Break growth plataue

[U_Carter]

Hi guys! I seem to be plataueing around hip length and wanted to know what you found to be helpful in breaking that plataue. I don't really do too much to my hair on a regular basis...Just shampoo weekly, deep condition weekly, oil after conditioner + whenever I think about it, kept in a braid or braided bun 90% of the time, satin bonnet + pillowcase, super minimal heat (around 2x per year), relaxer every 7-8 months (of course I know that relaxers will affect length retention, but maybe you will have some good tip that will help me out!).

[Ylva]

Hi! I moved your two non-introductory threads from the newbie subforum into the Mane Forum, which is the main hair conversation area. :) You should be able to get more relevant replies here!

[paulownia]

Maybe it has reached terminal length.
How long have you been at hip and experiencing this plateau?
And how often do your trim?

[sarana]

You seem to already have good hair habits in place. I assume you also detangle very gently? What is your curl type naturally vs relaxed? Also what paulownia said.

[U_Carter]

sarana and paulownia I usually detangle as gently as I can (although I must admit when I'm in a rush I dont go as gently as I should). My natural curl type is between 3a and 3c. TBH, I'm not sure if it has reached terminal length...as a child I had hair nearly to my knees. I have not gotten past hip length in some years, although I do admit that I have cut/trimmed multiple times since then to even up my hemline. I usually trim about twice yearly and have recently gotten into search and destroys in an effort to retain more length rather than trimming.

[U_Carter]

When I do cut my hair, I have noticed that it grows really fast afterwards...usually regaining what I cut at a rate of about 0.75 inches per month but then plateuing again around hip/bcl length. Not sure if it's breaking off at that point or of that means that I am at terminal.

[cookies]

Is it stuck at hip/BCL while curly or when stretched? Maybe you’re from the people whose curls get tighter with length?
Someone correct me if I’m understanding this wrong, but from what I gather if you’re at terminal, your ends would be quite thin (for example if 100cm is terminal and each hair grows a 100cm, it wouldn’t all reach the same point because they don’t all start from the same point). So on that note, are your ends thin or are the trims keeping them on the blunt side (which would mean you’re not at terminal)?

[U_Carter]

sarana my relaxed curl type is around 2a air dried about 4 days post washing. I say 4 days post washing because I usually braid my hair wet, let it dry, and then unbraid when dry which results in curls/braid out. It takes a few days for the curls to fall out. If I let it air dry completely without braiding, its probably between 2a and 2c. Hope that helps.

[Kelp]

Sometimes if simply waiting it out doesn't break the spell, it means that a new habit or some preventative care needs to be implemented. As Sarana said, you already have really good habits! The relaxer, while it seems to be minimal, could be the last straw though. Would you be interested in taking a break from it for a while to confirm whether or not it's what is causing the ends to break and lose length?

HL is pretty long and the hair at the ends is really old and fragile. For a lot of people, around that milestone is when big changes need to be made to keep hair looking nice and long :flower:

[U_Carter]

Kelp I usually go between 7 and 8 months between relaxers...not sure that I could go longer as at that point I start to get breakage from combing between the two textures...can't comb the curly roots wet and straight ends dry, LOL! I only touch up my roots on relaxer days, so I don't think the ends are affected much by the whole process (I hope). I may try more regular oiling of my ends. I just remembered a year where I retained the most length, I used castor oil on my ends and my hair really seemed to like that.

[U_Carter]

It is stuck at BCL stretched, hip length unstretched...my ends are thin but they're actually thickening up (from trims I suspect). Makes sense that if I were at terminal the ends would be thinner...However, one thing I noticed is that if I cut above hip length it grows really fast until it reaches hip length/BCL length where it plataeus again.

