There’s something about thick hair that makes every woman want to drool. And women with thick hair want thicker hair. What kind of sick game is this? HA!

Well, let me tell you something. 🌱 Thick hair comes in two parts: the thickness of your individual hair strand (coarse or fine) and how many of those strands are on your head. (The number of strands on your head has to do with the number of hair follicles on your scalp.)

All of that is predestined by your DNA, so you cannot do anything to change the density of your strand or naturally add more follicles to your scalp. However, there are things you can do to strengthen your strands, clear clogged follicles and repair any damage to your scalp and hair to ensure that you’re maximizing the hair you’ve been given. 💯

Nourish Your Scalp and Hair Roots
A healthy scalp is the foundation for thick, beautiful hair. Incorporate regular scalp massages using natural oils. This stimulates blood flow to the hair follicles, promoting hair growth. My personal favorites have been oils that contain peppermint oil and tea tree oil. 😊 It tingles the scalp, but you have to do a patch test first just in case it irritates your skin. Additionally, use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners to avoid stripping your hair of essential oils.

Balance Nutrition for Hair Health
Your diet plays a significant role in hair growth. Ensure you’re getting a well-balanced intake of nutrients, including protein, vitamins (especially D and B vitamins), and minerals like iron and zinc. 💪🏾 These nutrients are essential for strong and vibrant hair. When the blood isn’t flowing like it’s supposed to throughout your body, your hair will be dry and brittle. Been there; done that.

Hydrate and Moisturize
African-American hair tends to be naturally dry, so it’s crucial to keep it well-hydrated. Regularly moisturize your hair with hydrating leave-in conditioners and deep conditioning treatments to maintain its elasticity and prevent breakage. 💧 I already have a whole post and plenty of videos about this. Remember, hydration refers to the internal layers of hair; while moisture applies to the outermost layer of the hair.

Handle Your Hair Gently
Handle your hair with care (like silk) to prevent damage and breakage. ✨ Use seamless wide-toothed combs or your fingers to detangle, starting from the tips and working your way up. Also, avoid excessive heat styling and tight hairstyles that can stress your hair shaft.

Protect Your Hair
Consider protective hairstyles like braids, twists, and buns that reduce manipulation and protect your hair from environmental stressors. ☀️ Just ensure that these styles aren’t too tight, as that can cause breakage. Also, don’t keep synthetic hair in your hair for too long because it can dry out your strands. I’ve been wearing two-strand twists since 2021. That’s how life has been for me. LOL! (If you know the craziness of 2020, you already know why.)

Trim Your Hair
I would say trim regularly, but “regularly” is subjective. I don’t have a strict 6-8 week schedule. However, I’m also always in a protective style. When I see raggedy ends, they’re getting snipped. ✂️ Getting trims may seem counterintuitive, but trims help maintain the health of your hair. Trimming split ends prevents them from traveling up the hair shaft and causing more significant damage.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Minimize the use of harsh chemicals and excessive hair dyes. Opt for natural or gentle alternatives that won’t weaken your hair’s structure. I used to be relaxed and texlaxed, so I’m not going to bash relaxers. ⚡️ Just know that you need to be careful with chemicals and make sure you know what you’re doing. HA!

Practice Patience and Consistency
Hair growth takes time, so be patient and consistent with your hair care routine. Track your progress and make adjustments as needed to cater to your hair’s unique needs. The average head will grow half an inch of hair every month. 🦋 Some more; some less. That’s why consistency and patience are your friends in this journey.

Manage Your Stress
Stress can have a detrimental impact on hair health. 😇 Engage in stress-reducing activities like meditation, yoga or regular exercise to maintain overall well-being, which will reflect in your hair’s vitality.

Consult a Professional
DIY is cute, but know when to go to the professionals. If you’re experiencing hair loss or thinning that isn’t responding to your efforts, consider consulting a dermatologist or trichologist who specializes in hair and scalp health. 🙂

Growing thicker, healthier hair is an empowering journey that requires patience, care and tailored attention to your unique hair type. Embrace the beauty and versatility of your African-American hair while implementing these strategies to enhance its thickness and vitality.

View the full video here.