There is a a big misconception that surrounds textured hair growth,
In this blog we are going to provide answers to one of the most commonly asked questions of ‘ textured hair care. i.e how long does black hair grow?’ Discover some of the myths of hair growth and how to achieve optimum hair growth!
How does black hair grow?
Those of us with textured hair may be familiar with the misconception that Black hair does not grow that long. This narrative was common in the pre 2010, In fact, afro textured hair, like all hair types hair does grow, and follows a 4-stage hair growth cycle - anagen, catagen, telogen and exogen.
The Hair growth cycle
The anagen phase is the period of growth. In this phase, the cells in the root of your hair are most rapidly dividing so more new hair is formed. This phase lasts 2-7 years and during this stage, your hair grows around half an inch a month and faster in the summer than in winter.
The Catagen Phase describes a short transitional phase, which signals the end of active hair growth and cuts individual hairs off from the blood supply and from the cells that produce new hair. Approximately 3% of all hairs are in this stage at any time and it lasts approximately 10 days.
In the telogen stage, hair strands remain in their follicles but are not actively growing. An estimate of 10- 15% of hairs is in this stage at any given moment. This phase lasts approximately 3 months or 100 days, and in this phase, we tend to lose between 50-100 hair a day which is quite normal.
The exogen stage is the final stage of the hair growth cycle and in this stage hair strands are released from their follicles and fall out. Not to worry, you won’t wake up one morning and find yourself bald as each follicle is independent and goes through the growth cycle at different times.
What does the stats say about black hair growth?
Several studies undertaken to evaluate hair growth characteristics of African volunteers born in Africa. have found that show that African hair grows a maximum of 0.9 - 1.3 cm per month which translates to an average of 5 - 6 inches per year.
Studies have also shown that the Anagen phase of the hair growth cycle, is also shorter for those with afro hair types - with the anagen phase lasting between 2 - 4 years
This explains why you might have had a big chop and might never missed a hair appointment and yet you have not achieved hair growth in your back or at waist length, not that hair at waist length is unattainable for black people it is just rare due to genetics.
How to help black hair grow
Whilst genetics may determine the length and rate of our hair growth nature has provided us with compounds known as DHT blockers and stimulants which help to stimulate hair growth and prolong the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle.
Our flourish scalp serum contains DHT blockers , which have been clinically proven to prolong the anagen ( growth) phase of the hair cycle,to help you achieve longer stands. Now, while our serum will not prolong hair growth indefinitely, it can extend the anagen stage considerable . This means that you will be exposed to more months of growth and therefore achieve longer strands
scalp stimulation for black hair growth
Scalp massages increase the flow of blood to the hair follicles, which allows the follicles to enjoy better nourishment, leading to the creation of more/healthier new hair cells. It’s easy to do and while you require nothing but a set of fingers to do a scalp massage, you can obtain additional benefits from the process by using an oil.
Our Super Seed oil allows this process to be perfect as it offers a rich blend of 11, Cold-Pressed botanical Oil which are loaded with fatty acids, amino acids, Iron, copper magnesium, proteins, carotene’s and Vitamin A, B, D, E. This lightweight formula strengthens the hair fibre and seeks to restore dry and damaged hair. The oil also revives the scalp, it quickly absorbs to deliver a rich supply of nutrients that promote healthy hair growth.
Diet and nutrition for black hair growth
Diet and nutrition are very important for the essential functioning of the body including hair growth which is quite a complex function, and it is dependent on stem cell production and stem cell regeneration.
However, the body does not see hair as an essential tissue and hair growth as an essential body function. Therefore, if the body does not have the nutrients that it needs for other essential components of the body, it would stop and hold hair growth in order to take into consideration the needs of essential tissues, organs and other body functions.
In order to maximise hair growth and support length retention, it is very important that you have a balanced diet. A balanced diet is one made up of the all the food groups in the right ratios to support one’s age, height, activity level and overall wellbeing. This means that a balanced diet will typically include complex sources of carbohydrates, lean sources of protein, and of course good fats, vitamins and minerals from micronutrients.
Nutrients to add to your diet:
Copper – This is essential for red blood cell production and iron absorption. Women, especially those of African, Caribbean, and Asian heritage, typically suffer from iron deficiency more than men which can greatly affect your hair health. You could incorporate copper to your diet by consuming foods such as yam, almonds, cashews and leafy vegetables.
Protein – As hair is made of protein, ensuring you have enough protein in your diet is crucial for making hair strong and healthy. Choose oily fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines and trout for more protein in your diet and these also contain omega-3 fatty acids that contribute towards hair shine and strength. For plant-based diets, choose legumes and nuts. Also, chia seeds and flax seeds are sources of omega-3.
Zinc – This promotes hair growth and repair and normalizes the production of oil around the hair follicles. If your diet is deficient in zinc this can reduce the overall thickness of your hair and lead to hair loss.
Vitamin E - vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps combat oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals. One study even found that people with hair loss experienced 34.5% more hair growth after taking a vitamin E supplement for eight months. Avocados are an excellent source of vitamin E with a medium avocado providing 21% of your vitamin E needs. Other sources include broccoli, mangoes, kiwis, or sunflower seeds.
Biotin - Biotin is a vitamin B complex necessary for hair growth. Biotin sources include eggs, sweet potatoes, spinach, broccoli and meat.
Products to help hair growth!
Try our Flourish Hair Bolster Serum which combines science with nature by selecting a wide variety of botanicals that contain key actives that act as natural hair intensifiers to boost hair growth and combat hair loss and thinning hair. Our key actives have been scientifically proven to restore a healthy hair growth cycle and combat the leading causes of excessive hair fall and hair loss among women and men.
- Provides the best growth environment for your existing hair follicles
- effective for both receding edges and thinning hair
- an excellent treatment for those looking for a scientifically proven hair loss remedy.
- It helps soothe the scalp to reduce dandruff and irritation