Let’s be honest, growing natural hair can sometimes feel like watching paint dry. You’re doing all the right things (or at least trying to), but the inches just aren’t showing up like you hoped. Sound familiar?

Here’s the truth: your hair is growing, but growth isn’t just about what’s coming out of your scalp. It’s about how well you’re taking care of the hair that’s already there. If your strands are constantly dry, breaking, or shedding, it may feel like you’re not making any progress at all.

The good news is with the right hair care routine, consistency, and a little bit of patience, you can grow your natural hair longer, stronger, and healthier.

In this article, we’re sharing the top 10 expert-approved natural hair growth tips to help you retain length, strengthen your strands, and promote faster growth. Whether you’re transitioning, rocking a full afro, or somewhere in between, these tips will help you take your hair journey to the next level.

1. Keep Your Scalp Healthy and Clean

If you’re serious about growing natural hair, the first place to start isn’t your ends; it’s your scalp. Think of your scalp as the soil in a garden. If the soil isn’t nourished, it doesn’t matter how much you water the plants; they won’t thrive. The same goes for your hair.

An unhealthy scalp can lead to itching, flaking, product buildup, clogged follicles, and, worst of all, hair loss. But when your scalp is clean and well-nourished, your hair grows in stronger, healthier, and faster.

Here’s how to keep your scalp clean and growth-ready:

• Wash your scalp regularly (but gently):

Don’t wait until your scalp starts itching or flaking to wash it. Natural hair still needs cleansing, just the gentle kind. Use a sulfate-free shampoo like the Mara Cruiz Moisturizing Shampoo, specially formulated for Afro-textured hair. It deeply cleanses without stripping your scalp of its natural oils.

• Detox with a monthly scalp cleanse:

Once a month, give your scalp a deeper detox with a natural rinse. You can try a diluted apple cider vinegar rinse or use a gentle scalp scrub to lift dead skin cells and product buildup. This clears your hair follicles and helps new hair grow in stronger.

• Massage your scalp consistently:

This is one of the most underrated tips for natural hair growth. A 3–5 minute daily scalp massage with a lightweight oil like the Mara Cruiz Afro-Textured & Natural Hair Growth Stimulator Oil helps boost blood circulation, nourish your follicles, and encourage growth.

• Avoid heavy product buildup:

Be mindful of applying too many heavy oils, butters, and gels directly to your scalp. These can clog your pores over time and block hair growth. If you use styling products regularly, be sure to rinse your hair thoroughly and clarify as needed.

2. Moisturize Your Hair Frequently

If there’s one golden rule for growing natural hair, it’s this: moisture is everything. Afro-textured hair is naturally drier than other hair types because the oils produced by the scalp don’t travel down the coils easily. That’s why consistent moisture is key to length retention, softness, and preventing breakage.

– Dry hair = brittle hair.
– Brittle hair = breakage.
– Breakage = no visible growth.

So if you’re wondering why your hair isn’t “growing,” the truth might be that it’s breaking off just as fast as it grows.

Here’s how to keep your natural hair moisturized and thriving:

Understand your hair’s moisture needs:

Everyone’s hair is different. Some people need to moisturize every day, while others can go a few days without. The trick is to listen to your hair; if it feels dry, looks dull, or starts tangling easily, it’s time for a moisture boost.

– Use the LOC or LCO method (depending on what your hair loves):

These methods help lock in moisture for longer-lasting hydration.

• L – Liquid (water)
  
• O – Oil (like the Mara Cruiz Hair Growth Oil to seal in hydration)
  
• C – Cream (like the Mara Cruiz 2in1 Leave-In Conditioner for more hydration)
  

Some people prefer LCO—cream before oil. Try both and stick to what works best for your texture.

– Choose water-based moisturizers:

Check the ingredients list on your hair products. If water (aqua) isn’t one of the first ingredients, it probably won’t hydrate your hair well. Water is your hair’s best friend!

– Avoid moisture blockers:

Stay away from products with mineral oil, petrolatum, or heavy silicones. These coat the hair and prevent moisture from getting in.

Tip: Always seal your moisture with a nourishing oil. The Mara Cruiz Afro-Textured & Natural Hair Growth Oil is rich in nutrients and perfect for sealing in moisture without weighing your hair down.

3. Trim Split Ends Regularly

We know, trimming your hair while trying to grow it can feel like a contradiction. But here’s the truth: split ends will travel up your hair shaft if not trimmed, leading to breakage and damage that sets back your progress. If you want longer, healthier natural hair, regular trims are non-negotiable.

