Does anyone know how to make black hair grow really long in 3 months?

• I've been trying to grow my hair out for a really long time, but in June I'm going to this banquet and I want to look really nice and I want my hair to be really long (without extensions). So I'm really hoping it will grow fast, and I'm just looking for as many tips as possible. Please help me!

• Answer:

  The key to getting long hair, for black women in particular, is preventing breakage. In most cases your hair is growing at a normal rate, but it breaking off at the ends when manipulated (combed, brushed, etc.) Follow these tips to try and minimize breakage: 1) Read the ingredient labels on the hair products you buy! Steer clear of mineral oil/parrifinium liquid/petroleum (all the same thing), sulfates, and parabens. If you read these on a product ingredient label, that should raise red flags for you. A lot of products contain these so its some times best to concoct your own hair care products from natural recipes or purchase from natural hair care lines like Burts Bees, Aubrey Organics, Qhement Biologics, Blended Beauty, Avalon Organics, Kinky Curly, and Carol's Daughter. 1A. Avoid products containing mineral oil like the plague. Aside from being a by product of gasoline, mineral oil clogs your pores which retards growth and prevents moisture from reaching your hair on a molecular level. Instead opt for natural oils like coconut oil, grapeseed oil, olive oil, carrot oil, etc to seal moisture into your hair after you wash it. These are not chemically derived and will not give you the negative impact mineral oil does. 1B. Don't use shampoos with sulfates in them. Sulfates are harsh chemicals found in a lot of shampoos. It's also used in engine degreaser and floor cleaner...ugh. 1C. If you use gel, avoid the kind with alcohol in it. There are some good moisturizing alcohols, but the kind most often found in gel will dry your hair out making it prone to breakage. Most good ones say "Alcohol Free" on the label. 1D. You should also stay away from products containing parabens. A lot of scientists speculate that they help cause cancers. 2) Give co-washing a try. CO-WASHING is a technique where you use only conditioner to wash your hair. Wet your hair in the shower, saturate it with conditioner, then use a wide tooth comb to detangle it, and rinse. Your hair will still be clean because conditioners have detergents in them which are less harsh than the ones found in shampoos. Prefered conditioners for cowashing are Sauve Naturals and White Rain...you don't need an expensive one to do the job.Since water is the best moisturizer, you may co-wash frequently to keep your hair supple and avoid dryness - anywhere from once a week to every other day. Once every two weeks or so, you can do an cleansing apple cider vingar rinse, which clarifies your hair and restores its pH balance. 3) Maintain a good moisture/protein balance by deep conditioning. You should deep condition at least once a week under a hooded dryer. Your hair needs added moisture and protein to thrive. To figure out which one to use, evaluate your hair: 3A. Does it feel dry? Then you need MOISTURE. Use a mixture of vegetable glycerin, water, honey, aloe gel, and a splash of cheap conditioner. Apply to your hair, put on a baggie, sit under the dryer for 10-15 mins and rinse. If you're not the mixing type, try replacing the above recipe with a bottle of super moisturizing conditioner like Keracare Humectress. Use that with a baggie under the dryer. Seal in the moisture by applying a natural oil afterward. 3B. Is your hair breaking off a lot when you comb it? Then you need PROTEIN. Mix together some banana baby food and organic coconut milk, put on your hair, cover it with a plastic baggie, sit under the dry for 10-15 mins., and rinse. If your not the mixing type, go to your local beauty supply store and buy an Aphogee Two Step Protein Treatment. Most times, protein stops breakage in its tracks. 4) Wear PROTECTIVE STYLES. A lot of times, hair breaks off due to a lot of manipulation. To counter this, wear styles that don't require you to comb it every day. Some include straw sets, bigger braids like cornrows, twists, afros, etc.) This is important in helping you retain length. 5) Consider taking a hair growth vitamin like BIOTIN or applying hair growth aid like MEGATEK in conjunction with your hair regimen. Research the two to decide which would be best for your situation. 6) Avoid direct heat as much as possible. Direct heat dries your hair out making it prone to breakage. This includes blowdrying and flat ironing. Indirect heat like hard hat and bonnet dryers are much less damaging. For instance, if you flat iron your hair everyday, try replacing that with rollersetting your hair under a dryer once a week. As a rule of thumb, the less heat, the better. 7) Reconsider the tools you're using. Frequently using fine tooth combs can pull your hair out. Invest in some good WIDE TOOTH COMBs instead. 8) Learn more about your hair by visiting forum.blackhairmedia.com to get more tips and insight about your hair. Getting longer hair is a process for most black women. This may seem like a lot of work, but experimenting with these products is interesting and fun...and the benefits (long hair) will far outweight the inconvenience. I should know - I've grown my hair really long after learning all these things. Good Luck!