Naptural Counselor's TOP 13 Natural Hair Growth TIPS:
1. Healthy Scalp
Clear of debris, build-up and scars. The scalp has to be healthy, in order for the healthy hair to push through the scalp. If the scalp or hair follicles are damaged or blocked with heavy GREASE (blue magic) or scars (chemical burns)-this will prevent the hair from sprouting.
2. Maintain Moisture
The #1 liquid that will moisturize your hair is WATER/H2O/STEAM! It is important to hydrate your hair with water DAILY! Even if it is a light mist to your curls. Other ways to moisturize the hair is with butters or essential oils such as, jojoba, coconut, olive, castor, vitamin e, shea butter, etc.
MOISTURE MOISTURE MOISTURE
Products that will draw in moisture from the environments: Humectants have great benefits.
Formula: Water + Oil + Leave-in Conditioner+ Butters/Coconut Oil = Retains Moisture
3. Maintain Protein
It is important to balance moisture and protein. How do you know what your hair needs?
Dry Hair= NEEDS Moisture.
Hair with limited Elasticity (snaps easily)= NEEDS Protein.
Natural Hair Protein: Mayo, Eggs or Aphogee products.
4. Maintains PH balance.
Scalp and Hair produces a natural oil called SEBUM. It is important not to "disturb" the natural oil process that our hair produces, which carries a PH between 4.5 to 5.5. It is vital to look carefully at the products that you used because MOST products either increases the acidity or decreases the acidity of the hair.
5. Conditioning
This method helps keep the hair hydrated, as well as trains the hair to retain MOISTURE.
Invest in a QUALITY leave-in conditioner, that you use daily. Good Natural Hair Practices: Using a DEEP conditioning treatment weekly or bi-weekly to help maintain moisture. It is important to focus this method on the NEWEST part of the hair. Co-wash is a method, which you use CONDITIONER only.
6. Wash Routine
Shampoo should be focused on the scalp to clear the build-up or debris. Use shampoos that have healthy, non-altering (stripping) or toxic chemicals. It is best practice to part the hair in 4-6 sections (loose braids) to expose the scalp, in order to penetrate the shampoo onto the scalp. Then gently squeeze the shampoo into the braids. This wash routine will be certain that you cleanse the scalp and decrease tangles.
7. Being mindful of Harmful Products
Parabens, Sulfates, Minerals, Petroleum, Petrolatum, Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate, Lauramide DEA, Cocamide DEA, Diazolidinyl UREA, Triethanolamine, Lanolin, Propylene Glycol, Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Formaldehyde, Phthlalates, Talc, Toluene, Butylated Hydroxytoluene, and Coal Tar.
The body absorbs 60% of everything!!
8. Manipulation of the Natural Hair
Be gently with your hair, in order to decrease tangles and breakage.
DO NOT comb or brush the hair DRY. Part the hair damp and with your fingers from scalp to end-gently spreading the hair apart. Be mindful of your mood when manipulating your hair. If you are in a poor mood or in a hurry--this may reflect how you manage/manipulate your hair. Natural Hair is weak.
9. Detangling Process
Detangle with a generous amount of product (conditioner or oil) on the hair. Detangle with your fingers first. Please be sure your nails are manicured, in order to prevent snags. Then if needed-use a wide tooth come and ALWAYS comb upwards from tip to root. Be gentle. Many napturals have adopted poor detangling methods, which can cause pulling the hair out from the root and /or significant breakage. Hair will shed 100 hairs a day.
10. Protective Styling
Less manipulation of your curls will increase hair retention. More specifically, incorporating hair styles that will HIDE your ends. For example: extension braids, weaves, wigs, buns. Or styles using your natural hair such as braids or twists up dos or tuck/pin styles.
11. Trims
Trimming your Natural Hair when it is necessary. Split ends must be CUT off, in order to have healthy hair growth.
12. Drink Water
Hydrating your body means hydrating your curls.
13. Healthy Eating
Eating healthy foods will directly affect the health of your curls. Increasing your fruit and vegetable intake will lead to a healthier LIFE and beautiful ringlets.
