How to Make Black Hair Grow

Ignore the myth that Black hair doesn't grow. More often than not, the problem with getting Black hair to grow is breakage, which is the result of dry, unhealthy hair. The trick to growing your hair is to keep it moisturized and focus on length retention. Growing your hair requires a good shampooing routine and proper styling to prevent breakage. A healthy diet can also help, as it gives your hair the nutrients it needs for healthy growth.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Washing Your Hair

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1
Wash your hair every 4-7 days. Washing regularly helps to remove any hair product build up you might have, allowing your scalp to breathe.^{[1]XExpert SourceCourtney Foster
Licensed CosmetologistExpert Interview. 9 December 2019.} When you wash, you also stimulate blood flow to the scalp, which encourages hair growth.^{[2]XResearch source}
- A lot of shampoos on the market contain sulfates, which can strip your hair of its natural oils. These natural oils help your hair to stay moisturized, preventing breakage. Search for sulfate-free products to keep your hair healthy and strong.^{[3]XResearch source}
- Remember to deep condition when you wash. Deep conditioning can be time consuming, but it may help repair any damage from breakage.^{[4]XResearch source}
2
Try a pre-poo treatment. If your hair feels too dry after a regular wash, consider treating your hair with oil, or pre-pooing, before shampooing. Popular pre-poo oils are olive oil and coconut oil. Coconut oil may even help reduce protein loss during your shampooing process.^{[5]XResearch source}^{[6]XResearch source}
- Mix together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of castor oil, and 4 drops of tea tree oil and apply to damp or dry hair. Cover your hair with a shower cap and let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes before shampooing as normal.^{[7]XResearch source}
- Mix together 4 tablespoons of coconut milk, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 1 tablespoon each of 3 different oils. Olive, castor, coconut, almond, and jojoba oil are all great choices. Warm the mixture in the microwave and apply it to dry, unwashed hair. Cover your hair with a shower cap and a thermal heat turban and let it sit for an hour before washing as normal.^{[8]XResearch source}^{[9]XResearch source}
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3
Keep your hair moisturized.^{[10]XExpert SourceCourtney Foster
Licensed CosmetologistExpert Interview. 9 December 2019.} You might find that your hair gets a little dried out even if you follow a good hair washing routine. If this happens, you may need to use a moisturizer or sealant between washes.
- Water is the best moisturizer for dry hair. Some days you may be able to get by with just spraying a little water on your hair to keep it soft. If you do have to buy a moisturizer, search for products that have water listed as the first or second ingredient.
- Sealants help keep the moisture in your hair, and are often made with oils and butters. You should only apply sealants after you moisturize, otherwise you'll just have greasy hair. If you find a product that contains both water and oil, it may work as a moisturizer and a sealant.
- If your hair is especially kinky or dry, search for thicker, creamier moisturizers.
^{[11]XExpert SourceCourtney Foster
Licensed CosmetologistExpert Interview. 9 December 2019.} Massaging your scalp for 20-30 minutes a day may help encourage hair growth. If you have any damage or thinned hair from hair relaxers or weaves, this can be especially helpful.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Styling Your Hair

