Natural Hair & Lifestyle

Do you deep condition your hair on every wash day? Or you use the regular conditioner to rinse out your hair?

Do you know that; When your scalp is clean you create a healthy environment for healthy hair growth?

Stop going months without washing your hair. Wash your hair 2-3 times a month and if your schedule is tight at least try and wash it once a month.

But never go months without washing your hair.

I love this upgraded version of African threading. What’s this style called?

How often should you wash your hair?

Once a week?
Once a month?
Thrice a year? 🤭

For me, I wash my hair every three weeks. There was a time I washed it every two weeks, but I later adjusted my wash-day routine to what works best for me.

The truth is, there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. Wash your hair when it needs to be washed. For some people, that's once a week; for others, it could be every two to four weeks. It all comes down to your lifestyle, scalp condition, activity level, and hair needs.

One thing you shouldn't neglect is cleansing your scalp. A clean scalp creates a healthier environment for your hair to thrive.

And for those of you that carry extensions in for three to six months without washing them... I'm honestly short of words 🥲

It might be time to readjust that routine.

What is length retention?

Length retention is your ability to keep the hair that has already grown from your scalp. Your hair may be growing every month, but if the ends keep breaking off at the same rate, you won't see any increase in length.

For example, if your hair grows ½ inch in a month but you lose ½ inch through breakage, your hair will appear to stay the same length.

How can you retain length?

Here are some ways to improve length retention:

1. Keep your hair moisturized – Dry hair is more prone to breakage.

2. Deep condition regularly – This helps improve hair strength and elasticity.

3. Detangle gently – Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb and always work in sections.

4. Protect your ends – Your ends are the oldest and most fragile part of your hair.

5. Reduce excessive heat – Frequent heat styling can weaken the hair shaft.

6. Wear protective styles when needed – Styles that minimize manipulation can help reduce breakage.

7. Sleep with a satin bonnet or pillowcase – This reduces friction and moisture loss.

8. Trim damaged ends when necessary – Split ends can travel up the hair shaft and cause more breakage.

Is length retention genetic?

Not entirely.

Genetics can influence factors such as:

Hair growth rate

Hair strand thickness

Hair density

Hair growth cycle length

However, length retention is largely influenced by hair care practices. Someone with average genetics but a good hair care routine may retain more length than someone with excellent genetics who experiences a lot of breakage.