If you’re frustrated with slow hair growth, it could be due to some simple habits. Here are 5 common reasons why your hair might not be growing as fast as you’d like—and how to get your hair back on track!
1. You’re Not Hydrating Your Hair Enough
Everyone talks about moisturizing, but few realize how crucial hydration is. Think of it this way: you can’t have moisture without hydration! Make sure to use water-based products (where water is the first ingredient) to help hydrate your hair from within.
For looser textures (like types 1, 2, and even some 3A hair), a good water-based moisturizer—like our Blue-Green Algae Daily Moisturizer, Carrot-Argan Leave-In Conditioning Milk, or Detanglement Knot Sauce—often does the trick without needing additional oils or butters. For tighter curls and coils, sealing with a butter or oil (like our Moringa-Shea Yogurt or Moisture-Loc Oil) after hydrating helps lock in moisture.
2. You’re Not Detangling Properly
Your hair might not be breaking naturally—it could be from rough handling! Detangling with care can make a huge difference in your hair’s fullness and health. Use a quality detangling brush, start by sectioning your hair, and gently work through tangles with your fingers first.
Before detangling, spritz water using a spray bottle, then apply your favorite detangler, pre-poo, or a conditioner with slip. Our JOS Pre-Poo Clay Mask is excellent before washing, while Oh Slip is perfect pre-styling. Or, try our Growth Complex Biotin Conditioner diluted with water for detangling.
3. You’re Not Following a Regimen Suited to Your Hair Type
While YouTube influencers are great for inspiration, it’s crucial to remember that what works for one hair type may not work for another. If you have tightly coiled 4C hair, methods used by those with looser textures may not give you the same results. For example, the “Curly Girl Method” is popular, but for 4C hair that loves butters, oils, and co-washing, it might not work well.
As a licensed hairstylist, I know firsthand that hair care is not one-size-fits-all. That’s why we’ve crafted products to suit various hair types so you can find the right match for your texture.
4. You’re Choosing Tight or Tiny Hairstyles
Protective styles are fantastic for avoiding daily manipulation, but some styles are more harmful than helpful. Tight braids, tight pony-tails or super-small twists and braids can put too much tension on your hair, leading to breakage. Instead, try medium or mini double twists without extensions. This style is gentle, easy to remove, and can last up to six weeks without stress on your strands.
5. You’re Skipping Deep Conditioning Treatments
Deep conditioning is more than a “nice-to-have”—it’s essential for growth and length retention! Regular deep conditioning helps improve elasticity, prevents breakage, and strengthens your strands. If you’re experiencing brittleness, dryness, or split ends, regular deep conditioning treatments can help keep your hair healthy and encourage growth.
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With these tips, you’ll be better equipped to keep your hair growing strong, healthy, and long. Remember, understanding what works best for your specific hair type is key, especially for natural curls and coils!
