Hair is a wonderment to human beings. We are fascinated by it. It is part of our beauty standards without us realizing it. It also can tell your personality. From the mullet to the mohawk, all signs of rebellion and free spirit. Then you have the chic bun and french roll, all tales of sophistication. It seems with every generation, there is a trend. Especially with celebrities influencing the way. We had the short cut in the 90’s, with Toni Braxton, Monica and T-Boz leading the way in the urban markets. Rihanna brought it back in the early 2000’s. How about the classic Umbrella video. Rihanna has set the way for trends. Especially for hair!  From every length and color of hair, she rocked it! No one is more of a trend setter than Beyonce! She made it chic for quality hair weave. Plus the bringing back the blonde movement. She isn’t afraid to let you know, European hair extensions are her go to.  It doesn’t hurt having a hairdresser for a mother, lol. Tina Knowles has taken care of Beyonce and all of the members of Destiny’s Child hair for years. Can’t forget the signature cornrows Beyonce started off with on the Writings on the wall cover. Whatever hairstyle Beyonce wore, people followed. I will talk more about hair and celebrity influence in a separate article. 

As much as we are fascinated with it, it also comes with considerable care. For many of us,we admire strong, shiny and healthy hair. Some prefer long and some prefer medium to short. We all can come to an agreement, we all desire healthy hair over everything. It just makes us feel better about ourselves. Plus, look better. You ever wake up to bed head, mirror beware!

My hair care journey has been interesting. I started off on the wrong foot in my early years. I just didn’t care how my hair looked unless I was attending an affair. You best believe, I made a 360 when it came to class pictures. I wasn’t trying to impress anyone. I just didn’t care. It wasn’t until I became an early adult, I started to take interest in my hair. All for myself. I understand that being in a professional setting, you can’t look like a mess. I am entering the job market; you have to act and look the part. Plus, I felt that hair is part of personal hygiene. It should be in high standards just like I had all my hygiene regimen. From here, I started researching hair care. It was eye opening. I never knew I was doing so many things wrong, lol.  Talk about the many years I put globs of grease on my scalp, yikes! It doesn’t matter, as long as you learn. No one is perfect, you just move forward from your mistakes. 

I am here to share some great hair growth tips that you can apply today. They’re all simple and will have your hair growing healthy and strong in no time. Let’s get into them.

Massaging Your Scalp Is The Best For Hair Growth

This is the best tool. Why, you don’t have to use a supplementary item with it. There is magic in your hands. Your head and body loves touch! Believe it or not, it is keeping you alive. It is part of affection. With massaging your scalp, you’re circulating the blood vessels. This stimulates hair growth. Try massaging your scalp for 5-10 minutes per day. You will see considerable growth. You can set a timer and in your down time, massage your scalp. To massage effectively, use the pads of your fingers only! Never use your fingernails to massage! A good practice is to examine your nails for any chips. You don’t want to have chip nails going through your hair, causing snags and thus breakage! Have a nail file on hand, and make sure they’re filed. Stay free of having your nails touching your scalp, you don’t want any scratches. Stick to your finger pads and massage gently in small circular patterns. Also, try to massage in sections. That will help to prevent tangles. Never be aggressive! Treat your scalp with gentle care! You will feel more relaxed. The key to hair growth is massage!

For Thinning Edges, Try Massaging Everyday

For many of us, a common issue is thinning or receding edges. It isn’t a good look and doesn’t compliment our hairstyles very well. Don’t get down on yourself as it isn’t your fault. Edges are more susceptible to damage. From prolonged use of wearing head gear, tying our hair back, and styling. Edges are very sensitive and quite more sensitive than other areas of the head. It’s part of human nature. The key is to recognize this fact and to treat your edges with care! How, by not being aggressive with brushing. Also, never tie your hair back too tightly. Be careful with the type of  head gear you use. Make sure it never gets too tight. Try a size up for breathing room. 

How do you get strong edges? By massaging!  We all know about receding hairlines that affect both genders. Edges tend to be sensitive to a lot of people. Especially if you tie your hair back too tight, it is a recipe for disaster. Make sure your edges are massaged every day. You will have strong edges like no other. You’re circulating the blood vessels, therefore promoting hair growth. 

For a while, I experienced my edges becoming a little thinner than normal.  I realized I was undergoing a lot of stress because of school. I put this to a stop by massaging faithfully everyday. It’s hard when you’re an overachiever! Also reducing my stress level. My edges became thick again in no time. All by massaging. I also experienced quicker hair growth by massaging. Staying faithful to my everyday schedule has been a blessing. I am proof that it works.  

I am so adamant on massaging for hair growth! I will never forget the day I ran into a gentleman in Sally Beauty Supply. He noticed my hair. He thought it would be wise to ask for advice. He was looking to combat his thinning hair issue. I said it is simple. Massage your scalp everyday for 5-10 minutes. You will see results! He thanked me. I told him it was no problem. Don’t beat yourself up, you will get your hair back. Just be patient and stress free. As long as you have your health, that is all that matters. That really made him feel better and more confident. That is what this is all about. Never be ashamed, you can always turn things around. No one is flawless. Just take it as an exciting journey to overcome an issue. 

