Why can't my hair grow past my shoulders?

[lemmathelemmin]

I'm 28 with 4c afro textured hair.

My hair has always been short and I don't remember it ever being past my shoulders. My (white) mother couldn't take care of it, she would cut it or just comb it in to a bun with water.

I'd love to wear my hair out but I dont feel it's long enough.

Is there anything I can do to make it grow?

Biotin and sea kelp supplements.

I've tried biotin. Didnt work

Did Sea kelp work for you?

Have you tried protective styles such as braids and weaves to give your own hair a rest?

Which shampoos/hair products are you using?

Years ago I read that there's a replacement rate for hair and it's different for everyone. Some people's hair sheds quickly, so will never grow long. Others' sheds slowly so gets to be really long. It was illustrated by two Sikh women who removed their head covering. One had hair down to her ankles, the other to her shoulders. Neither had ever cut their hair.

With that in mind I'd say you'd need supplements- minerals and vitamins- rather than anything put on the hair itself.

Unless your hair is breaking at the ends rather than falling from the root? that would be about products!

If it's breaking, then going conditioner only and wearing a silk cap at night would help. Have a look at Curlygirl.

Some people's hair just doesn't - mine (not afro textured) doesn't go much past my shoulders whatever I do with it (mine hasn't been cut other than split ends trimmed since the 1980s!) As a pp said it's to do with the rate at which they shed, and it's genetic - my sister is exactly the same. You can maximise the length by using products to avoid breakage but other than that your only option is to get extensions.

My hair is in a protective bun or I do two big braid on each side.

I use products marketed at afro hair. Keracare, ASIAM, Quehmet Biologics and castor oil.

My hair does split mid strand. When I comb it lots of 1-2 inch hairs come away. Breakage I'm guessing.

I have that replacement rate problem, mine just moults before it can get super long even though i dont treat it roughly no colouring etc.

I dont think my hair even sheds. I've rarely seen 12-14 inch hairs come out of my head. Always shorter hairs

It does sound like it's breaking rather than shedding if you are only seeing hairs of an inch or two come out. Have you talked to a hairdresser about it - they might be able to recommend something to help? Phillip Kingsley elasticiser is supposed to be good although I didn't personally rate it.

I've picked up some relevant knowledge from a 'nopoo' hair care group.
avoid products with alcohol in them, also silicones and sulphates.

That's most mainstream products. Look for 'sulphate and silicone free' labels.
Use a silicone free conditioner to wash and de tangle your hair.
Dry by wrapping in a T-shirt fabric.
Sleep with a silk or satin cap or on a silk pillow case. You are trying to avoid friction.

Try not to wash often- as little as you can. Run your fingers through your hair to style it, perhaps using some conditioner sparingly on the ends, just leave it in.

Good luck!