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It can seem like an impossible task to grow out curly hair. However, growing out hair can someone to anyone like a task that happens at snail’s pace (if it happens at all!) But is it really harder to grow out curly hair than for other hair types? And how do you get thicker, longer hair if you want to grow out your curls?
First of all, while it can seem otherwise, curly hair does grow at the same rate as other hair types, but it can seem like it grows more slowly due to the shrinkage curly hair experiences. Curly hair appears shorter than it actually is because of how the spiraling curls appear shorter and shorter as they dry. This can be very frustrating if you are working diligently to grow out your hair only to see little progress as the months go by.
Another challenge however is the increased risk of damage and breakage in curly hair. Curly hair is more prone to dryness than straight or wavy hair, and while the condition of the ends of your hair doesn’t contribute to hair growth directly, keeping the rest of your hair healthy will make sure you don’t experience breakage or require trims. This makes it much easier to maintain and add to your hair’s length.
If you are having trouble growing out your curly hair, there can be a number of issues at play, but it’s important to make sure you are maintaining a healthy scalp that is free from buildup but also receiving enough moisture. Making sure your scalp is getting the right nutrients is key to strengthening your hair follicle, and strong hair follicles grow strong, healthy hair.
Use a shampoo that is formulated for your hair type. If you have fine hair, lighter weight moisture will do the trick whereas for thicker curls you’ll need a more moisture intensive shampoo. Make sure to thoroughly clean your scalp of any buildup to free up any clogged hair follicles.
If your scalp is feeling dry and tight, make sure you are not washing too frequently and make sure you are using a shampoo that is giving you enough moisture. If you are still experiencing dryness, scalp serums formulated specifically for scalp dryness can help as well as oils like jojoba or castor oil.
Serums and tonics formulated to improve your scalp environment will make sure your scalp is properly cleansed and moisturized. These can help set the stage for healthy hair growth and reduce any irritation your scalp may experience.
Scalp massage stimulates blood flow to your scalp which is important for hair growth. You can use a scalp massage or just your fingers. A few minutes a day can help your scalp get the blood flowing and wake up your follicles. You can do this in the shower, after applying a scalp serum, or whenever you feel like it. And it doubles as a good relaxation technique!
Taking care of your hair to avoid breakage and damage shouldn’t be overlooked! Make sure your hair is receiving enough moisture with deep conditioning treatments and always detangle with a leave-in conditioner and a wide-tooth comb. And always use heat protectant when using heat styling tools! Caring for the rest of your hair will help you maintain your hair length as your support new hair growth.
This may be the hardest part of all, but hair growth is a long game. Keep consistent with your habits though and the time will fly by. Soon you’ll start seeing the beginnings of hair growth!
Growing hair longer can be a difficult task requiring consistency and patience, but having curly hair will not stop you from seeing results. Even if it takes longer for curls than it does for straight and wavy hair types, hir growth is possible. Incorporating some of these steps into your routine can set up your scalp with a good foundation on which you can start growing long and healthy curls.
