In this series I will be looking at the factors important for healthy hair growth, whether your hair is natural or chemically processed. I have realised through the interaction with my clients that many people seem to be uninformed when it comes to attaining healthy hair and retaining length. Some persons with afro textured hair in particular tend to believe that their hair cannot grow long because of their genes. I would agree that genes have a major impact on hair growth; however, with patience, knowledge on proper hair care and knowing about the science behind your hair, you can control your hair growth and its health. Patience – something a lot of us do not have when it comes to our hair – is very important for us to practice if we would like to achieve our hair goals.
Many of us are focused solely on styles and keeping up with the latest trends and neglect the fact that in order for our hair to prosper, we need to provide it with the things it needs and not always what we want. I'm not saying that you should not have the latest styles, but you need to also take into consideration the needs of your hair in order for it to be healthy. Chicoro, the author of the book 'Grow it!' highlights six factors we need to look at in detail in order to grow healthy hair. These are detangling, cleansing, conditioning, moisturising, protecting and growing. Each of which require us to have patience with our hair.
Growing up, I was never really educated much about my hair. All I knew is that I needed to comb it or have it combed in order to look presentable. However, this view changed a few years ago when I realised how much care had to be taken in order for me to have healthy hair. This is when I began reading online and watching 'YouTube' videos on hair care. The amount of information I found (which was not in my daily, weekly or monthly routine) astonished me. Similarly, my clients and others I have spoken to can attest to the same situation. I never knew how important pH balance was in growing healthy hair. Nor did I know how important exercise and a proper diet were to the health of my hair. So, throughout this series I will be addressing these issues (among others), and going into the science of it to show you how this system of hair growth really works. If you would like to get started on your readings for the better health of your hair, Chicoro's 'Grow it!' and Davis-Sivasothy's 'The Science of Black Hair', are great books to begin with. Be sure to look out for future articles on hair care. I assure you, whether you are male or female, you will benefit from them.
Safiya Damani
Press Pass Correspondent