Natural Hair Growth Strategies - The External Approach

Having long flowing hair seem to be an unattainable goal for many, and there is a common misconception that black hair cannot grow very long. Below are strategies that can be applied to your hair care regimen or routine, to achieve longer, healthier hair.


DAILY SCALP MASSAGE 
Massaging the scalp daily with your finger tips (never your nails) will encourage circulation and stimulate hair growth. A good scalp massage helps hair root make better use of nutrients by loosening dirt and oil that may cause clogged hair follicles. Massage for three to four minutes, it is very relaxing and tranquilizing.

USE NATURAL OILS
Using cold pressed vegetable oils directly on your hair can make a world of difference. Choosing the proper oil is a matter of experimentation . A light oil may be used for thin, fine hair, while someone with naturally curly and coarse hair might find a heavier oil preferable.Unrefined oils are always healthier as they retain their natural vitamins and minerals although their aroma can be somewhat pungent. Refined  oils tend to have a lighter color and little or no odor, while the unrefined retains a darker, nuttier aroma. Natural oils provide necessary nourishment for the hair and scalp thus making it less susceptible to damage and more likely to grow.

KEEP HAIR CLEAN
Keeping hair and scalp clean and healthy allows hair to continue growing and reduces breakage and loss. Wash your hair regularly to keep your hair follicles from clogging with dirt and excess sebum (i.e. natural oils produced by the scalp). Using a mild sulfate free shampoo is advisable. Deep conditioning your hair is very important for repairing and preventing damage and also for providing moisture. Your hair however has to be at its cleanest state to reap the benefits of your deep conditioning treatment. If your hair is not very clean then the deep conditioner or moisturizers will not penetrate the strands as there will be a layer of buildup blocking maximum absorption.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES
Exercising, getting enough sleep (8 hrs recommended) and staying stress free can cause your hair to grow faster and longer. It has been observed that factors like stress, depression and sleep deprivation actually contribute to hair loss. Getting the required amount of sleep can aid in hair growth as growth hormones are secreted during sleep. Exercise stimulates the blood to flow. The nutrient rich blood nourishes each hair follicle, promoting healthy hair growth. Lack of sufficient blood flow would yield the growth of duller, more brittle hair.Apart from supplying the follicle with nutrient-rich blood, exercise also helps to alleviate stress, which is a known cause of hair loss.

PROTECT YOUR HAIR ENDS
It is often said that trimming your hair ends regularly will cause the hair to grow, now that I DON'T believe as there is no explainable co-relation. What I do know is that if you protect your hair ends from damage and breakage then that will prevent you from having to cut them all the time and as such you will be able to record and maintain length. Protecting your ends involves keeping them moisturized. Moisture can be sealed into the hair by using a sealant such as Shea Butter. Keeping your hair in a protective style like two strand twists or bantu knots especially at bedtime is an excellent way to protect your ends. Try not to manipulate your hair too much as this can lead to split ends. Heat or excessive combing and brushing can lead to breakage. In essence, if you don't get split ends very often, then you wont need to trim your hair very often, and as such you will be able to realize a lot  more growth.

My personal and unproven hair growth tip: Be Positive, Happy and Laugh like you are silly.    


N.B. Stay tuned for the follow Up blog - Natural Hair Growth Strategies - The Internal Approach.