My friend has long hair and does absolutely nothing!!! What gives???

[caribeandiva]

oh and the monthly washing thing does not work for everyone. i did it till i was 15 and nothing. bumped it up to once a week and still nothing. the only thing that worked for me is biweekly washing followed by deep conditioners. to be fair i never used conditioners regularly before i started my hair journey.

 

[lana]

I changed my mind, back to biweekly washings, because going for one month or longer gives me itchy scalp. I just defeated itchy scalp. I had to remind myself I care more for hair health than I do about length.

Length will come in time. Plus I like clean hair. (laughs)

 

[caribeandiva]

I changed my mind, back to biweekly washings, because going for one month or longer gives me itchy scalp. I just defeated itchy scalp. I had to remind myself I care more for hair health than I do about length.

Length will come in time. Plus I like clean hair. (laughs)

i agree with everything you just said. i hate itchy scalp and love clean hair

 

[Shea]

I guess it is different for some people. When I used to wear sew in I only washed my hair once a month and do progresserplexed

 

[GoGoChik]

It's the low manipulation and the constant moisture (grease). When I had midback hair, all my mom did was finger comb, braid and grease my hair. I got my hair washed twice a month.

As soon as I grow my hair out a little more, I will go back to washing less and keeping my hair super oily.

 

[Crissi]

It's the low manipulation and the constant moisture (grease). When I had midback hair, all my mom did was finger comb, braid and grease my hair. I got my hair washed twice a month.

As soon as a grow my hair out a little more, I will go back to washing less and keeping my hair super oily.

Im doing something along those lines, once is plaitable, it will get washed... when it gets washed - mean time its me and my sof n sheen nothing else, i barely washed myhair in weavesbut got killer growth

 

[FAMUDva]

Her hair is almost waist length and she does nothing!!!! It is strong and beautiful and she eats like a pig, does not exercise, does not take vitamins. What gives?

I asked her the secret and she said washes her hair like once every 3 weeks and she uses GREASE!!! I told her I wash my hair everyday and she laughed and said that's why my hair isn't growing long. My hair is beyond shoulder length but compared to hers, I might as well be bald.

She told me dirt makes hair grow and I told her how ridiculous that statement was, but she just looked at me like the proof was in the pudding. I couldn't even say anything because she has some of the longest healthiest hair I have seen on a black woman.

She told me to give her way a try for a few months and I'm tempted to not wash my hair and to put grease in it.

I have a friend like this too! She has 3c/4a hair and she shampoos every 2-3 weeks, used to be once a month when she was transitioning and getting press and curls. She has beautiful EVEN BSL hair that is thick as ever! Her mom doesn't have long hair, but she does. I tell her some of the stuff I hear on LHCF, and she thinks some of it is a joke. She just started eating health after she had a baby, but her hair was like it is now BEFORE she was preggers.

I know what people like her show, is that LESS is more... She doesn't fret over her hair, but she doesn't mistreat it either. I shampoo once a week, but I know the longer it gets, I plan to minimize to 2X a month or as needed.

 

[CAPlush]

I agree, it's probably low manipulation and good hair growing genes. You probably won't catch your friend doing destructive things, like raking a fine tooth comb or brushing every day.

 

[Sweet_Ambrosia]

One word~~> Genetics!

 

[FAMUDva]

I agree with Candiss. It's not the dirt that's making her hair "grow"...I'd venture to guess that the two of you grow hair at the same rate. She probably retains more of it because of LACK OF MANIPULATION. Many of us underestimate the power of leaving our hair alone.

Sometimes, less is more.

{DI}

EXACTLY! As a professional DNA girl (it's my job), y'all are giving genetics more credit than you should... Sure genetics have to do with texture, strength, thickness, etc, but most of us (exception with alopcia, and other genetic disorders) have the genetic make up to have long hair! It's what we do to it that prevents it from maintaining length or growing faster.

Leaving it alone is the way to go! Every one of my friends with long hair don't prescribe to the methods described on these boards. They really just leave their hair alone. My step mom has always had BSL- midback length hair, and just got her first relaxer about 2-3 years ago. Before that she was press and curl and did few shampoos because she wanted her press to last longer. It's no secret that low manipulation will help you retain hair. My hair actually got worse when I first came to LHCF because I was trying to do all the CW, daily washes, etc. I found it was too much for me and I have thick, coarse hair. Go figure.

I say stick with what works for you... If genetics were the only key, then many more of us (AA women) would and should have long hair. JMO.

 

[Vshanell]

I don't think it's all genetics and it's definitely not dirt. More than likely it's the lack of manipulation from infrequent washing. A concept in which I strongly beleive in (I'm a bi-weekly washer). She must be doing something right because even if it's in her genetics to have long hair, un-healthy hair does not grow to waist-length genetics or not. Sometimes in the hair game.......less is more.

 

[Vshanell]

EXACTLY! As a professional DNA girl (it's my job), y'all are giving genetics more credit than you should... Sure genetics have to do with texture, strength, thickness, etc, but most of us (exception with alopcia, and other genetic disorders) have the genetic make up to have long hair! It's what we do to it that prevents it from maintaining length or growing faster.

