The Truth About Why Your Hair Won't Grow Past a Certain Length & How to Fix It|

[@SeunOkimi]

I just uploaded a video about the role of race and genetics in hair growth! kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2Wnn6qfn5WKhbM

[@chocolatemochi9639]

Thank you!!

[@BirdieBlue5602]

Your name Seun, in my language means/is Son.

[@literallyleila728]

Your a hero to all girls

[@thomasasaije1884]

Seun so you are too Nigerian 🇳🇬. Beautiful to see🤗

[@Emoji-oq1gg]

Can your please help me i am balding , how do i grow back the hair

[@origKrazyK01]

I hate when people automatically assume that a Black woman with long hair is wearing a weave.

[@Acentra277]

Part of that is because black women do wear a lot of weave and most of the time a black woman has long straight hair she is wearing a wig or weave. Sure it's annoying as hell but we have kinda brought that stereotype on ourselves. Not to mention we are only recently learning what it is we have to do to grow and maintain our hair.

[@Acentra277]

@Heels, Tulle & Lipstick I don't know about you but when I grew up I was told water rot my hair...so in many ways things that we know now about our natural hair we didn't know before. And of course there are women who could grow their hair regardless but I rarely used to see that with women who had 4c hair like mine. Is it a horrible thing to wear a wig or weave of course not. I don't care what women choose to do with their hair but we need to stop acting shocked when people make these assumptions. When I see a black woman with long straight hair 9 times out of 10 it's not hers.

[@origKrazyK01]

Acentra, I disagree. White women in Hollywood were wearing wigs and weaves long before Black women. Plenty of non-Black women wear weaves and aren't negatively judged. Black women are judged harshly by Black people and non-Black people for just about everything. If we don't allow someone to disrespect us, we're a b!*ch. When non-Black women refuse to be disrespected, they're described as spicy, exciting, or spunky, but never a b!*ch. Also, Taking care of natural hair isn't new. What's new is the amount of people embracing the hair that they were born to have, and the amount of products marketed to Black women with natural hair.

[@origKrazyK01]

I agree Heels, Tulle, and Lipstick.

[@Acentra277]

@@origKrazyK01 That's because long straight blond hair can actually out of their scalp. It really isn't rocket science to understand why no one cares about white women wearing wigs that looks exactly like the hair texture underneath it. And FYI we aren't talking about Hollywood we're talking about everyday average women. The everyday average white woman doesn't wear a wig. Many may wear extensions but they are taken out at the end of the day and used only to compliment their hair not hide it. On the flip side the average everyday black women does wear wigs and weaves and braided extensions A LOT. With weaves and braids being worn for months at a time in some cases. And yeah hair care isn't new but proper hair care for our hair is.

[@lakeishag76]

this video just called me a bald headed heaux

[@30somethingg]

Box Shaped Beauty 😂😂😂

[@cyanoxicrose]

The way you spelled it 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@tiaraw2422]

😂🤣🤣

[@carolinelaronda4523]

😂😂😂😭😭😭

[@MissFaevyn]

Me too sis join the club 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@ToriUptown]

water, oil and braids is the secret!

[@and-xl2ey]

Muslims can’t do braids

[@yltnaillirb4438]

@@and-xl2ey Muslims can wear braids. However the braids have to be completely natural (only the hair that grows out of your scalp).

[@bibaolaitan5189]

@@yltnaillirb4438 am Muslim and I do that... it doesn't matter since your hair will still be covered.., Gor didn't restrict us from beautifying ourself...

[@bibaolaitan5189]

@@yltnaillirb4438 exactly...

[@cambelasben]

I will say cornrows

[@ayomikun3502]

Your hair is so BEAUTIFUL !!

[@SeunOkimi]

Thank you!!

[@chunli9199]

I know right 😍😍I’m so in love

[@jeswazwadi7049]

very and thank God she's dark , some people would have said well she is mixed duuuuh dark skinned girls can't have long hair

[@ayomikun3502]

@@jeswazwadi7049 that truee💯

[@StarseededChlo]

Literally

[@aalexis112]

Same happened to me , I was moisturizing and sealing once a week I then switched to 3-4 times a week and saw a big difference in length retention

[@SeunOkimi]

Yes! It’s actually crazy once you realize what’s happening and why

[@nikhefe16]

Are you relaxed/permed? And what is your curl pattern? I want to know if I can mimic your routine with my low po hair!

[@aalexis112]

Omo A. I’m relaxed my new growth is 4c

[@nikhefe16]

@@aalexis112 Ohhh okay I see

[@charmespearl262]

How do you do it, sis? Give us som tips! A year now my hair doesn’t grow! I went natural three years ago

[@sssssssss111]

Genetics help speed of growth, but not retention. Anyone that shaves their head bald today will have stubble in 3-4 days, so people need to stop thinking their hair doesn't grow. If your vagina can grow a beard so can your head dammit

[@Afrocreolebombshelle]

😂right

[@Jay_in_hill]

🤣🤣🤣

[@megandaniels3875]

Hilarious... I shave down there today got stubble the next day.. 🥺😟🥀

[@newperspective9233]

Well damn you talking facts👏🏽🤣

[@katelinmcmillan8998]

🤣

[@fakeapplestore4710]

1. Never Dry Detangle Your Hair

[@kevalicious611]

I use my fingers

[@lizlu3682]

Kay Bee same

[@trishl.3796]

Yes! My cousin taught me that and my hair grew so much

[@kayw1771]

That’s how my hair hit waist length. My sister on the other hand can’t keep the small tooth combs out of her dry hair and wonders why she has more hair her comb than on her head. She refuses to listen to me 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@sosopeople9157]

I didn’t know this...

