Top Tips To Retain Length

Bonjour tout le monde!

Today's post is all about length retention and top tips to retain length. Now nearly every naturalista wants their hair to grow to their bum yet many complain that their hair doesn't grow. This isn't the case, our hair does grow around 1/2 inch to 1 inch a month yet many of us do not see this growth as our hair breaks off before that. Our hair is doing its part by growing, now it's our turn to do ours by minimising the amount of breakage and shedding we experience to truly see our hair grow!

• Detangle gently with conditioner - As we all know, natural afro kinky hair can get very knotty and tangled so using conditioner gives the hair the extra slip it needs to ensure that the hair can be combed with ease without breaking it.

•  Trim split ends regularly - Split ends can play a very big role in aiding the breakage of our hair so it is advised that we give our hair a much needed trim every six to eight weeks to reduce the amount of breakage we see.

•  Keep hair moisturized - As easy as it is for our hair to absorb moisture, it is equally as easy for it to lose moisture so be sure to keep your hair moisturized, especially during the winter months when our hair is at its most vulnerable to becoming dry and brittle.

• Utilize protective hairstyles - Protective hairstyles are a great way of growing out your hair such as braids or natural styles as they are very low manipulation and don't tend to tug on your natural hair allowing it to grow to its fullest.

• Avoid heat styling hair - Heat styling not only dries out our hair but also damages it making our hair weak and brittle. In order to maintain healthy hair, try and keep your heat styling down to a minimum.

• Use wide tooth combs - Using wide tooth combs are less aggressive on the hair and tend to tug less on the hair cuticle thus causing less unnecessary shedding to your hair

• Opt for henna dyes vs chemical dyes - Due to it's intense nature, chemical dyes can be very harsh and dry out natural hair causing it to break. If you want to jazz up your look, opt for henna hair dyes as they are natural and don't damage your hair.

• Choose low-manipulative styles - These styles can be as simple as just putting your hair into twists or braids but these styles are so good for your hair! Low manipulation styles allow your hair to grow without the daily constant daily tugging and pulling of the hair. Be sure to remember to keep your hair moisturised whilst in these styles!

• Sleep in silk or satin scarf/cap - Often cotton pillows are harsh on natural hair as it can cause needless pulling on the hair resulting in shedding that could've been prevented. Instead wear a silk or satin scarf or opt for a satin pillowcase to allow your not be tugged!

• Massage scalp 2-3 times a week for 5-10mins - Massaging your scalp increases blood flow to your hair thus increasing hair growth so choose your favourite oil and incorporate this into your hair care routine to aid your hair growth. If done correctly it's said that a difference of up to an additional 1/2 inch a month can be seen!

• Give your hair a break between protective styles - As much as we all love having braids and weave in, it's great to give your hair a rest. Your hair is usually being tugged in these protective styles so it's always good to remove these styles and give your hair the necessary TLC it needs.