Is Genetics a big factor?

[ArinaDonne]

While lurking through the boards, I realize that many women are setting and achieving hair goals. I do wonder if genetics is as important as many people believe. I see many people especially me with waist length goals. Is this goal something that needs to be achieved with genetics or is it something that can be achieved with care of hair? I am natural and have been told, to keep dreaming because you have to have certain genes to grow hair that long and blah blah blah.

 

[Angelbean]

I think genetics plays a small role...but with proper diet, exercise, and a good hair regimen i think these things contribute greatly to the lengths we achieve and retain in the end.

 

[snoop]

I really don't know, just musing, but after seeing all of the long hair on this site, I think think that perhaps genetics plays a role in that the type of hair you have could give you a head start and make things a bit easier, but that all hair types with some trial and error and lots of tlc can make it.

It seems as though, those with coarse hair tend to be able to get away with more manipulation, colouring/bleaching, etc. than those with fine hair.

 

[Channy31]

I'd imagine genetics plays a role. If naturally your hair strands are thicker they may be harder to break, if your hair naturally grows quickly you are likely to reach your goal faster etc.

However you can have great genetics in terms of hair growth and still only have SL hair if you don't treat it right.

 

[MzSwift]

I used to believe that when I first started lurking the boards too. But the more time I spent reading, I realized that these women put in the work to get the hair they've grown. So instead, I focused on WHAT the women did to grow their hair and then I joined length challenges.

When I started setting my goals, I started small. My original ultimate goal was APL b/c I thought that was the longest my hair could grow. If you look on my length check shirt it's the only marker identified. But now, 4.5 years later, I'm kissing WL. Check out my album -- I don't have a super curly hair texture and my strands are wispy fine. I didn't think it would be possible for me to grow long hair.

I believe that with the right techniques (not products), anyone can grow long hair. Techniques, to me, means finding protein-moisture balance, protective styling, detangling methods and determining how much manipulation my hair can take.

 

[MsKinkycurl]

I think if you let trends and popular opinion dictate how you style and treat your hair then genetics plays a big role in how long your hair will be. Not everyone's hair will flourish with a perm, constant heat, fine tooth comb, or even wash n go's.

However, if you listen to your hair and give it what it needs, even if its constant protective styling or the occassional flat iron, then bsl for all and wsl for most people are definitely realistic goals.

 

[ArinaDonne]

I guess good care means more than genes. I do know people who mom have hip hair length but their daughter hair barely goes past their shoulders. I do realize it is the way that they take care of their hair. The mom uses minimal heat, protective styles and low manipulation. The daughter styles and hot combs her hair almost every three days. Her hair looks weak compared to her moms thick type 4a hair.

 

[daae]

yes.....in my experience.

nearly 4 years on....probably going on hiatus.

 

[brg240]

I think it depends, if you have super fragile or resilient hair then genetics will play a big part. If you have some natural deficiencies genetics will probably play a larger factor.

I think proper hair care can overcome most genetics though. Might be a tad harder but I wouldn't pay the naysayers any mind.

Growing up my long hair was attributed to my genetics. And maybe that was a part, but I'm just guessing good hair care played a very large part.

 

[Barbara]

I'd imagine genetics plays a role. If naturally your hair strands are thicker they may be harder to break, if your hair naturally grows quickly you are likely to reach your goal faster etc.

However you can have great genetics in terms of hair growth and still only have SL hair if you don't treat it right.

That's right.

 

[koolkittychick]

I do think genetics plays a part in determining your terminal length, but only for extreme lengths, like tailbone and beyond. I think most people are capable of growing their hair to at least waist length, depending on the amount of effort they are willing to put into nurturing their particular hair profile. For instance, someone who has fine, fragile hair with a growth rate of 1/4" a month will take much longer and require more effort than someone with coarser, stronger strands that grow an inch per month minimum. Some profiles are harder to care for than others, but all will produce results with the right combination of products used in the right way.