Why Isn't My Natural Hair Growing?

The Secrets to Unlocking Natural Hair Growth

While it may feel like your hair isn’t growing at times, the issue could lie in a variety of factors. Understanding what could be affecting your hair growth will allow you to address the issue effectively.

One of the most important factors in natural hair growth is moisture. Natural hair tends to be drier compared to other hair types, which makes it more prone to breakage. Without proper moisture, hair will break off before it can grow long.

Protective styles, such as braids, twists, or buns, are a great way to encourage growth by reducing manipulation. However, if these styles are too tight or left in for too long, they can cause breakage or traction alopecia, a condition where hair thins or falls out from constant pulling.

While moisture is vital, protein is just as important in maintaining strong, healthy hair. Natural hair that lacks protein can become weak and prone to breakage, which can make it difficult to retain length. Additionally, a lack of essential vitamins and minerals in your diet can also affect hair growth.

Many people believe that trimming their natural hair will prevent growth, but the opposite is true. Trimming is essential to removing split ends and preventing further breakage. If you don’t trim your hair regularly, those damaged ends will cause the hair to break off before it can grow longer.

While you may be tempted to straighten or perm your natural hair, excessive heat or chemicals can strip your hair of moisture, weaken the strands, and lead to damage or breakage. This damage can prevent your hair from growing past a certain point.

A healthy scalp is essential for healthy hair growth. If your scalp is clogged with product buildup, dry, or not receiving enough blood circulation, it can hinder hair growth. Issues such as dandruff, psoriasis, or excessive oil can also affect your hair's ability to grow.

Chronic stress or hormonal imbalances, like those caused by pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid problems, can lead to hair shedding or thinning. Elevated cortisol levels (the stress hormone) can push hair into the shedding phase of its growth cycle, making it appear that hair is not growing.

Excessive combing, brushing, or handling of your natural hair can cause friction and lead to breakage, especially when your hair is in a dry state. While it’s important to detangle hair to maintain its health, doing so too often or too aggressively can cause damage.

External factors such as pollution, harsh weather (sun, wind, cold), and water quality can all negatively affect natural hair. Dry, cold air in the winter or humidity in the summer can cause your hair to become brittle and lead to breakage.

The way you sleep can also impact the health of your natural hair. Cotton pillowcases can cause friction, leading to breakage and frizz. Additionally, tossing and turning during the night can lead to tangles and hair stress.

Patience is key when it comes to natural hair growth. Sometimes, it may feel like your hair isn’t growing, but in reality, it’s more likely that it’s breaking off at the same rate it’s growing. By taking the time to evaluate your hair care routine, diet, and lifestyle, you can identify and address any barriers to growth. By nourishing your hair from the inside out and treating it with care, you'll be on your way to achieving your healthy, beautiful natural hair goals.