Leaving it alone is the way to go! Every one of my friends with long hair don't prescribe to the methods described on these boards. They really just leave their hair alone. My step mom has always had BSL- midback length hair, and just got her first relaxer about 2-3 years ago. Before that she was press and curl and did few shampoos because she wanted her press to last longer. It's no secret that low manipulation will help you retain hair. My hair actually got worse when I first came to LHCF because I was trying to do all the CW, daily washes, etc. I found it was too much for me and I have thick, coarse hair. Go figure.

I say stick with what works for you... If genetics were the only key, then many more of us (AA women) would and should have long hair. JMO.

I agree.

I think I tried to do to much when I first found hair boards as well. Even if I step up to washing weekly my hair suffers. I was just thinking today that my hair was possibly longer before I found hair boards, although it was much more damaged.

 

[FlowerHair]

Yes, less is definately more when it comes to hair!
Leave your hair alone and it will grow. No need for it to be dirty though.

 

[Candiss]

I wonder why so many of us just can not accept the fact there you can have long hair and do absolutely nothing to obtain it. There are women all over the world who are poor, don't get enough to eat who have long hair. I just think the emphasis has to be own doing things for you that are sensible to aid in your growth and not to waste your time own the "secret" so and so must have to get hair long. But if people want to walk around not washing their hair then I guess I'll just wait see how many of them have reached their hair goals in a year. Then I'll stop washing too

 

[Poohbear]

I agree with FAMUDva and Pokahontas!!!

 

[beyondcute]

My whole family is a testimony of this. We wash our hair when we feel like it (usually every 2 weeks to a month) and it still grows. My hair is naturally thick and resistant so I think that alot of it has to do with genetics. Our hair can take alot of abuse and still keep growing and not breaking.

 

[Candy_C]

i got my hair to brastrap length using grease on the ends...but now i dont need it, i use oil instead....

grease n oil is the same ting to me....its all good.....

well i can see why her hair is so long...

she probabley only deals with it every 3 weeks...no manipulation, and i bet she doesnt trim much either...plus she is blessed to say her hair is that thick. she jus lucky mayn!

 

[SpiritJunkie]

i learned everybodys hair is just different (as noted previously)

both my kids hair grows like crazy...and mine..not so much. one daughters (3c/4a) was a little past shoulders with bangs last spring and now her bangs are past her chin and mid back.

my other daughter (3c/4b) is natural and her hair grows like weed. she does nothing i tell ya!!

what about me?????

 

[itismehmmkay]

I wonder why so many of us just can not accept the fact there you can have long hair and do absolutely nothing to obtain it. There are women all over the world who are poor, don't get enough to eat who have long hair. I just think the emphasis has to be own doing things for you that are sensible to aid in your growth and not to waste your time own the "secret" so and so must have to get hair long. But if people want to walk around not washing their hair then I guess I'll just wait see how many of them have reached their hair goals in a year. Then I'll stop washing too

That sounds like a challenge. You're on, girly!

 

[Candy_C]

i'm up for not washing my hair for a month? anyone?

 

[gradygirl]

I decided to go back to washing every other week. I stopped doing this when I joined the hair board because I thought more frequent washings would mean more growth but if you're losing most of it on wash days like I do then whats the point. My hair is texlaxed so I have to deal with more tangles so I know this is going to be the best thing for me.

 

[Shariracquel]

It really is Genetics, because my mothers hair is the same way. Its not long because she cuts every 2 months or so because she likes the short layered look. But her hair is beautiful. Some people at her job used to think her hair was a wig because it is so thick and shiny and bouncy, and a lot of her friends compare her hair to dominicans and some even say its like white hair cause its so bouncy. But its gorgeous and it grows like weeds as well, and she does not wrap it at all, she goes to sleep with her hair just the way it is and wakes up and curls it in the morning. Most times she really doesn't even have to curl it, if she wanted too, she could just wake up and brush it. I did a roller set for my mother just yesterday, and trust me its her first roller set in almost 7 months.

I live with her, and I still wonder what does she do differently. Of course my hair looks like my moms sometimes but it'll never be exactly like hers.

 

[mshoney2u]

EXACTLY! As a professional DNA girl (it's my job), y'all are giving genetics more credit than you should... Sure genetics have to do with texture, strength, thickness, etc, but most of us (exception with alopcia, and other genetic disorders) have the genetic make up to have long hair! It's what we do to it that prevents it from maintaining length or growing faster.

Leaving it alone is the way to go! Every one of my friends with long hair don't prescribe to the methods described on these boards. They really just leave their hair alone. My step mom has always had BSL- midback length hair, and just got her first relaxer about 2-3 years ago. Before that she was press and curl and did few shampoos because she wanted her press to last longer. It's no secret that low manipulation will help you retain hair. My hair actually got worse when I first came to LHCF because I was trying to do all the CW, daily washes, etc. I found it was too much for me and I have thick, coarse hair. Go figure.

