Why Does African American Hair Grow Slowly?

There's a widely held belief that continues to circulate in beauty salons, barber shops, and online forums alike - the idea that African American hair grows slower than other hair types. This realization can be frustrating as it leaves you feeling hopeless. You just want your hair to grow - so, why does African American hair grow slowly?

Not so fast - first, we need to find out if there is even truth to this belief. Does African American hair grow slow, or is it all in our heads? You’ve come to the right place. Allurium Beauty is your trusted source for taking care of natural black hair. As the waves of misinformation continue to flood the internet, it's time to set the record straight, dive deep into the science of hair growth, and debunk any myths along the way.

Below, we’ll address some of the most common questions related to the speed at which your hair grows - and towards the end, empower you with advice on making your dream hair a reality faster. 

So, join us as we traverse the world of hair biology, dispelling myths and breaking down facts, while providing you with actionable advice to foster the healthiest environment for your hair to thrive. Let’s not waste any time…does African American hair grow slow, or is this sentiment more fiction than fact?

Does African American Hair Grow Slow? 

The question of whether African American hair grows more slowly than other hair types is a contentious one that's often steeped in misunderstanding. To address this, we first need to understand what the average hair growth rate is. Then, we’ll be better equipped to address the question - how fast does African American hair grow compared to these other races?

Average Hair Growth Rates

On average, human hair grows approximately half an inch (about 1.27 cm) per month, which translates to around six inches per year. However, this can vary based on a number of factors including genetics, overall health, diet, and hair care practices. Some people might experience a faster growth rate, while others may find their hair growing more slowly.

Importantly, these averages apply to all hair types, regardless of ethnicity or hair texture. The hair growth cycle - which consists of the anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (resting) phases - is a universal feature of human biology.

So, Does African American Hair Grow Slow?

So, that being said, does African American hair grow slowly - or is this yet another hair misconception that we’ve all fallen victim to? Technically, the rate of hair growth for African Americans is the same as for individuals of other ethnic backgrounds. The notion that African American hair grows slower is a myth.

However, due to unique attributes of African American hair - including its coiled structure and proneness to dryness and breakage - it may seem as if the hair is growing more slowly. 

The coiled structure of African American hair can make it difficult for the hair's natural oils to travel from the scalp to the ends of the hair, which can lead to dryness and breakage. As a result, even though the hair is growing from the scalp at the same rate, retention of length can be a challenge, creating the illusion of slower growth. 

Why Does African American Hair Grow Slowly?

So, you now know that for the most part African American hair grows at the same rate as other races. That being said, why does African American hair grow slowly for some black people? Well, the answer to this is a bit complex, and it's crucial to note that it's not about the rate of hair growth, but rather about the retention of length.

Firstly, the very structure of African American hair is different from other types. It tends to be naturally drier due to its unique structure. The hair follicle of African American hair is elliptical, resulting in tightly coiled hair strands. This tight coiling makes it harder for the natural oils produced by the scalp to travel down the hair shaft, leading to dryness.

Secondly, this natural dryness combined with the tight coiling makes African American hair more susceptible to breakage. Each twist and turn in the hair strand is a potential point of weakness. Therefore, although the hair is growing at a regular rate from the scalp, it may seem like it's growing slowly because the ends are breaking off at a faster pace than new growth can replace.

Additionally, because the coiled nature of African American hair can make it seem shorter than it is, a phenomenon known as shrinkage, the growth might not be as readily visible. This gives the illusion of slower growth, while in reality, it's an optical illusion caused by the natural curl pattern.

Finally, external factors such as styling methods, the products used, and dietary habits can also affect the apparent growth rate of African American hair. Harsh chemical treatments, heat styling, or the use of products with sulfates and alcohols can lead to damage and breakage, slowing down the visible growth rate.

We encourage you to read our article on how black hair is different from white hair, as this resource covers more of the intricacies between our unique hair and other races. 

But, at this point, you probably want to figure out what increases hair growth and thickness for African Americans so you can try and overcome the slow, stagnant growth you’re so frustrated with. We’ve got some tips for you below…

How Can I Make My African American Hair Grow Faster?

When it comes to speeding up the timeline to your dream hair, there are so many different techniques you can use. Many individuals are turning to more natural methods, while others are leaning towards scientifically-developed products. In reality, the best approach is a combination of both. 

