I personally do not think there is a miracle product or potion that will magically increase hair growth. I do think we can grow stronger, longer, healthier hair in a relatively short amount of time by changing some our daily habits. Here are some tips that work for me:
Try a Hair Super Diet
- Eat an incredibly protein rich diet- Try incorporating more fish, chicken and eggs into your diet. I eat tons of fish and chicken (grilled or sautéed) with a big bowl of veggies. For breakfast, I eat eggs (egg whites for those with high cholesterol) or bran cereal with a protein shake. I also try to eat nuts like peanuts and almonds or a "female" protein bar for a snack around 3 pm.
- Eat HEAPS of green veggies like spinach, swiss chard, kale, broccoli. I like it sautéed in garlic and olive oil or steamed.
- Nuts for salty snack like almonds, peanuts, walnuts. Almonds are especially recommended for healthy hair.
- Two to three servings of fruits like bananas, strawberries and blueberries for a sweet snack.
This is basically my diet plus I take a wheatgrass shot daily (which someone told me was like 2 lbs of veggies)
Drinks tons of water
- Caffeine, sodas, sugary drinks and alcohol hinder hair growth. I try to aim for 64 oz of water a day. I drink most of it at home while Im getting dressed and at home after work. This way I'm not running to the bathroom every 5 minutes at work. The water rush also pumps me up and it is more effective then coffee.
Exercise, Exercise, Exercise
- Cardio 3-5 times a week to increase circulation and combat stress. Plus, it will force you to wash your hair more frequently. Team up with your best friend, boyfriend, husband or family member and play an interactive sport like tennis, basketball or racquetball. Its fun and you won't even feel like you are "exercising." Its also a great way to bond with loved ones. Or, schedule a Family Fun day with the kids and plan Relay races, Red Rover, Baseball or Soccer.
Create a healthy growth environment
- Try washing one day ahead of schedule. Frequent washing clears your scalp so hair follicles can push on through without any buildup to block it.
- Condition with pre-poos and deep conditioning treatment to nourish hair.
- Do protective styles to retain moisture and length.
Try to boost the amount of sleep per night
- Even going from 6-7 hours to 8 hours can make a difference.
Seems like a lots of work but, as my mama once told me, anything worth having is worth working for.


Comments: (178)
Add a comment
By: BEAUTIFUL ONE on 1/23/2008 10:36AM
BAD HAIR ISSUES - GOOD GENES - be THANKFUL - WE have a COVETED ASSET.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Ms. C on 1/23/2008 11:30AM
Hello, everyone? Do anyone know a good hair salon located on the Northside Houston Tx Area.
Thanks
Ms. C
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Dora on 1/23/2008 11:18AM
I am in my mid 40s and am having problems with thinning hair. Chicago
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Dora on 1/23/2008 11:24AM
I used perfectiv for my daughter and I, but my daughter's hair had lots of breakage and didn't straighten well. On the other hand, my hair did well. Depending on your hair, 3.99 may not be your total cost for using it. Chicago
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Nisee on 1/23/2008 11:26AM
It's nice to have long hair, but some people just don't look right with it. My cousin had long hair (past her shoulders), and when she cut it, she looked so much better. It's nice to have the option though
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: vernessa on 1/23/2008 12:08PM
I'm a black woman and i have long hair down my back.maybe its cause i'm mixed.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: kay on 1/23/2008 12:01PM
In response to #15: The best way to detangle hair, especially our natural hair, is to condition and comb it out in the shower right after washing it. Also,if you comb through your hair before washing in the shower, and use fingertips to stimulate the scalp rather than scrunch up the hair and get it tangled, this helps as well. I stopped perming my hair in 1999, and haven't looked back. Yes, our hair will grow long; I wear it twisted or in a twist out, and it's fairly long (when I blow it dry, it's considerably past my shoulders) and I had it cut twice almost down to my scalp in 2000 and 2001. I think nothing of trimming it, which I do often to keep my ends curly, and it just keeps on growing.
I think what is sad is that we have such unique hair and would rather wear wigs, when there are so many good books out there that show the myriad ways we can highlight our special, God-given hair type. And for those who say it's easier to have straightened or weaved hair, I say natural hair is the easiest because you aren't at the mercy of nature (rain, moisture)other people or hair appliances. I don't have to worry about my hair like I used to.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Sam on 1/23/2008 12:34PM
Now that I have this head full of hair what do I do with it?? Sparkle, I agree. I started pressing with warm comb because I was just trying to get a comb to go through this mane. What I have is long bushy hair and I can only wear in a pony tail or cornrows. If I wear it lose, I look like a wild woman. I am tired of cornrows at 50+. So I would appreciate some styling suggestions. I may try the texturizer you suggested but I really do not like the chemicals since I have been without for about 20 years. Give me a style other than ponytail and cornrows please!
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: DEE on 1/23/2008 12:24PM
Wearing your hair natural will indeed help it to grow. Or at least, it worked for me. One of the things that are done wrong, is combing the hair. You must begin the combing at the ends of the hair and work your way up to the scalp. The hair must be wet! There are de-tangling shampoos and also there is a de-tangler spray which helps to loosen up the tangled hair. There will always be some hair loss; which is most likely old hair. Black hair must be handled gently. Do not rake and yank the hair. After the hair is combed, it should be treated with a moisturizer and if perferred, twisted, then untwisted to obtain the curly locks look. Personally, I can no longer tolerate the chemicals used in perms. My hair has grown pass my shoulders since I began wearing it natural. Oh yes, clipping the ends is a must!
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Loretha on 1/23/2008 12:27PM
You guys should also consider using Carol's Daughter products. She has the best hair care products for women of color.
www.carolsdaughter.com
I have been wearing braids for a while now. I wash my hair with her product and I use her hair milk and hair elixir. My hair is so soft and manageable. I really like her products, you should try them for yourself.
Reply to this Comment | Report This