So you have finally decided to start your natural hair journey, and you have made up your mind to steer clear of all the inorganic, chemical-based hair products. Being just a few months in, you have noticed very little to no progress on your hair growth journey. This can be very frustrating because you have decided to forfeit all the inorganic hair products but still cannot find anything to help give your natural hair that growth boost.
Luckily, there are a few ways you can grow your natural hair faster and healthier without the use of chemicals and inorganic hair products.
1. Rice Water
Rice water? You may ask. If you are new to the natural hair growth journey, this will sound very bizarre and off putting. You may not know this but, rice water is a widely used method for promoting hair growth. This unusual practice goes a long way back to the Heian period in Japan. The women who practiced this were said to have floor-length hair. And currently, an equivalent of this story has been noticed in the Yao women who live in a village called Huangluo in China. The women on average in this village have 6-feet long hair. Not only is their hair so long, but it has also been observed that it retains its color for much longer as it doesn’t start turning gray until after 80 years.
So how is it possible to have such fairy tale-like hair? These women have been observed to constantly bathe their hair in rice water. So how can you kick start your rice water treatment? Easy, all you need is some rice and you’re good to go.
Rice water can be prepared in a few ways, including;
- Soaking
It is as straightforward as the name implies. All you need is to get your desired amount of rice, pour it into a bowl, and add 2 cups of water. Leave it to soak for about 30 minutes to an hour, strain the rice water and you’re all done.
- Boiling
Another way to prepare your rice water is by boiling. Simply put the desired amount of rice in a clean pot, add 3-4 cups of water and boil the rice for about 10-15 minutes. afterward, strain the rice water into a clean bowl.
Now that you know how to prepare your rice water, there is the option of fermentation. Some people believe fermented rice water has more benefits compared to plain rice water. This is because fermented substances have higher amounts of antioxidants, which help to combat hair damage. If you wish to ferment your rice water, simply follow the steps in the soaking method. But remember to allow the rice water to sit for 48-hours before straining. You may find the smell to be noticeably unpleasant so brace yourself.
Rice water can be used after shampooing hair as a natural conditioner. Simply rinse shampooed hair with the rice water, massaging it into the hair and scalp. Leave it in for a minimum of 20 minutes, then rinse off with clean water. Repeat this procedure twice a week.
Although rare, if you notice any irritation while using the rice water treatment, contact your dermatologist.
2. Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Being a very popular essential oil for hair growth, Jamaican black castor oil is known to work on all the different hair types. By simply incorporating it into their hair care routine, many people have noticed that it helped moisturize, thicken, strengthen, and rapidly increase hair growth. How does it work? It increases the blood flow to the scalp, thereby supplying the essential nutrients to the hair follicles. Jamaican black castor oil is also known to prevent hair loss, breakage, dandruff, eczema, and dry, itchy scalp.
To use, simply apply a small quantity of high-grade Jamaican black castor oil, to the roots of your hair daily. Massage the oil into your scalp by using your fingertips. You may leave overnight.
3. Moisturise Hair
The reason your hair may still show very little signs of growth even after waiting for months on end maybe because of a very trivial issue; dry hair. By keeping your hair constantly moisturized, you reduce the chances of having dry, brittle hair. Doing this will enhance your hair’s elasticity and you will notice your hair looking longer and healthier. There are a ton of fully natural moisturizers out there, so get your hands on the one that best suits your hair type.
4. Eat The Right Foods
Surprised? Having long hair does not simply pertain to what you put in your hair, picking the right dietary plan can help increase your hair growth drastically. By incorporating a higher protein intake into your daily diet plan you may notice a boost in your usual hair growth as protein is a food source that contains essential vitamins that promote growth.
5. Try To Avoid Heating Tools
Since you are going natural and are trying to promote your hair growth, you may want to avoid your regular heating tools such as; your hair dryer curlers and straighteners. Heat is one of the biggest damagers of hair. So next time, you should try allowing your hair dry naturally.
6. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is known to have a wide range of uses and hair growth is one of them. It contains something called proteolytic enzymes that repair the dead skin cells on the scalp. It is also known to promote hair growth and prevents dandruff and itchy scalp. You can use aloe vera to make a natural hair mask or a natural conditioner that leaves your hair feeling smooth and shiny.
To apply it to the hair, simply cut a fresh aloe vera leaf, collect the gel inside using a spoon, rub the gel directly into the scalp, massage and let it sit for an hour, then wash out using a mild shampoo. Repeat this process at least twice a week.
The road to growing and maintaining your natural hair will require patience. You cannot expect results overnight. But with the above steps, you can take a daily step closer to your hair growth goals.
Simply pick the treatments you are most comfortable with, stick with them and you’ll be surprised how much progress you can make.
