Can I Honestly Grow My Hair Without Products?

Maka

I've been trying to grow my hair out a lot faster lately, but it's really tough without the right...knowledge. I see all of these women who successfully grew their hair VERY long, but they use so many products!
They do things like deep conditioner, co-washing, treatments, and other things that require some kind of product in which I don't have. I try making my own (using DIYs), but most of the ingredients such as fenugreek or turmeric, avocados, JM black castor oil, and coconut oil, I don't have.
The only things I have in reach are olive oil, ACV, honey, lemon juice, an ounce of Hawaiian Silky I stole from my mom, and some conditioner that my hairdresser gave me.
My mom has not been supportive of my hair growth journey, just out of spite, so I have no one to ask for these kinds of things to help my hair.
I think I did, grow my hair a little, or at least retain some length over the summer. I went natural for about two months, and when I went to the hairdresser, she told me it grew a lot.
Is there a way that I can grow out my hair just using the few home remedies I have? I moisturize and protective style like crazy, I listen to hair growth affirmations, and so far, all is the same, but still well. I was just hoping for some tips to get a boost? Do I have to do things like Co washing and DC?

(Edit: I'm only 15 so I can't really go out and buy my own stuff just yet!)

Therese1

I'm sorry that your mom hasn't been supportive. I'm glad that you haven't given up!

I would say that various oils will probably be the biggest help for you. Oils keep the hair elastic so that it is less likely to break. You can put a little bit of oil on dry hair and let it penetrate. If you aren't allowed to wash your hair, then just use a very little bit until you see how well your hair absorbs the oil. (I would start with just a drop or two at first; it will probably take several hours for it to absorb.) You can also put a drop or two of oil on wet hair after you have washed it (or after you have wet it down, if you're not allowed to shampoo); this will help hold in the moisture.

Guide 65

I don't believe there is any product that will make your hair grow faster. There are a couple products that are clinically proven to encourage growth, Nioxin and Rogaine come to mind, but those are not fast acting products. You have to use them for months before you see any progress. Whatever you're reading is a scam. If those people grew their hair long, it wasn't because of some magical potion they used, it would have grown with or without the stuff they used.

What some women have problems with is retaining the length. Their hair grows, but it's brittle and in poor condition so it breaks off, keeping the hair short. So what you should concentrate on is protecting your hair as it grows out. Baby your hair, be gentle with it, wear it in protective hair styles. Avoid the sun, wind, chlorine, salt water, etc. Keep it moisturized, be very gentle while brushing or combing. Keep it trimmed regularly, because split ends can run up the hair shaft and cause further damage. Do you wear something over your hair at night? It's good to wrap it up so you don't rub it against your pillow while you sleep. Or if wrapping it doesn't work for you, put it up in a pineapple.

Make sure you're eating healthy foods, lots of veggies, try to cut back on the bad stuff like soda and candy. Drink lots of water. Get lots of exercise. It'll help your entire body, including your hair. Will your mom let you take vitamins? I don't know if that will help your hair grow longer, but it wouldn't hurt.

Your mom is not being unsupportive out of spite, she's trying to protect you, because she knows those things don't work. Good luck with your hair! You'll need lots of patience, but if you protect the hair that you have now, it should grow longer.

bomega

Maka wrote: »

I've been trying to grow my hair out a lot faster lately, but it's really tough without the right...knowledge. I see all of these women who successfully grew their hair VERY long, but they use so many products!
They do things like deep conditioner, co-washing, treatments, and other things that require some kind of product in which I don't have. I try making my own (using DIYs), but most of the ingredients such as fenugreek or turmeric, avocados, JM black castor oil, and coconut oil, I don't have.
The only things I have in reach are olive oil, ACV, honey, lemon juice, an ounce of Hawaiian Silky I stole from my mom, and some conditioner that my hairdresser gave me.
My mom has not been supportive of my hair growth journey, just out of spite, so I have no one to ask for these kinds of things to help my hair.
I think I did, grow my hair a little, or at least retain some length over the summer. I went natural for about two months, and when I went to the hairdresser, she told me it grew a lot.
Is there a way that I can grow out my hair just using the few home remedies I have? I moisturize and protective style like crazy, I listen to hair growth affirmations, and so far, all is the same, but still well. I was just hoping for some tips to get a boost? Do I have to do things like Co washing and DC?

(Edit: I'm only 15 so I can't really go out and buy my own stuff just yet!)

I'm sorry you mother isn't supportive of you. It can be hard when you are growing up but at least when you are older or have your own money, you will have more freedom to do what you want. For now though, the one thing you can do for your hair is do your best to take care of it at this length. Products and treatments can help to improve the condition of the hair and therefore retaining length, but really your hair will grow at its own rate at its own time.

