Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, getting regular trims, keeping the hair in its natural state and wearing protective hairstyles helps African-American hair grow faster. Hair grows an average of 1/2 inch per month, but the state of the hair determines how much length is retained.
Keeping the body hydrated and avoiding vitamin deficiencies by eating a healthy amount of fresh fruits and vegetables can prevent dry, brittle hair that easily breaks. Regularly trimming 1/4 to 1/2 inch of hair every six weeks to six months prevents split ends from moving up the hair shaft. It is easier to ensure African-American hair stays healthy by avoiding chemical relaxers, while minimizing the use of heat-based products and adopting hairstyles to protect the driest parts of the hair can further prevent breakage that affects hair growth.