What Type of Scalps Grow Long Hair?!

4/2/2013

According to The Science of Black Hair, "The scalp is the birth place of hair!"

If you want to create an optimal environment for hair growth you want your scalp to be:

1. Clean - wash it.

Every 7 to 10 days wash your hair and scalp. This is one of the reasons I don't enjoy washing my hair with twists in it: I can't get to the scalp as freely.

2. Unclogged by petrolatums - don't use them

Vaseline, Blue Magic, Sulfur 8 etc don't moisturise, they clog.

3. Hydrated - drink lots of water

Scalp hydration works its way inside out. Drinking water is vital for scalp health, spritzing water is important for hair's moisture.

4. Dandruff free - drink lots of water

The cells of the scalp are constantly dividing. You can't normally see this cellular division with the naked eye; however, when the moisture content of the scalp falls below 10% the process becomes accelerated resulting in dandruff! If you needed added incentive to drink more water, there you have it.

5. Not dry - oil it with Neno Natural's Hair Growth Stimulator or another high quality vegetable oil

Whilst the scalp does produce its own oil, sebum, sometimes it's not enough to keep the scalp and hair moisturised. Jojoba oil has a structure very similar to sebum so it's one of my oils of choice for stimulating the scalp. Jojoba forms 50% of Neno Natural's Hair Growth Stimulator.

6. Well stimulated - massage it often

Being a thin layer of flesh, the scalp gets less blood circulating to it than other parts of the body. You can help blood flow to the scalp with regular, gentle massages using a vegetable oil.

If there is one thing that has been consistent in my natural hair routine from the get go it's been massaging my scalp and recognising its health as important to my hair growth.

Get your FREE ebook on How To Grow Long, Healthy Natural Kinky or Curly Hair.

Vickie Ann Belser

4/2/2013 12:09:55 am

We wash our clothes and cars...We shampoo our hair. Thank You for your precious advice!!! :)

Heather @ Neno Natural

4/2/2013 05:37:52 am

Awesome!

TWA4now

4/2/2013 01:24:03 pm

Very good information <3 thank you<3!

Sandra

5/2/2013 06:38:14 am

Thanks for the info.I shampoo my hair weekly. Trying to drink more water .

Anita T

5/2/2013 08:12:21 am

This is a great article! But DO NOT SHAMPOO EVERY WEEK! The suds in your shampoo remove the oil that is needed for your scalp and hair protection. Instead what I do is co-wash my hair once every 7-10days (more like once a week). Choose a good moisturizing conditioner with no-sulfates or parabens. I just switched to the brand Yes To. I use the Yes To Bluberries moisturizing conditionerand it's wonderful this product is 98% organic. Also, remove all or as many products which have any type of alcohol from your regimenit is not natural to your hair or skin and can result in more breakage.

6/2/2013 02:12:04 am

Hi Anita

Thanks for the comment.

According to the very well researched, The Science of Black Hair, it is not only okay to wash weekly it is a good thing. However a gentle cleanser is better than a sulfate-containing shampoo. I would tend to agree with this book. Co-washing doesn't work for all hair types and I've had one person tell me they incurred severe breakage and thinning when they decided to co-wash only.

Conditioners never contain sulfates by the way. Sulfate is a detergent only found on shampoos.

Also, note that parabens are not actually bad for hair in anyway but have been linked to cancer. That said, both the US and UK governments' official stance is that the level of parabens found in cosmetics is not enough to do harm. I avoid parabens anyway.

Enjoy!
Heather

Renee

31/8/2013 03:03:06 am

I agree with each point made here. Co washing did not work for me. I wash weekly with a sulphate free cleanser. Also agree with paraben point.

Tywrinthia

5/2/2013 12:40:10 pm

What type of Vegetable oilvis safe for the hair? Any Brand? Specific please?