But don't worry, growing your African American hair faster isn’t as challenging as it might seem. We mentioned earlier you can trust us for all things African American hair, and below, we’re going to offer our advice on growing your hair faster…

Practice Good Hair Care Habits

The first step towards stimulating faster hair growth is to adopt and consistently practice good hair care habits. African American hair is delicate and requires careful handling. Here are some habits to keep in mind:

• Moisturize Regularly: Because of the unique structure of African American hair, it tends to be drier than other hair types. This can lead to brittleness and breakage. Regularly moisturizing your hair can help combat dryness and promote elasticity. Our breakdown on how to moisturize dry brittle African American hair can help you with this process. You can also learn how to treat dry scalp black hair in our blog.
• Minimize Heat and Chemical Treatments: Overuse of heat and harsh chemical treatments can cause significant damage to your hair, which can slow down growth. Try to keep heat styling and chemical treatments to a minimum. We have resources on curling hair without heat or straightening hair without heat, along with a guide on how to dye African American hair without damaging it. By following these tips, you won’t have to work as hard repairing damaged hair down the road!
• Gentle Handling: Detangle your hair gently, preferably when it's damp and with the aid of a detangling product. This can prevent unnecessary breakage.
• Wash Smarter: It sounds so simple, but practicing good hair-washing habits goes a long way in helping your hair reach its full potential. This comes down to the products you use and how often you give your scalp a scrub. That being said, read our guide on how to wash African American hair to learn how often to wash African American hair for growth and what ingredient in shampoo causes hair loss.   

Other ways you can help your hair reach its full potential include figuring out the best day to cut hair for growth, taking care of split ends, and applying all of the other African American hair growth secrets we discuss throughout our blog. But, perhaps the best way to transform the state of your hair is with a quality hair serum…

Invest in a Quality Hair Serum

A paramount step to accelerating hair growth is investing in a premium hair serum, specifically one that's tailored to cater to the unique needs of African American hair. That's where Allurium Hair Growth Serum comes into play.

Allurium Hair Growth Serum is an all-natural blend of ancient herbs and potent vitamins, like Bhringraj, Stinging Nettle, Peppermint, Mustard Seed, Basil, Argan Aloe, Garlic Seed, Onion Seed, Ginkgo Biloba, Black Tea, Neem, Calendula, Chamomile, Dandelion, Ginseng, Fenugreek, and Ginger Root Oil. 

This powerful concoction stimulates your hair follicles, encouraging new growth even in trouble areas. It’s been formulated particularly for women of color, and the results have been astounding. Many women, who have tried countless other products on the market without success, are finally seeing noticeable results, sometimes in as little as two weeks! 

Moreover, the serum is backed by a 90-day 100% money-back guarantee, so you don’t have to stress about results. You’ve got nothing to lose…so get the best hair growth products for African American women today and overcome slow, stagnant hair growth!

Assess Your Diet

What you put into your body also significantly affects your hair growth. Incorporate foods rich in proteins, vitamins A, C, D, and E, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are all essential for hair health and growth. Lean meats, fish, whole grains, avocados, fruits, and green leafy vegetables are all excellent additions to your diet. 

On the flip side, minimize intake of processed foods, alcohol, and high-sugar items, as they can hinder hair growth. You can learn more in our complete guide to the foods that promote hair growth. 

Be Patient

Last but not least, patience is key when it comes to hair growth. Hair growth is a slow process, and it's crucial to remember that consistency is key. It’s also important to remember that stress can stop hair growth - so if you’re freaking out about slow, stagnant growth, it will only make matters worse!

And remember - sometimes, your hair isn’t growing slow - it’s just falling out fast! That being said, you should learn about the difference between hair breakage vs new growth. This can help you determine if you have a problem and need to figure out how to treat hair loss in black women.

Final Thoughts on Why African American Hair Grows Slowly

So why does African American hair grow slowly - or at least appear to grow slowly? It comes down to the unique nature of your hair. 

Those tightly coiled strands don’t share their growth the same way straight or wavy strands do. Similarly, your hair is more susceptible to breakage because of its tightly coiled nature - meaning you’re going to need to take efforts to prevent hair loss for black women if you really want to empower your hair to reach its full potential.

Whether it's incorporating our revolutionary Allurium Hair Growth Serum, maintaining good hair care habits, eating a balanced diet, or patiently persevering, you hold the power to transform your hair growth journey.

So, what are you waiting for? Embrace the power of Allurium Hair Growth Serum today, and start reaping the benefits of healthier, faster-growing hair. After all, your journey to the hair of your dreams starts with a single click.