How to grow your natural hair
You probably want to grow out your hair naturally. But, you do not know what will work. Commercial hair products are great because they tend to save time. But the problem is that some of their ingredients could be working against growing your hair.
Natural products have no side effects. And will not lighten the weight of your wallet. So, what are some the ways of growing hair naturally? Below is a list of how you can grow out your hair:
- Use of natural oils
Natural oils prevent dirt buildup that blocks hair follicles. Natural oils also moisturize your hair. And makes it stronger therefore, supporting rapid growth. You should massage your scalp and keep the oil for fifteen to ten minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. You could use olive oil, coconut oil, lavender oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, tea tree oil, mustard oil and avocado oil.
- Washing your hair
You should wash your hair three or four times a week. Washing your hair daily no matter how oily it tends to get strips it of it’s natural oils. If your hair naturally tends to have excess oil, you could use dry shampoo. Use cold or lukewarm water to reduce frizz and make hair shaft smooth. After washing your hair, ensure you part your hair dry and squeeze gently excess water using your towel.
De-tangle your hair by combing with a wide-toothed comb. Then dry out your hair.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar stimulates your hair which makes hair naturally grow longer. When rinsing your hair, you could add apple cider vinegar. It removes residue build-up from various hair care products and oils. Apply quarter a cup vinegar to your hair. Pay particular attention to your roots but ensure that your hair is covered with vinegar. Wait for 2-5 minutes then wash normally.
- Coconut Milk
Coconut oil prevents hair breakage, therefore, strengthening your hair naturally. Coconut milk can be used as a conditioner or deep conditioner. If you want to use coconut oil as a conditioner, you can pour it on your palm and massage it directly into your hair using circular movements. Ensure you reach the roots of your hair. Then allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it with lukewarm water and shampoo.
For deep conditioning, you could mix one tablespoon honey into the coconut milk. The honey will act as a moisturizer.
- Brush your hair
Brushing your hair is simple, but the benefits are tremendous. Brush your hair regularly to stimulate your scalp. And it also distributes natural oils throughout the length of your hair. Apart from preventing impurities to coat the hair, natural oils keep your hair hydrated and strong. Remember to use a brush with natural bristle and comb through the entire length of your hair. Also, don't forget to trim the edges of your hair. Trimming hair doesn’t make it grow. But it makes you have healthy hair by preventing split ends that cause breakage. So do you want to have healthy hair naturally? Trim your hair and watch it grow.
- Eat healthy foods
Foods that support healthy growth include protein, vitamins, biotin and spices.
- Protein
Protein promotes healthy hair growth. High protein sources include soy milk, meat from salmon or chicken, eggs, beans and nuts.
- Vitamins
Vitamin A regulates an acid used by your hair follicles
Vitamin B3 Improves blood circulation to the hair follicles
Vitamin B12 Boosts production of red blood cells that provides more oxygen to the hair follicles
Vitamin C Prevents split ends by strengthening your hair, also helps in the production of new hair
Vitamin E Boosts your immune system and stimulates circulation of blood.
- Biotin
Biotin-rich foods include lettuce, carrots and tomatoes. Biotin stimulates the production of red blood cells and insulin in your body. Biotin also strengthens your hair naturally by using Keratinocyte cells.
- 7. Reduce your stress levels
Stress is bad for your overall well being. And it is especially bad for your hair. It makes your hair brittle and slows its growth rate. To reduce you stress levels, set adequate sleep time. At least 7- 8 hours sleep. Exercise such as aerobics, taking long walks or yoga. And most importantly, take part in activities that make you have fun and relax.
- Treat your hair well
Treating your hair well means avoiding activities that strain your hair. These activities include:
- Using excess heat on hair
Heat removes moisture from your hair. When hair is not moisturized, it becomes dry leading to burns or breakage. You can reduce hair breakage by using a little heat on your dryer and applying coconut oil before straightening hair.
- Styling hair
Avoid styles that put excess strain on hair such as buns, pigtails, ponytails and micro braids.
- Protect your hair
Your hair is sensitive to the sun. You need to protect it from exposure to direct sunlight for extended periods. When you sleep, you could use silk or satin scarves to tie your hair or use pillow cases made from these two materials.
- Use Braids
The use of braids is one of the best protective styles for growing your hair naturally. And this is not because it lengthens your hair. Braids retain your hair length by preventing breakage caused by styling hair. You should only wear braids for a maximum of 6 weeks to avoid detangling of your hair.
If you are experiencing thinning in your edges, ensure your braids are not tightened in the area. Loosening the braid in this area prevents hair loss and your chances of developing traction alopecia.
If you are experiencing hair loss, you could use guava leaves which are rich in vitamin B. And also promotes hair growth. Take a handful of guava leaves with a litre of water and bring to a boil for 20 minutes. Leave the mixture to cool. After its cool massage the mixture into your scalp and put on a shower cap. For best results, leave it for the night and wash hair in the morning.
- Hair Mask
Hair masks add volume to your hair and helps strengthen it. Hair thinning is one of the leading causes of breakage. Most hair masks help lengthen your hair by avoiding thinning. One simple egg hair mask is made using an egg with olive oil. Break the egg into a bowl. Then add one tablespoon of olive oil. Mix it well. Then apply it to your hair after washing. Allow the mixture to sit for 15- 20 minutes. Then rinse hair with warm water and style as desired.
Bonus Point
- Drink plenty of water
Drink, at least, eight glasses of water if you want to have healthy hair naturally. Drinking plenty of water removes toxins from your body. You become healthy, and your hair is also made stronger and less likely to break.
Growing out your hair naturally may be time-consuming, but the results will put a smile on your face later on. Everyone loves being the center of attention, use a little effort and the results will be worth it at the end.
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