To reiterate what others have said upthread, the best thing you can do for your hair is lead a healthy lifestyle. What Janiegirl said about lifestyle is exactly what you can do to give yourself the best hair without special products and I know this from first hand experience a few years ago when I changed my lifestyle and in particular started eating daily more dark leafy green vegetable and fresh fruits. (I couldn't even believe it - but then even my hairdresser said something.) Taking care of your body with a good diet and exercise will only help your hair and your health. In addition, the oil treatment Therese suggested will also go a long way to help the health of your hair. Another thing you can try with a small amount of olive oil is doing a gentle head massage at night. It will bring some blood flow to the scalp which brings nutrients (from that great diet ) to your hair follicles, and will also help relieve muscle tension from the day. Do it gently and use your fingertips (not your nails). Do it as a treat to yourself rather than as a chore to try to force your hair into do something. Again, it isn't going to make it grow any faster, just healthier. And the benefit might be more from the stress reduction than anything else.

But most of all, try having an appreciation of your hair just as it is. Remember whatever length it is, it is your hair, and you are lucky to have it just as it is today.

bomega

Hey Maka,

I came across this article and thought of you: 4 Reasons Why Long Curly Hair May Not Be For You

I know you have a dream of long hair, but here is a counter point to consider. Most of all, this line from the author stood out:

Also, I may be speaking against myself when I say this because I do have waist long hair, but I resent the notion that women who have long hair are more beautiful, desirable, sexy or interesting… I’m honestly jealous of women who have short beautiful natural hair styles. They enhance their beauty and features, not to mention their curly hair.

Just some food for thought...

Maka

Therese1 wrote: »

I'm sorry that your mom hasn't been supportive. I'm glad that you haven't given up!

I would say that various oils will probably be the biggest help for you. Oils keep the hair elastic so that it is less likely to break. You can put a little bit of oil on dry hair and let it penetrate. If you aren't allowed to wash your hair, then just use a very little bit until you see how well your hair absorbs the oil. (I would start with just a drop or two at first; it will probably take several hours for it to absorb.) You can also put a drop or two of oil on wet hair after you have washed it (or after you have wet it down, if you're not allowed to shampoo); this will help hold in the moisture.

janiegirl wrote: »

I don't believe there is any product that will make your hair grow faster. There are a couple products that are clinically proven to encourage growth, Nioxin and Rogaine come to mind, but those are not fast acting products. You have to use them for months before you see any progress. Whatever you're reading is a scam. If those people grew their hair long, it wasn't because of some magical potion they used, it would have grown with or without the stuff they used.

What some women have problems with is retaining the length. Their hair grows, but it's brittle and in poor condition so it breaks off, keeping the hair short. So what you should concentrate on is protecting your hair as it grows out. Baby your hair, be gentle with it, wear it in protective hair styles. Avoid the sun, wind, chlorine, salt water, etc. Keep it moisturized, be very gentle while brushing or combing. Keep it trimmed regularly, because split ends can run up the hair shaft and cause further damage. Do you wear something over your hair at night? It's good to wrap it up so you don't rub it against your pillow while you sleep. Or if wrapping it doesn't work for you, put it up in a pineapple.

Make sure you're eating healthy foods, lots of veggies, try to cut back on the bad stuff like soda and candy. Drink lots of water. Get lots of exercise. It'll help your entire body, including your hair. Will your mom let you take vitamins? I don't know if that will help your hair grow longer, but it wouldn't hurt.

Your mom is not being unsupportive out of spite, she's trying to protect you, because she knows those things don't work. Good luck with your hair! You'll need lots of patience, but if you protect the hair that you have now, it should grow longer.

bomega wrote: »

Maka wrote: »

I've been trying to grow my hair out a lot faster lately, but it's really tough without the right...knowledge. I see all of these women who successfully grew their hair VERY long, but they use so many products!
They do things like deep conditioner, co-washing, treatments, and other things that require some kind of product in which I don't have. I try making my own (using DIYs), but most of the ingredients such as fenugreek or turmeric, avocados, JM black castor oil, and coconut oil, I don't have.
The only things I have in reach are olive oil, ACV, honey, lemon juice, an ounce of Hawaiian Silky I stole from my mom, and some conditioner that my hairdresser gave me.
My mom has not been supportive of my hair growth journey, just out of spite, so I have no one to ask for these kinds of things to help my hair.
I think I did, grow my hair a little, or at least retain some length over the summer. I went natural for about two months, and when I went to the hairdresser, she told me it grew a lot.
Is there a way that I can grow out my hair just using the few home remedies I have? I moisturize and protective style like crazy, I listen to hair growth affirmations, and so far, all is the same, but still well. I was just hoping for some tips to get a boost? Do I have to do things like Co washing and DC?

