Black Girl Hair Secrets

Dhar-lings!!!! Right off the wide tooth comb, this isn’t a post on how to grow 22 inch hair! Don’t get me wrong, #hairgoals are a real thing! But I am all about realistic hair goals. Because girrrrrrrl, this sub-Saharan heat, genetics and everything in between makes it tough for a sister!

Just like with all other goals, you need to be clear about what it is you really want and also know your own limitations... With hair it’s the same. It could be genetics, climate, diet or habits.

But all I ever wanted was thick, black and healthy hair. Length is just an added bonus. And here are a few things that have helped me on my hair journey:

1. Ditch the comb!

Uhmmmm... ever wondered why dreadlocks keep growing? It’s the no combing ( well that and other things but mostly the no combing thing).

African hair is the most fragile in comparison to our Asian or European sisters. Combing actually causes mechanical damage to our fragile hair. It literally shreds the strands, leaving it tattered and frail. Weak hair = lots of breakage = no length retention.

So ditch the comb and opt for finger combing or wide tooth combs. Your hair will thank you ( in length retention).

2. Keep your scalp clean

So for the longest time I used to make sure my scalp was nicely oiled with essential oils or Jamaican Castor Oil... like i would drip enough lard to fry a crate of eggs. :-/

But here’s the thing... Build up on the scalp makes it difficult for hair to push through for hair growth. If this becomes difficult, your hair will simply stop trying.

So the solution: Regularly washing hair keeps the scalp clean and healthy. I wash once a month and co-wash every week.

3. Get Wet ‘n wild!

From tilting our heads away from the shower, to wearing plastic bags in the rain... we have been taught that water is not good for our hair.

Well that myth is mostly false!!!

Our hair thrives in a moisture rich environment and water is one of the best ways to quench its thirst. I usually spritz my hair every night and every morning just to quench the thirst.

So Hydrate, hydrate and hydrate some more!

4. Be a silk bonnet babe

This is not anything new, but it stays true. No old stockings, no cotton headwraps!!!

If you want to maintain healthy and moisturized hair, wearing a silk scarf or bonnet needs to be a priority. They actually protect your hair from damage that can be caused by sleep patterns.

Oh and if you can’t do scarves or bonnets, make your pillow satin/silk material.

5. All is well that ends well.

Did you know the ends of your hair are the oldest part of your hair? Well, they are also the most fragile. They've been through the most combing, detangling, manipulating, and all that Jazz. It is vital to protect your ends to keep them from getting split or damaged, to avoid fairy knots and tiny tangles, and to retain length.

When I am wearing my hair out, I often opt for styles that don’t expose my ends. I also make sure to moisturize them regularly and wen I deep condition, I concentrate on the ends.

Well dhar-lings... let me know what your tips and tricks are for your mane.

Always,

With love from Zim

FA

#BlackhairNaturalhairHairgrowth