Experience Thinning Edges Or Hair Issues, Check With Your Doctor

On a light serious side, please check with your doctor to make sure you don’t have a hidden medical issue going on. Things change as you get older. Also, if you notice any scalp issues or bald patches, please consult your doctor. If you see your hair become thinner, the same applies. Something deep is going on with your body. Don’t put off, I would immediately check with your doctor. You want to catch anything early. Your body gives you warning signs, adhere to them. If your senses go off that something is wrong, go with it. Take care of your health.

Use Styling Products Sparingly Around Your Edges 

Also, if you use styling gels, beeswax or hairsprays (baby hair enthusiast) never try to brush or comb out the product. You will damage your edges like no other. I would recommend using a small amount of clarifying shampoo or moisturizing shampoo, washing around your edges. Then deep conditioning your edges. You don’t want build up of styling products to lie on your edges everyday. Try not to use these styling products everyday on your edges. They will weaken your edges like no other. If you desire to have baby hairs, try not to use styling products. You can have them laid without it. You don’t want to dry out and weaken your edges. 

Tip If You Relax or Perm Your Hair

 If you relax or perm your hair, you know about thinning issues. Especially edges. Try not to leave your relaxer on too long and make sure the relaxer application is put on your edges last. 

Never comb the relaxer through your hair! Apply the relaxer in sections then smooth as your last step. If you’re doing a touch up, only apply the relaxer to your new growth! Never apply to previously relaxed hair. It is a recipe for disaster. Your hair follicle will weaken and snap off from being over relaxed. It not a good look having uneven hair length. Yes, it is pressure trying to relax your hair as time is involved. Don’t worry, it is better safe than being sorry. You can relax your hair on different days, doing maybe the back one day and the front the other. It is up to you. 

If you relax, I would stick to lye relaxer. Ditch the no lye relaxers. Lye relaxers are better for your hair. Organic Root Stimulator, Silk Elements, and Mizani are the pinnacle three. Always have neutralizing shampoo in stock. Also, plastic gloves and smoothing application. You can always pre-mix your conditioner mix while your hair is relaxing. It makes the time go by! 

I recommend having a protein base conditioner after each relaxer application. Also a moisturizing conditioner.  This puts the strength back into your hair. Organic Root Stimulator replenishing conditioner, Alter Ego Italy garlic conditioner and Aussie 3 minute deep conditioner is a wonderful mix!  These three together will restore the strength in your hair. Apply on damp to dry hair. Don’t use too much, I would recommend about 3-4 tablespoons! You don’t need a lot of product. Apply a plastic conditioning cap or if you don’t have one, plastic saran wrap. You can apply a blow dryer or if you have one, you can sit under a dryer for about 30-40 minutes. If not, you can apply a turban, winter hats or towels around your cap. If you’re crazy and resourceful like me, you can apply a light blanket around your head. It might be a little heavy but if you’re not going nowhere, it is ok. Recommend doing this only in a still position, lol.  The key, you want to provide heat to your conditioner. This helps the conditioner to penetrate throughout the entire hair shaft. Heat and conditioner is a match made in heaven! You will notice your hair become stronger, more durable, soft and healthy. Please do this every time you relax and when you don’t.  You will experience hair growth. 

This ties into the next section, the wonderment of Jamaican Black Castor Oil.

Jamaican Black Castor Oil

As I previously mentioned, you can massage your scalp without any supplementary items. It is ok. If you want to see faster and better results, use Jamaican Black Castor Oil. Don’t worry, it won’t clog your pores. Which is a no for slow to no growth! Using a little goes a long way. This oil is packed with all the nutrients for hair growth. I have been using this oil for many years. This and African Black Soap are two staples I will never stop using. This is the hero for hair like African Black Soap is for skin! This oil will have your hair growing like crazy. Also thick and healthy. The key, use a little and massage! It will give your scalp and your hair follicles screaming. Thanks for the wonderful nutrients. It is used as a scalp oil, I wouldn’t recommend applying it on your hair. You don’t want to weigh it down. Especially if you want soft and flowing hair. Although it has moisturizing properties, it isn’t a moisturizer. I highly recommend just sticking to the scalp. If you desire to use it, I would recommend using a tiny bit and applying throughout your hair. A little goes a long way. 

Use Jamaican Black Castor Oil on eyebrows and eyelashes for growth

Yes, you can use this oil on your eyebrows and eyelashes for growth. If you have an eyelash wand, dab a little on a spooly and wisp away. Then gently massage the bottom of your eyelid area (base of your eyelash) in a circular motion. Make sure all the oil is absorbed into this area. Don’t worry, it won’t cause blindness or red eyes. If it causes irritation, wash out with cool water.  If you use a tiny dot (which I recommend) it should not be a problem. If you’re sensitive, you can massage without the oil. The key, massage! 

The same applies for your eyebrows, massage away in a circular motion. You stimulate the scalp and blood vessels, promoting hair growth. You will see your eyebrows grow like crazy. Make sure the product is absorbed into the areas. 

