Proper hair care helps ethnic hair grow longer.
Ethnic hair tends to be coarser, drier, frizzier and curlier than other hair types and must be cared for differently to encourage and maintain growth. Although using hair products designed for ethnic hair can make the hair more manageable, you can follow other steps to help your ethnic hair grow longer, stronger and healthier.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Harsh chemicals found in relaxers and perms are extremely hard on the hair. They can permanently break and damage ethnic hair and hinder hair growth. Avoid these products whenever possible. If you decide to get a relaxer or perm be sure to have it done by a professional who has experience with your hair type to avoid hair damage that prevents hair growth.
Keep Hair Moisturized
Ethnic hair is generally dry and requires moisture to protect the hair, prevent breakage, build resilience and promote hair growth. Moisturize ethnic hair with water-based moisturizers rather than those that contain petrolatum and mineral oil to penetrate and moisturize hair more effectively. According to the website HairFinity, oil-based moisturizers should be used only after a water-based moisturizer to seal moisture into the shaft of the hair and combat dryness.
Use Protein Treatments
Keeping ethnic hair properly conditioned with protein promotes hair growth and rebuilds the hair's structure. Egg and mayonnaise treatments effectively condition and add protein to the hair. Create a protein conditioner with eggs and mayonnaise found in your refrigerator or purchase a product such as "hair mayonnaise" manufactured by many hair companies. Apply the mixture to your hair and cover with a plastic cap for at least 20 minutes once per week for best results, according to the website Black Women Beauty Central.
Change Shampoos
Changing your shampoo can help your hair grow longer and healthier. Many people use shampoos made with harsh sulfates that can strip hair of moisture and cause it to become dry, broken and damaged. Switching to a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo will keep your hair clean without damaging it. If desired, shampoos that contain sulfates should be used only once per month to clarify hair and remove buildup, according to HairFinity.
Take Vitamins
Taking vitamins and nutrients such as biotin, pantothenic acid, MSM, vitamin D and folic acid may help your hair grow longer and stronger over time. Biotin, an essential B vitamin, is known to increase hair's elasticity, protect against dryness, prevent breakage and promote hair growth, according to HairFinity. Although vitamins and supplements can promote hair growth, they should be used in conjunction with proper diet and water intake.
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