4C NATURAL HAIR GROWTH: 4 KEY INGREDIENTS

Natural hair growth, 4c mini twists
Mini Twists
Natural hair growth, 4c blow out
Hair Blown Out

On the rare occasion that I wear my hair in one of the styles above, I am asked about natural hair growth and how long it took me to get to this length. In 2009, after about 2 years of a TWA and 3 more years of being stuck between neck length and shoulder I finally figured out how to care for my natural hair.  The products I used, combined with helpful techniques, helped me to retain my length and maintain my hair’s health.

Ingredients for Natural Hair Growth

Often, people ask about the products I use on my hair. I have no problem sharing but the reality is that when I am on the market for a conditioner or moisturizing cream I don’t look for specific products, I look for certain ingredients. I can throw away every one of the wonderful smelling products under my bathroom sink and still maintain my hair’s health by using these key ingredients.

Jojoba Oil

It takes me quite a while to finish a 6 oz. bottle of jojoba oil because I only use it for a specific purpose: my scalp. My scalp is prone to dryness, especially in the winter, and jojoba oil allows me to oil my scalp without clogging my pores. Heavier oils lead to build up and often just settle at the base of my scalp. Jojoba oil by contrast nourishes my scalp, as well and the 2-3 inches of new growth closest to my scalp.

Ayurvedic Oils

These oils, which I typically purchase from an Indian grocer, are strictly for my pre-shampoo treatments. I use amla oil along the length of my hair, concentrating on my ends, which helps significantly with detangling. The NUMBER ONE cause of breakage for me has occurred during detangling so using oils that help to separate my tangled strands is key in length retention.

Castor Oil

I affectionately refer to this oil as shea butter in liquid form. It is heavy, thick and it seals my moisturized hair in a way that no other oil does. Now, I won’t use castor oil for a twist out because the heaviness of the oil isn’t conducive to such styling, however it works wonders for retaining length when wearing protective styles. I could wash my hair on Saturday and feel the castor oil still working its sealing magic on my hair on Wednesday. That’s pretty impressive considering my hair often needs moisturizing every other day with most products.

Shea Butter for Natural Hair Growth

For me, the best way to use shea butter, and most butters for that matter, is to apply a small amount to my hair after using a moisturizing product or ingredient. The awesome thing about shea butter is that it can seal moisturized hair for up to three days, which is especially helpful in colder climates. I prefer to use shea butter that is pure and unrefined, but the texture of raw shea butter can be dense. Whipped shea butter is the way to go if you want the benefits of raw shea butter, combined with ease of spreading/application.

  • Mango Shea Blended Butter
    Mango Shea Blended Butter
  • Raw Shea Butter -- 8 oz
    Raw Shea Butter
  • Unscented Whipped Shea Butter
    Unscented Whipped Shea Butter

Ladies, how do you use oils and butters in your regimen?

Geniece

Geniece

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5 Responses

  1. What is 4c, 4b, TWA, BGLH ?

    otherwise a very helpful site. Thanks for being willing to share your secrets.

    1. 4c, 4b are hair types the pattern of the curls are usually zig zag. TWA means Teenie Weenie Afro. BGLH means Black girl long hair.

  2. I use coconut oil on my ends directly after washing then add Africa’s Best herbal oil and lastly shea butter to seal it all in. It might seem like a lot but this mix works wonders and my dry ends are dry no more!

  3. I would love to try jojoba oil. But I already have castor, olive, Coconut, almond. Im trying not to look like a product junkie…well I guess it’s too late for that.

    But I am really interested in ayurvedic oils.

  4. I’ve been wanting to try some raw Shea butter for a while now. I’ve tried Jojoba oil before and thought it was good, don’t know why I haven’t restocked yet. Great list of oils

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