[cookies]

Kelp I usually go between 7 and 8 months between relaxers...not sure that I could go longer as at that point I start to get breakage from combing between the two textures...can't comb the curly roots wet and straight ends dry, LOL! I only touch up my roots on relaxer days, so I don't think the ends are affected much by the whole process (I hope). I may try more regular oiling of my ends. I just remembered a year where I retained the most length, I used castor oil on my ends and my hair really seemed to like that.
Maybe you could try not using a comb or a brush at all, just gentle finger detangling for a few months and see if it makes a difference. There was a finger detangling challenge around here that got me to try that and I haven’t touched a comb or a brush in a year or so, it does take some getting used to but then it’s very doable :D

[U_Carter]

Yes, I could try that! It probably would be more gentle on my hair. The only thing I am concerned about is not getting all of the tangles....how do people make sure their hair is tangle free when finger detangling?

[cookies]

I detangle in the shower with a lot of conditioner and start from the bottom. I don’t find it any more difficult than doing it with the comb. With thick hair it’s easier to do it in two to four sections. Then to keep it from tangling, keeping it in a braid is best. And I personally avoid detangling when it’s dry, I just live with the tangles lol, but if I need to do it, then I use a bit of hair oil. I do manage to get all of them in the shower for sure, when dry it’s a bit trickier but still manageable

[cadaverinna]

How are your ends looking? Post a pic if possible.

There's two different things one might not be able to differentiate as a beginner here: plateau and terminal length.
Plateau is when you can't go past a certain length bc it'll keep breaking, your lifestyle/routine might contribute to it not looking the best, or the ends might be too see-through for your liking.
Terminal length is when your hair won't go past a certain length bc that's just your genetics. Your ends will be very see-through and that will not because of breakage. If around 10-20% of your hair is in that state, that might be the case.

Since your hair is type 3, the best thing would be to straighten it(doesn't have to be a full on silk press) and see how your ends look. Don't forget the heat protection and double up on it w a silicone sérum before blow drying.

[cadaverinna]

Yes, I could try that! It probably would be more gentle on my hair. The only thing I am concerned about is not getting all of the tangles....how do people make sure their hair is tangle free when finger detangling?

Finger detanglers might hate me for this but I don't find this to be ideal for all hair types, specially the curlier and kinkier they get. If you already finger detangle, try doing it and completing the service w a tangle teezer(or any generic brush w flexible bristles w no balls at the ends) when your hair is wet and lathered in conditioner(before shampoo).

[U_Carter]

How are your ends looking? Post a pic if possible.

There's two different things one might not be able to differentiate as a beginner here: plateau and terminal length.
Plateau is when you can't go past a certain length bc it'll keep breaking, your lifestyle/routine might contribute to it not looking the best, or the ends might be too see-through for your liking.
Terminal length is when your hair won't go past a certain length bc that's just your genetics. Your ends will be very see-through and that will not because of breakage. If around 10-20% of your hair is in that state, that might be the case.

Since your hair is type 3, the best thing would be to straighten it(doesn't have to be a full on silk press) and see how your ends look. Don't forget the heat protection and double up on it w a silicone sérum before blow drying.

Ends are thinnish but thickening up slowly but surely after I trimmed it a few months ago...I have a relaxer so my natural curl is 3b/3c but in my relaxed state it is around 2a.
Also, I know photos can be helpful, and I truly appreciate all the advice, but since I wear hijab, I won’t be sharing pictures of my hair. However, cadaverinna, I really appreciate your help!

[Dark40]

Hi guys! I seem to be plataueing around hip length and wanted to know what you found to be helpful in breaking that plataue. I don't really do too much to my hair on a regular basis...Just shampoo weekly, deep condition weekly, oil after conditioner + whenever I think about it, kept in a braid or braided bun 90% of the time, satin bonnet + pillowcase, super minimal heat (around 2x per year), relaxer every 7-8 months (of course I know that relaxers will affect length retention, but maybe you will have some good tip that will help me out!).

I know exactly what you are going through! I also have relaxed hair as well, and I relaxed my hair 2 or 3 times a year. So, that means I stretch out my relaxing treatments to 4 or 6 months, and in between stretches I makes sure that my hair and scalp is clean, and I deep condition once or twice a week. Well, really I use a hair mask once a week, and a deep moisturizing conditioner once a week. It seems like my hair won't grow any longer than BSL, and when I was a kid the longest my hair ever grown to was three inches above hip length. So, I also know that I haven't reached my terminal length either.

[U_Carter]

I know exactly what you are going through! I also have relaxed hair as well, and I relaxed my hair 2 or 3 times a year. So, that means I stretch out my relaxing treatments to 4 or 6 months, and in between stretches I makes sure that my hair and scalp is clean, and I deep condition once or twice a week. Well, really I use a hair mask once a week, and a deep moisturizing conditioner once a week. It seems like my hair won't grow any longer than BSL, and when I was a kid the longest my hair ever grown to was three inches above hip length. So, I also know that I haven't reached my terminal length either.

Same...when I was a kid, my hair was around my knees. I'm not sure if I grew and my knees became my hips or if I'm at terminal length. One thing that actually reaaallly helped for me to break my previous plataue (waist) was ditching hair bows/scrunchies, and to stop bunning as much. I used to wear my hair in a bun 99% of the time and my hair did not like it. Once I switched to a simple braid, I started retaining length. I wish I could deep conditioner biweekly like you, but my hair doesn't seem to like being wet so much as it takes me about two days to air dry :(

[U_Carter]

I'm thinking about starting a thread where people post the things that helped them break their growth plataue...maybe we'll get some good tips :D

[baanoo]

Ends are thinnish but thickening up slowly but surely after I trimmed it a few months ago...I have a relaxer so my natural curl is 3b/3c but in my relaxed state it is around 2a.
Also, I know photos can be helpful, and I truly appreciate all the advice, but since I wear hijab, I won’t be sharing pictures of my hair. However, cadaverinna, I really appreciate your help!

Are you wearing silky hijabs to prevent friction? I find braids rubbing against clothes/etc can cause a breakage pattern at the end (no matter how delicate a hair tie I use!) if I wear braids every day.

[U_Carter]

Are you wearing silky hijabs to prevent friction? I find braids rubbing against clothes/etc can cause a breakage pattern at the end (no matter how delicate a hair tie I use!) if I wear braids every day.

No...actually, I'm not!..that could be causing some damage. I have seen underpeices (they keep the actual scarf in place) that are satin...I may have to buy some of those. Thanks so much!

[Dark40]

Same...when I was a kid, my hair was around my knees. I'm not sure if I grew and my knees became my hips or if I'm at terminal length. One thing that actually reaaallly helped for me to break my previous plataue (waist) was ditching hair bows/scrunchies, and to stop bunning as much. I used to wear my hair in a bun 99% of the time and my hair did not like it. Once I switched to a simple braid, I started retaining length. I wish I could deep conditioner biweekly like you, but my hair doesn't seem to like being wet so much as it takes me about two days to air dry :(

I'll bet....just like I say if I grew my hips became I maybe at my terminal length. But I don't think that with my genetics that I'm at terminal length. Because, I've been the same height since I was a kid. Yeah, ditching hair bows/scrunchies, and stop bunning as much does help to break the plateau. I love wearing scrunchies. But the majority of the times I'm always wearing my hair down or loose. Because, that works before for me. I bet you do wish that you could deep condition your hair biweekly like me, but your hair doesn't seem to like being wet so much as it takes you about two days to air dry :) Your hair must be very thick. Mine is sortave thick, and it doesn't take two days for it to air dry. It only takes 2-3 hours. What works for one person doesn't work for someone else.

[Rainbouu]

I like braids more than buns lately, too. Do you oil the tassle of your braid? I find that really helps me. There's also different ways of typing off your braids if you find a hair tie causes breakage, although I'm not sure if they have names. I've seen people braid a string in the last few bumps of their braid and tie it, or there's a way of looping the ends around so that the very tips of your hair are tucked inside a bundle of hair instead of loose. I do that sometimes, I learned it from my Latina coworkers.

[U_Carter]

Oh wow. Two hours?! That's amazing! It's also probably pretty nice to wear your hair loose all the time. Yeah, I have to keep my hair braided...I realized that when I did too much to it or left it down, I always had my hands in it and it would get tangly. So, I tend to put it 'away' now. I comb and rebraid around every other day and allow myself to take it out and leave it out on special occasions. Boring, I know, lol.

[U_Carter]

I like braids more than buns lately, too. Do you oil the tassle of your braid? I find that really helps me. There's also different ways of typing off your braids if you find a hair tie causes breakage, although I'm not sure if they have names. I've seen people braid a string in the last few bumps of their braid and tie it, or there's a way of looping the ends around so that the very tips of your hair are tucked inside a bundle of hair instead of loose. I do that sometimes, I learned it from my Latina coworkers.

I do oil the tassle of my braids but not every day...I know that it does need it every day. I honestly just forget though. I actually don't tie off my braids...they tend to keeo themselves in order, but tucking in the ends is a good idea...it protects them a little better. Thanks!

[U_Carter]

TBH, I'm considering MSM...my theory is, if I make my hair grow really fast, it will a) grow faster than it can break off, or b) perhaps if this is terminal length, maybe it will break through this length. The only thing is I will have to think about relaxers and how long/short I will have to go between. As I said, I tend to try to go 7-8 months in between and if it is a faster growth rate, I may have to go shorter in between or deal with crazy hair :p

[HappyHair87]

I used to be relaxed years ago...I'm natural now with 3b/3c curls and some 4a. When it comes to relaxers, you have to make sure your protein and moisture levels are balanced.

If you tug on a strand and it stretches out for a while before snapping...you need protein.

If you tug on a strand and it immediately snaps, you need to focus on moisture.

Its something I learned on various boards back in 2008 and it's helped me on my hair journey:)

[Dark40]

Oh wow. Two hours?! That's amazing! It's also probably pretty nice to wear your hair loose all the time. Yeah, I have to keep my hair braided...I realized that when I did too much to it or left it down, I always had my hands in it and it would get tangly. So, I tend to put it 'away' now. I comb and rebraid around every other day and allow myself to take it out and leave it out on special occasions. Boring, I know, lol.

Yes, two hours is amazing! Yes, it is very nice to wear my hair loose all the time since my hair isn't extremely long. I bet you have to keep your hair braided.....so, that it doesn't get tangled....and, so that you don't be touching it. That's a good idea to comb and rebraid it around every other day and allow yourself to take it out and leave it out on special occasions. No, that doesn't sound boring, lol.

[Dark40]

TBH, I'm considering MSM...my theory is, if I make my hair grow really fast, it will a) grow faster than it can break off, or b) perhaps if this is terminal length, maybe it will break through this length. The only thing is I will have to think about relaxers and how long/short I will have to go between. As I said, I tend to try to go 7-8 months in between and if it is a faster growth rate, I may have to go shorter in between or deal with crazy hair :p

Yes, I have heard a lot of people on here doing the MSM theory to make their hair grow a lot faster. I'm sure that it will break through this length. Yeah, I know exactly what you mean about the only thing is you'll have to think about relaxers and how long/short you'll have to go between. I think 7-8 months is a good length of time to do your stretching in between relaxers. That's about how long I stretch mine as well. Sometimes I'll relax my hair once or twice a year. Or, depending on how fast it's growing I'll have to relax it 3 times a year. Yeah, I know what you mean about having to deal with crazy hair. :p

[U_Carter]

Yes, I have heard a lot of people on here doing the MSM theory to make their hair grow a lot faster. I'm sure that it will break through this length. Yeah, I know exactly what you mean about the only thing is you'll have to think about relaxers and how long/short you'll have to go between. I think 7-8 months is a good length of time to do your stretching in between relaxers. That's about how long I stretch mine as well. Sometimes I'll relax my hair once or twice a year. Or, depending on how fast it's growing I'll have to relax it 3 times a year. Yeah, I know what you mean about having to deal with crazy hair. :p

IKR?! It is absoultely insane trying to work with 4-6 inches of growth on the top and straightish hair on the bottom! Like, do you comb wet or dry? Wet the roots, keep the ends dry?! Crazy, lol. I actually did a henna treatment a couple weeks ago, and my goodness, my roots are way more manageable. Only in the middle of my head is it hard to comb (Currently, 7 months post relaxer). I have heard people talk about how henna relaxes curls slightly, so I wonder if that is the cause. If so, GAME CHANGER! :D

[U_Carter]

I used to be relaxed years ago...I'm natural now with 3b/3c curls and some 4a. When it comes to relaxers, you have to make sure your protein and moisture levels are balanced.

