If you’re like me, you’ve been scouring YouTube and the interwebs looking for the secrets of how to grow 4c hair to waist length.
You want to have long, luscious locks that flow down your back.
I get it. Me too.
Unfortunately, many of us with the 4c hair type struggle to grow our hair beyond our shoulders.
I’ve tried just about everything when it comes to growing my hair – from expensive products to natural remedies – and nothing has worked as well as I’d hoped.
Until now.
If you’ve been searching for how to grow 4c hair to waist length, look no further!
In this article, I’m sharing the top tips that have helped many finally achieve the long hair of their dreams.
Ready to learn how to grow waist-length 4c hair? Let’s get started!
How long does it take to grow an inch of 4c hair?
It typically takes about four to six weeks for an inch of 4c hair to grow.
The first step in growing 4c hair is understanding how your hair grows.
The average person’s hair grows about a quarter to half an inch per month.
However, this can vary depending on a number of factors, such as age, health, and genetics.
The foundation to understanding how to grow 4c hair to waist length is in understanding how hair grows first.
It typically takes about four to six weeks for an inch of 4c hair to grow.
The typical hair growth cycle has three phases:
– The anagen phase is the growth phase. This is when your hair follicles are actively growing new hair.
– The catagen phase is the transitional phase. This is when your hair follicles start to shrink and the growth of new hair slows down.
– The telogen phase is the resting phase. This is when your hair follicles are inactive and no new hair is growing.
The anagen phase is the longest of the three phases and can last anywhere from two to eight years.
The catagen and telogen phases are much shorter, lasting only a couple of weeks each.
The length of your hair depends on how long it spends in the anagen, or growth, phase. The longer your hair spends in this phase, the longer it will grow.
There are a few things that can influence how long your hair spends in the anagen phase:
– Age: Hair typically spends less time in the anagen phase as you age.
– Health: Poor health can cause hair to enter the telogen phase sooner.
– Genetics: Some people are simply genetically predisposed to have shorter or longer anagen phases.
If you want to grow your 4c hair to waist length, you’re looking at a timeline of around 2-3 years.
However, if you’re taking proper care of your hair, and using the right products, you may be able to see faster growth.
Length retention is key when it comes to growing long, healthy 4c hair.
It doesn’t help much if you have a healthy hair growth cycle but you can’t maintain hair length because the ends of the hair are constantly breaking due to split ends or other types of hair breakage.
Retaining length can be difficult for 4c hair types because our hair is naturally prone to dryness, tangles, and breakage.
Black African hair, or kinky hair, wants to break away all by its lonesome and this contributes heavily to the reason why it’s harder for us to reach (and maintain) long lengths.
Retaining length can be difficult for 4c hair types because our hair is naturally prone to dryness, tangles, and breakage.
The unique structure of afro hair, with all of its twists, turns, zigs, and zags, is also the main reason why so many of us struggle with length on this natural hair journey.
The good news is that there are several things you can do to help you achieve your long hair goals!
How can I grow my 4c hair to waist length naturally?
There are a number of things you can do to grow your 4c hair to waist length naturally:
Use protective styles
Protective styles are hairstyles that protect your ends from damage and help to retain length. Examples of protective styles include braids, twists, and updos.
Wigs and weaves, when done properly, can also help protect your hair from daily manipulation and potential damage.
Protective styling is a great way to grow your 4c hair because it allows your hair to rest from daily manipulation.
When your hair is in a protective style, you should only shampoo and condition your scalp, and avoid excessive handling of your hair.
How to grow 4c hair to waist length with protective styling is going to heavily depend on the type of protective styling you do.
Stay away from styles that will cause tension to your delicate strands and be sure to maintain your hair while protective styling.
Deep condition regularly
Deep conditioning is essential for 4c hair growth because it helps to keep your strands hydrated and moisturized.
When your hair is properly hydrated, it is less likely to break and more likely to retain length.
Aim to deep condition your hair at least once a week, using a quality conditioner and steamer.
A good deep conditioner will help to replenish moisture, reduce breakage, and add shine and softness to your hair.
Deep conditioning should be done at least once a week, but more frequently if your hair is particularly dry or damaged.
You can deep condition your hair by applying a deep conditioner to clean, damp hair and covering it with a shower cap or plastic bag.
When your hair is properly hydrated, it is less likely to break and more likely to retain length.
Allow the conditioner to penetrate your hair for 30 minutes to an hour before rinsing it out.
You can also deep condition your hair overnight by applying a generous amount of conditioner to clean, damp hair before going to bed.
Cover your hair with a satin scarf or bonnet, and rinse it out in the morning.
