You’ve reached your target hair growth goal. Now what? It’s time for the hair length retention talk. You may be asking yourself, “What exactly is hair length retention and how do I make it a reality for me?”. Hair Length retention is the ability to maintain your current hair length by minimizing breakage. Hair goes through several different phases, which I’ll address in a later blog, but for now, just know that hair goes through cycles of growth, shedding, resting. Today’s discussion includes a few tips to introduce into your hair regimen to help with length retention.
- Practice Health & Wellness
If your current diet is filled with adequate nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and proteins, you have taken a very crucial step to maintaining your luscious locs. Hydration is also important. Did you know that approximately 50-60% of the human body is water? What would happen if your body is not properly hydrated or nourished? Minimal length retention. It is also beneficial to remain active. Exercise and activity increases blood flow to your hair follicles and can result in a healthier head of hair.
- Deep Condition
Hair needs MOISTURE. Deep conditioning aids the hair to replace lost moisture. It also reduces breakage and split ends. A moisturized head of hair stretches slightly but returns to its original length without breaking. Deep conditioning does not apply only to naturals, it applies to ALL textures. It is recommended to deep condition at least weekly to ensure that your hair has the appropriate moisture that it needs.
- Trim Those Ends
Regular hair trimming rids the hair of those pesky split ends. Split ends equal BREAKAGE!! If you continue to hold on to those split ends, you are defeating the purpose of length retention. What begins as damage at the end of the hair strand now travels up to midshaft and more length is lost in the long run. Not sure if you need a trim? Here’s a tell-tale sign. If you are styling your hair and you notice numerous split ends on the floor or in your sink, it’s time… The frequency all depends on the condition of your hair and can be discussed with your professional hair stylist.
- Protect Your Hair
You’ve probably heard it time and time again, “Satin, satin, satin”. Well let me say it one more time for the people in the back, “Satin”. Friction plus hair equals damage. While sleeping on your pillow, you may toss and turn causing dryness and breakage to your strands. Before heading to bed, ensure that you use a satin scarf, bonnet or satin pillowcase to protect your hair while asleep.
- Detangle Your Hair
At times, hair is a pain to detangle. However, once done correctly, you’ll be saving time and energy and preserving hair length. Work in small sections, use a wide tooth comb and start at the ends working your way up. Use a product with a lot of slip (e.g. detangler or conditioner) and avoid detangling on dry hair to minimize the amount of resistance while detangling. Detangle at least every time you wash your hair.
- Wear Protective Styles
Protective styling gives the hair a much-needed break from manipulation. Increased manipulation increases the chances of breakage. Protective styling can include twists, braids, buns, extensions, wigs and much more. It’s important to moisturize your hair prior to protective styling and to care of your hair while it is in the style to prevent damage to your hair.
- Minimize Heat
When used incorrectly, heat can be detrimental to your healthy hair journey. Blow drying, flat ironing and heat curling may cause harm to the hair shaft, leading to breakage. Once hair is heat damaged, there is no way to salvage it. There are several heat free ways to achieve beautiful styles. If you are interested in heat-free ways to stretch your hair to prep for a style, you may use banding, rollers, or buns to achieve your desired look. If using heat is a must, opt for the low or cool heat setting and use a heat protectant spray prior to using those hair appliances.
Remember, your hair is growing even when you think it isn’t. These tips in addition to patience will set you on the right track to attaining and maintaining length.
Credits
Photo: © max-kegfire via canva.com
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Whether you’re discussing hair loss, damaged hair, preventing hair disorders, hair growth, hair and scalp care generally, the same principles become relevant.
As a rule of thumb, you have to avoid hair products and treatments that contain chemicals such as parabens, DEA and sulfates.
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