Ready to embark on a journey to longer, stronger & more fabulous curls? You're in the right place: We've got the inside scoop on how to supercharge your curl growth game. Whether you're dreaming of back-length ringlets or you just want to add a few extra inches, we've gathered seven game-changing secrets that will have your curls thriving in no time.
Long gone are the days of wondering how to grow out curly hair. Read on to learn more about curly hair growth cycles, essential nutrients your tresses need to thrive & top hair care practices for growing out curly hair—from nourishing your strands with the right products to embracing the magic of scalp massages.
1: Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle for Curly Hair
Learning how to grow curly hair begins with understanding how your hair grows. Whether you’re rocking tight coils or loose waves, understanding your growth cycle can help you nurture those beautiful strands. Here’s a closer look at the hair growth cycle for curly hair:
Phase 1: Anagen Phase
First up, we have the Anagen Phase—the growth stage. This is where the magic happens. For curly hair, this phase can last anywhere from two to six years. Your hair actively grows during this time. The longer you stay in the Anagen Phase, the longer your curls can get.
Fun fact: genetics play a big role here, so look to your parents to determine your growth phase length!
Phase 2: Catagen Phase
Next, we move to the Catagen Phase, a short transitional period that lasts about two weeks. Think of it as a mini-break for your hair follicles. During this time, hair growth slows down & the hair follicle shrinks. It's a natural part of the cycle, so no need to worry.
Phase 3: Telogen Phase
Then comes the Telogen Phase, also known as the resting phase. This lasts around three months. Your hair takes a short siesta, chilling out before the cycle starts again. During this phase, old hairs are pushed out as new ones begin to grow. It’s normal to shed some hair daily, so don’t fret if you see a few lingering hair strands in your brush.
Phase 4: Exogen Phase
Finally comes the Exogen Phase, when the old hair is released & new hair continues to grow. This phase is an extension of the resting phase & is completely natural.
2: Essential Nutrients for Promoting Curl Growth
Just like a plant needs water & sunlight, your curls need the right nutrients to thrive. Let’s dig into the essential ingredients that promote curly hair growth & keep your hair healthy & vibrant:
- Protein – First on the menu is protein. Your hair is made up of a protein called keratin, so it’s no surprise that protein is crucial for hair growth. To take advantage of protein’s hair-lengthening superpowers, incorporate protein-rich foods like eggs, lean meats & legumes into your diet.
- Omega-3 fatty acids – These healthy fats are the secret sauce for a hydrated scalp, nourished hair follicles, & shiny curls. You can find them in foods like salmon, walnuts & flaxseeds. Omega-3s can help nourish hair follicles, promoting strong & healthy growth.
- Vitamin A & C – These vitamins are a dynamic duo for hair health. Vitamin A helps regulate sebum production, the natural oil that keeps your scalp moisturized. You can find it in carrots, sweet potatoes & spinach. Meanwhile, vitamin C promotes collagen production, which strengthens hair strands.
- Iron – This mineral is vital for carrying oxygen to your hair follicles. Without enough iron, your hair can become weak & prone to shedding. Load up on iron-rich foods like leafy greens, red meat & lentils to keep your curls strong & full.
By nourishing yourself with these essential nutrients, you’re setting the stage for healthy, thriving curls. Go ahead: treat your body—& your hair—to the good stuff.
3: Top Hair Care Practices for Healthy Curly Hair Growth
Here are some top-notch hair care practices & curly hair growth tips to support strong & vibrant strands:
- Detangle carefully – When it comes to curl care, gentle detangling is a must. First, wet your hair & coat with a product like the PATTERN Detangling Nectar, then use the PATTERN Wide-Tooth Comb or your fingers to carefully separate the strands. This minimizes breakage & keeps your healthy curls intact. Remember, patience is key—treat your curls with the TLC they deserve.
- Embrace protective styles – Protective styles like braids, twists & buns are not only chic but also help protect your hair from damage. These styles reduce manipulation & shield your curls from environmental stressors, giving them a chance to grow healthy & strong.
- Stay on top of regular trims – Regular trims support the health—& growth—of your strands. It might seem counterintuitive, but trimming your hair every 8-12 weeks helps prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft. This keeps your curls looking fresh & healthy while encouraging growth.
To complete your hair care routine, don’t forget to sleep smart. Use a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction while you sleep. This helps prevent frizz & breakage, allowing your curls to stay silky smooth & defined.
4: How to Moisturize Curly Hair for Optimal Growth
Moisture is a lifeline for curly hair; keeping those curls hydrated optimizes growth. Quench your curls’ thirst by using hydrating products like the PATTERN Hydration Shampoo & Intensive Conditioner. Choose hair products packed with moisturizing ingredients like Glycerin, Jojoba Oil & Argan Oil.
