You finally built up the nerve to do what you’ve known you needed to do for a while: a big chop. You know you’re on the road to healthier hair, but you’re dying to have your hair back! Natural girls know that re-growth can take some time, but that doesn’t stop you from obsessing about the length of your hair–even pulling out the measuring tape to monitor growth. Fortunately, you can do several things to thwart hair loss while simultaneously encouraging growth!
Hair Growth Boosters
Oils
Plenty of hair care products out there contain synthetic oils, such as mineral oil, that seem to help with your hair while doing nothing for growth. That is, they make your hair feel soft by coating the hair follicles, but they don’t actually do anything but sit there–holding in dirt and other toxins. Since they’re not natural, our bodies don’t absorb them and put them to use.
Natural oils, on the other hand, are an excellent way to boost hair growth as our bodies react with the herbal fusion. For instance, rosemary oil can prevent hair loss, strengthen the hair follicles, and even prevent premature grays. Just massage some into your scalp and let your body do the rest!
MORE: 7 Hair Oils You Haven’t Tried Yet
Oils to Try
Coconut oil, a natural antioxidant, is another great booster. Not only does it prevent hair loss; it also slows down premature graying. You can massage coconut oil on your scalp at night and let it work its charm while you get your beauty sleep!
For hundreds of years, Native Americans have benefitted from jojoba oil. Jojoba oil has many benefits for your skin, but it also helps stimulate hair growth. Since it has properties similar to your natural oils, it’s an excellent choice for all curly hair types!
Love Potion #9
Cipriana, of Urban Bush Babes, recommends a mixture she calls “Love Potion #9”–it’s that good.
What you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup jojoba oil
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 drops of rosemary oil
What to do:
Coconut oil is thick (like Crisco”>, but you can melt it so that you can mix in the other oils. Bring 2 to 3 cups of water to boil, then pour all ingredients into a separate glass bowl slightly bigger (in diameter”> than the pot of boiling water. When the water reaches a low boil, put the glass bowl on top of the pot and gently stir until you completely liquefy the mixture. Transfer the mixture into a plastic container with a lid, then freeze it so it will harden. Massage the mixture into your strands and you’ll be amazed at the results!
Foods
Since part of growing your hair involves preventing hair loss, you’ll also want to focus on things you can do to stop shedding so much. If you’re not up to incorporating a new hair care regimen into your life, try eating your way to healthier hair!
Lentils are a budget-friendly source of iron, which gives your hair follicles the oxygen they need. As with any live thing, this increase in oxygen stimulates growth. Tomatoes, rich in antioxidants, help maintain collagen levels in your hair. Maintaining the protein from collagen will support healthy hair growth. If you’re a seaside curly, try some oysters the next time you’re in the mood for seafood. Since oysters are high in zinc–a mineral you need in order to prevent hair loss–they’re a tasty way to keep flaking and shedding in check!
Smoothies
If smoothies are more your style, try this recipe from the book “How I Stopped Growing Bald and Started Growing Hair.” Originally published in the 1970s, this book contains a recipe for a shake that we’re told works wonders for hair growth and luster.
What you’ll need:
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 egg (raw”>
- 1 tbsp raw wheat germ oil
- 2 tbsp raw wheat germ
- fruit of your choice (for added flavor”>
Blend all ingredients in a blender. Drink this mixture daily for breakfast, followed by two hours with nothing else to eat or drink. Once you start seeing results, you can cut your intake down to multiple times a week instead of daily.
What to Avoid
There are also minor things you can do that will have a big impact on the overall health of your hair. Stay away from hair bands that are very tight as these can cause your hair to break easily.
In addition, while some curlies find that detangling while wet and/or saturated with conditioner works well, others find that they end up pulling out more hair this way. Definitely avoid using a brush on wet hair as wet hair is the most vulnerable.
The real key to hair growth is simply TIME, but you can do some things to speed up the process.
Have you found any products that work for you?
MORE: How to Grow Long Hair Fast
