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)
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By: http://www.cafepress/kabbatate on 1/23/2008 9:15AM
Mshell and Gina are sooo right! Garnier fructice are good products and AVOID HEAT and CHEMICALS!!!
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By: Mariah on 1/23/2008 9:24PM
I have very nappy, thick hair. I used to perm my hair simply because having it straightened with a hot comb didn't last long enough, well the perms would always end up breaking my hair off even though my cosmotologists was great! I had my hair moisturized, ends clipped etc. Perms weakened my hair so I just started keeping it braided and guess what??? As nappy and thick as it was and is, it has grown like crazy!!!! I wash, condition ,use a detangler, apply alittle vaseline and an oil called "Surge"and not only is my hair soft, it has grown long and is healthier than it has ever been! If I want it straight, I will buy a wig and squeeze it over my head for the day(lol) Basically this sister is wearing her hair beautifully "NAPPY". (And there is not hardly any hair-breakage because I use a DETANGLER)
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By: Earnestine on 1/23/2008 10:07AM
Please answer #7's question I would really like to know the answer to that question.
thank you
Earnestine
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By: sassy40yearold on 1/23/2008 9:56AM
At 40 years old, I used to get my 2 inch sassy hair cut hot curled faithfully every two weeks. I knew that constant heat and holding spray was damaging my hair as I heard it sizzling. Therefore, I decided to give my hair a break. Over the last two years my hair have grown extremly long. It was 2 inches from my scalp now it's 8 inches past my shoulder. I receive so much attention for the fast growth. I ate a lot of grilled fish, chicken and turkey and plenty of vegetables. Now, I only get the heat every six weeks during my visit for a relaxer.
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By: brooklyn11238 on 1/23/2008 9:58AM
Here are some tricks that i use to maintain my hair, hopefully it will work for you. Creme of nature conditioning shampoo works wonders for black hair especially after a perm. After i use the neutralizing shampoo, I top it off with the "cream of nature shampoo for relaxed hair", and it also helps to condition your hair for 10 15 minutes. And if you have young daughters that have permed hair, conditioning is key. I put conditioner in my daughters hair at least twice a week even if im combing her hair into a pony tail, it also help if you let the hair be free every now and then to much ponytails can lead to your child hairline disappearing. And most importantly the things we eat. Hope these hints help
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By: STFU ALREADY on 1/23/2008 10:04AM
THE WAY I GOT MY HAIR TO GROW IS TO LEAVE IT ALONE AND LET NATURE TAKE ITS COURSE. I HAVE VERY COARSE HAIR THAT I AM PROUD OF. I WOULD WEAR WIGS AND USE HAIR LOTION EVERY NIGHT BEFORE BED. I WOULD GET A RELAXER EVERY NOW AND THEN AND GET MY ENDS CLIPPED. MY HAIR HAS GROWN OUT ALOT . AND NOW I GOT THE URGE TO CUT IT. MY GRANDMOTHER WANTS ME TO LEAVE IT ALONE LOL.BUT THATS WHAT I DID TO GET MINES TO GROW.
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By: STFU ALREADY on 1/23/2008 10:08AM
I DONT THINK CHILDREN SHOULD WEAR A RELAXER UNTIL THEY ARE ATLEAST 10 YRS OLD.
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By: lolo on 1/23/2008 10:12AM
I just recently stop wearing a weave. I had all new grow hair. I bought the relaxer Profectiv and I must say it is the best. The products are wonderful.Your hair is so smooth and soft. It makes your hair feel good. The relaxer is only 3.99. Think about the money you save. I mean lets be honest about the hair thing,another reason for black damage is the dame black hair shops charge so much, black woman try to find methods of taking care of our hair. I mean its a black thing among our own. Black hair dresser seem to take advantage of us. I don't get it you a sister and you know what we go threw but you still make me wait for hours and charge me a arm and a leg to do my hair. Why? Why? Why do we do this to each other. Is a shame.
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