Do you dream of long, natural tresses but don’t think you can get there?

You can if you include a few components in your hair care regimen:

• Keep your hair moisturized and be gentle with your hair (try finger-combing vs. constant use of combs/brushes)
• Use low manipulation and protective styling (e.g. twists, braids, coils, cornrows etc.)
• Keep your hair care routine consistent

You may even have a few things on your mind about your natural hair:

“My hair is really coily. Will it still grow?”
Remember black hair is more delicate. Those with a looser pattern of hair strands don’t require as much care. While those of you with very coily hair may find it is more difficult for the oils from your scalp to travel down the strands as easily. This means your hair may be dry, more brittle and prone to breakage and needs more attention.

“The women in my family don’t really have long hair.”
While this may be a factor, genetics doesn’t necessarily determine how long your hair will grow. What’s key to understand is there must be a healthy black hair care regimen and consistency.

“If I don’t cut my ends, will it grow long?”
Just the opposite if you have split ends! Hanging on to your split ends will accelerate damage, so be sure to get them trimmed.

“Are there black hair care recipes for hair growth?”
Yes, there are! Consider these carrier oils with several properties as a base for hair care recipes:

Argan Oil

• Is quite nourishing to the scalp
• Contains unsaturated fatty acids which strengthen protein bonding in natural hair
• Penetrates hair shaft and enhances elasticity
• Has Vitamin E which aids in renewing and repairing damage caused by heat and chemicals

Avocado Oil

• Smooths hair cuticles
• Penetrates hair
• Is high in protein
• Melts on the scalp easily
• Is good for finger detangling

Canola Oil (no, I’m not joking)

• Is effective for repairing split ends and damaged hair
• Is a great choice for moisturizing hair and massaging the scalp
• Is quite cost effective
• Makes a great hot oil treatment combined with essential oils

Castor Oil

• Improves scalp circulation
• Aids in (re)growth of hair
• Moisturizes hair
• Seals, preventing split ends and breakage

Coconut Oil

• Provides deep conditioning and detangling
• Helps with frizz and styling
• Acts as a sealant for split ends
• Eliminates dandruff

Grape seed Oil

• Works as a sealant and detangler for damp hair
• Enhances your moisturizer
• Acts as a natural heat protectant
• Is odorless and light, making it easy to use as a carrier oil when combining with others
• Tends to be inexpensive

Jojoba Oil

• Moisturizes hair and controls frizz
• Acts most similar to natural hair sebum
• Prevents hair loss and build-up around hair follicles
• Reduces dandruff

Olive Oil

• Penetrates hair
• Is light weight and great for moisturizing/softening
• Acts as an effective sealant
• Promotes scalp health and prevents dandruff due to anti-inflammatory properties
• Adds shine and helps to combat frizz

Sunflower Oil

• Promotes hair growth with oleic acid (omega 9)
• Eliminates frizz and adds shine
• Is easily absorbed into hair
• Protects against harmful UV rays of the sun

A Few Carrier Oil Foundation Recipes For Natural Hair Growth
You need to try a mix of oils for shine, moisture and of course, growth promotion:

Pre-Shampoo Oil Mix
1/2 cup grape seed oil

1/2 cup coconut oil

Apply one tablespoon at a time, while massaging the oil mix through your hair while using your fingers to untangle your hair completely from root to tip. First step before each shampoo. Yields 3 applications.
——

After Wash Oil Mix
1 oz castor oil
1 oz jojoba oil
½ oz vegetable/canola oil
½ oz grape seed oil

Stir together well. Use immediately after washing hair and follow up with a leave-in treatment.
—

Hair Growth And Strengthening Mix

2 oz extra virgin olive oil
2 oz cold pressed coconut oil

3 oz unrefined Sunflower seed oil

Massage a small amount into your scalp daily. This blend stimulates hair growth, improves hair elasticity and shine.

The above recipes make great foundations for natural hair care.  You can also incorporate essential oils into your mix to enhance the benefits of the oils.

“I’ve been growing my hair but it’s taking so long!”
It will grow but it’s a process. Give it time. It’s going to take months of consistency rather a couple of weeks. In addition, our hair grows ½ an inch per month on average (others may be faster). Remember our hair thrives most when left to rest. The good news is, this means less maintenance for you!

I hope you’re feeling more encouraged about growing your natural tresses from this information. Let me know how your hair growth journey is going and what is working for you. As always …

Dedicated To Your Beauty

Juliette Samuel
Esthetician/Author/Publisher
Nyraju Skin Care