Longer and healthier hair - some thoughts and suggestions (Part 2: Conclusion)

Long Hair!
Long Hair!
My Kingdom for long hair!

Before I continue I will say the following: consult your doctor before you carry out any new hair regimens that have to do with vitamin intake or any other medicinal intake. I am not a medical doctor, dermatologist or Trichologist so this is not medical advice. If you have alopecia, see your doctor. If you have dandruff, see your doctor. If you have unusual hair loss or balding, see your doctor. It is not a bad idea to talk to your doctor about growing longer hair. Remember that genes (and hormones) play a significant role in hair length and speed of hair growth. So be patient and stop comparing your hair with other people's hair. Finally, let your goal be healthy hair instead of long hair, it will reduce the stress you put on yourself.

Suggestions: Please note that the suggestions below do not make up a definitive list
1) Increasing your protein intake is helpful because hair consists primarily of protein. Taking more protein helps to stimulate healthy hair and hair growth. Plus get into the habit of eating a balanced meal while you are at it. Sources of protein include meat, chicken, fish, dairy like yogurt, nuts, soy.

2) Massage your head as often as you can, especially problem areas. It stimulates blood flow and thus hair growth. You can massage itchy spots instead of digging your nails in and scratching. To massage, apply pressure and use the ball of your fingers to make circular motions on your scalp. You can massage while watching TV or just before you go to bed. Try asking your hair dresser to do this before they wash the conditioner off your hair. 2 minutes is sufficient. If your hair dresser looks at you strangely after you make the request, just smile and lean back.

3) Be disciplined in your hair care routine. Wash and condition regularly with products that add extra moisture to your hair. Cover your hair with a satin or silk scarf or use a satin or silk pillowcase while sleeping to retain moisture. Dry hair is more likely to break so moisture is very important especially for natural hair. Deep condition your hair (I deep condition and steam every 2 weeks). Do not underestimate the power of regular and intentional hair care routines. Water is your best source of mositure - it is also inexpensive and very accessible.

4) Take care of the ends of your hair. They are the oldest part of your hair and thus can be drier than any other part of your hair. Dry ends can lead to split ends which leads to damaged hair that needs to be cut. When conditioning and styling your hair, pay attention to your ends. Add a little more Shea butter or Coconut oil or Castor oil (or whatever oil you use) to your ends and encourage your hair stylist to do the same when using conditoners and styling your hair.


5) Take a second and third look ... in fact be weary of "miracle" products that promise longer hair. I am not sure how well they work and they can be expensive. Instead spend your money on ...

6) Simple home made recipes like:

Rosemary spritz: Put 2 tablespoons of Rosemary herb leaves  in 2 cups of boiling water. Allow the rosemary leaves to  steep (i.e. sit in the hot water for about 5 minutes, or longer, to extract the juice). Remove the rosemary from the water (rosemary leaves should be soft after being steeped) then allow the water to cool. Pour into a spray bottle. After washing and conditioning your hair, spray the rosemary water on your hair, especially the root of your hair and scalp then massage well into the hair.You can also use the spray in between washes. Rosemary helps with hair growth because it stimulates the follicles. Do not use heavily concentrated rosemary because it has side effects. You should be able to find rosemary herbs at your grocery store because it is commonly used for spicing food.

Eucalyptus hot oil treatment: Add 9-10 drops of eucalyptus oil to half a cup of olive oil or Shea butter (or any other base oil of your choice). Heat up the mixture. Let it cool but not get cold. It is a "hot" oil mix. Apply to your hair and scalp carefully. Coat your hair completely with it and massage your scalp well. Cover your hair with a shower cap and wrap a towel over your head. Leave for 30 minutes and then wash normally with shampoo and conditioner. Some people leave the oil treatment on their hair overnight and then wash off.
Eucalyptus oil helps improve blood circulation, improves hair shine, stimulates hair growth, reduces dandruff and increases elasticity of hair. Better hair elasticity reduces hair breakage enabling better hair growth. Some people add eucalyptus oil to their shampoo. Do not buy aromatherapy oil o! Buy eucalyptus essential oil. You should be able to find eucalyptus oil at health food stores. For those in Lagos Nigeria, you can get eucalyptus oil in Ojota. There is a street where people sell various oils, chemicals and plastics. A litre costs around N500. Or you can email us at onaturals@gmail.com.

Finally, be patient and try things out to see what works for you and stick to it. Be inspired by the collage below - you too can grow healthy and long hiar.

We would love to hear your stories and comments.

Keep it natural!

Omozo