Why Split Ends Are So Dangerous for Natural Hair:

Afro-textured hair is more prone to dryness, tangling, and knots, especially at the ends. Once the ends of your strands split, the damage keeps creeping upward unless you cut it off. This leads to frizz, thinning, and breakage, even if your hair is growing from the root.

How to Know When It’s Time to Trim:

• Your ends look frizzy, even after moisturizing
  
• You experience single-strand knots (aka fairy knots)
  
• Detangling takes longer and feels rougher
  
• You notice more tangles and breakage at the ends
  
• Your twists or braids don’t look neat or hold well
  

How to Trim Natural Hair the Right Way:

Trimming may feel scary, but it’s a crucial step in your natural hair growth journey. Don’t be afraid of the scissors, think of them as your friend in growing strong, beautiful hair.

Trim Every 8–12 Weeks:
You don’t need a drastic cut every time, just a light trim or “dusting” to keep your ends healthy. Aim to remove about ¼ to ½ inch every few months.

Always Use Sharp, Professional Shears:
Never use kitchen or paper scissors! They can cause jagged cuts that lead to more splitting.

Trim on Stretched or Blow-Dried Hair:
Trimming stretched hair gives a clearer view of your ends and helps you avoid uneven cuts. If you prefer not to use heat, banding, or African threading can help stretch your hair naturally before trimming.

Don’t Wait Until There’s Visible Damage:
Preventive trimming is the secret to long-term length retention. It’s better to cut a little consistently than wait and have to cut a lot later.

Healthy ends = retained length.

Tip: After trimming, nourish your freshly cut ends with the Mara Cruiz Afro-Textured & Natural Hair Growth Oil. It seals in moisture and helps reduce future split ends.

4. Protect Your Hair While Sleeping

Your nighttime routine matters just as much as your daytime hair care. In fact, what you do while you sleep can make or break your hair goals, literally! Afro-textured and natural hair is delicate, and sleeping without proper protection leads to dryness, tangling, and breakage that ruins all your hard work.

Why Night Protection Is Non-Negotiable

As you toss and turn at night, your hair rubs against your pillowcase. If you sleep on cotton fabric, it absorbs your hair’s moisture and creates friction that weakens your strands. This can result in:

• Split ends
• Dry, brittle hair
• Breakage, especially around the nape and edges
• Slower length retention
  

How to Protect Natural Hair at Night:

Healthy natural hair doesn’t stop growing while you sleep, but it does need protection. By making nighttime hair care a consistent habit, you’ll minimize breakage, retain more length, and wake up to softer, more manageable hair every day.

Sleep with a Satin or Silk Bonnet or Scarf:

Satin and silk don’t absorb moisture like cotton does. They reduce friction, retain hydration, and prevent frizz while you sleep. Choose a bonnet or scarf that fits snugly but comfortably, so it stays on overnight.

– Use a Satin or Silk Pillowcase (As a Backup):

If you’re not a fan of bonnets or scarves, or if they slip off at night, a satin pillowcase is your best friend. It offers all the same moisture-preserving benefits without the fuss.

– Moisturize and Seal Before Bed:

Nighttime is a great time to feed your hair. Spritz your hair with a little water or apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner like the Mara Cruiz 2in1 Leave-in Conditioner, then seal in moisture with the Afro-Textured & Natural Hair Growth Oil.

– Style Your Hair into a Low-Manipulation Night Style:

Protective night styles like chunky twists, braids, or pineappleing (for looser curls) prevent tangling and make morning detangling a breeze. These styles also keep your ends tucked and safe.

Tip: If you have dry scalp or brittle ends, apply a few drops of the Mara Cruiz Hair Growth Oil to your scalp and ends before bed for overnight nourishment.

5. Avoid Excessive Heat Styling

Let’s be real, a sleek blowout or flat-ironed look can be tempting, but when it comes to growing natural hair faster and healthier, heat is one of your biggest enemies. While it’s okay to use heat occasionally, doing it too often can lead to breakage, dryness, heat damage, and permanently altered curl patterns.

How Heat Damages Natural Hair

Natural hair is already more prone to dryness due to its tightly coiled structure. Adding direct heat to this fragile texture can:

• Strip away moisture
• Weaken the protein structure of your strands
• Causes split ends and breakage
• Permanently loosen your curl pattern (aka heat damage)

Smart Heat Styling Tips (If You Must)

We’re not saying you can never use heat again, but you have to be smart and gentle about it. Healthy natural hair and heat can coexist, but only in moderation. If you’re serious about growing your hair faster and keeping it strong, make heat styling the exception, not the rule. Your curls will thank you later.

