8 tips for length retention
When it comes to curly hair, seeing length can be difficult to see with all the shrinkage. Length retention is something that many naturals including myself strive for. Retaining length is all about how you care for hair and improving the overall health of your hair. Here are 10 length retention tips for your natural hair that you can incorporate into your hair care regimen.
Get a professional trim.
Trimming your hair is absolutely essential for healthy hair and length retention. I know it sounds counterproductive to cut your hair when trying to retain length but trimming your hair every few months can reduce hair breakage. Split ends happen when hair has become dry, brittle, and frayed. Consistent trims when needed means less split ends and less breakage.
1. Treat your scalp.
A healthy and balanced scalp is key to healthy hair growth. Our scalp is still skin and having a healthy scalp can promote good cell turnover and promote a healthy environment for optimal hair growth. See my previous post on everything scalp health.
A scalp treatment such as the Gisou honey infused scalp treatment or the Act and Acre scalp detox can have many amazing benefits on the health of your scalp.
2. Eat a healthy diet
Having a diet rich in nutrients and vitamins can help prevent hair loss and hair breakage. Hair is made up of lots of proteins which can help provide structure to your hair, giving it its shape and strength. This is why regular protein treatment is also essential.
Nutrient deficiencies can cause hair loss, hair thinness, and brittleness. By eating nutrient-rich foods you can influence your hair’s thickness, its growth or shedding, how shiny it is, and even its likelihood of graying.
Taking a multivitamin specifically for hair growth can be beneficial if you are missing specific nutrients that aid in hair growth such as biotin. One I would recommend is the Act and Acre plant based hair capsules
3. Don’t brush your hair dry
Most hair tips out there state to never brush your hair when wet but never take into account the makeup of curly hair. The makeup of curly hair is quite different then straight hair and has different needs. Brushing dry curly hair is an instant recipe for frizz, and breakage. Instead brush when the hair is wet or at the very least damp so that there is a layer of slip between the strands and the bristles.
4. Regular deep condition
Deep conditioning your hair consistently and for most people this is usually on a weekly basis, can deeply hydrate and soften your curls. Deep conditioners penetrate the hair shaft and helps to restore the natural sheen to your hair and helps to prevent hair breakage. My two fave deep conditioners are the Gisou honey infused hair mask and the Act and Acre conditioning mask.
5. Learn your hair porosity
Hair porosity is your hair’s ability to get and maintain moisture. There are typically three porosity levels. High, medium and low porosity. Understanding your hair porosity can help you determine what techniques and products work best for you. Read my previous post to learn everything about hair porosity.
6. Moisturize your hair often
Moisturize your hair often is key. For some this can be weekly, bi weekly or daily. Using a leave-in conditioner on a consistent basis can help reduce hair breakage, soften, smooth, and increase hair shine. Don’t make the mistake of using oil to moisturize, oils are sealants not moisturizers.
7. Use a silk pillowcase
Silk is a natural protein, which unlike cotton does not draw moisture away from your hair which allows your hair to start moisturized, hydrated and full of body. Using a silk pillowcase and even hair ties can reduce friction that can cause hair tangles and breakage.
8. Be Consistent
Find a good routine that works best for you and stick with it. When it comes to hair retention consistency truly is key. There is no secret to growing long hair. Of all the tips this one is the most important. You wont see growth unless you find what works for you and stick with it.
Conclusion
Retaining length is no easy goal, especially for curly hair, but with these tips its a starting point. Remember to give it time. Having patience is imperative. Without it you may feel as if your hair is not growing fast enough. With the proper care, your hair will grow.
I hope all these tips and product recommendations help you in your hair journey. Make sure to come back and comment down about your results. Until next time xoxo.