a daily, weekly, and monthly routine will keep your hair healthy.
25. Avoid Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is an odorless, colorless, light mixture of higher alkanes from a mineral source. It can be found in many body and hair products. You should avoid it because it can cause build-up on your scalp leaving your natural curls lifeless due to being weighed down by buildup.
26. Scalp Massages
Daily or weekly scalp massages will promote growth by stimulating blood flow throughout your scalp. You can use oils like avocado oil, grapeseed oil, castor oil, coconut oil, and jojoba oil for scalp massages.
27. Learning your curls
Learning more about your natural hair will help you understand how to properly care for it and promote growth. All hair types are different and require different types of care.
For example, determining if your hair is high or low porosity to moisturize your hair correctly. Caring for your hair incorrectly can cause further damage.
28. Bonnets
Satin/Silk bonnets keep your ends tucked in and hair protected while you sleep. Wearing bonnets every night will prevent breakage as you sleep.
29. Avoid metal/rubber bands
Metal and rubber bands can tug and get caught into natural hair. Constant use of them will cause breakage to your hair. A great alternative is cotton scrunches or clips to tie your hair up.
30. Ayurveda Hibiscus Treatment
For this treatment, you will need hibiscus powder, any deep conditioner, essential oil, and a steamer.
Watch below:
31. Biotin Intake
Biotin is a highly popular supplement to promote hair growth. Biotin is also referred to as vitamin H. It is from the vitamin B family.
Biotin is known to strengthen hair and promote hair growth and can be taken to encourage hair growth with your doctor’s permission. Keratin proteins are a part of the structural material in your hair, biotin is known to boost the body’s keratin infrastructure.
32. Drink More Water for Hydrated Hair
This is not a drill when everyone recommends drinking water to keep your hair and body hydrated, its absolutely true.
Moisturize your hair from the inside by drinking at least one gallon of water per day or according to your doctor’s recommended amount. You will notice a huge difference in your hair and skin over time.
33. No stress
High amounts of stress can cause hair loss. When your stress levels are high it increases the skin sebum production. As a result, the high amounts of sebum can clog hair pores and contribute to hair loss and prevent the needed process for hair growth.
Final thoughts on how to grow out your natural hair
All of the above suggestions can be used individually but work best when used in combination.
The most important thing to remember is that there is a direct correlation between your overall health and the health of your hair.
Getting regular check-ups, eating well, drinking your water, and minding your business will forever be the ultimate thing when trying to meet your goals.
Check with your doctor before trying any of the recommended DIY treatments and remain consistent in your regimen.
Have any cool tips you used to grow out your natural hair faster? Leave them below.
Lead image: @ebscurlytv