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Use protective or low manipulation styles. Protective and low manipulation styles are good ways to prevent breakage and retain length.
- Protective styles are styles that protect the ends of your hair by tucking them away. Cornrows, and two-strand twists, are common examples of protective styles.^{[12]XResearch source}
- Weaves and extensions are technically protective styles, but can still damage your hair.^{[13]XResearch source}
- Some protective styles, such as a two-strand twist, allow you to further style your hair with a bun, or a twist-out.^{[14]XResearch source}
- Braiding cornrows can be a time consuming task and takes a bit of practice to master. Have a friend help you if you plan on going this route.
- Low manipulation styles don't protect the ends of the hair, but they can still prevent breakage. They are easier to do and less permanent than protective styles. Twist-outs and coils are examples of low manipulation styles.^{[15]XResearch source}
2
Detangle when your hair is damp. After washing, make sure you give your hair a little time to dry before trying to detangle it. If your hair is dry, use a spray bottle and mist it with some water before detangling.^{[16]XResearch source}
- Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair. If you find that using a comb causes your hair to break, then switch to finger-combing.
- Some people prefer to use a little conditioner or shea butter to help detangle their hair. Once your hair is detangled, rinse the moisturizer out with water.
3
Trim your ends. When trying to grow your hair, it's best to trim away any split ends to prevent further damage to your hair. Schedule your trims every 3-4 months, when the hair starts naturally splitting.^{[17]XResearch source}
- In between trims use a sealant to protect the ends of your hair.^{[18]XResearch source}
- Trimming your hair when it is dry will give you a better idea of your hair's actual length. Dry hair also allows you to see more split ends and the true shape of your hair.
- Trimming your hair when it is wet might be easier because your hair is more flexible. But, during a wet trim you can't see the actual shape of your hair.
4
Avoid using high heat to style your hair.^{[19]XExpert SourceCourtney Foster
Licensed CosmetologistExpert Interview. 9 December 2019.} Heat tools, such as flat irons and hot combs, can permanently damage your hair if used too much. These tools suck the moisture from your hair and increase the chances of breakage.
- Too much heat may lead to more frequent trims, which means a longer growing process.
- Try braiding or twisting your hair to naturally increase the length.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Getting the Right Nutrients

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1
Drink lots of water. Water is essential for good health, especially if you're trying to improve hair growth. The cause of poor hair growth is often due to poor nutrition and the best thing you can do is get more water in your diet.
- The recommended daily amount is 9 glasses of water for women, and 13 glasses for men.^{[20]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
2
Get enough protein. Without enough protein in your diet, your hair can become brittle, or even lose color. Many sources of protein contain other nutrients necessary for healthy hair and skin.
- Poultry is a good source of protein and iron. Beans are also a good source of protein and iron, as well as zinc and biotin.
- Incorporating nuts into your diet will also give you a good protein boost. Some nuts, such as Brazil nuts, contain selenium, which promotes scalp health.
3
Eat more fish. Fish is a good source of protein, but it is also an excellent way to get Omega-3 fatty acids into your diet. Omega-3s are necessary to keep your hair naturally moisturized. A lack of these fatty acids in your diet can contribute to a dry scalp and dull hair.
- Substitute a couple of tablespoons of flaxseed into your diet to get your Omega-3s if you're a vegetarian.
4
Eat your greens. Greens are a good source of vitamins A and C, calcium and iron. Vitamins A and C help your body produce sebum, an oily substance that acts as a natural conditioner, and keeps your hair follicles healthy.
- Broccoli, spinach, kale, and chard are just a few examples of some greens to add to your diet for healthy hair. Carrots are also an excellent source of vitamin A, though they aren't technically a green.

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How can I make my hair grow overnight?
Courtney Foster
Licensed Cosmetologist
Courtney Foster is a Licensed Cosmetologist, Certified Hair Loss Practitioner, and Cosmetology Educator based out of New York City. Courtney runs Courtney Foster Beauty, LLC and her work has been featured on The Wendy Williams Show, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, and in East/West Magazine. She received her Cosmetology License from the State of New York after training at the Empire Beauty School - Manhattan.
Courtney Foster
Licensed Cosmetologist
Expert Answer
The hair grows in different stages. If you are in a slow growth phase, there's really nothing you can do to make it grow faster. Some products can help stimulate hair growth, though, including essential oils like rosemary oil and black seed oil.
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The kinkier your hair is, the harder it may be to grow it long. The tighter coils of kinky hair prevent the hair's natural oils from coating each strand. This can lead to dry, brittle hair that is more prone to breakage.
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Genetics also play a role in how your hair grows. Take a look at the people in your family and see how their hair grows. You can't fight your genes, but at least you'll have an idea of what your hair is capable of.
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