5 Secrets to Growing Thicker, Longer Natural Hair...Quickly!

After doing my 2nd Big Chop just 10 Months ago, my hair has grown SO much! There has been a huge difference in growth speed this time around, versus back when I did my 1st Big Chop back in 2011; and I have some key tips that truly work! With so much crazy information out there about gimmicky hair growth potions, and magical products...I'll share my top 5 SECRETS to achieving longer natural hair!

Secret #1) Protective Styles
Protective Styles have truly, without a doubt helped me with retaining as much length as possible. When it comes to protective styling, especially ones that are tension free, your hair has no choice but to just relax and grow. I didn't experience any thinning with protective styling because again, my protective styles are always tension free and allow my hair to "breathe;" so I've retained all my thickness.

My favorite protective styles are one of the two: Buns, or my Bebe Michelle Custom Units.

• With buns, I slick my hair back with gel into a bun, then wrap Marley Hair around my own hair so it's completely hidden. At night before bed, I take my bun down (to release tension) and redo in the morning. In the morning before gelling my hair, I lightly mist my hair with water, apply a light creamy leave in (moisturize) and apply extra virgin coconut oil (seal). 
• With Bebe Michelle Custom Units: my absolute favorite protective style, its even easier. My hair is usually braided down under my units. So, at night before bed, I take my unit off, lightly mist my braids with water (moisturize) and pat extra virgin coconut oil on top (seal). I then sleep with a satin bonnet. In the morning, I remove the bonnet, lightly smooth my edges with gel, put on a wig cap, throw the unit on, and go!

The great thing about protective styling with buns and Bebe Michelle Custom Units is:
1) Your ends are completely hidden from view (not vulnerable to constant manipulation and/or harsh weather conditions that can cause splitting and breakage)
2) You can still access your hair to moisturize and seal daily (hair stays hydrated)
3) You can change your look without the breakage or damage!

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Secret #2) Staying Hydrated
If your body is dehydrated; it is likely that your hair, skin and nails are dehydrated as well. Dry hair will consistently split and break. I like to drink as close to a gallon a day as possible. 4 standard sized water bottles a day is great to start.

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Secret #3) Cleanse and Condition
Staying consistent with keeping my hair clean and hydrated has helped as well. A healthy, clean scalp produces healthy hair; and moisturized, hydrated hair won't break as easily. My regimen is still the same.

Every week (Sunday) I:

• Cleanse with a sulfate free shampoo
• Deep condition under a hooded dryer for 30 minutes
• Moisturize and Seal

I then prep my hair by braiding it down for my Bebe Michelle Custom Unit or slick it up for my bun. Then I start all over the following Sunday.

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Secret #4) Eat Clean

Getting your vitamins right from the source is vital for not just healthy hair, but total body health! Making quick green smoothies in the morning to start my day helps SO much with energy boosting, and absolutely vibrant skin and hair.

Here is one of my favorite, super easy green smoothie recipes that you can try at home:

​1 1/2 Cup water
Heaping Handful Kale
Handful Spinach
Handful Cilantro
One Whole Mango
One Whole Pear
Slices of Ginger
Half Fresh Lemon Juice

​I don't really measure. I just eyeball, put it in the blender and blend until smooth!

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Secret #5) Acceptance
Honestly, ever since doing my second big chop, I've learned to just leave my hair alone; all while still taking care of it and keeping it hydrated. In between protective styles, when I'm letting my natural hair out for a few days, it's usually shrunken in a moisturized wash and go, or in a comfortable puff. I'm not forcing my hair to stay stretched all the time, nor am I constantly manipulating it to stay in the perfect twist out. I just let my hair do what it does naturally, and keep it protected.

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I hope this helped someone out there, struggling with length retention, or unsure about an effective healthy hair regimen. Tag a friend who needs help and be sure to subscribe to My Youtube Channel for more tips! 

Peace & Love
-Britany Michelle