A leave-in conditioner can also help to keep your hair hydrated and protect it from damage.
Apply a leave-in conditioner to damp hair, and style as usual.
Be sure to use a quality leave-in conditioner that is not loaded with alcohols, which can dry out your hair.
Read more: What should I do after washing my natural hair?
Avoid heat damage
Heat damage is one of the biggest enemies of healthy hair growth. When possible, air dry your hair or use protective styling to avoid heat damage.
If you must use heat styling tools, be sure to use a heat protectant spray or cream, and keep the setting on low.
Also, avoid using heat styling tools on wet hair, as this can cause even more damage.
Trim your hair regularly
Many people think that trimming your hair will make it grow slower, but this is not the case.
In fact, trimming your hair regularly will help to get rid of damaged ends and promote healthy growth.
How often you should trim your hair depends on how fast your hair grows and how much damage it has.
If your hair grows quickly and is in good condition, you may only need to trim it every few months.
On the other hand, if your hair grows slowly or is damaged, you may need to trim it more frequently.
Regular trimming is important for 4c hair growth because it helps to get rid of split ends and damaged hair.
Damaged hair can break easily. Trim regularly to maintain length
Split ends can travel up the hair shaft and cause breakage, so it’s important to trim them off regularly.
Contrary to popular belief, you cannot repair split ends. The only way to get rid of them is to trim them off.
Aim to get a trim every 6-8 weeks, or as needed. The key to growing long, healthy hair is to be patient.
Hair grows an average of 1/2 inch per month, so it can take a while to see significant results.
Focus on taking care of your hair and maintaining healthy habits, and the length will come in time.
Use quality products
Using quality hair care products is important for all hair types, but it’s especially important when considering how to grow 4c hair to waist length.
Our sebum (natural oils) does not effectively coat our strands, so we rely on external products to keep our hair moisturized.
Look for products that contain natural oils and ingredients, and avoid those with harsh chemicals.
Look for products that are specifically designed for 4c hair, such as curl creams, leave-in conditioners, and deep conditioners.
Koily Naturals products are specifically formulated for dry type 4 hair
Avoid using products that contain alcohols, sulfates, or silicones, as these can dry out your hair and cause build-up.
In general, try to use fewer products on your hair to avoid weighing it down.
A good rule of thumb is to start with the lightest products and build up from there if needed.
For example, if you’re using a leave-in conditioner, you may not need to use a separate curl cream or oil.
4c hair is fragile and susceptible to breakage, making growing 4c hair to waist length challenging.
Be gentle with your hair when shampooing, conditioning, detangling, and styling to avoid damage.
Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle your hair in small sections, starting from the bottom and working your way up.
Treating your hair gently will help to prevent breakage and promote healthy growth.
Eat a healthy diet
Eating a healthy diet is important for overall health and wellness, but it’s also important for hair health.
Hair is made up of protein, so be sure to include plenty of protein-rich foods in your diet.
Good sources of protein include meats, poultry, fish, eggs, and beans.
In addition to protein, your hair needs other nutrients like zinc, iron, and biotin.
You can get these nutrients from foods like dark leafy greens, nuts and seeds, and whole grains.
A healthy diet is important for hair growth because it provides the nutrients that your hair needs to be strong and healthy.
Focus on including plenty of protein, iron, and other nutrients in your diet to support healthy hair growth.
Take Care of Your Scalp
Your scalp is the foundation for healthy hair, so it’s important to take care of it.
Massage your scalp with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush to stimulate blood flow.
This will help to promote hair growth.
Be sure to wash your scalp with a mild shampoo at least once a week to remove dirt, oil, and product build-up.
Exfoliating your scalp on a regular basis will also help to remove dead skin cells and promote hair growth.
Try using a scalp scrub or exfoliating brush a few times a week.
In addition to washing and exfoliating, be sure to protect your scalp from the sun. Wear a hat or scarf when you’re outdoors.
Taking care of your scalp is important for hair growth because a healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair.
Focus on keeping your scalp clean, exfoliated, and protected from the sun to promote hair growth.
What stops 4c hair from growing?
Not seeing growth, and/or length retention with 4c hair can be so discouraging.
There are a number of things that can stop 4c hair from growing:
Damage
Damage from heat styling, chemicals, or excessive brushing can all lead to breakage and stunt hair growth.
Hair follicles can also become damaged, leading to slower hair growth.
Hair follicles are located at the base of the hair shaft, and they are responsible for producing new hair cells.
If your hair follicles are damaged, it can impact the health of your hair and slow down growth.
Hair follicles can also become damaged, leading to slower hair growth.
A healthy scalp is essential for hair growth.
