Here are some tips I've learned along the way for growing my natural hair, retaining length, and minimizing breakage. I hope these will be as helpful to you as they have been for me.
I love seeing black women with long 4c hair. Defies the myth that black hair don't grow. Yes it does if properly maintained. Thank you for being such an inspiration!
Island Girl Yea and a lot of times 4c hair can be very fine too, like cotton candy. Not all 4c hair, but a lot of times it is. The 4c hair on my sides is medium to fine; it's pretty manageable, I just have to be gentle/careful with it. But the 4c hair in my back is definitely coarse. It's the most difficult part of my hair to manage. I have a medium to coarse 4a/4b mix at the front/top/crown of my hair that's the easiest to manage. The coarse 4b top back is challenging though, but not as challenging as that coarse 4c in the very back!
In summary: 1. Learn to manipulate or detangle hair properly. There IS such a thing as over-detangling. 2. Keep your hair stretched to avoid major shrinkage as well as to prevent tangles. 3. Learn to do your hair yourself. No hair stylist would ever know or love your hair as much as you would for yourself. 4. Keep your hair MOISTURIZED. The importance of this is emphasized x3 in all caps. 5. Simplify your regimen. Especially in terms of styling you hair. Less manipulation = less breakage = length retention = GROWTH! 6. Find the right protective style for you. Again: the less time you spend manipulating your hair, the better. 7. Remember to deep condition at every wash.
1.Lil to no manipulation treat like fine silk 2.No overcoming( finger detamgle ) 3.wash every 2 weeks to one month 4.keep it stretched Bantu knot after wash day 5.never style wet hair Bantu knots till it dries then style 6.moisturize hair Simplify my regimen bun or twist[
Can you please teach me how to take care of my own HAIR because I can not afford a hair stylists. So I can COMB MY HAIR. I cut off all my HAIR back in August 31st 2020. Two years later my hair is growing slowly maturely. I wash my hair every two weeks and do I need to spray water on my hair and put Blue magic hair grease on my HAIR? My hair is very very short, SOFT AND CURLY OR COILY. My hair GROWS SLOWLY MATURELY because I have been too lazy to do my HAIR and I regret not taking care of my hair. Please teach me how to take care of my hair because I need your help okay thanks bye bye.
i have been natural 4 years and after 2 yrs i had lots of growth then none for an entire yr, it was only when i started stretching my hair did i see growth i am currently at 18-10 inches of hair. Stretching is the truth!
stretching is basically using a blow dryer and the tension method or try watching videos on heatless blowouts if you prefer not to use heat I wouldn't recommend texlaxing though cause that's a chemical process that permanently alters your hair strands.
Take a strand of curly hair and pull it until "straight". Now how could you mess with the curls to get that "straighter" hair to last. That's what stretching is. styling coily hair in a way to elongate the curls. Search how to stretch hair videos and you'll see some demonstrations. Afro hair can really clump on itself into a little ball sometimes even if it's past shoulder length when straightened. Stretching helps to uncurl the hair a bit.
So true about stylists. I hate leaving my hair in the hands of someone else bc I always feel paranoid...every stylist I go to, they use a rat tail comb!!!!!!! That's a big NO NO! lol, great tips.
BeautiiBoss My Stylist Got Mad At Me The First Time I Went To See Her . I Was Like I Know You Don't Think You Can Get That Through My Hair && Handed Her The Pick I Had In My Back Pocket 😂
I know right! I bring my own big teeth comb, conditioner and shampoo, heat protectant. It seems like they are more concerned with the look and not the health.
OH MY GOODNESSSSSSS TIP NUMBER 3: DO YOUR HAIR YOURSELF, I've had so many people in LA will say oh yes " this celebrity hair stylist helped grow out this celeb hair" And she burned my hair from over flat ironing it and I vowed that I will be the only stylist except for Mrs. Lee in Dallas Texas.
I had my 20 inch hair cut and burned out by a celebrity stylist years ago. My hair was so jacked up I had to big chop (for the 3rd time) 😔. Ever since then I've been doing my hair myself without heat. My hair has thanked me immensely for it as it's never been this healthy.
So true, no one will be as careful or as delicate with your hair as you are. We take all this time to grow it, then they just drag a comb thru and tear your hair out. Or chop it off in one swoop. I loved your points on this video. As for me, NOONE touches my hair but me, or my also natural mom.
+Trenita Yancey, yes!!!! It has been so important for me!!!! Keeping my hair and particular my ends stretched has done wonders. See how you like it and let me know!