[@Alice9NoBara]

I’m natural (4c) with waist length hair and the secret to growing long hair for me was simply keeping my ends moisturized and TWISTED. It prevented tangles and single strand knots and allowed my hair to grow super long. No special products or complicated hair routine need.

[@NinthJewel]

Alice9NoBara hey did u twist with extensions or just ur hair ?

[@Alice9NoBara]

My own hair! I make sure to use warm water (heat opens up the hair shaft allowing it to absorb moisture. Cold water does the opposite) with some shea butter (purchased from Walmart).

[@NinthJewel]

Alice9NoBara how long do u keep the twists in for

[@Alice9NoBara]

Esther Jewel Until wash day which is at least once every two weeks.

[@tiaratheawesome9462]

What do you put your hair to keep it moisturized when in the protective style?

[@abbie4123]

You guys are lucky to have plateau at bra or hip length my hair has stayed at neck length for the past 3 years🙄

[@Hollablackgirl93]

Me too 😭😭😭

[@khwezay]

Same 🤣

[@doThatGWalk]

@@Hollablackgirl93 take a good multivitamin. Garden of Life Wholefood Vitamin for women.

[@Hollablackgirl93]

@@doThatGWalk thanks! I'll try that.

[@SeunOkimi]

Aww, well I hope my tips help some!

[@PatriceOnPurpose]

Grew mine waist length by doing the least. Wash, deep condition via steam once a month and keep hair in 10 to 12 twists pulled into a pony . Set it and forget it

[@meinternally]

I love that- set it and forget it

[@PatriceOnPurpose]

@@meinternally yes queen, less is more sometimes

[@Godlywoman88]

Did you clip your ends?

[@PatriceOnPurpose]

@@Godlywoman88 when needed, yes

[@CMOEUVRE]

Hey! Do you only deep condition with steam once a month? Or do you wash just once a month as well?

[@vidaholmes]

Moisture helps a lot for me. Summer weather is good because I sweat. Yeap. Sweat...it grows

[@FitnessSweets]

vidaholmes More gym time for me.

[@SeunOkimi]

LOL, interesting

[@afro_markie2991]

Your scalp sweats too? So does mine especially when I wear mi bonnet at night lol.

[@t.bby619]

Sweat is salt...salt dries out your hair/skin and causes breakage as well...

[@k.oRocky]

vidaholmes it’s weird bc my hair won’t take well to ANY products. but as soon as it’s hot out, my head can’t stop being moist. It’s like I can’t win.

[@Anitarasaki]

I’m Nigerian too and people are always shocked by my hair length and thickness lol when they ask how I got it long and I start telling them all the work that goes into it 😂😂 they quickly lose interest 🤷🏽‍♀️ hey can’t get the length without the work.

[@chelseaa2769]

I'm Nigerian too sis but my hair is at shoulder length. I wanna surpass that. Any tips for a college student 🤣

[@zipporah9423]

@@chelseaa2769 I'm a lazy natural, meaning I don't do much styles, & manipulation. Once a week I wash my hair, deep condition. then for the rest of the week I do my typical low cute bun styling with moisturizer, water, & a comb, also a brush. Hair jewels & accessories make the style cute. I do put oil on my scalp 2x a week, bc my scalp doesn't get that dry. Once a month I do protein care treatment. Sometimes if im going to an event then I'll let my hair out, other than that my hair & ends is always tucked away. Which brings alot of growth bc the hair is left alone. key thing is not to tug hard on the hair, especially the ends, be gentle, I gain alot of length retention & little to no breakage.I never style with dry hair ever, it has to be damp or wet. I also trim when I need to, not every month. I hate wrapping my hair with a silk bonnet, so I just wrap my hair in a high bun at night & sleep on a silk pillow case instead. Especially bc you're a college student, & always busy, you'll be just fine being a lazy natural like me. literally this is easy, I never spend alot of time in the bathroom.

[@donellkriel4996]

What's your secret? Your hair looks healthy. I'm not afraid of maintenance.

[@chelseaa2769]

@@zipporah9423 thank you I'm definitely a college student and lazy plus we have a community bath so I dont always wanna be in there washing my shedding hair. I get so much in the shower it's crazy. I never tried a protein treat can you reccomend me some . Also do you use the loc method to moisturize??

[@SeunOkimi]

Its trueee! You get out what you put in!!

[@ariela_]

The secret is iron, zinc, folic acid and as weird as it sounds, massage your feet every night people, it brings the blood flow back to your head very important, people think vitamins and biotin fixes everything and though that helps you should really take care of your body on the inside. As boring as it sounds that’s the key to healthy hair growth, healthy skin etc

[@mochamist21]

I had to look it up. I'll try the foot massage routine.

[@deenadream]

Ariel i have iron deficiency

[@ariela_]

nicki nic there are a lot of iron supplements out there and foods that are rich in iron like meat or spinach

[@deenadream]

Ariel cool. I’ll definitely change the diet

[@adetomiakintitan4980]

Nah massage your scalp. It’s very effective I promise

[@JordanSvante]

Girl I thought you just had a wig that was LAID, your hair is beautiful.

