How to Grow Long, Natural Hair. EASY Tips That Work.

I was natural for several years before I got serious about retaining length.  When I made the decision, to buckle down, my goal (and one of my obsessions) was to acheive waist-length hair.  Somewhere along the way, my focus shifted primarily to just keeping my hair healthy and moisturized. 

Although, I was no longer obsessing over hair growth, out of habit, I continued with my normal natural hair-growth routines and regimens.  Now, (as I literally reach back and do an unofficial length-check) my hair is about an inch above my bootay.  Aye!!  

My "want-more-with-little-effort" nature forced me to come up with a natural hair care routine that's so simple, no one ever believes it.  My daily (morning & bedtime combined) routines take a total of 5 minutes or less.  After all, ain't nobody got, nor wants time for that.  

So, I created this cheat sheet of what's worked for me.  As always, it's best to experiment and do your own research to determine what works best for your natural hair, but certainly be free to use this as a guide to help you along the way.    

I should warn you though; when you find out what your hair loves, it will show up and show out.  So, be ready!

Thanks for reading and Mo' Hair!

♥ RallyGirl

Grow Natural Hair, Retain Length: 8 EASY Tips to Jump-Start Optimum Hair Growth

Over the years I've had many Naturalista's and transitioners ask how long it took me to grow out my natural hair.  The answer is a long one, but I'll try to keep it brief.

Let go of those raggedy ends

I transitioned for 6 to 8 months, and went back to natural in May of 2003; I big chopped 6" of dead, relaxed strands.  By grace, my hair did some growing, and I retained some length, but it wasn't all that, and certainly was no thanks to me.  Theoretically, for someone who big chopped 13 years ago, I should be able to sit on my hair, post shrinkage.  Okay, I might be exaggerating a bit, but you get the drift.  It wasn't until 2012 that I figured out the formula to retaining my length, and seriously began to cultivate my tresses.

Scalps love to be Clean - Hair loves to be Hydrated

Styling tools encourages hair breakage

After several years of guessing, hoping, and sprinkling fairy dust over my head, I finally stopped.  I did a little research, did some experimenting, waited...then BAM; I discovered the basic blueprint that has gotten my hair to where it is today.

RELATED:  Going Natural 101 - Quick Tips for Beginners, Transitioners, and the Frustrated.

Natural Oils

Hair grows an average of 1/4th to 2" per month; not everyone's hair grows at the same rate, so just rock YOUR way, and your results will come through.  Below is what I like to call a guideline of core practises to jump-start your hair to maximum health, and optimum length retention.  This method will yield results for most any curl, kink, and coil pattern (looser textures as well).  As always, add and modify as your hair sees fit.  Do your research, experiment, tweak, be patient, but have fun!  

Twisted Bun

• Clip ends, being sure they are free of all splits and damage
• Keep a clean scalp
• Cleanse hair with a moisturizing conditioner (sulfate & silicone free are best, but do your best).  Avoid oil-stripping shampoos & lathers. 
• Finger detangle as much as possible (easiest on stretched hair).  Limit the use of styling tools as often as possible.
• Seal in moisture, being sure to focus on those ends (the oldest part of your hair)
• Wear protective hairstyles
• Sleep on silk or satin (bonnet, pillow case, scarf, etc.)
• Drink lots of water

RELATED:  Grown Natural Hair, Retain Length:  3 Easy Ways to Quick Trim (Dust) Your Ends.

RELATED:  The "Cold Witch" - An Easy D.I.Y. Scalp-Cleaning Solution.

Choose  your satins or silks

RELATED:  Satins & Silks for Length Retention.

RELATED: Grow Natural Hair, Retain Length:  How to Seal in Moisture.



Thanks for reading and as always,

Mo' Hair!

RallyGirl ♥

Grow Natural Hair, Retain Length: How to Seal in Moisture; What Natural Hair Guru's Aren't Telling You

Many Naturalistas have adopted the coveted L.O.C. (Liquid, Oil, Cream) method to seal moisture into their tresses.   Information about this is all over the web; it's an excellent guide to use when getting started, but it’s always best to try different options to see what your natural hair loves most.  This applies to type 4 naturals as well as transitioners. 

I should note that because they are the oldest, and often the driest part of the strand, your ends need extra TLC.  To keep them from breaking off, make sure to double up on the moisture, so that your length can come through.

The simple steps are to apply the Liquid first, add the Oil, then seal with a Cream.  In the Natural Afro Hair world, we are governed by a ton of rules, guidelines, and reg-A-lations, but as the ultimate Ruler, your hair chooses the potion(s) you use.  

For me, the L.O.C. method can be a bit heavy for my hair, during the summer, when I’m wearing it out (in twist outs, wash & go’s etc.).   On these occasions, I just do an L.O. and go.  However in the winter, L.O.C. is the bomb for any style I wear, and it’s great for my protective styles any time of the year.  

Bottom line, L.O.C. is not a one size fits all.

Here are some examples of L.O.C. options:

Liquid:

• Water (typically preferred)
• Water based leave in conditioner
• Aloe Vera Juice

Oil:

• Almond oil
• Olive oil
• Coconut oil
• Avocado oil
• Castor oil
• Etc.

Cream:

• Over the counter styling creams
• Over the counter hairdresses
• Shea butter
• Coconut Oil  (well in my case when it's in its solid state)

I usually mix and match based on what I have on hand, but I always remain stocked up on these basic must haves:  

Aloe Vera Gel (or juice)

Water based Leave-in Conditioner

Olive Oil

Avocado Oil

Castor Oil

Shea Butter

Coconut Oil 

Be encouraged, and have fun trying the countless combinations, to see what your type 4 mane loves the best. 

Thanks for reading, and happy L.O.C.ing!

RallyGirl

L.O.C. product options: