Black Naps’ reader Ashley asks,
Hi, I am 15 years old and live in London, England. My question is: How many inches of natural hair can I roughly expect in one year? Also my hair never seems to grow past my neck, it doesn’t even touch my shoulder. What should I do?
P.S. I’ve been transitioning for 3 months
Hello Ashley,
If you master the art of length retention, the average amount that your hair can grow is 6 inches per year. Some people grow slightly under this amount and some slightly over.
The next thing I would advise is to be patient, as growth takes time. You are also going to have to learn what works for your hair and what doesn’t which is a trial and error process and that takes time in and of itself.
The reason why your hair never seems to grow past your neck is because you are breaking your hair off faster than it is growing, so it appears that you are not gaining length.
Although I don’t know all the details of what may be breaking your hair here are some general tips to avoid breakage:
- Avoid frequently combing or brushing your hair. Detangle your hair once per week with a wide tooth comb and always use a moisturizer as you detangle or detangle on damp hair.
- Moisturize your hair often and focus your attention on your ends (they are the oldest and most fragile part of your hair)
- Deep Condition your hair often try to aim for every time you cleanse your hair.
- Choose styles that don’t require you to manipulate your hair by combing or brushing it too frequently. Simple buns do just fine.
- Avoid hair accessories that could potentially cause breakage for example (rubberbands).
Also being that you are transitioning, it is to be expected that you will experience some degree of breakage due to the inconsistency of hair textures, your natural roots and relaxed ends. Plus, you will have to trim your relaxed ends as you transition.
Here are some articles you may find helpful:
6 Things Transitioners Should Know
How Much Time Does It Take to Grow Long Hair
Hope this helps! : )
Love,
Ariane
I put in weave as a protective style but it damaged my hair line and it looks very thin especially in the front…… Any advice?
Make sure you protective style isn’t too tight . I’ve been wearing weave (braids and twists) for 6 moths now and my hair is healthy! I still don’t need to trim my ends(although I will trim after I finish my treatment), the growth has been amazing and my hair is so soft.
Being that your hair was not able to breathe will under your weave and you were not able to take your weave off like you would be able a wig your hair broke off. Moisturizing and cleansing and conditioning is crucial for hair growth and health. You must have a balance of moisture and protein.
My hair grow so far since I’ve started my natural hair journey 7 months ago is one ince per month. Ive constantly kept it in cane(corn)rows under a wig or in braids since the start of my journey but now I have encountered a stunt in my growth and I’m not to certain what could cause it. My daily routine has stayed the same. Non the less, my hair is getting healthy. Any advise on has to break the habit of hair not growing is greatly appreciated.