Tip: Please keep your oil in a cool and dark place. This will protect the oil. Never around heat and light. It will cause condensation. The dark bottle protects the protect from decomposing under heat and light. You want to preserve all the nutrients!

Tip If You Have Excessive Hair Issues 

Warning: If you have sensitivity to excessive hair issues, make sure the product isn’t on or rub in unwanted areas. You can wash the product off these areas. You don’t have to worry but just want to be safe rather than sorry. I don’t want anyone to encounter any issues. You should be ok if you stick to the tiny dab in only the areas you want growth.   

An Oil For All Ethnicities

Seeing Jamaican, you may think it is for people of color. Wrong! It is for all ethnicities! Most hair products aren’t ethnic sensitive. This is one! Yes, people of color tend to have curly hair, which is more prone to drying and breakage. As the curl pattern makes it harder for moisture to make its way to the scalp. Yes, there are a ton of hair products on the market, primarily fostering moisturizing properties for ethnic hair. I will warn you to pay attention to the ingredients. Although a product may boast they’re “all natural” you still have to be on alert. Depending on the industry regulations, they can get away with one or two ingredients “being all natural”, while the rest of the ingredients being synthetics.  Especially for harmful cheap synthetics that 

Hair Companies Are In The Market To Take Care Of Your Hair And Sell!

As you may not be aware, hair companies are in the market to sell. Yes, they care about you and your problems. They also have to worry about meeting their quarterly earnings as well. I don’t want you to have a negative attitude towards these companies as they mean well. They care about you, they also have to worry about the rising demands to be the best. A tough ploy they deal with everyday. 

What they recommend on the bottle is not what you have to do. Their job, get you to use more products, leading you to buy more of it faster. Equaling more sales. Your hair doesn’t need a lot. A dime to a quarter size is more than enough. You don’t want to overuse anything. It can lead to more drying and damage. Why? Your scalp and hair can only absorb so much. Just like your body, if you overeat, you over-stress your body and gain weight. It is the same with your hair, you are overstressing your hair. Believe it or not, using too much moisturizer can lead to drying and limp hair that can break. Plus a higher hair care bill. No bueno.  

Use a small to moderate amount, that should be more than enough. You don’t want to have clog pores and product build up. Plus, you are probably going to wash it all out when you shampoo and condition your hair. You don’t want to be wasting money. Everyone’s hair is different. 

Stay On Top Of Water And Nutrients For Your Hair

You have to account for your water and nutrient intake as well! Stay on top of your nutrients and water! This all flows to your scalp and to your hair follicles. Especially moisture, which is essential for hair! Producing long, shiny and healthy hair!  

You can also invest in vitamins and supplements for your hair. A good multivitamin is all you need. If you’re massaging, you don’t have to worry too much about vitamin intake for hair growth. 

Protein

Protein is also great for hair growth! The nutrients are great building blocks for strength.Your hair is made out of protein. It needs these essential nutrients. If your hair doesn’t receive anything to strengthen it, it will become weak and frail. This is where split ends and breakage come in. Yes, topical aids are great but internal nutrients are just as vital. Protein is great for muscle and bone development and strengthens your hair. It is essential. Many strengthening based conditioners and hair treatments use protein. 

If you’re into using natural treatments, you can make your own protein treatments. You can make a hair mayonnaise which can consist of mayonnaise, eggs and oil of your choice. Can be olive oil, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, or almond oil. Wrap under the dryer for 40-1 hour (under medium to low settings) and you will see a  hair miracle! 

You can also look out for cholesterol treatments, a good pairing with protein treatments. This helps to double the strength of your hair.  I have been mixing these two for years and haven’t looked backed. It is the best mix and has thickened my hair. I can’t thank these two enough!

Look for protein based conditioners. Incorporate a protein deep conditioner treatment at least 1-2 times a month. 

Warning: Use Vitamins And Supplements In Moderation To Avoid Excess Hair Issues 

If you’re a woman and hormone sensitive, talk to your doctor before proceeding with any vitamin intake. You don’t want any excess hair issues! Especially in unwanted regions on your body. Not a good look to have an unnecessary high medical bill to remove hair. With vitamins and supplements, take the required amount. Don’t take excess, thinking it would speed up hair growth. You don’t want to cause any excess hair growth! With anything, check with your doctor about anything you take. We all have different body chemistry. What is ok for one person may not be ok for you. Read the ingredients, make sure you’re not allergic. You don’t have any skin rashes or ailments to occur. Always check and use products in moderation. 😦 This is something you don’t want. 

Shampoo Your Scalp and Not Your Hair

You heard that correctly, your scalp needs a thorough cleansing and not your hair. You don’t want your hair to become a dry mess from over shampooing. You don’t want to strip the moisture out of your hair follicles. It doesn’t need a thorough cleansing like your scalp. You want to keep your scalp clean of dirt and debris. You don’t want to develop scalp issues. Also, there is growth with a clean scalp. It is able to absorb nutrients and moisture, essential for hair growth! 