A number of scalp conditions, such as dandruff, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis, can lead to inflammation and irritation that can also impact hair growth.
Product Buildup
Product buildup is another culprit to hair breakage and slow growth.
Buildup happens when products, such as oils, creams, and gels, are not properly removed from the hair.
This can lead to clogged pores and scalp irritation, both of which can impact hair growth.
Tight Hairstyles
Tight hairstyles can also cause breakage and lead to slow hair growth.
Tight hairstyles, such as ponytails, buns, and cornrows, can put unnecessary strain on the hair and lead to breakage.
Tension alopecia occurs when hair is pulled too tight causing hair loss.
If you want to grow your hair long and healthy, it’s important to avoid these things that can stop hair growth.
The best thing you can do for your hair is to focus on maintaining healthy habits and being patient.
Hair grows an average of 1/2 inch per month, so it can take some time to see significant results.
Focus on taking care of your hair, and the length will come in time.
Dehydration
Dehydration is a common issue for 4c hair types because our hair is often dry and brittle.
When the hair is dehydrated, it can become weak and susceptible to breakage.
This can lead to slow hair growth, or even stall it all together.
It’s important to keep your hair hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using products that contain moisture-rich ingredients.
Water is the best hydration. Make a goal to drink at least 8-8 oz. glasses of water daily.
Dryness
Dryness can cause your hair to become brittle and more susceptible to breakage. Be sure to hydrate your strands with a good conditioner and deep condition regularly.
If your hair is excessively dry, you may want to try a natural oil treatment or cream moisturizer.
Be sure to read your ingredients, though. Water should be the first one on the list when choosing a moisturizer.
Remember, oils do not moisturize your hair! They can only seal in the moisture that is already there.
Read more: 15 Most Effective Tips To Fix Dry, Brittle 4c Hair
Harsh chemicals
Harsh chemicals can damage the hair and lead to breakage. They can also strip the hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle.
When choosing hair care products, look for those that are free of harsh chemicals.
Products with natural ingredients are often the best for 4c hair.
Some good oils for 4c hair include coconut oil, olive oil, and avocado oil.
Avoid products with harsh chemicals such as sulfates, parabens, and formaldehyde.
Sulfates are a group of compounds that are commonly used in shampoo as a detergent.
They can strip the hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle.
Parabens are a group of compounds that are commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics and personal care products.
They can be absorbed through the skin and have been linked to health concerns such as cancer.
Read more: Natural Hair Care Myths Debunked: The Truth About Ingredients
Lack of nutrients
Hair needs certain nutrients, such as protein, to grow. A lack of these nutrients can lead to stunted hair growth.
As a vegetarian, I struggle with getting enough protein in my diet and my hair has definitely suffered as a result.
I’ve found that taking a protein supplement has helped to improve the health of my hair and promote growth.
I’ve tried many supplements and my favorite is Orgain Organic Protein. I find it to be tasty and has 21g of protein in each serving.
If you’re not getting enough protein in your diet, consider adding a protein supplement to help improve the health of your hair.
You can also get protein from foods like eggs, nuts, and beans.
Stress
Stress can impact hair growth in a number of ways. It can lead to inflammation, which can damage hair follicles and lead to slower growth.
Stress can also cause hair to enter into a resting phase known as telogen effluvium. In this phase, the hair follicle shrinks and the hair falls out.
While telogen effluvium is usually temporary, it can lead to hair loss and stall hair growth.
If you’re experiencing stress, there are a number of things you can do to manage it, such as exercise, meditation, and journaling.
Hormones
Hormonal imbalances can impact hair growth.
For example, an excess of testosterone can lead to hair loss, while a deficiency in thyroid hormones can lead to dry, brittle hair.
If you suspect that your hormone levels are out of balance, speak to your doctor. They can do a blood test to check your hormone levels and see if they are the cause of your hair growth issues.
Hair loss can also be a sign of a lack of nutrients.
If you’re experiencing hair loss, be sure to see a doctor to rule out any underlying health conditions.
How can I make my 4c hair grow faster?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to achieving longer hair. What works for one person may not work for another.
That said, here are a few tips that may help you to grow your hair faster:
– Use a good conditioner and deep condition regularly.
– Avoid heat styling and harsh chemicals.
– Eat a balanced diet and take supplements if needed.
-Increase blood flow to your scalp by regular exercise and by brushing your hair
As stated earlier, there are some factors dictating your personal hair growth that you won’t be able to change.
Define your hair goals around the things you can do something about like your diet, making sure you’re as healthy as possible, drinking enough water, and implementing a consistent hair care regimen.
Healthy hair growth starts from the inside out so focus on taking care of your body and your hair will thank you for it!