[@SeunOkimi]

Hahha, thank you!!

[@christinap9771]

I wore box braids for 2 years. I got them re done every two months. I deep treated my hair and washed and conditioned my hair with my braids. Braids are great I’m telling you!!

[@alypop9710]

Jeez 2 years? How much length did u retain in the end?

[@SeunOkimi]

Exactly! Braids are amazing!

[@adeola1919]

how do you maintain ur braids and stop them from looking "nappy"

[@MsLovely4a]

I love when women help one another ❤ thank you. I'm in a hair phase now because I have a daughter so I want her hair healthy too

[@DanaeLaurenTolbert]

A healthy diet, drinking plenty of water, and EXTREME TLC aka moisturizing. I am natural at the moment. I do not straighten my hair. When I was relaxed, I did extreme TLC and it grew to hip length. I could be very long now (shrinkage) and seldom do wash-n-gos. I haven't straightened my hair in a while.

[@SeunOkimi]

Nice! Yes exactly

[@kateamankwaa2647]

What's TLC

[@DanaeLaurenTolbert]

@@kateamankwaa2647 Tender, love, and care: detangling, extreme moisturizing, and no heat.

[@kateamankwaa2647]

Tans

[@Mika-lz3bn]

Danaé Lauren Tolbert so no heat when I’m deep conditioning, bc that’s the only time I use heat and I’m still stuck pass my shoulders?!?

[@next-generationclinicalres652]

I hate that I have to protective style for long 😭 I want to enjoy my hair out

[@razz_tv1859]

Same

[@whitneyluvlife]

Me too!!like dang why I gota look all bummy with these old braids in my hair lol

[@sadinahrafael9700]

Not how fast the hair grows...its the rate of breakage. Our hair grows at the same rate

[@sorenadix6411]

Vegetable juice daily feeds the scalp with nutrients/vitamins. Potassium in veggies & Fermented rice water produces incredible growth. 💅 Our scalp is literally like earth/soil, & our hair stands are like grass.

[@tianavaughn2542]

I suggest anyone who gets stuck at Plateaus to try chebe along with a wig you can take off at night. Chebe retains your length while keeping it moisturized, grew my hair out hella

[@CedellaPopoTM]

What is chebe?

[@tianavaughn2542]

It sounds messy but it works, it’s a powder mix full of nutrients, you mix that with an oil of your choice and put the mixture in your hair and keep it braided until your next application. I would YT chebe powder you could learn a lot more.

[@lcmm2929]

@@CedellaPopoTM go to sahelcosmetics.com Its the best thing to happen to African/Afro textured hair

[@rena19872007]

I second that..chebe is the shit...guys am telling u..u won't regret it...

[@malyikaj]

I’ve seen the chebe powder for like a year now... been wondering if it actually works... do you keep it in for weeks with braids under a wig? What’s the best place to get it from?

[@Bunnypop_princess]

When my toddler hears the clicking sound at the begining of the video he tries mimicking the sound. So cute

[@SeunOkimi]

LOL

[@asemibase3697]

Ok KZbin damn I’ll watch

[@183Itsme]

Moniker Loniker 🤣🤣🤣

[@nickj4281]

Moniker Loniker that’s exactly how I feel with certain vids

[@y.s.k7169]

😂😂😂😂

[@AziuForevrYounqMayan]

😂😂😂

[@sierraxx9979]

😂

[@shanettequao9043]

It seems like I’ve been in this growth plateau for a while... shoulder length as well. It’s very annoying but I will overcome it

[@Neelamsy]

Me too. After an important breakage I regain my shoulder length back but even after watching many videos about the plateau I have no clue how to surpass it. Anyway keep it up on your journey.

[@Img519]

Shanette Quao I heard when our hair reaches shoulder length, it can tend to break off due to the ends rubbing against our shoulders and/or clothing. Keeping your hair in an updo style or protective styling more often might help.

[@nuninuninu5095]

New Breed is correct. When it gets to the shoulders that's when you have to go hard with protective styling by keeping it off your shoulders and clothing. It's difficult because many want to "enjoy" the length. That is the most crucial and most challenging length to get past.

[@SeunOkimi]

You will. You will. You will

[@kaylynboyd2035]

Tee McCurry this is very true. I was stuck for a while and now I’m just past armpit length because I got back into protective styling and doing the things I was doing when I first went natural.

[@SocialmediabridesHeidi]

Ive been watching hair videos for 10+ YEARS. Every video just regurgitates the same information over and over and over. Your video has provided me with NEW information that I never knew so educational and informative!! This is the best video on hair Ive watched in years! Thank so you much🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑

[@SeunOkimi]

Aww, that makes me so incredibly happy to know. Thank you!❤️❤️

[@RandaWise]

Also, what could cause hair to break is split ends. I find that keeping them ends trimmed prevents lots of breakage. Split ends weakens hair, hence causing breakage. So when you pull your hair close to the end, it will break off.

[@pine_pluto]

Besides your beautiful hair you chocolate skin is glowing honey🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@SeunOkimi]

Aw, thank you!!! Been trying to et my skin together this summer, lol

[@tammi67able]

TeEra Richards absolutely!

[@Downthehell]

💩💩💩💩💩

[@MsBeautytoons]

FINALLY someone explained the hair growth cycle and I understand it!!!! Thank you! 🙏🏾

[@SeunOkimi]

So happy to hear that!