Praise YAH Hello ! she said in the video that she either blowdry her hair (not very often) or she let her hair dry in bantu knots she gets the most stretch out of bantu knots ;).
The path to long and healthy hair is stop it from tangling and leave it alone, pretty universal. I arrived at the same conclusion after 10 years. Some people become straight naturals or they just do twists with their hair, I do mini braids... It's all under stretching.
Number 3 is one of my new years resolutions. Hair stylist just want to finish the style fast and get to the next customer. I need to learn to trim my hair by myself but I'm afraid of cutting too much hair off
+Charmaine Espeut, it can definitely be intimidating to cut your hair yourself! Why not try asking a friend or a relative you trust? I always have my sis or husband do it when I'm doing a bigger trim
I'm so glad I found your channel! You have such a chill vibe and I love that you ain't the only one not finger detangling lol. It takes forever. I've never had long hair my whole life. My family was brutal on my 4b/mostly 4c hair. I was told it was harsh, dry rough, nappy , hard to manage. Now in my adult life I really want to grow my hair long but I have had setbacks. Sometimes idk if I'll ever really reach my goal "/. However, channels like yours and some others I really like have kept me encouraged and faithful to the journey. Thank you. 😊😊
ColoredInBeauty me too. I am almosr 40. I think my hair is only 4c though. These young people r so lucky. I would have grown my hair so long if I got onto this as a hobby in my twenties before the perm damage set in. My hair is the longest I ever had it now at a little past my shoulders. I may try for bra strap then back to twas. I hit a plateau but I haven't been protective styling. I loved trying everything 😁
TheFantasticNerd I’m in a good place. My hair is healthy and soft but now I’m just addicted to the short hair look! I’m thinking about re-starting locs
I'm so happy I found your video! I guess that styling my hair when it's wet is probably the reason why I have breakage on my ends. My hair loves to coil against itself lol
+Jovon, yes, me too!!! I wish that was something someone had told me when I first went natural. As amazing as shrinkage is, for type 4 hair it can definitely lead to knots, tangles, and breakage. Just my humble observation. Thanks so much for checking out my channel.
Yea I have found my hair to be quite weak when wet. I don't detangle in the shower for this reason. The only time I attempt detangle damp hair is on wash day with kinky curly knot today and I do that very gently. After that I like to finger detangle dry hair with oil and this is mostly to remove more shed hair.
I enjoyed your video fellow natural, enjoyed your tips in growing long natural hair. Patience is also key. Your hair is so beautiful. You take great care of your hair and it shows. You have proven us beautiful black women can grow long hair if we take care of it. Thank you so much for this video, Your very inspiring. Very motivating. I have always loved haircare, talking about our hair. Thanks again! 😊
Right on point and right on time. I struggle with the whole "gentle manipulation" technique. I tend to lose an unnecessary amount of hair during my wash day process. These tips are awesome! Will be washing it twists!!
Hands down , best video I've watched on how to retain length in a healthy and easy way . I have the same hair texture , so to see you retain so much length is inspiring and reassuring ! Not to mention, I'm sure you're very busy, so that's even more inspiring/impressive !
Very helpful tips. Thank you! Doing your hair yourself is a challenge for me, but necessary. I'm going thru a MAJOR setback after my hair was done professionally. I'm a very lazy natural and my hair grew to my mid back, but my hair was destroyed when it was done professionally. I will try not to make that mistake again.
+Chimiri88, thank you!!! I'm so sorry you had such a major setback. I've definitely been there. Don't worry, it'll grow back! Hahahhaha, I can definitely identify with being a lazy natural. That's my philosophy..as simple as possible.
Great tips! I love the point you made about the comb gliding through your hair. That really isn't the goal so I shouldn't worry about the comb being able to do that lol
+HairCandy Kina, thanks so much! I'm glad that resonated with you. Just realizing what my goals are and giving that up has been so key for me! Thanks for checking out my video.
i didnt think i would watch this entire video, but i love the way you talk and explain things (even though i have heard some of your tips before). Thanks for good information!
Your tips are great. I have noticed length retention with your advice. My hair dreads very easily, so I am one who has to wash and detangle every week. I am glad I found your channel!
Really helpfull! I guess I'll start stretching my hair too bc my hair has so many textures and they mix into themselves and it's hard to detangle 🙄🙄 thanks for the tips ,you're now my hair inspiration! Much love from Portugal
+Pamela Leal, wow , I'm so glad you could find my tips helpful! I agree, tangling can be such a nightmare with textured hair. Much love to Portugal! 🇵🇹
These are wonderful tips, and your hair is absolutely gorgeous! Hair goals to the max lol. I'm two years into my natural hair journey, and always looking for new ways to improve my regimen. Thank you!