Also, consider incorporating a leave-in conditioner, like the PATTERN Leave-In Conditioner, into your routine. After washing & conditioning your hair, apply a nourishing leave-in conditioner to damp curls. This provides an extra layer of hydration & helps lock in moisture throughout the day. Additionally, treat your curls to a deep conditioning mask once a week. Look for masks with ingredients like Honey, Avocado & Argan Oil.
For heavenly hydration, follow the LOC method: liquid, oil, cream. Start with a water-based leave-in conditioner (liquid), seal in moisture with a natural oil & finish with a curl-defining cream, such as the PATTERN Styling Cream.
5: Scalp Care Tips to Stimulate Hair Follicles
A healthy scalp promotes healthy hair growth. Check out these tips to keep your scalp in top shape & stimulate hair follicles:
Enjoy Scalp Massages
Regular scalp massages can boost blood flow to the hair follicles & stimulate hair growth—& they’re super relaxing, too. Use your fingertips to gently massage your scalp in circular motions for a few minutes each day.
Exfoliate Regularly
Just like your skin, your scalp can benefit from exfoliation. Exfoliate your scalp once a month for healthy strands & follicles. Use a scalp scrub or a mixture of sugar & your favorite oil to gently exfoliate & remove dead skin cells.
6: Incorporating Hair Masks to Nourish & Strengthen Curls
Gift your curls with a nourishing & strengthening spa day by using a hair mask like the PATTERN Treatment Hair Mask. Choose a hair mask that suits your curl type & needs, with ingredients like Coconut Oil, Shea Butter & Manuka Honey to hydrate & define your hair.
How to Use a Hair Mask: to get started, apply the mask to clean, damp hair. Distribute it evenly from roots to ends, focusing on areas that need extra attention. Use a wide-tooth comb to ensure even distribution. Leave the mask on for approximately 10–15 minutes.
For an extra boost, cover your hair with a shower cap & apply heat lightly using a hairdryer; this can help the ingredients penetrate deeper into the hair shaft. Rinse thoroughly with cool water to seal the hair cuticles & lock in moisture. Follow up with The PATTERN Hydration Shampoo & condition with the PATTERN Heavy Conditioner for healthy, happy curls.
7: Using Natural Oils to Enhance Curl Growth
Let's discuss one of nature's best-kept secrets for enhancing curl growth: natural oils. The right oils can help your curls dazzle & shine; we're here to shed light on how to make them work for you:
- Coconut Oil – This tropical treasure effortlessly penetrates the hair shaft & reduces protein loss, keeping your curls hydrated & strong. Use it as a pre-shampoo treatment or a leave-in conditioner for that extra moisture boost.
- Argan Oil – Rich in antioxidants & Vitamin E, Argan Oil minimizes frizz & adds a brilliant shine to your curls. Just a few drops of our Argan Oil Blend on damp or dry hair can enhance your curl definition & protect against damage.
- Jojoba Oil – Jojoba Oil closely resembles the natural oils produced by your scalp, making it an excellent choice for moisturizing & balancing the scalp. Use the PATTERN Jojoba Oil Blend as a scalp treatment or find it in your favorite conditioner.
By incorporating these natural oils into your hair care routine, you’ll achieve healthy, luscious curls that grow strong & beautiful.
Avoiding Common Mistakes That Hinder Curl Growth
Since we’re all about helping you achieve the curls of your dreams, let's take a look at some common curl growth pitfalls & how to dodge them.
Avoid Overwashing Your Curls
First up, over-washing. We get it—clean hair feels amazing. But overwashing can strip your curls of their natural oils, leaving them dry & brittle. Keep your curls hydrated & happy by spacing out your washes & embracing co-washing with a nourishing conditioner, like the PATTERN Medium Conditioner.
Maintain a Balanced Diet
Your hair reflects what you eat—always fuel your body with plenty of vitamins & minerals. Think leafy greens, nuts & fish rich in omega-3s to give your curls the nutrients they need to grow strong.
Prioritize Proper Sleep Care
Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. Tossing & turning on a cotton pillowcase can cause friction & breakage. Switch to a silk or satin pillowcase to keep your curls protected while you catch those Z’s.
Help Your Curls Grow Long & Strong with PATTERN
Growing curly hair that looks & feels healthy is all about embracing the right habits & showing your curls some serious love. At PATTERN, we believe that every curl has its own unique story—with the right care, yours can shine brighter than ever.
Remember, consistency is key. Stick to a routine that nourishes your hair from the inside out, but feel free to experiment with different hair care products & techniques to find what works best for you. Keep those curls hydrated, give your strands the nutrients they need & treat yourself to regular trims to keep split ends at bay.
For hair care products that support your growth goals, choose PATTERN. Browse our collections for hydration, length retention & more.
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