[@ukdiva28]

In my opinion, successful hair growth starts w/patience & understanding your hair & it's needs. I have extremely thick, dense, frizzy hair. Using the following tips, my hair did a 180. Give them a try: 1. I never do my hair in a bad mood. 2. Protective style 100%. 3. ALWAYS use a leave in before I apply moisturiser & sealant. 4. NEVER detangle dry hair. I use a cheap conditioner (Queen Helene, Suave, any thick conditioner) all over my twists or WnG. Let it penetrate into my hair, THEN detangle. 5. I Only comb my hair in the water using a wide tooth comb. I then f/u w/a denman brush in the shower. That loosens all of my shed hair & massages my scalp. ALWAYS starting at my ends. If I feel like restyling my hair before washing my hair, I spritz hair w/avj, to soften the hair, then slowly comb thru hair, apply l/I, moisturiser, sealant, style. 6. Seal my ends w/castor oil or Dax....you read correctly, DAX! 7. When I wear twists, I greenhouse every other night. My hair grows like a weed w/this method. 8. Msm (I take capsules) extends the life cycle of hair strands. Google it.

[@SeunOkimi]

Yes!!

[@jasminjackson7159]

ukdiva28 #1 is very important. Wooo Chileee I have some stories

[@ukdiva28]

Jasmin Jackson Ha-Ha you too?! 😂 In the past I lost so much hair due to being in a bad mood, rushing, or just not wanting to do my hair, but doing it anyway. The results were disastrous.

[@mwordd]

what does it mean to "greenhouse"?

[@ukdiva28]

@@mwordd it's when you moisturize & seal your hair then put on a conditioning cap or plastic bag if your hair won't fit under a cap. I wear a headscarf AND sleeping bonnet, as I'm a wild sleeper. In the morning I take the cap off asap when I wake up. Your hair will be nice & damp. The scalp & hair steams over night due to your body heat. Just like a green house. 😁 I mist my hair w/avj (aloe vera juice) before moisturizing my hair. Hth

[@BarbieeXlove]

Yes, breakage is why we don’t see “growth”/length retention! I just made a video on this and how I was able to grow my hair to waist length. Great content!

[@ScottKS14]

I too experienced the plateau at shoulder length. Keeping my hair up and off my shoulders is what got me past shoulder length. Halo braids and banana clips. Even roller sets where it didn’t touch my shoulder.

[@SeunOkimi]

Yes, reducing that constant friction and doing protective styles is definitely a great way to reduce breakage overtime!

[@artemis2016]

I keep preaching about shoulder friction, and that that's the time when are hair need to be in updos, off the shoulder. It's fun having our hair down, but if we want to see length during that plateau, it's best to keep it up.

[@nikkilizzie1937]

iv been moisturizing my hair 2 times everyday with a mixture of water and leave in conditioner and spray it in my hair then seal it in with coconut oil, evoo and Jamaican black castor oil and iv seen a lot of new growth my hair used to be neck length for 2 years and in 2 months iv seen more growth than ever now its at armpit length! :)

[@SonyaOutThere]

I’m 39 years old, have hypothyroidism and I’ve given birth. I noticed my hair length is the same as it was a year ago and assumed my hair had just stopped growing until I saw this video. This means a lot to me.

[@Kloutkulture]

Trimming the ends helps. I used to trim like every 6 months but I haven't trimmed in over a year now. Your hair is beautiful. Nothing more beautiful than an Afro-American woman with long natural hair.

[@Deklectic]

This is a really good informative video I love this.. Another good tip for anyone no matter your texture or curl pattern is to pamper your scalp/ follicles so many people neglect keeping their scalps clean and will go months without cleansing their scalps and call it "tender headed" when its 90% of the time your scalp trying to tell you its not happy and its stressed and needs to be cleansed. We tend to normalize being " tender headed" but having a tender scalp is not a normal healthy sign and it will also hinder your hair growth and quality of the strands grown. A clean healthy scalp grows healthy strong hair. Listen to your body it speaks to us all the time but alot of times we disregard the signals.

[@minnieg6788]

What is the point of growing long hair if it's always covered up and In protective styles?

[@Kashara1986]

Because the protection is what keeps it growing . People don’t wear protective styles because their bald . They wear it to keep from applying heat to or breaking down their own hair and to be able to switch to an style at any time .

[@LaFlor718]

I can’t speak for everyone but I wear protective styles when I’m in the growing phase. My hair fell out from birth control and I could barely make a low ponytail and I did protective styles till shoulder length and then I wore it out. Until I wanted more. So then I went back to protective styles till armpit length, then back to protective styles till I hit bra strap length. Now I want waist length so I’m going back to my protective styles till I get there. I’ve seen a lot of other women do that and I think it’s because we are happy with the growth but start to want more length. I’m greedy for inches lol.

[@AmaraAyozie]

Great question

[@TheDaneyeledee]

For me personally, I don’t particularly care if people see my hair. My hair is for me. I love washing and taking care of my hair; it’s self care for me. I love running my hands through my hair. I don’t need compliment from other people and I don’t like people’s hands in my head, so I can care less about their opinions. If people think my hair is short because I wear a lot of braids and weave🤷🏾‍♀️ When people see my real hair, they compliment it all the time, but I don’t need that to feel good about myself.