Limit Heat Styling to Once a Month (or Less):
The less heat, the better. If you’re focused on hair growth and retention, save the flat iron for special occasions.

Always Use a Heat Protectant:
This is a non-negotiable. A good heat protectant coats your strands, acting as a barrier between your hair and the heat. Never apply heat to dry, unprotected hair.

Stick to Low or Medium Heat Settings:
More heat doesn’t mean a better style; it just means more risk of damage. Use the lowest effective temperature on your blow dryer, flat iron, or curling wand.

Use Quality Tools:
Look for ceramic, tourmaline, or titanium flat irons with even heat distribution. Avoid cheap tools that cause hot spots and burn hair unevenly.

Deep Condition Before and After Heat Styling:
Prepare your strands by strengthening them with a deep conditioner like the Mara Cruiz Intense Moisture Deep Conditioner. Follow up a few days later with another round of deep hydration to restore any lost moisture.

Tip: Want stretched hair without heat? Try African threading, braids, twists, or banding. These are heat-free methods that keep your curls stretched without compromising your curl pattern.

6. Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet for Hair Growth

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “you are what you eat.” Well, it’s especially true when it comes to your hair. Healthy, fast-growing natural hair isn’t just about what you put on your strands; it also comes from within.

If your diet is lacking in essential nutrients, your hair will reflect it. You may notice dryness, breakage, thinning, or slower growth. But the good news? You can boost natural hair growth and strength just by fueling your body with the right foods.

Key Nutrients That Promote Healthy Hair Growth

Eating right may not give you overnight results, but over time, your hair will grow stronger, longer, and more resilient. Remember: healthy hair starts on your plate!

Here’s what your hair is craving:

1. Protein (Keratin):
Hair is made mostly of a protein called keratin. Without enough protein in your diet, hair growth can slow down, and strands may become weak or fall out.
Sources: Eggs, fish, chicken, beans, Greek yogurt, lentils.

2. Iron:
Iron carries oxygen to your hair follicles. A deficiency can lead to hair shedding and even thinning.
Sources: Spinach, liver, lentils, red meat, fortified cereals.

3. Biotin (Vitamin B7):
Biotin plays a major role in strengthening the hair shaft and stimulating hair growth.
Sources: Eggs (especially the yolk), almonds, sweet potatoes, salmon, avocados.

4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
These healthy fats nourish the scalp and improve hair elasticity, reducing breakage.
Sources: Salmon, flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts.

5. Vitamins A, C, D, and E:
These vitamins protect hair from damage, support sebum production (your hair’s natural oil), and encourage cell regeneration.
Sources: Carrots, citrus fruits, nuts, spinach, mushrooms, and sunlight for vitamin D!

Don’t Forget to Drink Water!

Yes—hydration is just as important as nutrients. Drinking enough water daily helps keep your hair shaft moisturized from the inside, preventing brittleness and breakage.
Aim for at least 2 liters (about 8 glasses) of water a day, especially if you live in a hot or dry climate.

Should You Take Hair Growth Supplements?

If your diet isn’t very balanced or you have dietary restrictions, supplements can be helpful, but always talk to your doctor before starting any new vitamins.

Look for supplements that contain:

• Biotin
• Zinc
• Vitamin D
• Iron
• Collagen (great for skin and hair!)
  

Tip: Pair your healthy meals with regular scalp massages using the Mara Cruiz Afro-Textured & Natural Hair Growth Oil to improve blood flow and maximize nutrient delivery to your hair follicles.

7. Detangle Gently to Prevent Breakage

Detangling might seem like a small step, but when it’s not done properly, it can cause massive damage to your natural hair. Yanking through knots and tangles? That’s a surefire way to end up with breakage, shedding, and frustration.

Natural hair, by nature, is curly and coily, which makes it more prone to tangling and knotting. The key is to detangle with care, using the right techniques and tools to preserve your strands and retain length.

Let’s walk you through how to detangle without damage!

Always Detangle on Damp, Conditioned Hair

Never detangle dry hair! Dry strands are more brittle and more likely to snap. Instead, spritz your hair with water or apply a moisturizing leave-in conditioner like the Mara Cruiz 2in1 Leave-In Conditioner. It softens your hair, reduces friction, and makes detangling a breeze.

