When it comes to growing out curls, it can feel as though it takes forever to get the length you desire. There are a few ways you can encourage long, strong, healthy curls. It all starts with a healthy diet, drinking tons of water and getting lots of rest! If you’re already doing these things, these tips can help you get on the right track. Curls grow about 1/2″ per month, so in one year you’ll see about shoulder length growth. Two years will get you armpit length curls and you’ll most likely see waist length curls in four to five years.
Minimize manipulation: This is especially relevant for our curlies with tight coils. Avoid over manipulating your curls to help prevent breakage. Spending too much time with your fingers in your curls can also lead to frizz.
Additional protein: As natural curls tend to be drier, they also need more protein to stay strong. Stronger curls grow longer. Utilize a protein treatment regularly into your curl care regime.
Hydrate curls: Natural curls are constantly seeking out moisture. You can do this by making sure to add in regular leave in conditioner and moisturizing by misting your curls with water.
Avoid heat: While heat tools and hair dyers make styling quicker, it also can damage delicate curls. Avoid using heat when styling curls to protect fragile strands and encourage growth.
Be gentle: Treat your curls like gold! Be gentle when styling them, don’t rip or pull curls, treat them to silk pillowcases and microfiber towels instead of terry cloth.
Use oils: Curls have a hard time hanging on to moisture. Considering utilizing oil or natural butters like shea to seal moisture into curls.