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: Martae on 1/23/2008 8:12PM
It's sad we have to do so much to get our hair too look good.I think that black people, got left out on everything! as far as hair. but i think we have the most beautiful women in the world!and the most sexy women,and better build women, than any race!!
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By: WYDIA on 1/23/2008 7:52PM
WELL, MY HAIR IS PRETTY LONG. BUT, IT'S ALWAYS BEEN THAT WAY. AND, BOTH OF MY PARENTS ARE BLACK! IT'S DEF NOT A RACE THING! IT'S ABOUT TAKIN' CARE OF YOUR HAIR! I'VE NEVER WORN A WEAVE B4 IN MY LIFE... I THINK IT'S A WASTE OF MONEY! ANY DUDE I'VE EVER TALKED TO ALWAYS SAY THAT THEY'D RATHER HAVE A GIRL WITH SHORT HAIR OVER A GIRL WITH A BUNCH OF WEAVE IN HER HAIR!
AND, YOU KNOW WHAT'S FUNNY... PRETTY MUCH ALL OF THE THINGS THAT THIS BLOGGER EATS I'VE BEEN EATIN' SINCE I WAS A BABY! MY FRIENDS ALWAYS SAY I EAT WEIRD! ALL I EAT IS SUSHI (RAW FISH KIND NOT THAT FAKE ASS CALI ROLL STUFF! LOL!) AND SALADS AND ALL THAT KINDA STUFF ON A REGULAR BASIS!
AND, MY FRIENDS ALWAYS ASK ME HOW I GOT MY HAIR TO GROW SO LONG AND ANOTHER THING THAT I THINK REALLY HELPS IS THAT I GO TO A DOMINICAN HAIR SALOON UP NORTH PHILLY (AND, I'M PRETTY SURE IT MITE BE 1 IN YOUR AREA TOO, YOU JUST GOTTA LOOK THEM UP! THEY'RE POPPIN' UP EVERYWHERE!)! AND, I THINK THEY HELP A LOT BECAUSE UNLIKE OTHER SHOPS THEY ACTUALLY TAKE THEIR TIME AND STRAIGHTEN YOUR HAIR PIECE BY PIECE INSTEAD OF JUST SLAPPIN' A PERM IN IT EVERY OTHER DAY! SO THEY MAKE IT SO THAT YOU DON'T PUT AS MANY CHEMICALS IN YOUR HAIR! THEY GIVE IT A CHANCE TO BREATHE... AND, THAT ALWAYS HELPS! :)
AND, IF YOU'D LIKE TO SEE MY HAIR AND SEE WHAT I MEAN MY MYSPACE IS, MYSPACE/PRETTYYOUNGTHING86! AND, THOSE PICS THAT YOU'RE GONNA SEE ON THERE ARE OLD... THEY'RE FROM LAST SUMMER! AND, MY HAIR'S GROWN WAY MORE SINCE I TOOK THOSE PICS! :)
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By: Ann M on 1/23/2008 8:45PM
Does anyone know if I can purchase "Motions" hair products over the counter or on the internet for at
home use?
Also, is there other use at home perms that not only straighten well but also incorporates good conditioning products?
Thanks for any comments!
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By: shontelle on 1/23/2008 8:52PM
Yes, Black women can grow long hair and it can be done at home with out spending hundreds of dollars in salons. I use Pantene, Motions, and Creme of Nature on my hair. I use the products depending on what my hair is doing that week. I also take vitamins. Just plain ol' vitamins from Walmart. Try iron, flaxseed, vitamin c, and zinc everyday in your diet. To get long hair is a everyday duty. You can't take care of your hair one week and neglect it for the next two weeks. I literally have a beauty supply in my closet wiht all these products but they work on my hair and give me the results I am seeking.
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By: Pam on 1/23/2008 9:41PM
I added a comment to the blog earlier today but haven't seen it yet. When will it post? I thought I hit the conformation link. Was there something else I needed to do?
Thanks,
Pam
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By: emitha on 1/23/2008 10:25PM
my hair used to be real thin, and i never realized it until my friends told me.. i waz like yeah what ever yall just jealous. but then after awhile my cuzin told me and she has longer hair then i do. she told me the reason its like that was becouse i kept on stregnthin it everyday and i never trim the ends. i love my hair to the point i didnt want to trim it cause then i would have shorter hair. but i trim it any wayz. after a ahwile my hair become so thick. i waz real happy!! and i relaxed it less, ot really helped alot i love my hair to this they!!
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By: emerald on 1/23/2008 10:33PM
Ok some of the comments have been, well what can I say, enlightening(?) I don't know what "typical black hair" really means, but I do know that I have had my hair, short, long, permed, natural, faded and now I have long beautiful natural locks. I just got tired of going to the hairdresser, my scalp burning, and spending $$$ every month with perms that did'nt even last the prescribed 6-8weeks. Since I locked my hair(3 years)now it just keeps growing. I would suggest Nice Dreads by Lonnice Bonner. Following this book will give anyone strong healthy hair. (And it will be long)
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By: CS on 1/23/2008 10:38PM
It's definitely possible to grow your hair out ladies. This article is so right. Also be sure to use Silk/Satin Pillowcases and(or) a satin or silk head scarf when sleeping.
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By: Denise on 1/23/2008 10:43PM
I switched to the PhytoSpecific relaxer and maintenace products a year ago and the improvement to my hair is phenomenal! My hair is NOT bone-straight, has lots of body, and is no longer dry thanks to the personalized maintenance program that my hairdresser designed for me. I highly recommend Phyto's products.
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By: Jimmy on 1/23/2008 11:08PM
Im a black man, and Ive always secretly longed for long flowing locks.
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