If you are natural, chances are, length retention is an ongoing goal for your hair. It is also one that seem futile and ever fleeting. Why isn't my hair growing you may ask. Truth is, your hair is in fact growing. Except in cases where there are illnesses and treatments that result in hair loss, every living being experiences hair growth on an ongoing basis. Everyone may not enjoy the same rate of growth but in general, hair grows at an average rate of 1/4" per month.
The quest to achieve very long hair often lead naturals to avoid trimming their hair at all cost. This mindset may very well be the reason why your hair doesn't appear to be growing. The beauty about natural hair is that if you listen keenly enough, you will hear it communicate with you, letting you know when its time to trim. Here are five signs that are an indication that your hair needs a trim:
1. Hair feels rough or crunchy on the ends.
Natural hair has a tendency to react to its environment, and it also almost always sends a signal when it is in need of some TLC. Over time, overexposure to heat, excess manipulation or just the harsh elements in your surroundings, can cause hair to become weathered. The portion of hair that is more easily susceptible to such damage, is the ends, since it is the oldest and most exposed part of the hair. One tell tale sign that your hair may be damaged is how the ends feel. If your hair is rough, hard, or overly dry to the touch, then chances are, you need a trim. Repeated use of heat can cause your hair, especially the ends, to get scorched. Protein, although good for the hair if used properly, can in some cases cause protein damage resulting from protein overdose. The can result in very dry, coarse feeling hair. In most cases there is no hope for reversion, and the only option is to trim or cut off the damaged portion.
2. Hair ends are way thinner than the roots.
The thickness or fullness of your hair can be an indication of how healthy it is. Don't get me wrong, hair can be thick and voluminous and yet be unhealthy, The problem arise when the thickness is not consistent throughout the entire length of hair. If the ends of the hair is visibly thinner than the roots, trimming may be inevitable. Trimming away those thinner, less healthy portion of hair will allow it to thrive as the stronger, thicker parts of the hair would no longer be compromised and at risk for damage .
3. Ends are splitting.
Split ends can be nuisance regardless of the length or texture of your hair. Sadly, there is really no quick fix for split ends, and left unchecked they will continue to split further and further upwards, potentially damaging the entire hair strand. Once a split end is detected, it is best to start snipping, as failure to do so can be detrimental. Split ends are an obvious indication that your hair needs a trim. Cutting them off will prevent you from dealing with the headache of having to cut more hair off if it is allowed to get out of control.
4. Breakage on the ends.
Have you ever combed your hair and seen those tiny pieces of hairs on your shoulders, the counter or
the floor? It is the undeniable evidence that your hair is breaking. Breakage can be caused by various reasons usually the result is the weakening of the hair. Since the ends are the oldest part of the hair, it will be more susceptible to breakage. Getting rid of those weaker ends should correct the problem and enable the stronger portion of the hair to thrive.
5. Single Strand Knots.
The issue of single strand knots was somewhat of an unexpected, unpleasant surprise to me once I went natural. It was foreign to me because it was never something that I remember experiencing when I had a perm. I soon discovered that these were formed when the hair forms a loop at the ends of the strands and form a knot or a ball. It is usually more prevalent in hair textures that are more coily in nature. The spiral like or zigzag pattern makes it easier for the hair to form loops and make knots called single strand knot, These pesky and plentiful knots seem relentless and all attempts to reverse them will prove futile. The only way to remove them is just that....to remove them. Trimming usually solves the issue but be careful because they can easily return.
Length retention is high on the list of priorities for naturals, but the truth is, if your hair is long and unhealthy then it profits you little. Healthy hair is much more likely to thrive and realize growth. Pay attention to your hair and the signals that it gives, indicating that it is in need of a trim. In the short term it may be that you are losing inches, but in the long term, your hair will look and feel all the better for it, Just remember, the scissors is not the enemy, it may very well prove to be your best friend.
So like I was saying.......the regular plastic shower caps somehow seem to slip or shift during the process of taking a shower causing one or more sections of my hair to get wet or slightly damp. Being natural, unless I'm wearing a wash and go, if water is introduced to my hair it will cause shrinkage and mess up a perfectly dope twist out, at least in the section where the mishap occurred. If your hair is twisted while showering, in anticipation of taking them down after you shower, you dare not get those babies wet because you best believe you will have to spend extra time drying those twists before taking them down. Failure to do so will cause that damp portion of hair to lack definition if you unravel while still damp.
I find that using a microfiber turban is a more secure alternative as it keeps the hair fully covered and the turban pretty much stays in place. Its soft, wool-like feel also helps keep your hair protected while you do your thing. It is easy to put on and has a button towards the back to secure it. They come in a variety of vibrant colors and is pretty inexpensive. I purchased mine at a local Ross store for $2.99, which in my opinion is a steal, considering that it is not disposable. 
