How to Grow Your Hair: 10 Proven Hair Growth Tips for Natural Hair

Growing natural hair can feel like a slow process, but with the right care, consistency, and patience, you can achieve longer, healthier, and stronger curls, coils, and kinks! Natural hair thrives when it’s properly moisturized, protected, and nourished from both the inside and out. If you’re looking for effective hair growth tips, keep reading! These 10 proven methods will help you retain length and maintain healthy natural hair.

1. Keep Your Scalp Healthy & Clean

A clean, well-nourished scalp is the foundation for hair growth. Product buildup, dirt, and oil can clog hair follicles, slowing down growth. Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to get rid of any buildup. Massage your scalp 2-3 times a week with oils to stimulate blood circulation. Scalp massages can increase blood flow which in turn boosts hair growth. The best oils to use for scalp massages are peppermint, rosemary, or castor oil.

2. Moisturize!

Natural hair is prone to dryness, and dry hair is more likely to break. Moisture is key to length retention and overall hair health. When styling, use the LOC (liquid, oil, cream) or LCO (liquid, cream, oil) method to lock in moisture. Jojoba, argan, or almond oil are great to help with sealing in moisture. To keep your hair moisturized after styling, mist your hair with water or a water-based leave in conditioner as needed.

3. Protective Styles

Protective styles reduce manipulation and prevent breakage, allowing your hair to grow with minimal damage. Braids, twists, and buns are popular protective styles often worn in the natural community. Avoid styles that are too tight to prevent traction alopecia (hair loss from excessive tension) when choosing a style. Remember to keep your hair moisturized and your scalp clean even when wearing protective styles.

Trim Split Ends to Prevent Breakage

Many people avoid trims because they think they will stop hair growth, but trimming helps retain length by preventing breakage and split ends from traveling up the hair shaft. If you notice frayed, split, or dry ends, it’s time for a trim. If your hair gets tangled easily, it’s time for a trim. Depending on your hair’s condition, trimming your ends every 8-12 weeks may be necessary.

5. Avoid Excessive Heat Styling

Frequent heat styling weakens natural hair, leading to dryness, split ends, and breakage. If you love to straighten your hair, be sure to use heat protectants and minimize the use of hot tools.

6. Eat a Hair-Healthy Diet

What you eat affects your hair growth! A nutrient-rich diet supports stronger, healthier hair from the inside out.

Best Foods for Hair Growth:

Avocados – Rich in healthy fats & Vitamin E
Eggs – High in biotin & protein
Spinach – Packed with iron & folate
Nuts & Seeds – Provide Omega-3s for scalp health
Salmon – Supports strong hair with protein & fatty acids

Drink plenty of water! Hydration is essential for hair and scalp health.

7. Use Natural Oils for Growth & Strength

Oils help seal in moisture, nourish the scalp, and strengthen hair strands.

Best Oils for Hair Growth:

• Castor Oil – Thickens hair and stimulates growth
• Rosemary Oil – Improves circulation and promotes hair regrowth
• Jamaican Black Castor Oil – Strengthens hair and prevents breakage
• Coconut Oil – Reduces protein loss and protects hair

8. Reduce Manipulation

Too much brushing, combing, or styling can lead to unnecessary breakage. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers for detangling. Detangle your hair when it is damp and conditioned to prevent breakage. Opt for looser styles that don’t require daily manipulation. Remember the less you manipulate your hair, the more length you’ll retain!

9. Sleep with Satin or Silk

Cotton pillowcases absorb moisture and cause friction, leading to dryness and breakage. To protect your hair while you sleep, use a satin/silk bonnet or scarf. If you prefer not to use a scarf, a satin pillowcase will get the job done too. This simple change can drastically improve hair moisture and prevent breakage.

10. Be Patient & Consistent

Natural hair growth takes time. Be patient and stay consistent with your routine. Healthy hair habits lead to long-term results. Trust the process, and avoid comparing your journey to others.

What’s your go-to hair growth tip? Share your favorite natural hair secrets in the comments!