How To Grow Natural Hair In Nigeria

Growing natural hair in Nigeria can be an exciting and rewarding journey. However, it often requires patience, dedication, and the right hair care practices. Natural hair has become a trend not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its cultural significance and the growing awareness of self-acceptance. In Nigeria, where the weather can be hot and humid, maintaining healthy natural hair can seem challenging, but with the right approach, you can grow long, healthy, and vibrant natural hair.

In this blog post, we'll guide you through the essential steps on how to grow natural hair in Nigeria, considering factors such as hair type, environmental conditions, and lifestyle habits.

1. Understand Your Hair Type

Before you begin the journey of growing your natural hair, it's important to understand your hair type. African hair types are generally classified as Type 4 (which includes 4A, 4B, and 4C), with each having its unique texture and curl pattern. Type 4 hair is known for being tightly coiled and prone to dryness, breakage, and shrinkage. Knowing your specific hair type can help you choose the right products and methods for caring for your natural hair.

Characteristics of Type 4 Hair:

• 4A Hair: Has defined S-shaped curls and is easier to retain moisture than 4B and 4C hair.
• 4B Hair: Has a Z-shaped pattern and can be prone to frizz and dryness.
• 4C Hair: The tightest curl pattern, with hair that can shrink up to 70% of its actual length, and requires more moisture to avoid breakage.

2. Develop a Consistent Hair Care Routine

To grow natural hair, it's important to establish a regular hair care routine that includes cleansing, conditioning, moisturizing, and protective styling. Developing a routine helps your hair stay healthy and manageable, which is key for length retention.

Essential Steps for a Natural Hair Care Routine:

• Cleansing: Wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo or a co-wash (conditioner wash) once every one to two weeks. Sulfate-free shampoos are gentler on the hair and scalp and won't strip your hair of its natural oils.
• Conditioning: Deep conditioning is a must for natural hair. Use a rich, moisturizing conditioner or a homemade DIY treatment such as avocado or banana masks to keep your hair soft and hydrated. Deep condition your hair every time you wash it to improve moisture retention.
• Moisturizing: Natural hair needs constant moisture, especially in Nigeria’s dry and dusty harmattan season. Apply a leave-in conditioner or moisturizer daily, followed by sealing the moisture with natural oils like coconut oil, shea butter, or castor oil. The LOC (Liquid, Oil, Cream) method is popular among natural hair enthusiasts for effectively sealing moisture.
• Detangling: Always detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers when it's damp and moisturized. This reduces breakage and helps maintain your hair length.
• Trimming: Trim your hair every 8 to 12 weeks to get rid of split ends and prevent breakage. Healthy ends are essential for retaining length.

3. Protective Styling for Length Retention

Protective styles are crucial in growing and maintaining natural hair, as they shield your ends from harsh environmental conditions and minimize manipulation, which can lead to breakage. In Nigeria, the weather—whether it's the harmattan season or the heat of the sun—can cause hair damage. Protective styles keep your hair safe from these elements.

Popular Protective Styles:

• Braids: Box braids, cornrows, and twists are widely used protective styles in Nigeria. Ensure that your braids are not too tight, as this can lead to tension alopecia (hair loss due to pulling).
• Wigs and Weaves: These styles allow you to give your natural hair a break while still looking stylish. Remember to care for your natural hair underneath by moisturizing and keeping it clean.
• Bantu Knots and Flat Twists: These are heatless styles that also stretch your hair while protecting the ends.

Make sure to give your hair a break between protective styles and moisturize your scalp regularly to prevent dryness.

4. Protect Your Hair at Night

One of the most common causes of breakage in natural hair is neglecting it at night. The friction between your hair and your cotton pillowcase can cause dryness and breakage. To avoid this, always protect your hair before bed.

Nighttime Hair Care Tips:

• Satin or Silk Bonnet: Wear a satin or silk bonnet or scarf to protect your hair from rubbing against your pillow.
• Satin Pillowcase: Alternatively, use a satin or silk pillowcase to reduce friction if you prefer not to wear a bonnet.
• Moisturize: Apply a light moisturizer or oil before bed to prevent your hair from drying out overnight.

5. Healthy Diet and Hydration

Healthy hair starts from within. If you want to grow strong and healthy hair, it’s essential to take care of your body by eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated. Your hair needs proper nutrients to grow, and the food you eat plays a significant role in your hair's health.

Hair-Boosting Foods:

• Protein: Hair is made of keratin, a type of protein. Ensure you’re consuming enough protein through foods like eggs, fish, beans, and lean meat.
• Biotin: Biotin (Vitamin B7) is known to promote hair growth. You can find biotin in foods like almonds, sweet potatoes, and spinach.
• Iron: Iron deficiency can lead to hair loss. Include iron-rich foods such as leafy greens, red meat, and legumes in your diet.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These help keep your hair hydrated. Include foods like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds in your diet.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep your hair hydrated from the inside out. Dry hair is more prone to breakage, so aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.

6. Avoid Heat and Harsh Chemicals

Heat styling tools such as flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers can damage natural hair if used too often. Similarly, chemical treatments like relaxers and texturizers can weaken your hair and lead to breakage.

Heat Styling Alternatives:

• Air-Drying: Instead of using a blow dryer, allow your hair to air dry after washing.
• Heatless Stretching: Use methods like braiding or banding to stretch your hair without heat.
• If You Must Use Heat: Always apply a heat protectant before using heat styling tools, and use the lowest heat setting possible.

7. Be Patient and Consistent

Growing natural hair takes time, especially when you’re trying to grow it long and healthy. One of the biggest mistakes many people make is expecting immediate results. Remember, hair growth is a gradual process, and it’s important to stay consistent with your hair care routine.

How to Stay Motivated:

• Document Your Journey: Take pictures of your hair progress over time. Comparing your current length to where you started can help you stay motivated.
• Join Natural Hair Communities: There are many natural hair communities online, such as on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, where people share their hair journeys, tips, and advice. Engaging with others on the same journey can offer encouragement and help you stay on track.
• Embrace Your Hair’s Unique Journey: Every individual’s hair grows at a different rate, so focus on maintaining healthy hair rather than comparing your hair growth to others.

Conclusion

Growing natural hair in Nigeria may require patience and diligence, but with the right routine, products, and techniques, it is completely achievable. From understanding your hair type and maintaining a healthy hair care routine to practicing protective styling and taking care of your diet, every step plays a vital role in the growth and health of your natural hair. With time, your hair will flourish, and you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty and versatility that natural hair offers.

Stay committed, be consistent, and most importantly, love your natural hair!