Before we get into it though, I’ve got to let you know that there will never be a surefire way to guarantee successful hair growth. There is only trying your best to prevent these limitations from getting in the way of growing your beautiful tresses. Also, most of these suggestions will be based on my experiences, so always make sure you use the given advice to make the best decisions for YOUR hair.
You Have Split Ends
Split ends are a normal occurrence and happen to pretty much everyone. You HAVE to get these cut if you’re looking to grow your hair. If not, even if you do experience hair growth, you’ll notice that your growth is damaged.
Split ends are very well-known, but their ill effects aren’t. The reason you should stay on top of cutting your split ends is because, like hair, they grow too. And the worst part is that they can spread throughout the rest of your hair. They do this by splitting up the hair shaft.
Let’s say you noticed split ends at the bottom of your hair but decided not to cut them because you didn’t feel like it. You’re grown, so you’re absolutely allowed to go without fixing this problem if you don’t want to. Unfortunately for you, though, the split ends end up damaging the rest of your hair.
Split ends are typically the result of chemical usage or generally dry hair. If you continue to manipulate your hair while some of it is damaged, you’re almost guaranteed to damage the rest of your hair. Think of it as a piece of paper with a small rip in it. If you continue to use and maneuver said piece of paper, it’s likely that the paper will rip even more in the same spot.
This type of hair affliction is not abnormal at all. It can happen to people with both long and short hair. It usually happens with daily manipulation of the hair and can’t really be avoided. You can experience it by simply blow-drying your hair or by applying more damaging treatments such as perms or other chemical products. This is why most hairstylists recommend that you see them frequently to address hair issues as they come.
You Manipulate Your Hair Frequently
If you’re the type of person who puts in a new hairstyle every day, you’ve probably noticed little to no hair growth. This is because frequent hair manipulation doesn’t allow your hair to grow. In fact, it causes more damage than good since it’s basically an invitation for split ends.
Protective hairstyles will be your best friend when it comes to growing your hair. Even though you shed hair often, you are likely to shed way less hair if you allow your hair to stay in one state for longer periods. For example, Dutch and other braiding styles keep your hair in one place.
You Use Heat On Your Hair Often
I’m sure we all know what heat damage is. It’s a real thing and is often one of the main factors for decreased hair growth. This is because heat doesn’t only cause heat damage. It’s a one-way ticket to getting split ends if you apply heat to your hair often enough. And don’t get me started on using heat on ends that are already split!
The best way to avoid heat damage is by applying heat protectant onto your hair each time before applying heat. If you’re doing a silk press, this means applying heat protectant both before you blow dry it and before straightening it.
For the best results, make sure your heat protectant isn’t drenching your hair before applying heat (this usually happens with water-based heat protectants). If you hear sizzling while styling your hair with heating tools, you probably put way too much in your hair.
In this case, you should wipe off the excess heat protectant with a microfiber towel and then continue styling. I say microfiber towels specifically because they are THE BEST for all hair types (since they dry the hair without ripping or removing essential moisture from it).
Your Diet Doesn’t Support Proper Hair Growth
I am a big believer in the saying, “Hair growth comes from within”. Topical hair creams, oils, and all that other nonsense have never grown my hair. I mean, you don’t see bodybuilders making gains while dining on pizza and chips every day, do you?
I’m not saying you should only eat veggies and fruits, but continuing to eat unhealthy foods certainly won’t provide the best environment for hair growth. Little to no hair growth can result from vitamin deficiencies as well.
In that case, a reliable vitamin supplement can be your hair’s best friend. Don’t skimp on eating right if you plan on taking vitamins, though. They’re not a cure-all and still require healthy eating habits.
Finally, The Reason Everyone Hates to Admit-- Your Genetics Play a Big Factor
I wish I could tell you that everything will work out if you do all the right things. But the truth is, your genetics are the ultimate factor for how much your hair will actually grow.
Of course, by practicing healthy hair habits, you should be able to experience some hair growth. But if you come from a family of bald-headed Barbies, don’t expect to be the next Rapunzel.
There’s nothing much to this fact, you either have the genetics for long hair or you don’t. Just as baldness usually comes from the family, the same thing (usually) goes for hair growth.
With All That Being Said
Hair growth will always be dependent on how you take care of your hair (and unfortunately, your genetics). Excessive manipulation, heat damage, poor diet, and allowing your split ends to dominate your hair are some of the many reasons why your hair isn’t growing.
The best thing you can do now is try to care for your hair the best way you can. This comes in the form of routine hair salon visits and keeping your protective styles in for as long as you can.
I’ll be providing more advice on how to best care for your hair in other posts, so make sure you stay tuned for those. If you think I’ve missed something in this article, don’t be afraid to (kindly) let the community know in the comment section below.
Oh, and don’t forget that even though everybody may not like me, they have no choice but to love me because I’ll always be there for them and accept them for who they are. Good luck!