For many Nigerian women, hair growth is the ultimate goal. Whether you’re rocking your natural coils or keeping it sleek with a relaxer, there’s always that desire for longer, healthier, and fuller hair. But while we all want inches overnight, hair growth is a process, and no magic potion will get you waist-length braids by next week. However, the good news is that a few small changes in your hair routine can make a huge difference over time. Here are ten tiny but powerful things you can do to boost your hair growth journey.
1. Stretch Your Relaxer Time
One of the biggest mistakes for ladies with relaxed hair is touching up too often. Relaxers permanently alter your hair structure, and over-processing weakens the strands, leading to breakage. Instead of relaxing every four to six weeks, try stretching it to ten to twelve weeks. This gives your hair time to grow without constantly overlapping chemicals on already-relaxed ends. In the meantime, protective styles and deep conditioning treatments will help keep new growth manageable.
2. Protein Treatments Are Your Best Friend
Hair is made of keratin, a protein, and when your hair is damaged from relaxers, heat, or excessive styling, it needs reinforcement. A monthly protein treatment will strengthen your strands, prevent breakage, and improve elasticity. Whether it’s a store-bought protein mask or a DIY mix of egg and mayonnaise, this step is crucial for length retention. Just be sure to follow up with a deep conditioner to maintain moisture balance.
3. Wash Your Hair Regularly (But Not Too Often)
Many Nigerian women, especially those with natural hair, are guilty of skipping wash days for weeks, thinking it helps with growth. While over-washing can strip natural oils, not washing enough leads to product buildup, clogged hair follicles, and an itchy scalp—none of which promote healthy hair growth. Aim to wash your hair every one to two weeks with a sulfate-free shampoo or co-wash, depending on your hair type and lifestyle.
4. Protective Styling—The Right Way
Braids, twists, and wigs can be lifesavers when growing out your hair, but only if done correctly. Too-tight styles, heavy extensions, and neglecting your hair underneath will do more harm than good. Opt for styles that don’t stress your edges, and always moisturize your hair and scalp while in a protective style. Don’t forget to give your hair a break in between installs to prevent traction alopecia.
5. Trim Those Split Ends
It may sound counterintuitive, but trimming your hair regularly actually helps it grow. Split ends travel up the hair shaft, causing breakage and making it seem like your hair isn’t growing. A tiny trim every three to four months will keep your ends healthy and prevent unnecessary breakage.
6. Scalp Massages with Oils
Your scalp is the foundation of your hair, and good circulation is key to healthy growth. A simple 5-minute scalp massage with natural oils like castor oil, peppermint oil, or rosemary oil can do wonders. These oils not only nourish your scalp but also stimulate blood flow, encouraging faster hair growth. Bonus tip: Warm up the oil slightly before applying for better absorption.
7. Hydration is Key
Moisture is everything when it comes to hair growth. Dry, brittle hair snaps easily, making length retention impossible. Whether your hair is natural or relaxed, a good leave-in conditioner, water-based moisturizer, and sealing oil (like shea butter or coconut oil) should be part of your routine. Also, drink enough water! Hydration starts from within, and if your body is dehydrated, your hair will be too.
8. Ditch the Cotton Pillowcase
If you’re still sleeping on a cotton pillowcase, your hair is suffering. Cotton absorbs moisture, leaving your hair dry and prone to breakage. Switch to a satin or silk pillowcase, or wear a satin bonnet at night to reduce friction and keep your strands hydrated.
9. Reduce Heat Styling
Yes, we all love that sleek silk press or bone-straight look, but excessive heat weakens your hair over time. If you must use heat, always apply a heat protectant and keep the temperature low. Better yet, embrace heat-free styles like bantu knots, twist-outs, or flexi rods for healthier, fuller hair.
10. Patience and Consistency
Lastly, hair growth requires patience and consistency. There’s no shortcut—your hair will grow about half an inch per month if you take good care of it. Stick to a routine, listen to your hair’s needs, and give it time. Before you know it, you’ll be measuring your progress in inches!