How To Shampoo, The Key Lies in Detangling and Pre-Rinsing First

Before shampooing, make sure hair is detangled. (I highly recommend sectioning your hair in four).Why should your hair be detangled before shampooing? Knots and matts beware! You don’t want your hair to be a tangled mess and become matted! If you wash your hair, the shed hair will become intertwined with your hair, causing tangles, knots and matting! This is what you want to avoid. We don’t want to stress our hair. We want to over manipulate it with too much styling. Plus, you don’t want to waste your money. Yes, a detangler is a savior but you don’t want to use it if you don’t have to! Take your time to detangle. Never be in a rush to wash your hair. This is crucial. We want to avoid breakage. The key is hair growth so you have to take your time with your hair. Please detangle and make sure all shed hair is removed before shampooing! Leading to the next step.

 Have some hair clamps, clips or ties to keep your hair detangled. Use a wide tooth comb or finger comb your hair. Gently start from the bottom and work your way up. After detangling the section, you can section it off with a clamp or hair tie. Also, you can do a loose braid or twist. Then work your way to the next section and do the same steps. The key, be gentle at all times. Your hair is fragile, we want to keep manipulation as low as possible. This prevents breakage! Think low manipulation, leave your hair alone to grow! 

The Best Technique To Shampoo Your Hair

Next, to effectively shampoo, make sure your scalp and hair is fully saturated with water. Rinse your hair with water before applying shampoo! Either in the shower or under the sink, make sure you start off with rinsing your hair! Do this for atleast 5 minutes. Rinse in a pattern like you’re shampooing your hair. 

When washing your scalp, position your finger pads in a wide and downward stance. Use your finger pads and gently scrub your scalp in a downwards motion. Try not to do a circular massage on your hair (to avoid tangles). Just in a downward stance. Try not to go back up. Just start from the top again and scrub your fingers against your scalp. This will help the water to be equally distributed throughout your scalp (pre-rinsing). The same technique will apply for shampooing, rinsing and conditioning. 

For your hair, you want to gently squeeze and pat the water down with (both hands) in a downward motion on your hair. You can slightly massage (in a downward straight motion, never circular)! You will apply the same technique for shampooing, rinsing and conditioning. 

Once again, when rinsing, rinse in the same direction (preferably in a downward motion). Gently pat and slightly scrub your hair in the same direction. This will prevent those ugly tangles!

When your rinsing the shampoo and conditioner, make sure all the product is completely rinsed out. This is essential. Also, to lock in moisture, rinse your hair in lukewarm to cool water. Never rinse with hot water. The coldest temperature that you can take, please use. I know, running cold water for long periods of time across your head isn’t the best. Just switch it up between lukewarm water. The cold water locks in the moisture. When you’re at your final moments in rinsing out your shampoo and conditioner, you should end with cold water (this locks in moisture). This makes such a difference. I highly recommend doing cold water at the end (no matter what) for hair growth!

After you’re done, wrap your hair in a hair turban towel. These towels prevent breakages when your hair is drying. You can pick some up at the dollar tree. When your hair is slightly dry, you can run a wide tooth comb or finger comb through your hair. You can then section off your hair into twists, allowing it to air dry. 

Please look out for the steps below if you opt for heat and for moisturizing and sealing! Once your hair is slightly dry, you can apply a moisturizer throughout and leave it to air dry. You will be amazed how soft and bouncy your hair becomes once it’s dry. 

Tip: Don’t aggressively massage your hair, you want to avoid tangles! Your hair doesn’t need doesn’t need to be shampooed as much as you think. The only exception is if you workout and sweat or you partake in a job or recreation that is dirty. Then shampooing is necessary! You don’t have to shampoo every time though! Conditioner can work just as effectively as a cleansing agent. You can pre-poo or as you call it, use conditioner as a shampoo. It depends on your comfort level. If it isn’t that dirty, then pre-pooing is a go! Your hair will thank you as it will be properly clean and moisturize! You don’t want to over shampoo, stripping your hair and causing breakage. Especially if you use a cleansing shampoo (which I recommend at maximum, once a month). Don’t use it on your hair unless it is extremely dirty. If you do, please do a deep conditioning treatment to get the moisture and nutrients back into your hair. Still, I would recommend using it once a month and following the tips below. Moisturizing shampoo!  

Best Shampoo Brands

 If you have to shampoo more frequently, invest in a good moisturizing shampoo. You want one  free of petroleum and anything with sodium in the beginning. Moisture stripping ingredients! Aussie, Paul Mitchell (generic) and Creme of Nature shampoo are the best moisturizing shampoos ever. I stick to Aussie as it leaves my hair perfectly moisturized! I tried every shampoo on the market and this one is the best store brand! Creme of Nature is an equal favorite! When I want to switch it up, I use this one. Try to stick to one to two brands, don’t use more than this!

Some other good moisturizing shampoos are Dark n lovely, Carol Daughter, Herbal Essence and Tressemme. 

If you want to invest in high end brands, KeraCare, Misani and Paul Mitchell are the goats. It’s all up to your budget.  The key, stay away from moisture stripping shampoos! Invest in shampoos with vitamins and nutrients. For high end, you can get the generic version. They’re just as effective and will save your coins!

