You’ve hit a brick wall and your hair isn’t growing. There can be a number of reasons for this, but here are the most common ones (and some of these I’ve done myself, causing major breakage and hair loss):
#1 You’re Constantly Picking at or Combing Your Hair
Sounds ironic that someone would tell you not to comb your hair? Well you should…just not 10 times a day. It’s tempting for a lot of people, with natural hair, to play with their curls and constantly mess with their hair. I use to play with and run my fingers through my hair, and I watched as a lot of it fall out.
Oftentimes, we are not even aware of the damage playing with our hair can cause. That’s why…we shouldn’t leave our hair vulnerable – which brings me to my next point.
#2 You Don’t Have Protective Styles
You shouldn’t just leave your natural hair ‘out’ all the time (your afro, long hair, etc.). Not only can this cause breakage; this leaves your hair vulnerable (to things like picking at it!).
What I suggest:
- Braid your hair
- Do Twist Outs
- Try Twist Extensions or Crochet Braids
#3 You’re Putting HEAT On Your Hair!!!
This is a big no-no if you’re trying to grow your hair. Look, I get it – you want to flat iron it, tame it down…
But again, if you’re trying to grow your hair – avoid any heat. Why? Once the heat’s on your hair – the damage cannot be undone. That’s why many people cut their permed hair and decide to go natural. And if you’re one of those people – don’t go backwards.
#4 You Wash Your Hair Constantly
I used to wash my every every day. HUGE MISTAKE! I did it because I was a Cross Country runner – which meant sweat, gnats, and all kinds of gross stuff went in my hair! So, naturally – with little understanding – I shampooed my hair almost every day.
Do not do this to your hair. Why? It leaves your hair extremely dry. Even if you constantly put conditioner in it as well, your hair can still be dry and brittle. Here’s the traditional procedure:
Co-wash (only apply conditioner) once a week and wash with shampoo (+ conditioner) every two weeks.
If you’re like me and you’re constantly getting gross stuff in your hair, I suggest this: Apply leave-in conditioners or hair refresher products. Here’s a great one from Carol’s Daughter: The Hair Milk Refresher.
#5 You Have Split Ends
If you have split ends, which we all eventually get, have someone cut it for you. Don’t cut it yourself unless you know what you’re doing.
If you have split ends, this will cause your hair to break. Until you get it cut, try combing it out.
#6 You’re Using the Wrong Products
Paying so much keen detail to whether your shampoo is Shea Moisture or Pantene often doesn’t matter. But make sure your products contain no sulfates or harmful products to your hair.
If you have natural hair, pay attention to key ingredients like shea butter, argan oil or castor oil.
Featured Image courtesy of Blackgirllonghair.com via Shutterstock