Thursday, August 12, 2010

How to Improve Natural Black Hair Growth

Many black women struggle with hair growth. Many women wear weaves, extensions, and wigs to achieve their desired long hair look. If you know how to properly care for your hair you could grow long natural hair.

Hair grows on average 1/2 inch every month. That means that in a year you should see 6 inches of growth. Some people's hair will grow a bit faster than that and some a bit slower. How fast or slow it grows depends largely on how your take care of your tresses and how you take care of your general health.

Normally, black women don't see a lot of hair growth not because the hair follicles aren't producing new hair, but because the hair is breaking off just as quickly as it grows. Breakage causes you to constantly loose length at the ends.

If your hair isn't growing quickly enough from the follicles, it could be because of a health problem or as a result of a clogging product you're using.

Here are some tips to help you deal with both of these issues.

Breakage

Afro type hair is naturally quite fragile. All curly hair is. Every bend in the shaft that creates a curl also creates a weak point where it can break more easily.

Chemically straightening your tresses breaks down the structure of each strand weakening it.

Heat styling with curling irons, flat irons, and hot combs also causes damage and breakage.

To avoid breakage be kind to your tresses. Avoid heat styling. When you detangle your hair be sure to do so slowly and gently. You should never detangle when you're in a hurry. Detangle in small sections. Start at the end of your hair and slowly work your way up to the root. Make sure to use a wide tooth comb with no jagged seams that can catch on the hair.

Slow Growth

If your problem is slow growth that may be caused by a product you're using. Petroleum and mineral oil containing products clog up the scalp. This can actually slow hair growth. You should try to use products that are natural and won't clog pores.

Your general health will also affect your hair growth. Eating a balanced diet will improve growth and the health of your hair. Protein is an essential building block for hair. Eating plenty of healthy lean protein will encourage growth. You can get protein from meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and beans.

Besides protein vitamin B and vitamin C are also important for growth. You can get these vitamins from fresh vegetables and fruit. A balanced diet full of healthy unprocessed foods will give you the vitamins you need for increased hair growth. Eat fresh vegetables with every meal and snack on fruit and nuts. You won't just notice a difference in your hair. You'll notice improved overall health.

By : Heather_Bettison

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