(Edit: I'm only 15 so I can't really go out and buy my own stuff just yet!)

I'm sorry you mother isn't supportive of you. It can be hard when you are growing up but at least when you are older or have your own money, you will have more freedom to do what you want. For now though, the one thing you can do for your hair is do your best to take care of it at this length. Products and treatments can help to improve the condition of the hair and therefore retaining length, but really your hair will grow at its own rate at its own time.

To reiterate what others have said upthread, the best thing you can do for your hair is lead a healthy lifestyle. What Janiegirl said about lifestyle is exactly what you can do to give yourself the best hair without special products and I know this from first hand experience a few years ago when I changed my lifestyle and in particular started eating daily more dark leafy green vegetable and fresh fruits. (I couldn't even believe it - but then even my hairdresser said something.) Taking care of your body with a good diet and exercise will only help your hair and your health. In addition, the oil treatment Therese suggested will also go a long way to help the health of your hair. Another thing you can try with a small amount of olive oil is doing a gentle head massage at night. It will bring some blood flow to the scalp which brings nutrients (from that great diet ) to your hair follicles, and will also help relieve muscle tension from the day. Do it gently and use your fingertips (not your nails). Do it as a treat to yourself rather than as a chore to try to force your hair into do something. Again, it isn't going to make it grow any faster, just healthier. And the benefit might be more from the stress reduction than anything else.

But most of all, try having an appreciation of your hair just as it is. Remember whatever length it is, it is your hair, and you are lucky to have it just as it is today.

bomega wrote: »

Hey Maka,

I came across this article and thought of you: 4 Reasons Why Long Curly Hair May Not Be For You

I know you have a dream of long hair, but here is a counter point to consider. Most of all, this line from the author stood out:

Also, I may be speaking against myself when I say this because I do have waist long hair, but I resent the notion that women who have long hair are more beautiful, desirable, sexy or interesting… I’m honestly jealous of women who have short beautiful natural hair styles. They enhance their beauty and features, not to mention their curly hair.

Just some food for thought...

Thank you all for your responses. I am glad to hear that it is not only products that can help, but also healthy living. I really appreciate you guys taking the time to explain things for me

Also, @Janie and Bomega, the only reason I'm pressed to grow my hair out long is because it is valued in my culture. I had the longest hair in my family when I was younger, and when my mom started losing her hair due to poor caring and choices, she cut mine as well and put something in it that has been making it fall out ever since. Everyone in my family was mad at the both of us because we aren't normally supposed to cut our hair. I used to have waist length hair, but now it is only apl (arm-pit length). I'm trying to grow it back out, but it seems kinda difficult now. I do get what you're saying, though, that long hair may not be the road to take

bomega

Also, @Janie and Bomega, the only reason I'm pressed to grow my hair out long is because it is valued in my culture. I had the longest hair in my family when I was younger, and when my mom started losing her hair due to poor caring and choices, she cut mine as well and put something in it that has been making it fall out ever since. Everyone in my family was mad at the both of us because we aren't normally supposed to cut our hair. I used to have waist length hair, but now it is only apl (arm-pit length). I'm trying to grow it back out, but it seems kinda difficult now. I do get what you're saying, though, that long hair may not be the road to take

Maka,

That is so awful your mother did that to you. I'm sorry you are going through that. I guess you have to just make the best of it now.

The messages we get from our culture can help us develop our identity and we can get strength from that feeling of belonging, but I guess at this point you are going to have to adjust that part of your identity, and you may grow to appreciate the particular flavor of independence it gives you for doing that. It is something like how in the US, straight hair is valued, and us curlies have to make a choice of whether to buy into that standard and adapt our hair to fit it (which I think is a valid life choice although one I don't encourage), or go on our own and embrace the curls as they are, even when as the culture devalues us a little for it.

Are you still experiencing hair fall? Do you know what exactly is causing it? The Sciency Hair Blog has this article about hairfall: Scientifically tested, over-the-counter treatments for thinning hair. If you look at item (2), she references topical caffeine has been shown to reduce hair fall. A member here at nc.com said it almost eliminated her life-long hair fall problem. I think she used a caffeine capsule. I have been meaning to give it a try as well, but was thinking about trying tea. If that is something you want to try, a typical black tea bag brewed normally gives ~ 50mg of caffeine and a typical green tea bag would give 25mg. You could make a tea solution with 1tea bag/1quart water with black tea or 1tea bag/1 pint water if using green tea and get approximately the same caffeine dilution as the blog recommends. Add it to a spray bottle and see what happens. Note that you will need to keep this in the fridge and replace at least 1x/week...this is something that will grow mold or go bad if left out. However, I think if you can get caffeine capsules like she recommends and try to keep it sanitary (I would recommend boiling the water first), you might be able to keep it longer.