Hair Growth Hacks That Women Try For Long Hair

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Last updated on November 16th, 2024 at 02:38 pm

While not every woman wants long hair, it is a goal for many; so much so that women will try almost anything to achieve it.

Below you’ll discover a wide range of long hair hacks for long and thick hair that women of various races across the border have tried. Some of these hair growth methods are downright silly. Others have been used traditionally for decades all over the world.

In the interest of disclosure, I have tried some of these long hair growing tips. Others I haven’t. I’ll share my personal experiences when applicable.

Also, because I’m sharing these hair hacks for growth and thickness, I’m not necessarily recommending them all. For those I’ve tried and recommend, I’ll say so. Otherwise, whichever hair growth hack you try, it’s at your own risk.

The baggy method is done by applying a conditioner (leave in or rinse out) to the hair (typically the ends), followed by covering the hair with a plastic cap or baggie. Some ladies baggy their ends for days at a time. The baggy method is supposed to keep the hair well-conditioned and moisturized to minimize breakage – with the desired result being length retention.

Greenhouse Effect (“GHE”)

The Greenhouse Effect, also known as GHE is a simple natural hair care routine that’s supposed to increase the sebum flow in the scalp, as well as the hair’s moisture levels.

It’s done by applying a light application of natural oil to the hair, but not on the scalp. You then, cover your head with a plastic cap followed by multiple layers of covering (scarf, hat, bonnet etc) to generate heat in your scalp.

The head coverings should either be slept in or left on for several hours. The GHE is supposed to support healthy hair growth and length retention. It’s not required but it’s recommended that the moisture generated be sealed in with an oil or styling cream.

The way this works is similar to the Baggy Method. The difference is your entire head is covered and oil is used instead of conditioner with GHE.

I can attest that this works but you must be careful not to overdo it because all that moisture in your scalp can lead to fungus if you don’t air it out enough.

Read this article to discover which is right for you: The Baggy Method vs The GreenHouse Effect

The Inversion Method

A warmed natural oil is applied to the scalp and the head is inverted by either leaning over to touch your toes, sitting in a chair with your head hanging down, or laying on the bed with your head hanging off the side. The position you choose is to be held for 4 minutes.

The process of inverting the head is to stimulate blood flow to the scalp. It’s recommended that inversion only be done for 7 consecutive days in a month.

Otherwise, your body will get used to it and it will not work. Many ladies boast that the inversion method has given them 1 inch of growth in a week. Some rare claims boast more. I can’t say either way because I usually forget to invert by day 4 LOL!

Scalp Massage with Oils

Scalp massages are very popular for hair growth.

Some popular oils used are Wild Growth Hair Oil (WGHO), Liquid Gold Hair Oil, Castor Oil and DooGrow MegaThick Growth Oil.

WGHO has been around for years and they now have an updated formula in addition to the original. I’ve used both on and off for years. The key is to use them for at least 3 months to see a result.

Liquid Gold is sulfur-based and other ingredients include Grapeseed Oil, Castor Oil, Argan Oil, and a proprietary essential oil blend. It’s applied to the scalp every other day. It can be washed out in the morning, if applied at night but it’s not necessary.

Castor oil and DooGrow have also been around for many years and can be massaged into the scalp nighty or as often as needed.

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Each of the oils can also be warmed and applied to the scalp for added stimulation. They can also be used to do hot oil treatments on wash day.

Monistat

Yes, Monistat -the anti-fungal vaginal cream used to treat vaginal yeast infections!

Ladies seeking longer hair faster, massage Monistat into their scalps directly or diluted with a little water, they apply it to the scalp from a bottle with an applicator.

In my opinion, this method is way too extreme and the product is not being used as intended. Some ladies report an acceleration of hair growth. Yet, it’s not clear if there are negative side effects from long-term use.

Mega-Tek Rebuilder

A hair product claiming to “regenerate hair cells, strengthen hair strands from root to tip and accelerate growth,” MegaTek is actually marketed toward owners of horses.

Per the manufacturer, it’s environmentally friendly, non-toxic. and doesn’t contain silicones or petroleum. I guess that’s why it’s appealing to women looking to grow their hair.

To use Mega-Tek, all that’s needed is to massage it into the scalp several times weekly or as much as daily (must wash hair at least weekly if used daily).

Alternatively, it can be massaged into the hair and scalp as a pre-poo process. Then after a couple of hours, it’s to be washed out. The company also offers a shampoo and conditioner.

I’ve not tried this personally.

Henna

I have a lot of experience with henna. It’s an herb when used as a hair mask, strengthens hair over time. It helps with length retention.

