Websites, Stylists Offer Tips for Growing Long Hair

Brittle, dry and damaged– just a few of many words that may be used to describe hair that simply will not grow. For those looking to add length to their locks, solutions can be found everywhere from the Internet to the beauty salon.

Hair is a major investment for black women. According to a study conducted by Mediamarks Research, Inc. in 2005, African-American women comprise 12 percent of the U.S. population and account for 21 percent of all hair care expenditures.

The quest for longer, stronger hair is a common one amongst Howard students.

“I made up my mind to grow [my hair] out in January,” said junior marketing major Lauren Tyler.

Tyler, like most women, decided to consult her stylist for assistance. “I have a good hair dresser. When my hair is not in braids he conditions it well and he colors it well,” she said.
Some believe that professional help is the only way to ensure that one’s hair is properly cared for, especially if they are trying to aid its growth.

“I recommend that they come to the salon,” said hair stylist Demetrius of U Street’s Salon Essence. “There is no telling what the individual might need, that’s why they should get their hair looked at by a professional,” he added.

According to Demetrius, anything from protein treatments to moisture treatments may be necessary. “It all depends on the condition of the hair. You have to do a diagnosis,” he said.
Junior finance major Sherie Reed agrees that a licensed hair stylist is the best way to go.

“I get my hair done as often as I can,” Reed said. “I just go to the Dominicans and have them wash it and give me a doobie - they just wash it, set it on rollers dry it, and blow it out.”

She also believes that regular trimmings by a stylist will aid the growth process. “I never liked getting my ends clipped. I just recently started [getting them] clipped, but that helps,” she said.
Reed, however, is not adverse to at home treatment.
“Sometimes I use Glover’s Mane . . . it stinks really bad but it does make your hair grow.”

At home care is especially common on Howard’s campus where regular trips to hair salons are rare. Often students find themselves looking for alternative options to grow their hair.
“When you put your hair in braids it’ll grow faster and you’re not messing with it. I mostly put my hair in braids and try not to put too much heat on it when it’s not in braids. I don’t wear weave but [it] does help too,” Tyler said. 

Students looking for fresh advice, ideas and solutions to hair problems that will not cost them a $50 salon visit can simply turn to the internet. An abundance of online sources provide an infinite amount of advice about growing out and caring for black hair.

GrowAfroHairLong.com is abundant with features and tips specific to black hair. Not only can users find information about what vitamins aid hair growth and how to care for your hair through changing seasons, but there are also video tutorials on a range of issues, including how to remove braid extensions. The site also consists of a hair gallery, testimonies, various regimens and techniques, as well as products that are available for online purchase.

Nappturality.com is dedicated to all things natural. While their aim is to help those with chemical-free hair, the site has dozens of articles that anyone can find useful. In particular, the “Homemade Hair Recipes” section contains descriptions of all natural products that women can use to treat and grown their hair like the “Honey & Apricot Oil Treatment,” which claims to help hair maintain moisture and prevent breakage.

The interactive LongHairCareForum.com claims to be the “ultimate Internet resource for women of color that want to grow healthy beautiful long hair.” The primary purpose is for the sites members to share information and provide support for one another. In addition, users of the site are able to access a hair care book list that is linked directly to Amazon.com along with professional advice and tips.