How To Grow Natural Black and African American Hair

Many people believe that Black and African American hair does not grow, or cannot grow long. This is not true. Black and African American hair is chemically the same as other types of hair, but it has a unique physical structure that requires gentle hair care techniques for proper growth.

To grow your hair you need to do two things:

* Use products that moisturize your hair.
* Use hair care techniques that encourage hair growth.

If you do both of these things, your hair will grow.

Here are six tips for taking care of Black and African American hair:

1. When taking care of your hair always remember the following: Be gentle and take your time. Pamper your hair and treat it with care.

2. Use hair care products made specifically for Black hair. Black hair is drier and more delicate than other types of hair, and it needs lots of moisture to stay healthy.

3. Condition, condition, condition. Condition your hair after washing it to help seal in moisture.

4. Avoid brushing your hair. Use a wide toothed comb, or your fingers, to work with your hair. Brushes can destroy Black hair by shearing it out of the scalp.

5. Avoid sleeping in hair accessories such as curlers, barrettes, scrunchies, head bands, etc. Wearing these kinds of accessories when sleeping puts unnecessary stress on the hair and can lead to hair damage.

6. Work with your hair to try and find a hairstyle that doesn’t put tension on your scalp. Many Black women suffer from traction alopecia from wearing tight braids, extensions, hair pieces, hair rubbers, and wigs. If worn frequently, these will pull the hair out and cause the hairline to recede. One style that is easy to do with medium length natural Black hair is to wet the hair, gently comb it, smooth it back and gather it into a scrunchie. Just be sure to take the scrunchie out at night. Another style for natural Black hair that is short in length is to wear a soft fabric headband around the head. Match the headband fabric to the color of your outfit for a nice look.