Thank you for this! I'm going on a healthy hair/growth journey for 2017. This video has helped tremendously. You're quickly becoming one of my favorite youtubers!
I ve looked at this video 20 times and I just want to say thank you. I have to remind myself of these things and you are not saying the typical stuff everyone else is saying.
Great tips! Thanks for mentioning the importance of knowing how to do your hair yourself and simplifying your hair regimen. I completely agree! I don't think many naturals on RU-vid mention those 2 tips.
This video was super informative!! I'm so grateful that you went in depth. I'm 4 years in and I feel like I hit a plateau. This changed things for me. Thanks!
I learned the hard way with lesson #3... my hair was waist length & then I went to an African hair braider (no shade to Africans) & she RIPPED my hair out with no care. So... now I’ve chopped all my hair off to TWA & when I restart my hair journey I’ll continue doing my hair solely
I'm so glad I found this video. I watch so many videos of people saying not to comb. 4c hair is weird. I have to comb at least once a week. some sort of detangling needs to happen. I remoisturize as often as possible and I cannot do wash n go's or poufs. my ends do not like it and my scalp can't deal with a pouf. but my hair grows better stretched. just wet hair is harmful to me. I'm subscribing.
I thought I was the only one who couldn’t do poufs omg I can’t do a poofy pony tail because first off it’ll go from long to really short with my shrinkage and then Ima have to start over detangling stretching and all then I notice all my moisture leaves smh I’m stuck in twist braids or Bantu knots twist outs are scary but I can get away with a twist out but not for long lol
Natural hair is like a baby you have to feed it with moisture , let it sleep in a protective style and play/ style with it carefully - twists . Let her grow! So she can be strong . Anyone watching this out daughter will have long hair 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾☺️☺️
oh my goodness how am I just learning about your channel! Your hair is absolutely amazing! I also love that you use a comb, finally someone with thick hair uses a comb! Thanks so much for this info!!
I do almost everything you do. Even before I watched the video. I always felt like I was doing something different. So glad I wasn't. you are so inspiring
very informative video!! I never knew how to deal with my hair when I went natural... now I'm relaxed and going back again... I needed this video!! thank you!!
Gorgeous hair! What your hair does at the ends is what happens to me at the roots. It’s so difficult for me to get a comb thru at the roots sometimes. I’ve started stretching my hair and I’ve seen a big difference.
+Natie Gilbert, that's great that you are considering going natural! It's absolutely worth it, but it will certainly be a journey. I remember feeling the same way. Let me know what you what you decide!
I had a relaxer for 20 years and I transitioned to being natural for 5 years now. I really like being natural. I wish you the best on your hair journey.
Your voice is very pleasant and your advice practical. I 'big chopped' about 2 years ago and have come to learn all of these tips to be true and vital to maintaining healthy hair. Thanks for sharing!
What an amazing hair you've got. Honestly speaking I had to subscribe to your channel the first time in my life lol!!!!!! You are so real with your tips. I am so inspired as I am trying to keep my hair and that of my kids natural.Thanks loads.
you are absolutely stunning. wow you are so beautiful. most ppl who see my hip length hair (i've cut it recently for various reasons) always told me my hair only grow either because of my mom's hair type or bez I was over seas in college for 6yrs. it makes me so happy to see so many natural black woman growing their hair long, it's a beautiful thing to see.
Your #1 is worth the thumbs up. I thought this was just me because I've not seen this amount emphasis on this tip anywhere but it is so important to understand this. Thanks...I'm still listening.🙂
Great tips! I notice for myself too that when I keep my hair in twisties (two-strand twists) my hair does great. I just started to do it again in hopes that I'll to waist length when day :)
I wish I could like this video twice. Boiling your tips down to six of the most important was great. Each of your tips, I have employed during my own natural journey. Transitioning for six years . . . very impressive. I only did two years. Great video!
+JazzWife .., thanks so much! I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Yeah, those 6 years of transitioning were only possible because I basically put my hair away most of the time. It can definitely be rough though!
the comment about avoiding single strand knots helped me sooooo much! I will take this advice and use it to my advantage. Hopefully I see some positive results! Thank you
Very accurate thank you ❤. I feel like most hair stylist like your cut even so they cut off alot you go in 1 length and come out with a different length.
