Here, Amoy Couture Hair Salon and product line owner Amoy Pitters (her clients include Joy Bryant and Ciara) shares tips for going from short strands to long, Keke Palmer-esque locks, the healthy way.
“To prevent breakage, I recommend shampooing every week,” says Pitters. “The belief that Black woman don’t need to shampoo often is a myth! All the dead skin laying on the scalp is the main culprit in lack of hair growth.” Try using a soap-free shampoo like LOreal EverStrong Sulfate-Free Reconstruct Shampoo ($6.99).
Gabrielle Union goes for a mermaid-y vibe with her super-long, glossy waves.
“Frequent trims don’t make hair grow faster, that’s a myth,” says Pitters. “However, trimming does prevent split ends, which can impede growth. I recommend trims every four to six weeks.”
Lauren London wears her thick, mile-long strands in a sixties-inspired, half-up/half-down ’do.
“Prenatal vitamins are a great trick for growing hair,” says Pitters. “They’re safe to take if you’re not pregnant.” Try Nature’s Wealth Prenatal Plus Vitamins ($16, natureswealthvitamins.com).
Tika Sumpter pairs her extra-long, sleek strands with a floppy-brimmed hat for a haute hippie vibe.
Prenatal vitamins aren’t the only supplement that will get hair growing to Christina Milian-lengths. “Try vitamins B and C, as well as flax seed oil or a teaspoon of nettle,” says Amoy.
Melanie Fiona tosses her thick, naturally wavy locks over one shoulder for an easy-breezy — but drop-dead-gorgeous — look.
“Protein is a great hair growth stimulant, especially if you eat it,” says Pitters. “Try chicken, almonds and avocados. Vegetarians sometimes have weak hair due to their lack of protein!”
Kimora Lee Simmons’ trademark is her jet-black, lustrous, impossibly long hairstyle! Her gorgeous daughters are following in her footsteps with their lengthy curls…
“Natural products like virgin coconut oil encourage hair growth,” says Pitters. Nature’s Way Extra Virgin Coconut Oil ($12, valleynaturals.com) strengthens and adds a stunning sheen to your tresses.
For a red carpet appearance, Jada Pinkett Smith smoothed her foot-long locks back in a low ponytail. Timeless!
“The Rene Furterer line has treatments that deal with both hereditary and sudden hair loss,” says Pitters. “After shampooing, I massage them into the affected areas to encourage growth.”
