Why Length Retention Should Be Your Top Hair Priority

While the desire for longer hair is understandable, length retention is much more important. Length retention focuses on preserving the length you already have and encouraging retention of the other length you achieve by focusing on techniques that minimize breakage. Generally speaking, length retention techniques are better than certain questionable enhanced hair growth techniques when it comes to taking good care of your hair. So read on as we explore why you should be prioritizing length retention as a hair goal.

Prevention of hair Breakage

Length retention techniques like less manipulation and regular moisturizing will help you notice more growth and less snapping over time. Generally speaking, your hair is constantly growing; but what stops you from seeing this growth is breakage. Hair textures like Afro textured hair tend to be on the drier side, making them much more susceptible to breakage. By focusing on length retention, you’ll prevent breakage from happening and retain your growth over the months.

Easier maintenance

In order to keep your hair tucked away and lessen the need for everyday manipulation, which can cause breakage, length retention promotes the use of protective and low manipulative styles. By putting an emphasis on length retention, you can make your hair easier to maintain, making it easier to detangle and style.

Healthier hair

Length retention also includes techniques like trimming split ends which prevents damage and encourages healthier hair. Trimming split ends prevents damage from propagating further up the hair shaft, maintaining the integrity of each hair strand.

Enhanced appearance

Hair that’s not constantly breaking off flourishes, paving way for longer, healthier strands. Length retention practices keep your hair in peak condition, making it appear shinier and softer to the touch.

What are some length retention practices?

• Moisturizing regularly with a spray of water or use of water-based products like moisturizing sprays or leave-in conditioners and sealing in the moisture with an oil or butter.
• Gentle detangling of hair when damp using fingers or wide-toothed combs.
• Keeping the ends tucked away by wearing protective styles like braids, twists, locs, or cornrows.
• Scheduling trims when you notice split ends.
• Minimizing use of heat tools like blow dryers and straighteners to style hair. Rather, opting for heatless styling techniques like use of flexi rods.
• Protecting the hair at night using a satin bonnet or silk scarf.
• Avoiding tight hairstyles that exert a lot of stress and tension on the hair and scalp.
• Using gentle hair accessories like scrunchies that don’t tug at the hair.