Truth is not every growth technique is for everyone. I experienced so much growth during my wash and go years. Now that I mostly wear my hair in protective styles due to time restraints, my hair growth has slowed down tremendously.
Hi I have found out about your channel a few weeks ago only but the more I watch it the more I am pleased because we do pretty much the same thing. And as you said the most important with kinky hair is to learn how to manipulate our hair. When we know that, we can manage everything. Last year all the deep conditioners I tried did not work for me. Not enough slip so they would create single strand knots at every wash day. That was very frustrating and I had to trim a lot but still I was able to retain length because I know how to manipulate my hair so I could always manage the problems... My hair is not at your length yet but it's growing nicely and seeing that we have the same hair techniques give me hope that my journey will continue to be successful :-)
+HereDianna2, yay! Glad we are doing the same things! Manipulation is EVERYTHING! Best of luck on your hair journey. I know your hair will continue to flourish!
Great Tips! For my wash day I wash with a sulfate-free shampoo (I don't pre-poo unless I'm washing after I've just taken down a protective style that includes extensions because my hair gets more dry, I deep condition and use the LCO method and I use a mixture of jamaican black castor oil, almond oil, cocoa butter, tangerine essential oil and tea tree oil. I put my hair into 5-7 braids because they help me retain moisture and they keep my hair stretched (unlike twists) I sleep with a satin scarf on and I'm 13 and homeschooled and I'm to young for wigs so I only wear a turban or put my hair in a sleek bun when I go out. I wear my braids all the way up until Saturday or Sunday, and then I wash (I also trim every 3 months)
Thank you for this vid sista. I believe you are my hair twin. There has been a lot of trial and error on my journey, but I will definitely be using your tips going forward. Please tell us which products have been more effective at helping you to maintain your length.
Yes I have had a lot of bad experiences too with hair stylists like you said not all are bad but you need to do your research on the stylist before you go in but I just do my own hair now and my hair has flourish.
This video is awesome! I’m going to stretch my hair more with braids/twists and banding/rapping after I shampoo my hair I found out that I should only use clarifying shampoos once in a while and more moisturizing shampoos. Because my hair gets dry easy I’m subscribing!
Your hair is beautiful!! I'm have been trying to do most of your tips that you've mentioned what I haven't done was your method of washing and conditioning without taking hair down. Also I've noticed since I'm pushing 50 my hair doesn't grow as fast I'm not sure if that's age or due to diagnosed autoimmune condition
I love these tips. Can you please film and share your wash routine with us? I have recently started to wash my hair in twists but then I find that I have to unravel the twists to fully wash out the products. What is your process when rinsing out the shampoo, conditioner and deep conditioner?
+Felicia Mesadieu, thanks for watching!!! I'm still working on getting the equipment I need to actually do a wash day video...so hopefully soon. If I wash in twists I think I just have to make sure to do enough twists (6-8) so I know I can really work the shampoo and other products in there to clean and condition . The other thing important thing is to be extremely generous with the water both when lathering your shampoo and rinsing.. rinsing several times if you need to. You can also gently spread or separate the twists without actually unraveling them.
Felicia Mesadieu I know this is an old inquiry post but I wash in twists and one thing that I do to rinse out the product effectively is to dilute the product first. I use TGIN products and I dilute the shampoo, rinse out conditioner and the leave in conditioner. I deep condition in the twists every three weeks but I don’t dilute the deep conditioner because this is also when I re-do my twists. HTH!
I like this video. i have been trying to grow my hair for years and it slways break no matter how gentle I am. My hair has been the same length throughout my hair journey I feel like giving up. Watching your video gives me hope. I need to change my hair routine as I wash weekly and deep condition and seal but it could be too much manipulation as I have fine low density hair. I have to keep at it. Thank you for your suggestions.
+Jenny Lee, I'm so glad you enjoyed this video and that I could give you some hope. Don't give up!!! You got this! You're right, it's possible that you just need a break from the manipulation. Let me know how it goes.
I went to a shop to get a blowdry and flat iron manyyy years ago at a shop they cimbed my natural hair so rough never again they clearly did not know how to handle natural coily hair never again. New Subbie!
I'm so glad you spoke about using combs cz apart from finger detangling, I need a comb to finish the process well. When I first went natural hair, this natural hair nazi with a 7 year old twa that wouldn't't grow, told me to stop using combs as part of my detangling process. I hate it when people try to force their own views on others, everyones hair work differently. I'm keeping my wide tooth combs thanks :) :D