For cleansing shampoo, I use V05 or suave cleansing shampoos! For cleansing shampoos, you don’t have to think expensive. Cheap ones are just as effective. Since you will be doing this infrequently, invest in these brands. They’re the best. You can check Wal-Mart for the largest size. It will save on your gas and coins! A bargain!

Best Conditioner Brands

Nothing can get you hair growing than conditioner! Conditioner is far more important than shampoo. Yes, they’re a great pair but you need conditioner in your life. This is where you can restore, repair and bring back the strength, shine and moisture. All through the conditioner. You can use a conditioner as a shampoo. You can set your cycle to pre-poo at least 3 times a month. I generally opt for pre-pooing, it makes a world of a difference in my hair. Especially if your hair texture is a curl pattern, you need more moisture. 

I would recommend (at minimum) deep conditioning your hair at least twice a month. This involves a protein and moisture base conditioner. Set under heat or under a plastic cap (locks in heat). It usually involves 45-1 hour. There is more information about conditioning (below). 

For regular conditioning, I would recommend atleast conditioning for 15-20 minutes. Please use a heat source. You can alternate one week strengthening and next week, moisturizing. You can combine both the next or every week, it all up to you. You should be incorporating each of these conditioners every week. The key to growth! Your hair needs both!

My absolute favorite conditioners are Organic Root Stimulator replenishing conditioner, Aussie moisturizing conditioner, Aussie 3-minute-deep conditioner, Alter Ego Italy garlic conditioner, Silicon Mix conditioner, Paul Mitchell (generic brand) moisturizing conditioner, Organix conditioners, Herbal Essence raspberry conditioner, and Carol Daughter’s line of conditioners. 

All of these conditioners have worked wonders for my hair. Please check these conditioners out. All of these conditioners are free from harsh synthetics and have the right conditioning ingredients. Each one of these conditioners are in my staples for moisturizing and strength. Can’t go wrong. 

Invest In Silk Pillowcase Or Head Scarfs

No matter your ethnicity, silk should be on your head! It retains moisture in your hair! As a pillowcase, it is a chic decor item! If you have a significanat other and don’t want a scarf on your head, invest in a silk pillowcase! With cotton or synthetic pillowcases, it strips your hair of moisture. Even scarfs made with this material, the same applies. You can pick up some nice ones at the Dollar Tree for a nice buck $1.00. You can also check your favorite retailers or home decor outlets. I would recommend picking some up during holiday steals! Stay on top of flyers. You can even call the merchant to see when they will be on sale. Nothing like asking. Nothing like a bargain! 

Invest in a Wide Tooth Comb

Yes, a wide tooth comb should be the only comb going through your hair. Why? Less breakage! You can use a fine tooth comb for smoothing and gently pulling knots. It should never be used for styling. It is breakage heaven. With combing, you want to be gentle. Try to finger comb to untangle knots. Wide tooth comb is good enough for daily use. You want to get rid of shed hair, thus preventing knots, tangles and matting. Try to use a wide tooth comb and comb as frequently as possible to prevent this. Yes, low manipulation is key. This is also key, because you don’t want any shed building up, causing a mess. A wide tooth comb counts as low manipulation. As long as you’re patient. Working from the bottom and moving your way up. If you do encounter tangles, try to detangle with the point of the wide tooth comb. If not, be slow and gentle with a fine tooth comb or your fingers. Gently comb the knot out, don’t be aggressive. Use a detangler, (use sparingly). Be slow and patient. You can follow up with a deep conditioner treatment to help repair. 

You won’t be perfect. The key is to avoid and lessen knots and tangles all together! Keep a daily regimen and you should be good to go!

Keep  Trimming To a Minimum

If you want your hair to grow, keep trimming to a minimum! Invest in some good hair cutting shears! Please check out Sally Beauty Supply, online beauty supply store or any discount retailer. You want sharp and great quality shears. Why? You don’t want to cause split ends from dull shears. It is a no! The key is growth. Trimming at least every 3-6 months should be enough. The key is protecting your ends every day. 

This can be through low manipulation. Putting your hair in a bun or braids protects your ends. Also at the end of the day, you can do the baggie method. That is spritizing a little moisturizer and an oil of your choice (all virgin oils: Jamaican black castor oil, olive oil, almond oil, grapeseed oil or coconut oil) on your hands. Rubbing it on your ends only! Then, wrap your ends in a sandwich bag. Not more than a dime size. Use as little as possible. Then secure it with an elastic hair tie (so the bag doesn’t fall off your head at night). Then you can tie your hair up in a silk scarf and be off for the night! I would recommend giving your hair a nice massage before baggying, if you haven’t massage for the day! You will have nice, moisturized ends for the next day. The key is, having moisturized ends. This prevents and eliminates split ends. 

You can also wrap your hair and secure it with large bobby pins (or small if you don’t have large ones). Just wrap your hair in a circular motion (like a beehive). This keeps your ends protected and will have your hair flowing in a nice direction the next day. Just gently brush (with a soft boars head paddle brush). Try to use your hands to wrap in a circular motion, we want to keep manipulation with styling tools at a minimum.