I say stick with what works for you... If genetics were the only key, then many more of us (AA women) would and should have long hair. JMO.

ITA my auntie doesnt really mess with her hair she washes it like once a month and keep it in a braid. Her braid is passed her butt. The rest of my auntie who go to stylist and wash once a week have shoulder lenght at best

 

[ms-tyler]

My opinion of the whole hair growing senario is that we focus to much on our hair growing. The energy that we put into the universe has a direct effect on our lives. Not just hair wise but in many other ways. We get anxious and impatient with our hair. If we focus on other things in our lives and stop putting so much emphasis on our hair. It will definetly grow. I chose to stop lurking the hair boards for the past few months and I feel more relaxed. I kept watching my hair. I put so much energy into growing my hair, that I became tired and fustrated. Now I don't even trip. I do more activities to keep my mind focused and motivated on the bigger picture, living life and enjoying each moment. And I stopped using all these products and vitamins. Instead I eat balanced meals and get more exrcise.

Maybe that's why people in poor countries grow hair so long..They have other things to concentrate on.

Bless all of you..

 

[cocoberry10]

So not fair. She does not have what is considered by some to be "good hair" so to speak. She has thick course AA hair which is why it is so beautiful. Each strand is thick, lustrous and shiny. I asked her if her mother, sister or father had hair like that and she said no which is why I am tempted to try the "dirty" method. But instead of grease (since I now know better), I will use my mixture of MTG, Jamaican black castor oil, and essential oils.

I doubt that I will be able to stick to it because I like clean hair.

I agree with other posters that it's probably genetics. If you have certain genetics, hair texture and how you care for hair probably have less to do with the length than simply your genes. I think that it's a myth that hair texture alone determines the length, if you have really strong hair. There are people with type 1 or 2 hair that doesn't grow very long either, because the actual strands are weak. Haven't you seen white/non-Black women with really thin, limp, lifeless hair? That's what I mean.

 

[Plenty]

I think we should start a Wash Your Hair Every Two Weeks challenge. I was going to wash my hair tomorrow but if I wait until the 18th it'll make two weeks. That's what my momma did when I was a kid and I had very thick hair. I'm not sure about grease, though. I did love me some Blue Magic Coconut Oil grease. I might incorporate that into my ends oiling routine.

I grew my hair long doing this.

I will join the 'don't wash your hair for 2 weeks challenge' if you start it. I know we can but ACV/tea tree oil on our scalp to keep it clean and healthy.

 

[hopeful]

My opinion of the whole hair growing senario is that we focus to much on our hair growing. The energy that we put into the universe has a direct effect on our lives. Not just hair wise but in many other ways. We get anxious and impatient with our hair. If we focus on other things in our lives and stop putting so much emphasis on our hair. It will definetly grow. I chose to stop lurking the hair boards for the past few months and I feel more relaxed. I kept watching my hair. I put so much energy into growing my hair, that I became tired and fustrated. Now I don't even trip. I do more activities to keep my mind focused and motivated on the bigger picture, living life and enjoying each moment. And I stopped using all these products and vitamins. Instead I eat balanced meals and get more exrcise.

Maybe that's why people in poor countries grow hair so long..They have other things to concentrate on.

Bless all of you..

I totally agree with everything you said. And bless you too.

 

[Wildchild453]

I've taken it before and gained 2 inches extra. I think it's the natural oils that condition the roots of your hair and encourage growth, not to mention low manipulation (if any at all).

This got me thinking. That maybe because of the infrequent washing the natural oils have the chance to travel down the hair shaft and protect them. Lending more moisture and making it stronger, also with the extra boost of grease. You might have some pretty fortified hair.

 

[determine3]

I have to agree with this.
Some people can grow nails without doing anything
Some people are naturally skinny and toned without doing anything
Some people have great teeth without doing anything
and Some people have long, thick healthy hair without doing anything.

I really think genetics has 80% -90% with how long our hair will grow and how healthy it will be.

ITA. My hair doesn't grow for nothing but my nails grow like weeds and i'm not into the whole nail thing. My tips are extemely white too and ppl are always asking me what I do and I do absolutely nothing!!!!

 

[Isis]

My opinion of the whole hair growing senario is that we focus to much on our hair growing. The energy that we put into the universe has a direct effect on our lives. Not just hair wise but in many other ways. We get anxious and impatient with our hair. If we focus on other things in our lives and stop putting so much emphasis on our hair. It will definetly grow. I chose to stop lurking the hair boards for the past few months and I feel more relaxed. I kept watching my hair. I put so much energy into growing my hair, that I became tired and fustrated. Now I don't even trip. I do more activities to keep my mind focused and motivated on the bigger picture, living life and enjoying each moment. And I stopped using all these products and vitamins. Instead I eat balanced meals and get more exrcise.

Maybe that's why people in poor countries grow hair so long..They have other things to concentrate on.

Bless all of you..

You make some very good points here.