Hair Care Tips for a Gorgeous, Growing Mane

Hey girlfriend! After growing my hair from a short pixie cut back to its original length in just two years, I've discovered a mix of methods that helped my hair thrive. But before I scare you off—no, you don’t need to spend two hours every day on your hair. I don’t even have that kind of commitment myself! However, I did commit to maintaining my hair a few times a week. As a simple gal, this meant simplifying my products and techniques to see what my hair truly liked and responded to. If you're just starting your hair care journey, give yourself and your hair time to figure each other out.

Weekly Washing

Now, I get it—if you’ve just spent $200+ on your hair, you might need to tweak this. But if you’re rocking your natural hair, I recommend washing it weekly, especially if you use a lot of products or work out regularly. I love the sleek “clean girl” ponytail look, but it means using gel and edge control, plus richer products like shea butter or castor oil to seal in moisture. Personally, washing my hair once a week strikes the perfect balance—removes product buildup without stripping my hair of its natural oils. Always detangle with conditioner and don’t skip the deep conditioning. Your hair will thank you!

Scalp Massages

Scalp massages are a game changer. They stimulate your hair follicles, boosting blood flow and encouraging growth. Plus, they’re a great way to relax and reduce stress. So, treat yourself to a scalp massage! P.S. When you massage, use the pads of your fingertips (where your fingerprints are), not your nails. You can also apply oils to your scalp to promote growth, but go easy—too much oil can get messy!

Daily Moisturizing

Your hair needs moisture—think of it like a plant. What’s the first thing a plant needs? Water. I personally wet my hair in the shower for convenience, which helps it get fully drenched for a more defined look. If you’re not into the drying time, a spray bottle works wonders. After wetting my hair, I apply my products in this order: leave-in conditioner first, followed by oil or cream. This is the famous "L.O.C. method" (Leave-in, Oil, Cream). If I’m doing a wash-and-go, I’ll use gel, but otherwise, I’ll put it in a protective style.

Let It Down

I know, easier said than done, especially if you're still getting used to your natural texture. It’s kind of like a gift you don’t fully appreciate at first, but later on, you learn to love. Braid-outs and twist-outs are great ways to let your hair down while still manipulating it into a style you're comfortable with.

Protect Your Hair

Heat tools can be harsh on natural hair, even if you use a heat protectant. Instead, try protective styling like box braids, twists, or cornrows. I’d recommend these over wigs, and wigs over sew-ins that require leave-out and heat for maintenance. Make sure to give your hair some time to breathe between styles—you might be doing more damage than good if you don’t. Avoid things that destroy your hair's health, like bleaching or frequent heat styling. And always protect your hair while sleeping by wearing a satin scarf or bonnet.

In Conclusion

Remember to give yourself and your hair time to figure each other out. Hair can have a mind of its own sometimes, but like anything in life, it takes patience. I spent years experimenting with products, but it was totally worth it. Take care of your hair, and trust me—it will take care of you.