Why Soft Boars Head Brush and Paddle Brush is Best For Hair Growth

 The soft boar’s head brush is the best brush because the bristles prevent the least damage! I highly recommend having this brush a part of your staple and throwing your other brushes out! Except, the paddle brush!  This brush is great for wigs and weaves. It is gentle on your hair, preventing shedding! Also, it leaves your wigs and weaves detangled and with a nice soft bounce. Invest in a wide paddle brush with soft bristles, never hard. Also, only brush on dry hair only. You should never brush your hair on wet hair. Never, ever, ever! I can’t stress this enough. Split ends and breakage for days. You will never recover. 

I have been using the soft boars head brush for over 15 years! I will never use another type of brush. I have no complaints whatsoever! Please invest in this brush. Your hair will thank you big time. It is a life changer!

Hair Weave, Braids, Extensions and Wigs for Protection

You can also invest in hair weaves, braids, extensions or wigs. All these methods will protect your hair from daily styling. Of the four, I would recommend a wig the most. Why? You can just plop it on and take it off at the end of the day. Allowing you to massage and take care of your hair. It is the easiest and most budget friendly. With a weave and braids, you will have to worry about maintenance every 3 months. Yes, you can take care of your own hair with a weave and braids but it much harder than a wig. You can’t detangle your hair daily, preventing shedding hair from accumulating. Also, it is harder to wash and condition. You also have to account for the weight of your weave and braids, which can cause stress on your hair. That is why it is recommended not to go longer than 3 months with one. Giving your hair a breather in between from wearing them. I would say 1-2 months should be enough. It is all up to you. 

Best Type of Hair Weave Pure Virgin Human Hair 

If you decide to get a weave, invest in the best hair. Pure virgin human hair. It’s a worthy investment. It will match the texture of your hair and looks the best out of all type of hair. With  regular human hair, you will have to worry about matting and tangling. It is for temporary use, not long term use. 

With pure virgin human hair, you won’t! You can reuse it as often as possible. Up to 2-5 years. With proper maintenance, you are getting your money’s worth. With regular human hair, you will have to purchase more frequently as it is synthetic (lower quality). You can’t reuse synthetic human hair. The quality diminishes almost after two weeks of use. You don’t want to waste your money.

 If you are looking for long term use, invest in pure virgin human hair. Try to pick one that matches your texture. There are Brazilian, Indian, Cambodian, Peruvian, Russian, and Chinese. Peruvian is a thicker quality, so if you have a thicker texture of hair, this would be ideal. If you’re looking for a thicker relaxed hair look, Peruvian is the closest match. It is all up to you. When you look at vendors, you can ask questions. You can ask for a hair sample before purchasing. As this hair comes with a price, ranging from $300-1000. You have to be firm on your selection. It often doesn’t come with a refund. Once you get the hair and use it, it will be hard to return (if you’re not satisfied). That is why I ask for a sample. You might get it for free. They may ask for a testimonial or a recommendation. Find out how you can get it for free. You can also look on YouTube for recommendations. More than likely, the vendors will assist you in picking out the right selection. They don’t want unsatisfied customers. 

Maintenance For Pure Virgin Human Hair 

With maintaining your pure virgin human hair, you want to wash and condition it just like your real hair. You don’t want to encounter any hair issues. Also, it helps to prolong the use of your hair. Stick to the recommendations of the manufacturers. Try to air dry your weave. Wash and condition your hair underneath your weave. Make sure it is properly dry to prevent mold. Yes, your hair can get mold. You don’t want to get sick.  After air drying, spritz it with moisturizer. 

Best Type Of Flat Irons To Use Ions 

If you use a flat iron, use the lowest settings as you can. Investing in a good quality flat iron is essential. You want one that doesn’t fry your hair! Flatirons with ions that gently flat irons your hair. Not causing breakage. Some good ones are Solia, Chi and Paul Mitchell.

I have been using Solia for years and it has been my go to flat iron! Never an issue! I used to use cheaper flat irons (in my younger naive years) and left my hair flat and damaged. Since investing in Solia, I have seen huge improvements. My hair has never been so soft and bouncy, let alone healthy. I know this is hypocritical but I use Chi flat iron guard and my hair has never looked more runway approved! Using the Solia on a consistent low setting has done wonders for my hair. I try to stay away from heat as much as possible. With Solia, I am not afraid to use heat. I love it so much I surprised my sister with one! She thanked me and has fallen in love with it! It is the perfect flat iron for everyone! Please invest. 

With all these staples,  I always received compliments on my hair. Who does your hair? I love your hair? What do you use? A complete turnaround from my younger years where my hair was a runaway mess, lol. 

Look out for sales during holidays! You can try online. I received mine through a great Groupon deal. I recommend doing the same. Retailmenot, Groupon, and Rakuten are top coupon sites. Check them out today! 

Never Tie Your Hair Tightly

That is correct. Never tie your hair up too tightly. This is causing stress on your hair! Which causes breakages. If you’re afraid of your hair band or elastic falling off, don’t. It isn’t worth having your hair all scrunched up. Plus, who needs a big headache. Please be gentle with your hair. Never tie your hair up tightly. It should have room to breathe at all times! Gentleness is key!!

