Length retention is the name of the game when it comes to growing healthy hair. I learned early on that ALL hair grows; the issue is with length retention. The first six months of my healthy hair care journey I experimented with different products, as well as regimens. At the end of the six months I was satisfied with my length; yet unsatisfied with the amount of split ends and knots. I was so unsatisfied I went back to pressing my hair monthly because I thought I could take better care of it if it were straight 100% of the time.
After about a month or two of wearing my straight hair, I went back to braid outs, twist outs, flexi sets etc; and this time focused more on length retention and preventing those pesky single strand knots, and split ends. Needless to say, this time around the outcome was more than satisfactory.
Using sulfate-free products, or organic products is a wonderful addition to any healthy hair care regimen, however if length retention is what you are after, there are other things you must incorporate into your regimen in order to maximize the amount of growth you retain.
Curly hair in general has a tendency to be drier than other textures, and it's coarse texture makes it susceptible to tangles, matting, splits, and knots. I started taking preventative measures in keeping single strand knots and splits at bay [a major culprit], and this is how I did it [old blog entry appropriately titled; Keeping Single Strand Knots at Bay]. This simple change in my hair regimen has made ALL the difference. Now I don't have to work as hard as I was before [co-washing all the time, baggy-ing, you name it; I tried it] I incorporated this into my hair regimen.
Another thing I want to touch on is holding on to damaged ends; if you do this, the splits will travel further up the hair shaft and will eventually break. Trim your ends when you need it, and trim only the amount you need to. Damaged ends affects the amount of body, and even the final outcome of any particular hairstyle.
Protective styling is something that I do; but admittedly not often. I have learned that as long as I practice these simple steps; I can enjoy wearing my hair "out" vs in a bun.
To all of those asking the type of Castor Oil I used to seal in moisture; It was regular old Castor Oil from Wal Mart!
If you are having issues retaining length, please give one or all those tips a try!
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