[@jeweljoseph4835]

I use protective styles to grow my hair and now that it's grown I use my own hair.......sometimes I use the protective styles but mostly if im busy at that period of time or I want a short look with weave

[@octaviaarmstrong7551]

This video came on recommended page and I'm so impressed with how you broke down this information. Thank you. I'm currently on my healthy natural hair journey and I appreciate this video

[@SeunOkimi]

Aww, Thank you so much!

[@bilanmire449]

Try amla powder and neem powder mixed with oils to go past the Plato it saved my hair

[@vee3133]

Yesssss

[@theTruthAlone]

Bilan Mire how do you apply it? Do you rinse it off afterwards or leave it in?

[@vee3133]

@@theTruthAlone I mix the powders into my oils and oil my scalp with it or u can do a hot oil treatment.

[@fionaarmoo864]

*plateau*

[@theTruthAlone]

Vanessa Williams Thank you x

[@michellekalski8823]

I guess this is why people with dreadlocks grow so well. It's a protective style with no breakage since the hair is locked in on itself.

[@SeunOkimi]

Exactly!!

[@monica107023]

I found Seun and I’m currently binge watching her channel cause SHE GIVES THE TEA about black women being ABLE to grow long hair !!! She looks bomb and is authentic !!

[@AmberSumerall]

I think if you just keep your hands out of your hair, wash and condition it, deep condition and apply leave in and tie your hair in a scarf and go. Don’t do anything to your hair for a whole year, it will grow.

[@Alexis-ec9cl]

Yup

[@chrisbrandon9025]

This is very true, just think about how extremely long black peoples hair grows when we have locs. Theres little manipulation... so less breakage and more length. European hair is naturally oily and more flexable, our hair is naturally dry and more brittle so if we keep our hands out of it, it will be able to grow more bc of there will be less breakage. Makes perfect sense, I've been saying this for years.

[@snacksleep9991]

That is very true just leave it alone

[@ziolp]

Yep, also adding moisture to combat the brittleness.

[@sweetandyyy]

Yup true. My mom has locks and it’s down to her butt

[@scheff10]

I cannot get over how amazing, informative, and scientifically correct this video is. You are so beautiful and so smart. I thank you so much for really getting down to the details to help us understand hair growth! You are so amazing!

[@SeunOkimi]

You're so welcome!

[@imissyoubro1]

is it just me or is she saying there is alot to do to grow the hair,BUT shes not telling you what its is she did personally... that is the reason why I clicked on the video.

[@raesweety]

So basically, we all need to learn our hair and try something, be consistent, until stagnation, try something different, then repeat. We are all unique!! Thank you!!

[@SeunOkimi]

Exactly!

[@Theredheadguru]

Genetics don’t affect length just how fast the hair grows

[@theloverevolution_]

I love how you broke this down. Everyone once in a while I Come back to this video. This was the vid that made me believe I could break my shoulder length plateau. Happy to say I finally made it to armpit length! Thank you so much!

[@SeunOkimi]

That makes me so happy to know!

[@jazzzzz9740]

@theloverevolution_ what did you change?

[@theloverevolution_]

@@jazzzzz9740 follow her tips. Follow the other 4C natural girls. It’s too much too write. Follow them & take their advice.

[@billionairejordan204]

You are right! I remembered my hair was at a certain length and for the life of me it wont grow. But then i had on a full wig for months (which wasnt intentional, just couldn't afford to do my hair at that time) and when I finally got it straighten I was super shock!! My hair finally grew!! And now I BELIIEEVVVEE in protective hairstyles!!

[@SeunOkimi]

SO happy to hear that!!

[@Zarasha1]

Wow that means the hair can actually grow with wearing wigs.

[@ladyjm8134]

Im more focused on volume. I want my hair to be BIG like a round ball lol so length isnt a concern of mine but I understand why Black women want long hair. For length retention, my motto is "Set it and Leave it!" Ive been doing crochet faux locs for 2 to 3 months consistently for a year and now my hair grows like wildfire. I can barely keep my hair braided w/o at least an inch of new growth after a month! Never happened to me before! Healing my damage with protective styling has really helped. Black women, we dont have to do alot to make our hair grow. We just need to listen to hair and learn what it likes. Put your hair away for longer periods of time and youre good!

[@KISSwithNatty]

Yesssss!!!!!!! Say it again and again! Poor genetics getting (almost) all the blame for lack of discipline.. What about "listening to your hair" and "trial and error"? Naahhh, too much work. AIN'T NOBODY GOT TIME FOR THAT! So, genetics, it's your fault!

[@healthfullymine]

I have finally caught a break in my hair after trying to grow my hair for 7 years!! Get to know your hair and try rice water

[@SeunOkimi]

Nice!!

[@healthfullymine]

This stuff has helped me soo much. Check out healthfullyminellc.com for pre-mixed rice blend that helped me...

[@glorifiedperson9665]

this girls is speaking straight up facts i cut my hair some time in march an dit seriously did not grow because i wasn't really doin anything to it but now that i started oiling and protective styling my hair that ish is growing sooo fast like seriously its only been a month i went from armpit length to down my back and i haven't even straightened my hair yet to actually see its length

[@mbrowne8166]

Natural Moisturizer whipped avocado, honey, olive oil mixed for perfect moisture.

