So you want long hair, but you’re completely frustrated that it still looks the same month after month. Th hair vitamins have done very little or nothing at all to help. Now you’re ready to try a better approach. Though It may not seem like it, your hair really is growing. Studies show human hair grows at an average rate of a half inch each month. But the question remains, how do you keep the growth? Well I’ve put together a few helpful tips on how to achieve healthy and long hair.

MOISTURE IS KEY

You lose length when dry hair breaks. If you want a beautiful, long mane, you must moisturize your hair every day. As a curly, you already know that the curlier the hair, the dryer it becomes. Curly hair has this issue because it’s hard for the scalp’s natural oils to navigate the entire coily strand. Sometimes, it’s necessary to apply extra treatments to retain moisture. Additionally, if your hair rates at a high porosity level, you’ll need to deep condition more frequently. Your goal is to deep condition at least twice per week if you have high porosity hair and once a week if it’s low-porosity.

When applying products, be sure to focus on the ends to restore and strengthen them as much as possible. One simple, easy-to-remember method for keeping your hair moisturized is the L.O.C. Method. This technique will lock in moisture and help define your curls. Here’s how it works:

L is for Liquid. Water should be used as the first step in your hydration method. If it’s not your normal wash day, have a spray bottle on hand filled with plain water to provide moisture. A detangler may also be used at this point.

O is for Oil. The finest oils are designed to moisturize, heal and protect. If you’re unfamiliar with essential oils, I recommend beginning with an inexpensive, easy-to-find product like coconut oil. Over time, you may enhance your variety with oils like rosemary, peppermint, or castor oil to speed the growth process. I like to use Satinique® Hair Oil Serum.

C is for Cream. The purpose of the cream is to smooth the cuticle and seal in the oil to the hair shaft. Lots of curlies like myself use a curling cream for this stage like Satinique® Styling Cream or Oyin’s Whipped Pudding. You could also use a lighter cream like a leave-in conditioner for this step. I recommend any of Oyin’s Hyrdrating Herbal Leave-in’s.

OVERNIGHT PROTECTION

Sleeping on a silk pillow case or covering your hair with a satin bonnet while you sleep will reduce shedding and keep curls in place. It is my belief that if you follow these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to long, healthy curls in due time. Remember to be patient as you experiment and recognize that  growing long natural hair is a journey, not a destination.