What oils are good for 4c hair growth?
There are a number of oils that are good for 4c hair growth, including:
Jamaican black castor oil
Jamaican black castor oil is a thick, viscous oil that is known for its ability to promote hair growth.
It is rich in fatty acids, which help to nourish and moisturize the hair.
Jamaican black castor oil can be used as a pre-poo treatment, added to conditioner, or used as a scalp massage oil.
Coconut oil
Coconut Oil is rich in fatty acids which is great for promoting hair growth.
Coconut oil is a lightweight oil that helps to hydrate and nourish your strands.
It is rich in fatty acids, which can help to improve the health of your hair and promote growth.
Coconut oil can be used as a pre-poo treatment, added to shampoo, or used as a leave-in conditioner.
Olive oil
Olive oil can be used as a pre-poo treatment, added to conditioner, or used as a scalp massage oil.
Olive oil is a rich, conditioning oil that helps to keep your hair healthy and strong.
It is packed with nutrients like vitamins A and E, which can help to improve the health of your hair and promote growth.
Olive oil can be used as a pre-poo treatment, added to conditioner, or used as a scalp massage oil.
There are a number of other oils that are good for 4c hair growth, including avocado oil, jojoba oil, and almond oil.
Experiment with different oils to see which ones work best for your hair.
What vitamins are good for 4c hair growth?
There are a number of vitamins that are good for 4c hair growth, including:
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is essential for the production of sebum, which helps to keep your scalp and hair hydrated.
A lack of vitamin A can lead to dry, brittle hair that is more susceptible to breakage.
You can get your daily dose of vitamin A from foods like sweet potatoes, carrots, dark leafy greens, and eggs.
Drink your veggies if you struggle to get them in your diet.
Vitamin B7 (biotin)
Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that is often touted for its hair growth benefits. It helps to create keratin, which is a key protein in hair.
A lack of biotin can lead to hair loss and brittle nails.
You can get your daily dose of biotin from foods like eggs, nuts, seeds, and salmon.
B-vitamins
B vitamins are essential for cell function and help the body convert food into energy to maintain healthy skin and hair.
B-vitamins are essential for cell growth and metabolism, both of which are important for healthy hair growth.
A lack of B-vitamins can lead to hair loss.
You can get your daily dose of B-vitamins from foods like leafy greens, lean meats, eggs, and legumes.
Vitamin C
You can get your daily dose of Vitamin C from foods like oranges, pineapple, strawberries, bell peppers and kale.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to protect your hair from damage and promote growth.
Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen, which helps to keep your hair strong.
A lack of vitamin C can lead to dry, brittle hair that is more susceptible to breakage.
You can get your daily dose of Vitamin C from foods like oranges, strawberries, bell peppers and kale.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps to regulate the growth of new hair follicles.
A lack of vitamin D can lead to hair loss. You can get your daily dose of vitamin D from foods like eggs, fatty fish, and fortified milk.
Milk Proteins and lipids strengthen hair, while calcium promotes hair growth and prevents hair loss.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is another antioxidant that helps to protect your hair from damage and promote growth.
It can also help to moisturize your scalp and hair.
You can get your daily dose of vitamin E from foods like sunflower seeds, almonds, and spinach.
“Vitamin E supports the scalp and gives your hair a strong base to grow from by reducing oxidative stress and preserving the protective lipid layer” (Healthline.com)
There are a number of other vitamins that are good for 4c hair growth, including vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron.
Talk to your doctor about which vitamins may be right for you.
How can I get more protein?
Protein is essential for healthy hair growth.
A lack of protein can lead to hair loss and brittle, dry hair.
You can get more protein by eating foods like chicken, fish, eggs, beans, and nuts.
You can also take a protein supplement if you feel like you’re not getting enough from your diet.
When should I see a doctor about my hair growth?
If you’re concerned about your hair growth, or if you are experiencing sudden or excessive hair loss, you should see a doctor.
Your doctor can help to determine the cause of your hair loss and recommend treatment options.
They may also be able to refer you to a dermatologist or other specialist.
Growing 4c hair to waist length is possible with the right care and patience. By following a healthy hair care routine and using the right products, you can achieve your hair goals.
Talk to your doctor about which vitamins and supplements may be right for you, and be sure to get enough protein in your diet to support healthy hair growth.
With a little time and effort, you can have the long, luscious 4c hair of your dreams!
In conclusion, growing 4c hair to waist length is possible, but it takes time, patience, and care.
Use these tips to help you along the way, and you’ll be well on your way to reaching your hair goals.
Until next time!
Your favorite Kurlie Gurlie,
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