Choose the Right Tools

What you use matters just as much as how you use it.

• Use a wide-tooth comb or, even better, your fingers for gentle detangling.
  
• Avoid fine-tooth combs or brushes unless your hair is completely tangle-free and you’re just smoothing it out.
  
• Detangle from the ends first, working your way up to the roots. This minimizes breakage and makes the process smoother.
  

Be Patient and Gentle

Yes, detangling takes time, but rushing through it will cost you more hair in the long run.

• Take your time.
• Section your hair and work on one part at a time.
• If you feel resistance, stop and add more conditioner or moisture before continuing.
  

Detangling Tips for Natural Hair Growth

Detangling isn’t just about making your hair manageable; it’s a major key to length retention. When you treat your strands with care, you’ll see less breakage, less shedding, and more visible growth.

• Detangle once or twice a week, depending on your hairstyle and routine.
  
• Use the Mara Cruiz Afro-Textured & Natural Hair Growth Oil before detangling for extra slip and to reduce friction.
  
• Protective styles? Detangle before installing and after taking them out to remove shed hair safely.

And remember: the goal isn’t just to grow long hair, it’s to keep it healthy and on your head!

8. Protective Styles Help Retain Length

If you’re serious about growing your natural hair faster and healthier, protective styling is your best friend. These hairstyles do exactly what the name says; they protect your hair, especially your ends, from breakage, harsh weather, and over-manipulation.

But here’s the thing: not all protective styles are created equal. The goal is to protect your hair without stressing it or neglecting it.

Let’s break it down ?

What Are Protective Styles?

Protective styles are hairstyles that tuck away the ends of your hair (the oldest and most fragile parts) and reduce daily manipulation.
Examples include:

• Twists (two-strand, flat twists)
• Braids (box braids, cornrows)
• Buns or updos
• Wigs & weaves (with proper scalp care)

These styles help minimize breakage, reduce tangling, and retain length by allowing your hair to rest.

Key Benefits of Protective Styling

• Length Retention – By reducing breakage and split ends, your hair retains more of the length it grows.
• Moisture Retention – Less exposure means less dryness.
• Time-Saving – Great for busy weeks when you don’t have time to do your hair daily.
• Versatility – You can switch up your look while still keeping your real hair healthy.

Protective Style Don’ts

Too-tight styles can do more harm than good. Be careful with:

• Tight braids or ponytails – These can cause traction alopecia (hair loss along the hairline).
• Heavy extensions – They add unnecessary weight and can pull on your roots.
• Neglecting your scalp – A protective style doesn’t mean your scalp doesn’t need care.

How to Care for Your Hair in a Protective Style

Even while it’s tucked away, your hair still needs love:

• Moisturize regularly – Use a spray bottle with water + leave-in conditioner or a light spritz of the Mara Cruiz 2in1 Leave-In Conditioner to hydrate your strands.
• Seal with oil – Use the Mara Cruiz Afro-Textured & Natural Hair Growth Stimulation Oil to lock in moisture and nourish your scalp.
• Keep your scalp clean – If wearing your style for several weeks, cleanse your scalp with a cotton pad and diluted shampoo or use a gentle scalp cleanser.
• Protect at night – Cover with a satin bonnet or scarf to reduce friction.

How Long Should You Keep a Protective Style In?

• 4–6 weeks is the sweet spot.
  
• Any longer, and you risk matting, buildup, and breakage.
  
• Always give your hair a break between styles to deep condition and breathe.
  

Protective styling is a game-changer when it comes to growing and maintaining natural hair. It gives your strands the time they need to grow without constant stress and handling.

Just remember: the keyword is “protective” — so make sure your styles are truly protecting your hair, not stressing it!

9. Reduce Stress!

We often talk about deep conditioners, oils, and protective styles when it comes to growing natural hair, but one of the most overlooked factors in your hair journey is stress. Yes, stress can literally stop your hair from thriving.

When your body is under emotional or physical stress, it can disrupt the hair growth cycle, pushing hair follicles into a “resting phase,” which results in excessive shedding or even hair loss. The condition is called telogen effluvium, and the good news? It’s usually temporary; once you reduce stress, your hair bounces back.

Here’s how to keep your stress levels (and your hair) in check:

Practice Scalp Massages

Scalp massages are more than relaxing; they increase blood circulation to your scalp, which feeds your hair follicles the nutrients and oxygen they need to grow.

