If you have black, afro hair, then trying to get any length on it can be a real challenge. Studies have found that it takes hair over a month to grow an inch, with average monthly hair growth sitting between 0.2 and 0.7 inches a month, meaning it can be a pretty slow and disheartening process.
Research into the diversity of hair growth profiles showed that black hair grows slower than other ethnicities. This is partly because black hair is more prone to breakages meaning any growth achieved can, quite literally, be snapped off in an instant!
Whilst there’s no real miracle cure to quick afro hair growth – and it’s important to remember that any growth that does occur requires patience – we’re here to share our secret hair hacks on how to grow afro hair faster than it has been.
How to Grow Afro Hair Faster in 8 Steps
1. Moisture
The key thing for afro hair is moisture as maintaining hydration levels will, in turn, encourage growth. The natural helix shape of coiled, afro hair means moisture finds it tough to travel down hair strands which affects black hair growth. Ways to keep your hair moisturised include:
• Hair Masks
An intensive hair treatment that revives parched locks. With rich formulations, masks help to repair damage and encourage growth.
• Hair Oil
Regular application of a hair oil will enhance lubrication of the hair shaft to help prevent breakage. Look for products that contain ingredients such as jojoba, argan, or black seed oil as these are all known for their restorative properties. Trying a hair oil such as the Black Seed Hair Oil Elixir will positively impact your growth journey as it is known for its stimulating qualities.
• Deep Conditioning
This process involves coating hair in nourishing products, leaving for an extended period (preferably overnight) and then rinsing out. This technique restores moisture levels, strengthens your hair, and reduces damage.
• Drinking Plenty of Water
Drinking water supports hair growth from root to tip, preventing breakages, reducing brittle textures and maintaining overall scalp health.
2. Go for the Chop
When growing afro hair, popping to the salon for a trim might seem counterproductive, but trust us – it’s really not! Trimming your afro can make it grow faster as it removes split ends which could be preventing you from seeing hair growth from your black hair. New growth starts at the roots, but you’ll only grow your afro hair fast if the ends are in good condition, too.
3. Hairstyles
The way you style your hair can have an impact on how long it takes to grow an afro. Consider the following to speed it all up:
- Ditch the extensions and weaves; these styles can place the hair under additional strain. The tension can damage follicles and cause breakages.
- Reduce the length of time you have protective hairstyles; styles such as braids, for instance – as well as the duration for which you have them – can cause stress to the hair. We would recommend no longer than 10 weeks at a time.
- Silk hair wraps are a useful tool; these keep your locks protected, reduce friction and help to retain much-needed moisture. If you aren’t a fan of wrapping your tresses up then you could consider switching to a silk pillowcase instead, which will yield similar results.
4. Switch Out Chemicals
Many big brand shampoos contain hair nasties (sulphates, for instance) which can strip the hair of moisture and cause scalp damage. Look for naturally-derived hair products to promote growth in black hair such as the Baobab Hair Detangler & Cleanser. This is a great product for afro hair growth as it works to both strengthen your hair and lock in moisture, as well as deeply cleansing your locks.
Similarly, chemical treatments such as relaxers, perms and hair colouring can have a negative effect on hair growth so try to limit how often you have these and always go to a salon as they can ensure your hair is in a suitable condition when they’re applied. So, if you’re looking for hair products to promote growth in black hair, then look for those products with natural ingredients.
5. Co-Washing
Afro hair benefits from a weekly co-wash. This is where you wash your locks solely with conditioner. Don’t worry, it still removes dirt and residue just as it would if you used shampoo. Co-washing helps to keep hair intensely hydrated, providing you with locks that are both super soft and super strong! Use a chemical-free formula conditioner such as the Marula Leave-In Conditioner for ideal results.
6. Scalp Health
All growth starts from the scalp; it’s the foundation from which everything else stems. And without a strong, healthy base? Well, you won’t be getting very far! Maintaining a balanced diet, protecting your scalp from the sun, and gentle washing, are all things which can help to keep your scalp protected.
You could even make a scalp scrub at home to gently remove dead skin cells and product build up. Alternatively, daily scalp massages are also a great way to maintain scalp health as they encourage blood circulation which stimulates the follicles to grow hair quicker.
7. Reduce Heat
Heat styling is a convenient way of achieving on-trend hairstyles, as well as offering an easy way to dry our locks, post-wash. However, regular application of heat can dehydrate and damage your hair, which in turn limits growth.
Where possible, switch to air drying your hair and avoid heat styling altogether. When it absolutely can’t be avoided, however, then use a protectant spray, and turn heat down to the lowest setting.
8. Diet
We all know how important it is for our bodies to consume a balanced diet, but it’s also essential for the health of our hair, too. Not getting the right number of vitamins and nutrients will be reflected in your hair’s appearance and growth rate. Foods that help grow an afro should have good levels of the following vitamins and nutrients:
- Vitamin A – supports sebum production to keep hair hydrated and less likely to break.
- Vitamin B – carries oxygen to the scalp to encourage follicles to grow new hair.
- Vitamin E – protects hair from sun damage, as well as increasing levels of protein and zinc needed for healthy hair.
- Iron – boosts circulation and carries oxygen to the hair roots to help your locks grow quicker and longer.
- Zinc – strengthens hair strands and prevents hair loss.
- Magnesium – helps create protein to encourage hair growth as well as dissolving calcium deposits in the hair follicles that can cause hair loss.
- Protein – strengthens hair, balances moisture, and helps to reconstruct damaged hair strands.
You could also introduce a supplement to ensure you keep on top of your vitamin and nutrient levels. Most chemists and health food stores will sell a specific tablet that targets hair health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I’m looking for natural hair treatments for black hair, what can I use?
There are plenty of natural ingredients that you can use to treat your hair, including onion juice, apple cider vinegar, and rice water. These all work to strengthen hair, removing build up, increasing shine, and encouraging growth.
How long does afro hair take to grow?
Afro hair grows, on average, about half an inch a month. If your locks are prone to breakages then you may find that this slows any progress down. So, if you’re wondering “how long does it take to grow hair an inch?” with particular reference to afro/4c hair, then you’re looking at around a couple of months.
How to make afro hair grow faster
There is no quick fix when it comes to growing hair; it is simply a case of having patience and trusting the process. Whilst you can’t accelerate growth, you can work on keeping your hair as healthy as possible which will, in turn, lead to growth. Introduce naturally derived hair care products with stimulating ingredients such as peppermint, marula, apple cider vinegar, and black seed oil to further help your hair on its growth journey.
Conclusion
Afro and 4c hair growth is possible and, with consistency, you can see great results within as little as a year. However, if you’re expecting long, flowing locks in a week’s time, then it’s time to lower your expectations. It takes time to get hair in a healthy state but once you’ve achieved that, the results are simply great!