Heather

6/2/2013 02:15:46 am

Hi Tywrinthia

Here is my take on oil: http://www.nenonatural.com/3/post/2012/11/the-best-oil-for-natural-hair-a-mega-summary.html

I recommend the Neno Natural oil sets as they are all high grade:
http://www.nenonatural.com/3/post/2012/11/the-best-oil-for-natural-hair-a-mega-summary.html

My best
Heather
:)

Angel Miller

5/2/2013 11:47:11 pm

Thank you for reiterating this point. I think repetition is key to retention. The more we here something, the more it resonates and the more inclined we feel to use the information because it is being drilled into our minds. Excellent site and great and useful tips for women of color. Thank you, you are an inspiration to us all.

6/2/2013 02:17:13 am

Thanks Angel :), you're such an Angel!

Sorry couldn't help myself, I'm sure you get that a lot.

My best
Heather

Kekanu

26/2/2013 05:43:21 am

Dandruff is a skin condition (like psoriasis or dermatitis) and not the same as having a dry scalp. Actual dandruff has nothing to do with water intake, but hydration is beneficial to overall health.

5/3/2013 07:05:17 pm

Hi Kekanu

It's a lot less serious than psoriasis and dermatitis.

It has many causes and a dehydrated scalp is one of them. Read this blog on the causes: http://www.nenonatural.com/3/post/2013/02/what-causes-dandruff.html

My best,
Heather

Surina

5/6/2013 05:24:32 am

I'm a 7 month transitioner and I must say that I've encountered moments of giving up but I stay strong and push my way through. Now I'm just looking for new styles for my hair. Any websites with quick styles?

Abby

18/8/2013 05:16:10 am

Hi! I just cut ALL my hair off 3 months ago in hopes of starting afresh. It's growing pretty well, into a micro afro but my hair is too thick! I can barely get my comb through it. That was why I permed it to begin with. What do you suggest doing as a beginner? Thank you!

Tia

20/8/2013 05:31:43 am

Well, for starters, dont comb your hair! Especially not dry! Since you have short hair you could just finger comb it when u wash it, or make sure u use a wide tooth comb and be gentle with your hair! Natural hair even though it looks rough is very delicate because of all the twists and turns each hair strand is doing. That's why its hard to comb.

Crystal Fowler link

20/8/2013 06:38:49 am

Hi everyone:

The Science Of Black Hair was indeed helpful. Of course I advise sistahs to use products that your hair responds well too ie. (less breakage, shine, retaining length etc.)

A lot of naturalist on YT are great too to help you with styling options and product reviews. LESS IS MORE! I have 4a/4b hair if you do the whole hair typing thing. Here are products and methods that worked BEST for me!

ECOSTYLER ARGON OIL GEL
SULFATE FREE ARGON SHAMPOO
C. BOOTH ORGINIAL BATH & BODY OIL for HAIR and SKIN (order from Ulta.com)
GARNIER FRUITIS SLEEK & SHINE CONDITIONER (GREEN BOTTLE).

I have my hair professionally wash, deep conditioned, blown-out once a month by Dominican Salon, and flat ironed. (I straighten for reduction or knots and tangles).

I wrap, or put my hair in a bun every night, with silk bonnet and or pillowcase.

I trim once every 3 months.

I finger comb hair with conditioner and running water only....then use wide tooth seamless comb to detangle if further needed.

I moisturized have with Aloe Vera Juice, oil and water.

I wear my own hair twisted, in ponytails (ends protected) or braided extenstions...no invisible or too small braids.

Sylvia

14/5/2015 12:45:54 am

My natural hair...TWA( teeny weenie afro) hair is short, thin on top and won't grow. I am using oils, massaging my scalp exercising and drinking water. Guess I will try Rogaine for Women next. One thing that is working is Carols Daughter Shampoo, conditioner and intensive hair mask. My hair is breaking less, and softer; it also is not breaking when I shampoo it. Was wearing a wig, but stopped to get my hair more air, may try braids as I want to look cute also!
Any suggestions appreciated...

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What Type of Scalps Grow Long Hair?!

By Heather Katsonga-Woodward

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