Try this:
Massage your scalp 3–4 times a week with the Mara Cruiz Hair Growth Stimulation Oil. Use your fingertips in circular motions for 5–10 minutes. It’s calming and stimulates growth at the same time!

Prioritize Sleep

You might not realize it, but your body and your hair restore and repair during sleep. A good night’s sleep allows the hormones that support hair growth to function properly.

Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night. Make your nighttime routine peaceful: dim the lights, avoid screens before bed, and sleep in a satin bonnet to protect your hair while you rest.

Find Healthy Ways to Manage Stress

Whether it’s work, parenting, school, or life’s many curveballs, finding outlets for your stress is vital, not just for your mind, but for your hair, too.

Try:

• Daily journaling or prayer
• Deep breathing exercises or meditation
• Listening to music
• Walking in nature
• Yoga or stretching
• Talking to a trusted friend or therapist

Even 10–15 minutes a day can make a difference.

Nourish Your Body, Calm Your Mind:

Stress and poor nutrition often go hand-in-hand. A balanced diet filled with fresh fruits, veggies, and whole grains can help reduce internal stress and inflammation, creating a healthier body and a healthier scalp environment.

Drink water. Take your vitamins. Prioritize iron, vitamin D, and biotin.

Know When It’s More Than Just Stress:

If you’re losing large amounts of hair or noticing bald patches, it’s best to consult a doctor or dermatologist. Sometimes hair loss may be linked to hormone imbalances or medical conditions like thyroid disorders or PCOS, not just stress alone.

Managing stress is just as important as choosing the right products or protective styles. Your mental wellness plays a major role in your physical health, including the health of every strand on your head.

Bottom line? A calm mind = a healthy scalp = thriving hair.

10. Be Patient & Stay Consistent

This might just be the most important tip of all. Natural hair growth is a journey; it doesn’t happen overnight. On average, natural hair grows about half an inch per month, which means that even with the best products and practices, noticeable length takes time.

And that’s okay. The secret to achieving long, healthy hair isn’t in rushing; it’s in consistency, care, and patience.

Stick to What Works

Once you find a routine that works for your hair, stay with it. Constantly switching products or jumping on trends can confuse your hair and even lead to setbacks. Simplicity and consistency are your best friends when building a haircare routine.

Your weekly wash days, deep conditioning treatments, moisturizing routine, and protective styles will all start adding up; just give it time.

Track Your Progress

Sometimes it feels like your hair isn’t growing, but it actually is; you’re just too close to see it. One way to stay motivated is by documenting your progress:

• Take photos every 4–6 weeks from the same angle.
• Track length using your collarbone, bra strap, or waist as markers.
• Keep a hair journal to note what’s working and what’s not.
  

Looking back after 6 months or a year will show you just how far you’ve come.

Celebrate the Small Wins

a. Did your hairline fill in a little more this month?
b. Does your twist-out stay juicy all week?
c. Do you think finally perfected your moisture routine?

Celebrate it.

P.S.: These small wins matter just as much as reaching waist-length hair. Enjoy every step of the journey.

Use the Right Products—and Stay Consistent With Them

The Mara Cruiz Organics Afro-Textured & Natural Hair Range: Your Ultimate Hair Growth Solution!

Note: Great products won’t work unless you use them consistently. The Mara Cruiz Organics Afro-Textured & Natural Hair Range is your go-to system for moisturizing, strengthening, and nourishing your natural hair through every phase of growth.

Here’s what’s in the range:

Moisturizing Shampoo – Cleanses without stripping moisture
Rinse-Out Conditioner – Softens and detangles effortlessly
Intense Moisture Deep Conditioner – Restores elasticity and repairs damage
2-in-1 Leave-in Conditioner – Hydrates and protects daily
Hair Growth Oil – Seals in moisture and promotes growth

When used consistently, this system supports healthy hair from root to tip, giving your curls everything they need to thrive.

Final Words…

Growing natural hair faster and healthier is possible, but it’s not about quick fixes. It’s about building a sustainable routine that feeds your scalp, nourishes your strands, and protects your hair from unnecessary damage.

Be gentle. Be consistent. And most importantly—be patient.

Because with the right care and the right products (like those from Mara Cruiz Organics), your hair will flourish.

Visit www.maracruizorganics.com/order to order your Mara Cruiz Afro-Textured & Natural Hair Range. Also, follow us on Instagram via www.instagram.com/maracruizorganics