Topic of the Day: "How do y'all grow your hair so long?"

I was asked this question recently by one the other parents in my oldest daughter's class in reference to her hair.  The question completely caught me off guard and I didn't really know how to answer it.

I just told her that I don't do much to it.  I keep it clean, we don't use a lot of heat and she doesn't have a relaxer...I told her that there is no secret I really just leave it alone

How would you answer that question?

Comments

[Lucky]

I would tell them that I learned which products to use and which ones to avoid, keep the hair and scalp clean, moisturize daily and keep the ends of the hair protected.

[Penelope]

Hello Ms LHDC.

I absolutely adore and appreciate your hair blog. Even though I don't agree with everything. I believe protein conditioners are very vital for black hair. It's the moisturizing treatment that follows after the conditioner. And protective styles aren't all that important. But you will never hear me telling that statement to another black woman. When I have BSL. hair that I wear up 80% of the time. So what do I know, you are never too old to learn LOL! I am 56 years old and I am learning every single day. YOU YOUNG PEOPLE TAUGHT ME HOW TO GROW MY HAIR AT AGE 52. More then disagreeing I have great love for your blog and will always be here. Keep up the Excellent work.
And we are never too old to have Beautiful hair. And oh did I mention my hair is type 4a and all natural. Friends thought I was a FOOL cutting off all my relaxed chin length hair 4 years ago. Now they don't want to believe it's all mine. And I work in a office doing secretarial work with mostly whites. Natural haired sisters are readily accepted.
I am glad I found your blog.

LHDC: Hi, Penelope!!! Thank you so much for your support and for reading! I certainly appreciate your feedback! I would love to see pictures of your hair if you have an online album! Keep up the great work, sis!!!

[Sera]

I usually tell a lot of people that there really is no secret. A lot of people seem to think since you have long hair, you must have discovered some long lost miracle hair growth cream or something (lol).

I usually just tell them it's all in how you handle your hair. Find out what works for your hair, treat it gently & keep it protected via protective styles (my fave is twists) & over time you will see the benefits.

LHDC: Hey, Sera!!!!! Thanks for stopping by, sis!!!

[Darling Cancerian]

When they ask me, I'm going to say "longhairdontcare.net"

[Tee]

My hair has gotten so much more healthier since I have left it alone. I have been experimenting with trying to keep the same bun atleast 2 days in a row. But I do feel alittle frustrated on the length. I think I am a slow grower.

LHDC: Hi, Tee!! I tried to leave the same bun in for 2 days recently, and that doesn't work for me. I keep my hands in my head way too much for that LOL and I'm so conditioned to come home and take that bun down almost as soon as I close the garage! Let me know how it works out for you!

And as far as being a slow grower...that's fine! My sister is a slow grower. She started off with like an inch of hair and it's now BSL. It took her a while to get there, but she's there. I keep encouraging her to post her progress pics on the blog, but she's not budged yet. Remember consistency is key and if taking pics every 3 months is discouraging, take them every 6 or every 9 or 12. The main thing is:

KEEP DOING WHAT YOU'RE DOING!!! and you will see results!

[ty]

I had a similar comment the other day when I let my daughter rock her hair in puff balls. The staff at her school and daycare kept saying wow! I didn't know she had that much hair. You keep it braided all the time. Exactly!!!! No heat, very gentle products, and I don't use products that clog her scalp or weigh her hair down. I keep it moisturized, protected and clean. Your answer was perfect. You don't do anything damaging to it.

LHDC: It really is funny that people think there is some "magic" to it...LOL I bet your daughter looke sooo cute!!! I LURVE puffs!