Share

Use heat protection plus 6 other tips to keep your hair growing

accreditation
0:00
play article
Subscribers can listen to this article
Nomalanga Shozi.
Nomalanga Shozi.
Photo: Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images

Turn heads with greater hair volume and density. But first, here’s how to ensure your mane keeps growing.

Extra, extra large hair – which includes braids and locks – is all the rage this summer, as seen on local BET presenter Nomalanga Shozi and on the runways of Paris Fashion Week. Want big hair of your own? Invest time, lots of patience and plenty of TLC to promote growth and volume. Follow these simple steps to reach your hair goals:

1. Moisturise

Keeping your hair well-nourished and moisturised will enhance elasticity and shine, and curb brittleness and breakage. Use a hydrating moisturising lotion or mask every day that will leave no greasy residue. With natural hair, spritz your hair with water daily for some added moisture, and apply a leave-in moisturiser or conditioner before going to bed.

2. Wrap your hair before you sleep

A silk scarf will protect your hair from friction, preventing tangles and dryness by locking in the moisture from products. Alternatively, a silk pillowcase will reduce the loss of natural hair oils, minimise damage to thinning hair, and prevent split ends and frizzing. Rebraiding or retwisting your hair at night is a protective measure and will maintain the thickness of the growth.

3. Heat protect

Let your hair dry naturally as heat damages your hair. If using a hairdryer is unavoidable, set it on the lowest heat and always use a heat protectant spray or lotion.

READ MORE | Scalp care hacks from Berita, Sho Madjozi and Simmy – ‘I make sure to detox my scalp every week’

4. Trim

Regular trims prevent split ends and enhance growth. A fresh cut also makes your hair easier to style

5. Use suitable products

Nourishing natural ingredients like argan, avocado and jojoba oils and shea butter are the most beneficial for taming frizz, keeping the hair’s moisture levels high and halting further breakage.

6. Use the right comb or finger detangle

Use a wide-tooth comb instead of a small one, which can cause breakage. Detangling allows your style to retain its volume and makes it less knotty. Finger detangling is best to avoid breakage and faster growth.

7. Don’t overwash

Wash and condition once or twice a week. Lather twice to get rid of product build-up and use a leave-in conditioner. Overwashing strips hair of natural oils.

Don't miss our top stories, sign up to the TRUELOVE newsletters now! 

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
In times of uncertainty you need journalism you can trust. For 14 free days, you can have access to a world of in-depth analyses, investigative journalism, top opinions and a range of features. Journalism strengthens democracy. Invest in the future today. Thereafter you will be billed R29 per month. You can cancel anytime and if you cancel within 14 days you won't be billed. 
Subscribe to SNL24
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()