If your hair isn’t growing, or you’re not noticing growth, I can almost guarantee dryness is the main issue, or at least part of it.

The truth is, if you’re in generally good health, your hair is growing. If you’re not suffering from an illness or are on medications that may affect your hair growth and retention, more than likely the issue is that your hair is breaking off at a faster rate than it’s growing. For most, learning how to retain the length we already have is the key to achieving the healthy, full and long hair we desire and deserve.

Nothing contributes to hair breakage like a dry head of hair! We’re not going to be talking about basic old school stuff like greasing scalps or spraying our heads down with sheen spray. We’re going to get to the root of this dryness epidemic (pun intended) that most of us curly & kinky headed girls have endured a time or two before.

Let’s talk about some real simple things you can (and should) start doing right now to get your edges back, retain your current length and experience growth at a faster rate.

Ladies keep in mind; these guidelines apply regardless of how you’re rocking your hair. Natural, relaxed, weave-it doesn’t matter. Just incorporate some or all of these into your regular hair care regimen.

1-Moisture, Moisture, Moisture

Lack of moisture weakens the hair shaft. This causes damage especially with daily manipulation like tension styles or styling with heat. Dry hair also looks dull and lacks elasticity, which causes it to become brittle and snap off. Your first defense against dryness is getting your moisture routine together, and then being consistent with it.

One’s moisturizing routine will vary due to several factors such as your hair type; texture, density and porosity. Other factors would include how you’re wearing your hair. For example, us loc’d baddies can thoroughly spritz our hair with distilled water and it won’t diminish the style.

Regardless of the above you’re going to want to moisturize with water and/or a water-based products like a leave in conditioner or cream-based moisturizer. Be mindful of products that have chemicals that not only inadvertently promote dryness but are also toxic to your overall health.

One popular moisturizing method amongst the natural community is the L.O.C/L.C.O method. The L.O.C (Liquid(water or leave in), Oil, Cream)or the L.C.O (Liquid (water or leave in), Cream, Oil)  method is a process used to moisturize and then lock the moisture in.  The liquid, water or leave-in conditioner is the form of moisture used prior to locking it in with the cream and oil. A quick side note about oils; they are not moisturizers as some may believe but lubricants, but we will delve into that in another conversation.

2-Wash Regularly- I know for the natural sissies wash day can damn near be an all-day affair. However, there is literally no progress without a clean scalp and dirty hair. Dirty hair looks dull and lifeless. Excessive buildup from dirt, sweat and product use will prevent moisturizers and our moisturizing routine from working at all. The buildup will prevent the beneficial ingredients in your products from penetrating the hair shaft.

Furthermore if you’re a product junkie who layers your hair with lots of products the Particularly with  a hydrating or moisturizing shampoo like TGIN’s (Thank God I’m Natural)’s Moisturizing shampoo. If you’re a product junkie, you may need to wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo every few weeks. Remember, clean hair retains moisture and looks more alive.

3- Deep Conditioning- Deep conditioning is the star player when it comes to your moisture retention efforts. Deep conditioning on a regular basis will hydrate and soften your hair making it easier for other hair care products to absorb into the hair shaft more readily. A regular deep conditioning schedule will also strengthen your hair by making it become more elastic which in turn makes it more resilient to manipulation; styling, heat, and pulling. Deep conditioning is also wonderful for good scalp health; the literal root of it all. A clean, well-nourished scalp is the foundation for fast and healthy hair growth.

Healthy, strong, long, full hair is possible for ALL of us. It doesn’t take thousands of dollars or hours. Create a plan, be consistent, embrace the journey and above all love your hair regardless of its state or length.