[@SeunOkimi]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@lovelydiva06]

My hair grew the most when I was constantly putting it in crochet braids, I loved crochet braids, I loved the way it looked I could keep it up for two months,, quickly style it and it was a protective where I didn’t have to mess with or manipulate my hair a lot, and my hair not only grew but thickened but then I made the mistake of not doing my usual routine of taking it down, detangling, washing, conditioning, deep conditioning, light trim, braid it and put the crochet hair right back and kept it moisturized while it was in and that worked for me but then I didn’t do that once and decided to put a hair dye on top of dirty hair I hadn’t washed yet after taking out the crochet hair after i detangled it and that the biggest and dumbest mistake I ever made, my hair broke off fail out whatever you wanna call it and really never recovered from that and I was so angry at myself, it grew back but not like how long the crochet braids had grew my hair which was quite long, the longest I ever seen it and what made it worse I had an allergic reaction to the dye that broke my skin out in a painful red rash, let’s just say after that I never dyed my hair again and I didn’t put the crochet back in after that and wasn’t able to really retain length, now my hair wasn’t short, like medium length but I wanted it to grow my hair long as long as possible just to see how long I could grow it but just wasn’t getting the results I wanted no matter what I did so I kinda gave up on growing long hair cause it’s frustrating not to mention the amount of money you spend on trying to try products you think will work to help it grow and at this point I’m so frustrated with my hair I just want to buzz cut it all off and start over to see what kind of results I get cause hair is pretty damaged from heat to I feel this is my only option to see where I can go from here

[@themitchells1838]

Locs have helped me to retain length - your strands are protected and retained when forming locs. I’m 9 years in and my locs are at my butt even after trimming 6 inches last year. chemical damage, a lack of moisture, and physical damage can slow growth but I haven’t plateaued yet. This is fascinating and helps me to understand my hair more. Great job and thanks so much for sharing

[@SeunOkimi]

Yes! Thank you so much!

[@yolondawhite2226]

What do you use on your locs to help it grow

[@outherewildinb2874]

In effect, healthy hair practices! My family also side eyes the time I spend on my hair (but they like the length though 😂). Have you tried low manipulation styles, like buns, wash and sets and redoing more regularly? I find my fine hair likes being reset more often. I also changed up my products to include more conditioning and humectants (BTMS, MSM, fatty alcohols, aloe etc) higher on the list.

[@SeunOkimi]

Seun • 1 second ago Exactly! LOL, its real, haha. Yes, I love low manipulation styles!

[@happyblkhippie]

What is btms?

[@lisespieces4136]

Please share what btsm is :) and you're using MSM (organic sulfer) as a moisterizing agent? I thought MSM was very drying to the hair strands, but I know it can be taken orally as a supplement to extend the anagen phase and used as a topical growth treatment but haven't heard of it being softening to the hair.

[@rachelmm05]

Great tips for getting my hair to grow past my current length. For me I admit I'm not as consistent in my hair care routine. I'm definitely ready to get past this level. Thanks again🙂

[@SeunOkimi]

SO happy to help!!

[@joannboyd8855]

Lack of blood flow

[@AuroraBoarder1]

For most of my life, my plateau was 3 - 4 inches (my hair is 4C). Currently, because I wear braided extensions, I have managed to grow it to 9 - 10 inches, down to my collar bone. I will wait a few years to see how much longer it will grow, then stop wearing braids and get a keratin treatment. Hopefully, I'll be able to retain the length!

[@SeunOkimi]

Nicee!! Yes, braids are everything!

[@fomenkykelly965]

it's been four years, how is it going🙂?

[@BernicePlayz]

hey how’s it going

[@luvbug7373]

This was so fabulous. When you look at your hair in the way you explain and show, it allows you to handle your hair care.

[@SeunOkimi]

Yes! Thank you!

[@ash2kewl]

This is spot on. It’s not that black hair don’t grow. It’s about retaining length. The biological make up of our hair is weak. If there was a product that strengthens our hair beyond breakage, would be great.

[@SeunOkimi]

Exactly!!!

[@OYah137]

Girl, I saw this video and I had to subscribe! I have NEVER had anyone explain the science behind my hair issues. I will be following everything you say to a T. Keep up the amazing work! Also, for your next plateau, have you considered the no-comb finger-only manipulation method? I heard it works amazing for natural hair.

[@SeunOkimi]

Thank you so much! No I haven't tried that!

[@teebree06]

This comment aged well lol

[@RAINE8122]

Exactly!!! Hair is always growing, it’s just breaking off faster than it is growing ... you’ll never experience length when this happens

[@harryskittyz]

I heat train and my hair is thriving... My hair likes heat.. but i guess everyones hair is different?

[@SeunOkimi]

Yes, everyone is different! Happy to hear you're hair is doing well! We got this!

[@snacksleep9991]

Yes when i was yiung my blowdryed hair would reach past my shoulders and my hair got used to heat but when i stopped using a blowdyer it was not growing. My hair koces blowdryesss😂😂🤷🏾‍♀️

[@snacksleep9991]

Do you straighten as part of your heat training

[@harryskittyz]

@@snacksleep9991 Yes I do.

[@yeldahsheladonai]

This is the best "why your hair won't grow" video I have EVER seen. Thank you! It made so much sense.

[@SeunOkimi]

Aww, thank you so much!!

