Following my hair length check post I did on instagram, I have received many questions regarding what I did to achieve this growth. I thought it would be easier to consolidate it into one post
1. Biotin & Hair Vitamins
As I have mentioned in my previous post Natural Hair Journey one of the key reasons to my hair growth in the last year was the hair vitamins that I was taking. The main ingredient which popular hair vitamin companies use is biotin.
Biotin which is also found in nuts and fruits, helps your metabolism but most importantly it helps your hair to grow. However, a side effect to taking these tablets is spots. To help reduce breakouts I made sure I drunk a lot of water when taking these tablets.
Hair vitamins are suitable for all hair types, it is mainly down to how your body responds to the tablets rather than your background or hair type. So, I would recommend trying the hair vitamins that I have mentioned in my previous post. However, if like me you prefer a more economical method I would suggest buying biotin on its own from your local drug store.
2. Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO)
Naturalista’s everywhere always talk about JBCO when discussing hair growth tips. Although it is very thick in texture it does help with hair growth. I tend to use it on my edges as I have a receding hair line, and on the ends of my hair when it is in twists. I have also used it on my eyebrows after a bad threading session, and it did help to thicken them.
3. Hot oil treatments & Deep Conditioning treatments
My favourite thing about wash day is the hot oil and deep conditioning treatments, my hair loves them.
I tend to do hot oil treatments before I actually wash my hair. I usually use peppermint oil, coconut oil, argan oil, macadamia oil mixed together in a little bottle. I apply it to my scalp mainly but usually cover my hair with it and then sit under a steamer for around 30mins. Peppermint Oil is really good for stimulating the scalp and helping blood circulate which in turn helps your hair to grow.
Deep treatment masques help repair dry and damaged hair. I deep condition my hair after washing using a deep treatment masque or making my own. I then sit under the steamer for around 30-45mins before washing the product out. My hair always feels soft and looks shiny afterwards.
If you do not own a hair steamer you can still do oil treatments and conditioning masques without it.
4. Co-wash
Or conditioner-only wash is a popular alternative to shampoo. Shampooing your hair is the most common way to clean your hair, however, it can strip your hair of its natural oils which can leave it very dry.
Co-washing your hair cleans your hair without the harsh effects that a shampoo would do. Plus it helps soften your hair which is a general benefit of a conditioner.
I tend to alternate between co-washing and shampooing my hair on wash days. I haven’t completely ditched the shampoo as sometimes my hair needs a good deep clean.
Most natural hair brands have introduced a co-wash into their range so they are more easily accessible.
5. Scalp massages
Scalp massages are a good way to stimulate circulation on your scalp which helps your hair to grow.
You can either do this by using a scalp scratcher like the one pictured above, which has a vibrating tool which further assists with blood circulation. You can also use this tool when washing your hair!
A free alternative to purchasing one of these is your fingertips!
6. Water & Diet
It’s amazing the many benefits water has. I tend to refresh my hair on a night with a spray bottle with water in. Your hair is like a plant so needs water to help keep it moisturised which in turn will help it to grow, as cliche as it may sound.
Drinking water is also beneficial as it flushes out any toxins in your body. What you eat can also play a part, eating fruits and vegetables can help your hair to grow.
I, myself need to adopt a healthier diet because at the moment everyday is a cheat/treat day!
7. Protective styles
It is nice to flaunt your tresses, however, it is important to protect your hair in some form of protective styling. Whether that is braids, twists, wigs, weaves you name it as long as your hair is covered and protected.
Most people tend to do protective styling during winter time to prevent the cold weather from damaging their hair. Also in the summer time the humidity and the heat can cause your hair to become dry and frizzy.
The picture above, is the first time I have ever had single extensions in my hair. I loved these twists as I was going away to Ibiza and didn’t want to have to worry about doing my hair. As much as I love my natural hair it does become draining and time consuming when you have to prep and style your hair everyday.
Even though your actual hair is tucked away it is important to wash and treat your hair as you would do in its natural state. For example with hair extensions making sure you grease/oil scalp and wash your hair.
The good thing about protective styles is the versatility of styling the hair how you want without damaging your own hair.
8. Regular Trims
The one thing I used to hate as a child. However, I am older and a little wiser to appreciate the benefits of trimming my hair. It is no use holding onto hair and ends that are too damaged to grow. Trimming your hair at least once a month or whenever you feel necessary will help your hair to grow.
9. Length checker T-shirt
This is not an essential, but it is useful if you’re wanting to see physical improvements. You can purchase hair length check t-shirts online. However, I do like to be self-sufficient and have used an old t-shirt to make my own.
10. Patience
Last but not least, a large cup of patience is needed with this hair growth process. This is something I struggle with to this day hence why I purchased hair tablets in the hope to make my hair grow faster. As the saying goes Rome wasn’t built in a day, the same rules apply here.
Feel free to try out the tips I have mentioned. They may or may not work for you but it is a case of trial and error and finding what works best for you.
If you do try out these tips let me know how it has worked for you or if you have any tips of your own let me know, sharing is caring!
Links to my social media are below
khadija mary xo
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