How to grow 4c hair fast
When it comes to growing 4c hair, the first thing I learned on my natural hair journey is that it is all about length retention. And the key is to establish a 4c hair growth regimen that retains hair length.
Compared to other hair types, our 4c hair has a very tight curl pattern which leads it to dry out quickly, tangle up faster, and break more easily.
While these challenges are unique, they are not impossible to solve. And once you learn how to care for your 4c hair daily, you will experience healthier and longer hair.
That’s why in this blog post I’m sharing with you how to grow 4c hair faster and longer.
Does 4C hair take longer to grow?
No, 4c hair does not take any longer to grow than other hair textures. It grows at the same rate of 1/2 inch per month.
However, 4c hair experience much more hair shrinkage than other hair types and therefore falsely appears shorter.
Secondly, thanks to the dense and tight coils, our kinky hair is more prone to breakage. That affects length retention, which often makes it look like the hair is not growing.
How to grow 4c hair faster and longer – Proven 5-Step Process
For all the 4c ladies out there who, like me, used to wonder “why is my 4c hair not growing?”. Here are 5 proven 4c hair growth tips that will help you to grow your 4c hair to waist length if you so desire.
1. Shampoo the right way
One thing that is of utmost importance in your 4c hair growth journey is moisture. Meaning you need to make sure that your hair stays moisturized at all times. In the beginning, I thought that meant I needed to wash my hair regularly. But that is not true.
On the contrary, you actually want to avoid shampooing your hair more than twice a month. In order to retain the natural oils of your skin and promote new follicle growth.
A great alternative is to co-wash your hair instead because a conditioner is less aggressive. However, if you must shampoo, then remember to pre-poo your hair prior.
However, you also need to make sure you use a shampoo that is not too harsh on your hair. Certain products include ingredients such as sulfate, silicones, and petroleum jelly which block moisture from being absorbed and therefore dry out your scalp.
That’s why you want to use shampoos that are good for your 4c hair, and ideally are cream-based and include natural ingredients.
2. Deep Condition
Deep conditioning is the most important step when it comes to how to grow 4c hair faster and longer. Because 4c hair tends to dry out quicker and retain less moisture.
Therefore, giving it a moisture boost through deep conditioning helps to repair the damage, re-establish the fiber’s elasticity, and prevent further breakage.
Incorporating a good deep conditioner or an aloe vera hair mask, in your bi-weekly routine does not have to take long. There are great conditioners that work in just 10-20 minutes and other products you can keep in your hair overnight.
With the right deep conditioner, you will notice that your hair will get softer and more manageable.
3. Keep it moisturized (LOC method)
By now you understand the name of the game, which is “more moisture”. And the LOC method (Liquid, Oil, Cream) is a popular technique used to keep maximum moisture.
It consists of three steps. First, you hydrate the hair with a water-based product which is your liquid, next you seal the moisture in with oil and then you apply a cream product to close the hair cuticle which prevents your hair from losing that moisture.
Thankfully, the LOC method has been tested and proven to work by so many 4c hair Naturalistas that it is a surefire way to maximize hair retention.
All you need to do is to choose the Liquid, Oil, and Cream that best works for you.
4. Trim
Now, this step may be the most counter-intuitive. Because if you are wondering how to grow your 4c hair, then trimming it feels like a step back.
But in order to keep your hair healthy, you actually need to trim your 4c hair regularly. At least every 6 months, ideally every 4 months. This will help you get rid of split ends and heat-damaged hair.
It also has the additional benefit, that it reduces frizz and makes the hair easier to detangle.
5. Protective Styles
Now the last step to retaining length when growing your natural hair is to make more use of protective styles. And no, that does not mean you only have to wear wigs all year long. There is an array of protective hairstyles for 4c hair that will not put stress on your hair and make caring for it much easier.
Tight hairstyles, slicked-back buns, and constant wash and go’s can put a strain on fragile hair.
Therefore, the best thing you can do to encourage 4c natural hair growth is to rock hairstyles that tuck away your ends, retain moisture, and ensure strong follicles and a relaxed scalp.
And no worries, there are plenty of beautiful and fun protective hairstyles for 4c hair that you can choose from. Including braids, twists and head wraps.
Growing your hair is not hard or complicated, you simply need a well-thought-through routine, the right tools such as a detangling brush, and the right products. Afterward, you will see your 4c hair grow faster and longer.
And if you want to follow along visually, then watch Latoya’s YouTube video for a detailed tutorial on hair growth for 4c hair.
What makes 4C hair grow faster?
In order to expedite 4c hair growth, you have to take proper care of your hair, especially in dry and cold weather.
Using the best products, as mentioned above as well as incorporating a balanced diet and protective styling into your hair regimen can improve your hair growth a lot.
Of course, you also want to avoid harsh chemicals and any treatments that can hurt the structure of afro hair.
Lastly, remember to have regular trims and find out your hair porosity. The more you know about your natural 4c hair, the better you can look after it, which will lead to less breakage, which then will lead to healthy growth.
What products make 4C hair grow?
- Jamaican black castor oil is very popular in the 4c hair community for good reason. It really works. The oil moisturizes your natural hair, while simultaneously promoting hair growth.
- Cantu Shea Butter Grow Strong Strengthening Treatment is one of my favorite products. It strengthens fragile and brittle hair to protect it against breakage and then reinfuses important vitamins and much-needed moisture.
- Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector is a pricey but well-worth addition to your hair routine if you can afford it. This product repairs and strengthens your hair from the inside out. It’s especially great if you are experiencing a lot of breakage on your edges or hair ends.
- Camille Rose Cocoa Nibs & Honey Ultimate Growth Serum will help stop thinning of your hair while increasing blood circulation to your roots. That stimulates your scalp and leads to new hair growth.
- Aloe Vera is one of my secret weapons against hair loss. This wonder plant is filled with vitamin e and magnesium which encourage healthy hair growth. The best way to use Aloe Vera is by making hair masks.
- Coconut Oil & Shea Butter Conditioner By Creme Of Nature was recently added to my hair care regimen and so far I love it. The coconut oil and shea butter provide moisture while the pure honey leaves my hair super soft. It’s a great alternative to the LOC method for girls who don’t like using too much product.
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