[@joyslane117]

Trim condition & keep ya hair hydrated! Trimming is so important 💯

[@SeunOkimi]

Yes

[@SouthernBelleBEE]

Agreed but to be honest, I do nothin special with my natural hair. I had a blonde fro last year. Now I have a whole big Afro puff a year later with the blonde already cut off. I really think trimming helped a lot and great shampoos. Oh and I use peppermint oil 🤷🏽‍♀️ religiously

[@skylarbix7912]

@@SouthernBelleBEE Really!? Like just peppermint essential oils?

[@musiclover0445]

My hair went past the length it always stops at when I stopped using heat and started going to the gym and eating salmon almost every day

[@greattribulation3759]

Omega fats 😍

[@sapphirehaircare]

Learning a lot from these types of videos! :-) basically it's just taking care of your hair getting to know your hair not doing what everyone else is doing to their hair for your hair. I've learned that and I've noticed the change in my hair strands and the length of my hair as well. Thank you ever so kindly you have such beautiful hair God bless you💓🙏

[@SeunOkimi]

Exactly!! Thank you!! Glad you’re enjoying them☺️

[@foreword69]

Great video, I am stuck 5" from my goal "tailbone" length and this video has given me some ideas of how to get it there. Like you for years my hair was at armpit, this is awesome, thanks again😊✌🏾

[@SeunOkimi]

So happy to help!

[@skylarbix7912]

YaY! 5inches away from your tail bone, that is awesome, keep doing what you're doing 🤩

[@jediahmusic]

7:29 "You have to do something different in your routine." My plateau was shoulder length, and my strands are very thin so my hair breaks easily. My solution: I wore micro twists for one year. Wearing micro twists brought all of my tiny strands together making 1 "strong strand" that could withstand styling & manipulation. Result: I retained 6inches in one year, but 5 after a trim. Ladies if you have the patience try it, and feel free to ask me how I did it without locking up💕 #greatvideo

[@mandlakei3053]

how du do it?

[@jediahmusic]

@@mandlakei3053 read my response above

[@mopp0504]

My plateau is always waist length, I gave up and cut off 4 inches, it's retaining it's length and is "growing fast " now. Washing/conditioning every other day works for me with protective styles

[@skylarbix7912]

That is amazing! I wish I could see your hair!

[@MsLovely4a]

Also my daughter loves seeing her mom natural just like her. I really think it means more than we realize so I'm trying because fake hair was my best friend while working & going to school at the same time

[@afroretro_Selina]

Pre-poo with coconut oil for nearly a year and braids and twists for a year was a game changer for me

[@ichigo_.1080]

I feel like moisture protein balance is very important because lots of ppl overlook that and wonder why their hair is dry, brittle, and excessively sheds

[@MissNolver]

Finally someone who gets it 😊

[@aliciabrillante]

I love all the charts. The breakage our hair experiences from any and every way we treat it is beyond frustrating.

[@SeunOkimi]

Thank you!!

[@shaz2k5]

this is one of the only genuinely helpful hair growth videos i’ve ever seen. really well explained and useful!

[@SeunOkimi]

So happy to help!

[@nickywilson1898]

i tapped off and was working on another tab, when i tapped back on her hair was a whole other texture/style?.... uhmmm

[@colorharmony3385]

Put it in a protective style that u can wet daily and rinse every day it helps so much with growth

[@snacksleep9991]

I would reccomend twists not flat twist and braids so that yiu can moisturise rinse and even shampoo with it in

[@TommyTomTompkins]

She is gorgeous

[@SeunOkimi]

Aw, thank you!

[@TommyTomTompkins]

@@SeunOkimi you welcome

[@mimiking1000]

I've been growing my hair all my life and its never reached my chin let alone shoulder, the front barely reaches my eyebrows. Its never been long enough to tie back. Not even as a child... I guess I have bad hair all over my head. Do you think so peoples hair is just not genetically meant to grow?

[@tonia52966.]

Try rice water for a few weeks it works like crazy

[@SeunOkimi]

I might just have to try it!

[@skylarbix7912]

How do you make the rice water?

[@alwaysjalynn884]

@@skylarbix7912 get white rice I would prefer organic. Let it sit in water for about 1-2 days & u can use the water on your hair. It's an ancient remedy & it seems to work. You can search it up about anywhere💯 but don't feel discouraged if it doesn't work remember everyone's hair is different 😊

[@simonesimone1101]

Yes it's amazing

[@Olivia-if1nl]

@@alwaysjalynn884 No you have to boil the rice and use the water. Thats the original way

[@valeriesmith15]

Thank you, the first time I went natural, it took me 11 years to past my collar bone, then I cut it and I have been natural for 5 years, for two years I was stuck between collar bone and arm pit length. Since I have been massaging, spraying my hair and rice water, that has made a huge different, my sides are nearly armpit length, the back and middle is past armpit length. Now I am moisturising and oiling my scalp at least twice daily. I can see the vast improvements.

[@nikhefe16]

What do you spray your hair with?

[@SeunOkimi]

Yes! Happy for you! Its these small changes that make all the difference

[@valeriesmith15]

@@SeunOkimi So true.

[@jadahb4552]

Lmao I shaved off my hair on March 28th 2019, and I'm stuck, idk what to do?

[@aishab.1632]

Try massaging your scalp with oil every night or "pre pooying" your hair strands overnight with a thick oil like castor oil before washing your hair (worked wonders for me!)

