25 Natural Hair Growth Tips & Tricks for Growing and Maintaining Natural Hair

The following are 25 tips and tricks to grow your natural hair.

1. Handle your hair in sections.

   Always handle your hair in sections, that way, all parts of your hair will be equally cared for.

2. Apply shampoo only to your scalp.

   What really needs to be washed is your scalp. Product build-up is formed from your scalp and the lather from the shampoo easily cleanses the length of your hair.

3. Add oil before shampooing aka Pre-poo. 

   This step is very important for me as it completely softens my hair, makes detangling easier and reduces how much oil is lost during shampooing. I prefer to use extra virgin olive oil but I still love the benefits of coconut oil so I mix the two and let it sit in my hair under a shower cap for 10 minutes before shampooing.

4. Place a satin scarf over your pillow.

   For those of you like my mum who cannot seem to get a scarf to stay on their hair while they sleep, simply place one on your pillow and your hair will still be fine by sunrise.

5. Wash and condition your hair in twists.

   This trick gives me access to my scalp for proper shampooing and helps me manage my hair efficiently.

6. Apply more conditioner to the ends of your hair.

   Concentrate more conditioner on the ends of your hair on wash day because they are the oldest and weakest part.

7. Say yes to ACV and Beer rinses.

   They help to balance the pH of your hair and give a nice sheen. The ratio to use Apple Cider Vinegar is; 1 cup of water to a tablespoon of ACV.

8. Clump your ends.

   To prevent your curls from curling upon themselves, use a heavy butter like shea butter, to clump them together.

9. Use warm water to shampoo.

   Warm water will gently raise your cuticles to allow the shampoo to properly cleanse your hair.

10. Do a cold/cool water rinse.

    Do a cold water rinse to close your cuticles after deep conditioning.

11. Avoid scratching your scalp or matt your hair together

    while shampooing or co-washing.

12. Use a plastic bag if you don’t have a shower cap.

    You can also go ahead and tie a head wrap above the plastic bag for extra heat.

13. Replace your towel with a T-shirt to squeeze out excess water

    from hair after rinsing. A t-shirt is not as abrasive as towels.

14.  Look for products with water as the first ingredient.

    They are the true moisturisers.

15. Use the ‘praying hands’ method to apply products to your hair.

    It smooths the product evenly down your hair shaft.

16. Try to stay away from products with sulphates.

    Only use them when you need to clarify your hair.

17. Cut your split ends off.

    Show no mercy and the earlier the better before they attach themselves to a healthy hair strand.

18. Keep hair stretched in Protective styles to prevent matting and tangles.

    Do this as often as you can.

19. Hair Spritz is your best bud.

    Spritz your hair on the go or every other day to keep your hair moisturised.

20. Let your hair rest once in a while.

    Protective style. wear headwraps, wigs, weaves or hats.

21. Keep your nails smooth.

    They can snag hair strands if not cut or filed properly.

22. Detangle before shampooing.

    I don’t like hair blocking my drain so I detangle outside the shower and before shampooing.

23. Keep your hair tools in good condition.

    As well as keeping your nails smooth, your tools need to be clean and levelled. A crack or split can cause breakage without you realising.

24. Pour a little your hair spritz into your hair.

    For example, if your hair is in a bun or a style that prevents you from adequately moisturising every part of your hair, simply pour in a little hair spritz (water-based moisturising product).

25. Eat healthily and exercise

    because healthy hair begins from the inside.