Invest In Good Hair Ties that Don’t Snag

Yes, your hair ties matter as well! If you see hair ties with metal clips around, don’t purchase them! They are snag heaven for your hair. You want ties that are clear of any clamps or clips around them. Invest in plain hair ties. Also, your bobby pins as well! Make sure the little balls are on the bottom of them. Keep your bobby pins clear from all forms of liquid and heat. You don’t want them to deteriorate. If you see the little balls on the bottom of them missing, throw them out! You don’t want snags and split ends from jagged edges. The same applies for your clips. Never snap them on too tightly and be gentle when removing them. Try to use them sparingly! They are stress heaven. They are usually used with styling. If you’re dying, washing, or preparing for a weave or braids. 

Eliminate Or Keep Heat To A Minimum

I can’t stress this enough. Heat is your hair’s worst enemy. Especially when used frequently. Try to air dry your hair. You want to retain moisture in your hair. The best is air drying. If you must use heat, use the safest methods for your hair. I would recommend investing in a hair towel turban! After conditioning and rinsing, gently pat the excess water in a downward motion. Once damp to dry, wrap with a hair towel and secure with the nice button. This will keep your hair protected and don’t have to worry about your towel falling down. Then after a few hours, you can unwrap to let your hair completely air dry.

Once unwrap (it should be slightly damp to dry) spritz with a detangler (if you experience tangles) or moisturizer.  You can seal the moisturizer with an oil (on the ends only). Use a little oil (of your choice) and rub on your ends. You can gently comb (with a wide tooth comb) to prevent tangles. Then section in four sections with hair ties or leave hanging down to dry. You will have nice luscious, moisturized and healthy hair. The key is patience with air drying. It is all worth it if you want hair growth. It is way better than heat! 

I always opt for air drying. I always plan my shampooing and conditioning sessions on my downtimes. Therefore, I don’t have to worry 

Opt For Roller Sets If You Have To Use Heat For Drying

A hair bonnet is great. Having heat circulate in a gentle pattern, drying your hair is the best! Your hair comes out soft, bouncy and healthy! A win. You can purchase an at home dome dryer for a nice bargain. The only thing you have to worry about is electricity. If money is an issue, this should be a go. You can use the roller set or Dominican blow out method, which is amazing. You can get a set or rollers and clips. With damp hair, sectioning your hair off into equal sections with the rollers. Spritz your hair with a nice moisturizing heat protectant. 

Tip: With using heat, always use a heat protectant! Some nice ones, Chi guard, Kera Care, Proclaim and Ion heat protectant. 

Then, after completion, tie your hair with a hair net. Then sit under the dryer. Try to keep the dryer at a medium to low heat. It should take about one hour and hour and half to complete. Once done, slowly let your head cool off from being under the dryer (about 10 minutes). Don’t immediately take out the rollers. Let your head set for a while. Then, slowly and gently remove the rollers. You will be amazed at the results. Nothing but softness. Gently comb out with a wide tooth comb. Style as usual. You can lightly spray oil sheen or a light moisturizer afterwards. A good oil to use for sheen is Argan oil. It is all up to you. The key, you have soft, bouncy and healthy hair. Ready for the day. 

If You Have To Use The Hair Dryer

Use on medium to low settings. Try to blow dry when your hair is almost dry. That way, you won’t use it for so long. You want to keep heat at a minimum. It is easy to get in a rush. That is where damage comes in. High heat is your hair’s worst enemy. Keep your blow dryer circulating, never leave it standing in one spot. Also, position your blow dryer  the farthest from your head.  Never up close. You don’t want to torch your hair. Also invest in a good blow dryer. Just like the flat iron, one with ions. If your blow dryer comes with a comb, always comb out on dry hair only. If you notice missing teeths on your comb, please replace it. You don’t want to damage your hair. Try to wrap up your comb to protect it. You can wrap it in bubble wrap or package wrapping (if you have on hand). If not, you can put it in a storage container. You can pick one up in the Dollar Tree. The key, you want to protect the teeth which protect your hair! Saving you money!

Try Hot Rollers

Let me tell you, I love hot rollers. If I don’t feel like staying under a dryer I will pop these babies on. They are just as effective. A convenient roller set. Make sure you have heat proof gloves. They will leave your hair soft and bouncy. If you follow the steps provided with the roller set, you will be good to go. You can find them at any beauty supply store or discount retailers. Stay tuned for holiday discounts. Pick them up today.

Before Applying Heat Use A Heat Protectant

Before any heat usage, spray a heat protectant. Aussie, This will help you big time! I notice all heat protectants come with a nice smell! Nothing like fresh out of the salon hair! What a boost to your confidence. You want to opt for ones with Keratin. Some nice protectants. Aussie heat protectant, Proclaim Strengthening heat protectant spray, and Isoplus thermal spray. 

Never blow dry extremely wet hair. It is a recipe for disaster. It will cause more heat damage than anything. Always slightly damp hair to dry. Never use too much product, you don’t want a build up of product suffocating your hair follicles and scalp. It does no justice. It just weakens your hair. A little goes a long way. Just the way you eat, the products should be used in moderation. 