Henna’s secret ingredient is lawsone. The higher the lawsone content in the henna crop, the richer the color stain and strengthening effects.

Here are some related articles and guides on the use of henna to grow long hair:

Quick Ways to add Henna to your Hair Regimen

The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Using Henna

Tips & Tricks for Applying Henna to Your Hair

Chebe

Chebe is one of those African hair growth secrets that’s a relatively more modern way of growing longer hair. At least, for those of us in the States. However, it’s a traditional hair treatment originating from Chad, Africa, where it’s been used for many generations.

Chebe powder doesn’t grow your hair. In fact, it should not be used on the scalp. However, it strengthens hair against breakage while helping hair to retain moisture when used regularly.

The women of Chad have very long hair (although the hair doesn’t appear to be very thick).

A woman named, Miss Sahel has made Chebe very popular for those of us in the States and she sells pure Chebe powder directly from the motherland (she sells on Amazon too).

I’ve used Chebe off and on over the years and I believe that it does work but this is a hair growth hack that takes a long time of consistency and being ok with the messy fallout. You’ll need to wear your hair in braids or twists to keep the powder “locked” in.

To use Chebe, you need to mix it with oil and a conditioner. Then, apply to damp hair. The process should be repeated every 3-5 days for maximum effect.

Rice Water

Another relatively new hair growth remedy (in contrast to the traditional old-school methods), rice water is made from soaked, strained, and uncooked rice.

Rice water contains inositol and amino acids which help coat hair, making it easier to detangle. When hair detangles more easily, hair breakage is greatly reduced.

Rice water supposedly helps you to grow longer hair by smoothing the hair’s cuticle and strengthening it from root to tip. It’s said to mimic a protein treatment.

I tried this hair growth hack one time but it felt like it gave me strength overload. So, that one treatment was the last.

Onion Juice

Onions have a high sulfur content so mixing up a spray that’s made from the juice of an onion is supposed to help with boosting circulation to the hair follicles. The result is hair growth stimulation.

Onions also have antibacterial properties which could benefit the health of the scalp.

To use it, you apply it to your scalp, massage it in, and allow it to sit for about an hour. Then, shampoo and proceed with the rest of wash day. The recommendation is to use it at least once a week.

In my opinion, many of the other methods are “safer” at growing your hair. It’s not worth potentially burning my eyes. Plus, that smell. You have to work to get it out of your hair.

Mane ‘n Tale

An old-school line of products including shampoo and conditioner, the company has added to its line up: leave-in conditioner, pomade, and curl creams.

Mane ‘n Tale products are advertised to give you longer, fuller hair with regular use.

Visit their site for directions on product availability and more details.

Garlic Shampoo

Another very old-school remedy for extreme hair growth, garlic shampoos are used like any other shampoo.

This hack for hair growth is supposed to prevent hair loss by stimulating cell growth in the scalp. Garlic supplements are also available on the market.

While many ladies only use it when they notice an increase in hair fall (shedding), some use it weekly or whenever they wash to promote faster hair growth.

Tea Rinses

Using black and green teas is a simple method for stimulating hair that grows thicker. The tannin and antioxidants in the teas are what’s responsible for reducing and in some cases, stopping hair fall.

Green tea is less oxidized and improves scalp health while stimulating the hair follicles.

The flavonoids and theaflavins in black tea are supposed to help hair grow thicker and stronger.

Both teas contain caffeine which helps block the hormone, DHT which causes hair thinning. However, black tea has more caffeine.

Tea rinses are used on wash day as a final hair rinse after rinsing out your deep conditioner. They can also be used as a hair spritz during the week but need to be balanced with moisture because they can cause strength overload.

Herbal Hair Teas

Similar to tea rinses made from black or green tea, herbal hair teas are infused with potent hair-strengthening herbs.

To make an herbal hair tea, you can add henna, cassia, fenugreek, chamomile, nettle, amla, or rosemary.

Choose 1-2 herbs to steep in distilled water based on the benefits they offer. Some herbs are good for strengthening against breakage while others are good for stimulating hair growth.

Herbal tea blends can also be used to mix up DIY hair masks.

Vitamin Supplementation

The belief behind vitamin supplementation is that hair growth starts from within. Sulfur, Biotin, Garlic, and brands like HairFinity are among the many supplements on the market that promise an increase in hair growth.

I won’t go into depth on the ingredients of each. You can click the links below to learn more and make a purchase if you’re interested.

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What if any of these hair growth hacks have you tried before to grow healthy black hair?

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