[@zeppelin_7245]

That's my birthday, lol

[@elisabethbalde7774]

@@zeppelin_7245 happy birthday!!! Wish you all the best!

[@squid2400]

@@elisabethbalde7774 she meant March 28th 💀💀

[@elisabethbalde7774]

@@squid2400 loool really? Hahah

[@shawnnabrown9677]

My plateau is waist length... I need hip length! With shrinkage my hair is shoulder length 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@Yogawithadorah]

Shawnna Brown girl that’s good but you know we always want more lol

[@Belovelyava]

Sounds beautiful

[@SeunOkimi]

Thats great! Good luck with growing it even longer!

[@donnahicks2444]

I have been looking for your channel for 2 years! FINALLY

[@orselenadidi]

My hair is long too. I decided to leave it in two strands twists for a few months (I'm 2 months in) to cut down on those hard core detangling sessions that took my hair away everytime. I wash, condition and treat over my twists. I don't mind looking a like rasta woman. I occasionally gel my hairline to look sleek when necessary. I needed a break from detangling and getting stressed by those lengthy washdays. I will take the twists down in 2 months maybe. I'm really enjoying my peace of mind at the moment. It's magical !

[@SeunOkimi]

Nicee!

[@Niijiikali]

My hair simply grows by doing nothing to it . Keep it in a bun.. move the bun around..move the puff around...wear braids mostly cornrows leave your edges out and your hair will grow quicker than you think🤸🏽‍♂️

[@SeunOkimi]

Yes! Nice!

[@emileakinnagbe6452]

But if you work front desk in an office... you can’t get away with that... especially if your hair is not long enough to be in a bun...

[@publicfigurechyna7956]

My hair stops right before the place on my back where I strap my bra! The longest it’s ever been. Braids wigs no heat washing every 2-3 months was my trick

[@TatyanaEdgeworth]

I definitely need to film a hair growth routine now. It took me a while to pass my shoulders but now it’s super long!

[@marysophy3665]

When I was in High School my hair had the same length.... for years!!! While I was always doing cornrows on my head for school. But when I got to University, I started wearing weaves more often. That’s when my hair grew past my shoulders! I never understood why it had happened! I just had very long hair! And after watching your videos, now I understand. That’s because when I was in school, I used to stay with my cornrows for only a week. The whole year. when I got to Uni I was finally able to wear weaves and I kept them for 1,5 to 2 months... I think that’s why I saw major hair growth. But as I didn’t understand that, I stopped wearing weaves... and I went natural... the big chop✂️...

[@theimpartialboar]

Water, Oil (Natural Shine Butters), As I Am Butter cream (Leave In), and a silk bonnet Thats It. Protective styles help but it takes me forever to do em. Oh, and hot oil treatments. My hair has been moisturized for a couple days now I didn't have to do anything to my hair

[@theimpartialboar]

Trims here and there as well makes a BIG difference

[@angelmushahf]

Say what you want about hair extensions but it helped my hair grow. I think it's a great temporary option until our hair grows. One day these weave and hair extension companies are going to go out of business!

[@SeunOkimi]

Me too!

[@CandiestoftheLands]

angelmushahf you are right! It helped me gain soooo much length is a short amount of time. My sew-ins have saved me! Got a bob right now but my real hair reaches a little above bra strap length. When I take it down, I’m gonna feel like my hair grew TOOO much 😂

[@hauwamalcolm8271]

When you talk about leaving the hair alone, how often should we shampoo our hair?

[@SeunOkimi]

only when necessary, and when you feel like your scalp is just too dirty or your hair is starting to get too much product on it

[@DreamsOfReality888]

She is very smart, and did not even have to share this but because she did she is helping women like her to learn, and thats great.

[@ayanahmed5317]

Maybe try looking inwards to fix the new plateau, different foods and vitamins maybe

[@ankolegal1]

Omg your hair tho 😍😍😍

[@SeunOkimi]

❤️

[@hopefulonethird5521]

“Therefore the Lord will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will discover their secret parts.” Isaiah 3:17 The Most High placed a curse on the Israelite women because of our pride, so he took away a lot of the ability for our hair to grow. Notice when you wear weave you feel a new persona, and without it you feel lowly and humble

[@skylarbix7912]

Interesting!

[@MeMe-ht2hd]

I hate when ignorant non-blacks ask is that your hair because you are Afro heritage. They are so comfortable asking is it your hair? Why do you need to know? It's not like they are complimenting and saying, oh you have pretty hair. It's I need to know if it's your hair and then it's followed by nothing more.

[@CB-lv8bn]

Cutting hair in layers is the 'worst' thing I have ever done to my hair. The hair on the sides of my head (area above the ears & around temples) seem to not grow at all beyond chin length at best. And beyond chin length, the strands taper into nothingness.. because of layered cuts and mostly due to breakage I think ? I don't know. So I will stay away from layers & feathers & steps. Right now my hair is in a 'deep' V-shape (layered) and seems like they are taking eons to grow out. Once the v-point crosses my waist, i will hack off the V and get all the hair in one straight cut. Pouring biotin in all my hair products, hair-oil, shampoo and final black tea rinse AND keeping fingers crossed 😭

[@robyna777]

I have been almost 8 years natural and my hair is barely past me shoulders. It has grown, just not at the rate I want it to be. This helps, thanks!

[@SeunOkimi]

happy to help!