Hair Will Not Grow Without Moisture, Invest In Moisturizers

You heard it right, hair doesn’t grow without protein (strength) and moisture (soften). Your hair is made out of protein. It thrives on nutrients and moisture. It needs the right amount of each day. Just like your body. Your hair is on your head for protection. It needs tender loving care. Incorporate moisturizing into your routine everyday. Just a little, about a penny size should do. Rub throughout your entire hair shafts. 

Incorporate Moisturizer And Seal

Some good moisturizers to use are ones without sodium and silicone. The very best one is S curl no drip activator. In the urban world it is known as “jheri curl juice.” It is packed with all the right essential moisturizing ingredients, leaving your hair flawless. Some other good moisturizers are Carol’s Daughter’s line of moisturizers. Black Vanilla is the all time favorite! Mane N Tail line of moisturizers. Please pick up the detangler, it is my favorite detangler spray and have been used for years. Never used any other detangler. Also generic premium brands such as Nexxus and Paul Mitchell are amazing to have. Aussie has a great leave-in spray, the best line for a store brand. Nexxus has an amazing leave-in spray that I have been on a hunt for. Having a tiny left is an offense, lol. I hope it hasn’t been discontinued. They’re inexpensive and leave you salon ready. 

After you moisturize you should always cap off with sealing.  This seals in the moisturizer. A good oil will do. Only need a tiny dot. It can be olive oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, or almond oil (make sure extra virgin for all your oils)! A bonus, these oils can act as a growth aid for your nails! Try to moisturize and seal your ends each day. Your ends will be protected, therefore encouraging healthy and longer hair. Your hair won’t grow if there are split ends. Why, Nutrients won’t flow to the ends because they are essentially damaged. It will only go to the non damaged parts of your hair follicles. That is why it is essential to check your ends (either in a mirror or your styling tools). After you trim your hair, make sure you treat and protect your ends each day. This will keep them healthy and lessen the need to trim your hair. 

Why Moisturizing Is Essential

If your hair is dry and brittle, it will be susceptible to breaking off .Try running a comb through your hair, let alone a brush. If you see thousands of broken strands, that isn’t a good look. Don’t be alarm as you should see strands, which is part of our daily shedding process. I would recommend checking your styling tools and examining the strands. If you see strands with tiny white bulbs at the end, then you know it is shed hair. If you see jagged and rigged, then you know it is breakage. If you see more ragged hair follicles, then you know your hair is damaged. On the outside your hair can be shiny, bouncy and even. It doesn’t mean it isn’t damaged. With so many styling aids on the market, it is easy to put on a facade of health. Only you know. The key is not to. Don’t be alarmed and panic that your hair might be damaged. You can repair it. I am only bringing this up because I don’t want you to mask the issue of having severe hair breakage. I don’t want you to get to that road where you see your hair become shorter over time because it is damaged. It has no choice but to break off. That is why you should examine your hair follicles to see what is going on. If you see a few broken strands, that is ok. No one is perfect. It is only when you see thousands of them, you should be concerned. It is damaged. 

Although it is recommended to cut your hair, to prevent split ends, I recommend starting off with a trim. Psychologically, this will put your mind at ease.You can incorporate  1-2 protein treatments per month, helping to restore the damage to your hair.

 If you are up to it, start with a cut. You can then follow a strict hair growth journey, nursing your hair back to health. If you follow the steps I have outlined above, you should be all set. Baggy method, eliminating heat, moisturizing, massage, wigs and protect styles will help you along the way. You will see your hair grow back healthy and stronger than before. 

Conclusion

It is a wonderful thing as you are on your way to having longer and healthier hair. Hair is a journey, a journey that takes a lot of patience. With the steps outlined above, you will be set. I am proof that all of these methods work. I have been on a strict regimen and haven’t looked back. I was a product junkie, trying every hair product imaginable. I have since cut down, sticking to the products that work for my hair. I recommend you do the same. Try to stick to one product and its line. You don’t want to use too many products, it is an injustice. Your hair will thank you for just using minimal. 

I provided tips on ingredients you should avoid and ones to look out from. Keeping to this regimen, I have seen my hair grow to an amazing length. Although I cut my hair to a medium length over the years ( I like to change styles) I didn’t panic. You would think why would you cut your hair when you work hard to get it to a long length. The reason, I knew it would grow back. I like challenges. I thought, let’s see how my hair will grow this time around. Sticking to this formula, it grew back longer and thicker than before. I am telling you this because I understand as a human, you’re prone to worry. I am letting you know that you don’t have to. You have wigs, weaves, braids and extensions on the market. Don’t be afraid to wear them! They can act as a protective style, allowing your hair to grow! Plus, you don’t have to worry about damaging your real hair. Plus, be able to change them up. No one will know it isn’t your hair. It is amazing how far we have come in the hair game. Don’t be afraid. Please stay away from stress, it is a hair killer. Stay on top of nutrients and drink plenty of water. A hair growth aid! 

I wish you all the best with your hair journey. You will succeed! Stay tuned for a future article that will provide more hair tips.

Do you have any hair growth tips? What are your favorite hair products? Any stories on your hair journey? Let me know in the comments below!