Hair care resolutions, just like any other area of life, requires attention and persistence. Most of us share common #hairgoals and need extra encouragement in the midst of not-so-flattering twist outs, end trimming and all the unbeknownst maintenance that accompanies our beautiful 4C hair!
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“Natural hair comes in a lot of different textures, but most people…mostly every client I have no matter their hair types want to retain hair length,” says Ashley Thompson, Paul Mitchell Hair Stylist and student with 4C hair.
Retaining healthy hair length is just one common goal throughout the natural community, but there are others. And don’t worry: you’re not alone!
Keep scrolling for pro 4C advice from Thompson and a few others:
Everyone wants their hair to grow long and strong, because, why not? “Healthy hair requires balance. You can have too much of a good thing. Too much moisture, protein, and wearing the same hairstyle can all cause breakage,” says Curly Nikki writer, Amanda Starghill. Make sure your regimen doesn’t include too much product, styling and profiling. Let your hair down a little!
Moisture is important for any living thing to grow and the same rings true for growing out your 4C hair to the length you desire. “Moisture begins with water, obviously. But you’ve got to seal that water moisture in with products,” says Afrobella, a blogger known for her popular collaborations with brands like SheaMoisture. Be sure to find products that will penetrate your hair and scalp, but won’t weigh your tresses down. If a store offers samples, they’re a great way to try products before committing.
Split ends are extremely unhealthy and prevent you from grasping real length retention. Although curly girls don’t have to get their ends trimmed as often as straighter hair types, getting it done once every 6 months helps tame your ends and retain length. “I recommend naturals get their ends trimmed at least once a year; that way you can see your growth, instead of it looking like ratty ends,” says Ashley Thompson, Paul Mitchell Hair Stylist.
Shrinkage, my dear, is something none of us can really escape! Instead, try fun styles like twist-outs and let them sit overnight to properly stretch and lengthen your shrunken pattern overnight.
Shedding is a natural part of all hair growth, but it can be particularly discouraging to those who are new to this type of journey, or naturalistas struggling to see growth results. Typically, if your hair is breaking off severely, that means it’s lacking moisture. “Natural hair needs moisture all the time, pretty much,” Afrobella expands. Try products that have protein if you hair is particularly brittle in one area, or invest in a deep conditioner if you want quicker, deeper penetrating results.
