My Top 8 Tips For Length Retention
Over the two decades of my natural hair journey, I realized that I attempted learning more about hair growth than hair retention, and the truth is that hair retention may be just as important.
What is the point of learning all these tips for hair growth if you cannot see the growth at the end of the year?
After years of research, trial-and-error, reading and watching bloggers/vloggers I have discovered some tricks about length retention that I would like to share. Here are eight tips that I found most helpful in my own hair routine that has helped me retain length.
Tip 1: Have documentation
When I am in school, I keep a journal to show what I have learned about in classes and when a test comes up I use those notes for the test. So, I treat my hair routine the same way.
There are various ways you can document your length retention through a hair journal: photographs, writing down everything, online notepads and even a google document which can store everything. Some use Pinterest to find hair ideas and add them to a ‘hairstyle to try’ category.
I personally use a mixture of a physical journal and notepad/memo apps on my computer. After choosing whichever method works for you should keep track of all the products you are using, your current length, your length goals, and what your current routine is.
If you ever switch it up or you feel that your growth is stagnant, then make sure you record it. This method works for hair length retention because you will know exactly how to get to your goals.
Tip 2: Set a regimen
As I stated before, your hair journal will keep track of your regimen, but if your hair routine changes every week then you have no idea what is working for your hair growth or retention. A regimen is important because, in order to have hair growth and length retention, you must a set plan.
Your regimen should include:
- When you shampoo: every two weeks
- When you condition: every two weeks
- What styling products to use: water in a spray bottle, coconut oil, and curl hydrating creme
- What styles you wear: Updos, two-strand twists, Bantu-knot outs
- How you use each product: For instance LOC method product combinations that work for the Summer and a combnation that works for the Winter.
Sometimes a regimen can include hair masks, henna*, the use of hair dye, the use of heat and other things you do for your hair.
Tip 3: Do not manipulate your hair very often
This is a must if you want to have the best length retention. Try to stop changing your hair every day or wearing a hairstyle that needs a lot of attention.
Instead, settle for a long-term protective style likes crotchet braids, Kinky* twists, or Havana twists, or even faux locs. Or you can try a short term low maintenance styles like mini-twists, buns, two-strand twists and ponytails. Too much manipulation can cause friction which results in low growth retention.
Tip 4: Keep Ends Moisturized
The best way to keep your ends moisturized is to have a bottle of water to spray your ends with. Even though wet hair is said to be more fragile, dry hair can have friction against your blouse or other hair causing it to break.
You have to baby your ends because they are so much older than the other parts of hair and more fragile as well. Hair that is nourished with water and oil is healthier and stronger.
Tip 5: Trim Split ends
Do not leave rough ends untrimmed because you’re afraid your hair will not grow. Your hair will retain more length if it is taken care of so please do trim your hair either at the salon or yourself if you are able to do so.
A light trim every 3-4 months will rid your hair of any heat-damaged or split hairs. If you don’t have any heat damage, split or damaged ends then you can extend trims longer.
Tip 7: Use Gentle Hands
Be patient with your hair! I know it may take a little more time, but being gentle and coddling your hair like a baby is the best way to retain length. Ripping through your hair’s roots can cause major pain and breakage. Please use gentle hands when combing.
Tip 8: Scalp Massages
Pamper your scalp by using gentle hands to give your hair scalp massage. Rub some of your favorite oil onto your fingertips and massage your scalp for fifteen minutes. You can use essential oils*, but make sure to dilute them with other carrier oils*.
Scalp massages are great for hair growth more so than retention but if you get into the habit of pampering your hair and scalp you will be more inclined to be gentle with it.
What are your favorite length retention tips? Dish below!
