I often get questions on how I maintain length and care for my hair. When I hear the same question more than twice it’s a good time to blog about it 😀 Let me start out by saying this it’s not always go to be easy yet you CAN grow your 4c/kinky Hair. There is no magic potion to growing your natural hair long; there is no magic oil or product to buy however I’ll say it again you CAN GROW LONG HAIR.
PATIENCE
Patience is the main way to really learn your hair, everyone will have different experiences and it’s not going to be easy. It’s going to take time to really learn how to take care of your hair and from my perspective hair changes constantly. Having a positive attitude even when the results are not great or what you expect is key.
One of my personal rules is to not style, wash and especially detangling when frustrated or tired. For some this may mean missing out on going to a movie for hanging out with friends so that you can really take the time to care for your hair. Your attitude and approach matters patience is a mindset. You thought process and feelings prior to any attempting hair care matters. Take it slow and pay attention to how your hair is responding to products, styling tools and the style itself.
LEARN TO LOVE YOUR HAIR
It took almost 4 years to really love my hair; for years after I went natural I felt ugly and hated that my hair didn’t look like my friend or my favorite YouTube natural. I had to stop hating my hair (myself) and start loving what my hair could and would do. I literally started treating my hair like silk, using products that work best for my hair, minimizing styling tools and the use of heat including the blow dryer and over stretching my hair.
That was the best thinking I could have done when I started loving my hair my attitude and perspective changed. The icing on the cake was people started giving me random complements.
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE ~ TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
What you eat affects many things from your emotions, to your hair, to your skin and so on. A healthy lifestyle is a must if you want your hair to grow healthy and maintain any length. Thus if your diet, exercise and sleeping habits are poor your hair and the way you feel will be affected.
Don’t wait until you start experiencing scalp issues or hair loss. Quick fixes don’t offer long term results. True healing and restoration takes time real results has everything to do with what you eat and how active you are. Think about when you don’t feel good, I mean really don’t feel good…. after sitting for a long period of time or after you ate a horribly unbalanced meal.
I want to be honest exercising does not always initially feel good yet in my experience its better than getting up after sitting for a long period of time with stiff legs. The end result of a good run is a feeling of accomplishment and once your body looks the way you want it’s all worth the work. This is also true for you hair the process is not always easy but when your twist out is ‘everything’ or your fro is so big people think its fake it’s totally work the work.
LEAVE YOUR HAIR ALONE
One of the best lessons I have learned is to style my hair the walk away. This was difficult for me at first because I almost always think I can make the style better if I just do one (ten) more things yet I end up not liking the final result as much after messing with it too much. Believe it or not 4C hair is fragile, over manipulation causes breakage resulting in not getting that length you want.
Retaining length is difficult if it’s constantly being, pulled, tugged, separated, yanked or even over exposed to the harsh weather. Pay attention to what you’re doing, this will help you see how well your hair is responding to techniques and styles, ask yourself: Am I using too much product? Do I constantly find myself touching/playing in my hair? Leave your hair alone as much as you can and watch it flourish.
MOISTURIZE
Most people don’t understand the value of water not just on your hair this includes in your body yes drink water. Now when I say water this does not mean washing your hair to often (although it is very important to keep a clean scrap) simply misting your hair daily to keep it moisturize. You can do this a few differ ways, with a spray or using a hair steamer.
I tend to alternate using my spray bottle containing part water part Aloe Vera Juice and my Q-Redrew hand held steamer to prevent dryness. Dry hair becomes brittle and breaks, it is virtually impossible to retain length with broken hair. Build into your regular regime misting and/or steaming your hair especially the ends to maintain moisture. After I steam or mist my hair I like to use a oil mix of 1oz castor oil, 1 oz jojoba oil, ½ oz grapeseed oil, ½ oz olive oil to seal in the moister.
Deep conditioning with heat weekly or at least biweekly is a great way to moisturizing your hair. While using your favorite deep conditioner a steam or simply sit under the dryer.
MAINTAIN A CLEAN SCALP ESPECIALLY WHILE WEARING PROTECTIVE STYLES
One of the ways I do maintain a clean scalp while wear braids it to:
- Get a cup or bowl with warm water and a little oil of your choice.
- Sections hair,
- Using an old t-shirt, dip it in the oil water & oil mix (be light with the water) and wipe your scalp just your scalp clean.
- I sometimes use blow dryer on cool to dry my scalp before moving on to the next section.
Doing this allows me to maintain my protective without messing up that fresh look.
All of those are my truths and I think it is safe to say that most naturals would agree regardless of hair texture. Retaining and maintaining long healthy hair begins with your mindset and ends with hair care. Start to focus on the simple things, love, health, peace…. You will get the results you desire… In life & in your hair!!!
I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU (LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW).
- How to you Retaining & maintaining your length?
- What are your hair goals (growth/length, healthy)?
- Do you have any additional tips you want to share?
- What YouTube videos do you want to see?
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Disclaimer: All suggestions, techniques and advice given are for informational purposes only and should be used at your discretion and best judgment. I highly recommend conducting strand tests when trying or using new products, hair appliances and any product. I am not responsible or liable for adverse or undesirable affects including hair loss, hair breakage or other hair/scalp/skin/body damage as a direct or indirect result of the suggestions, tips, techniques and/or advice given.
I am not representing, being paid by, or endorsing any of the product brands in this email, blog, video, document and so on. I purchased everything with my own money – UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED. There are links to products that might be helpful based on the content of this email, blog, video, document and so on.
NaturallyACT.com | Aleka C. Thrash is not responsible for hair damage and or loss as a result of reading this email, blog, video, document and so on. Please use all suggested techniques and or products at your own risk.