If you tug on a strand and it stretches out for a while before snapping...you need protein.

If you tug on a strand and it immediately snaps, you need to focus on moisture.

Its something I learned on various boards back in 2008 and it's helped me on my hair journey:)

Totally agree that protein-moisture balance is crucial. My mother had relaxed hair and she swore by GPB, but unfortunately I heard that they discontinued the line... I always struggled with moisture-protein balance to be honest (never felt like I had enough moisture). However, I am starting to feel like I am finally getting the hang of it. Recently did an SMT which made my hair sooo moisturized but it started to become frizzy, so I think I wil need to cut out the honey.

[Dark40]

IKR?! It is absoultely insane trying to work with 4-6 inches of growth on the top and straightish hair on the bottom! Like, do you comb wet or dry? Wet the roots, keep the ends dry?! Crazy, lol. I actually did a henna treatment a couple weeks ago, and my goodness, my roots are way more manageable. Only in the middle of my head is it hard to comb (Currently, 7 months post relaxer). I have heard people talk about how henna relaxes curls slightly, so I wonder if that is the cause. If so, GAME CHANGER! :D

Yes, it is insane to work with 4-6 inches of growth on the top and straightish hair on the bottom! Yes, I comb both when it's wet and dry! Wow, wet the roots, keep the ends dry?! That is crazy, lol. Hmm, a you're telling me something new about how henna treatment can relax your curls slightly! Yeah, I know what you mean! If it that is the cause. IF so, GAME CHANGER! "D I have some henna that my mother bought a year or so ago but I wasn't sure if I could use henna on relaxed hair. I was telling my mother since I'm the one that wants bright red hair, and henna does turn your hair bright red that I was going to try the henna but she says, "It's a very messy job!" "Plus, it is very time-consuming." "You have to leave the henna in your hair for a few hours to get the desired shade that you want." So, she suggested that I stick to using plain old box hair dye. It's not that I don't want to listen to her good advice but I think with me considering using the henna to get that bright red hair color the more I think about it....the more I want to just go on ahead and go fort it! :D

[U_Carter]

Yes, it is insane to work with 4-6 inches of growth on the top and straightish hair on the bottom! Yes, I comb both when it's wet and dry! Wow, wet the roots, keep the ends dry?! That is crazy, lol. Hmm, a you're telling me something new about how henna treatment can relax your curls slightly! Yeah, I know what you mean! If it that is the cause. IF so, GAME CHANGER! "D I have some henna that my mother bought a year or so ago but I wasn't sure if I could use henna on relaxed hair. I was telling my mother since I'm the one that wants bright red hair, and henna does turn your hair bright red that I was going to try the henna but she says, "It's a very messy job!" "Plus, it is very time-consuming." "You have to leave the henna in your hair for a few hours to get the desired shade that you want." So, she suggested that I stick to using plain old box hair dye. It's not that I don't want to listen to her good advice but I think with me considering using the henna to get that bright red hair color the more I think about it....the more I want to just go on ahead and go fort it! :D

I personally do not see a notable color difference with henna since my hair is dark brown already...I just got some reddish highlights noticeable in the sun or bright light (which I naturally had anyways :shrug:). I think the lighter your hair color, the bigger effect you see. You can actually ask the henna forum here on LHC!

[Dark40]

I personally do not see a notable color difference with henna since my hair is dark brown already...I just got some reddish highlights noticeable in the sun or bright light (which I naturally had anyways :shrug:). I think the lighter your hair color, the bigger effect you see. You can actually ask the henna forum here on LHC!

Ahh, that's a bummer! I'm like you my natural hair color is medium brown.....I was shocked with the red henna showed up my mother dyed jet black hair but she used the indigo to turn her hair black which is what she really wanted anyways :shrug: Yeah, that would make sense that the lighter your color, the bigger effect you see. Thank you for the suggestion to ask the henna forum in LHC! I already knew about them!