Tightly curled and Afro textured hair can sometimes appear to be stagnant (not growing). In order to have healthy, growing hair it's important to identify why your hair might not be growing and thus solve underlying growth issues.

Remember that the average human rate for hair growth (irregardless of race) is 0.5 inches per month (in the summer) and 0.25 inches (in winter). It is therefore possible to grow an additional 6 inches of hair every year.

There are several reasons why your hair might not appear to be growing.

1. Lack of moisture. Remember that your hair receives moisture through three main vehicles (water, oils and conditioners). Water not only cleanses but also adds moisture by penetrating the hair shaft. Natural oils such as coconut and olive oil also penetrate deeply into the hair shaft whilst oils like sunflower and jojoba act as sealants (they seal moisture into your hair). If you want to increase your chances of growing strong, healthy hair you need to ensure that you are applying water (i.e. whilst cleansing and/or conditioning) and applying natural oils that penetrate and seal.

2. Damaged ends. The ends of your hair are the oldest part which means that they are the most fragile part of your hair. Because of this, the ends are more prone to damage through wear and tear. To ensure that your hair grows to its optimum, make sure you check your ends regularly for splits, knots and tears. If you do spot damage, trim the ends immediately.

3. Scalp. The scalp is essentially the foundation upon which hair growth is built. Failure to care for the scalp properly can cause dryness and flaking which leads to less growth. It's important to cleanse the scalp regularly (once a week for oily scalps and once a month for dry scalps). Cleansing removes product build, stimulates the scalp and removes damaged particles. Additionally, moisturise the scalp by applying a natural oil such as olive, sunflower or jojoba to the scalp once a week. Remember that over cleansing and over oiling can also be damaging so it's important to find a balance that works for you.

4. Genetic. Hair growth is to a certain degree determined by genetics which means that most individuals will grow similar lengths of hair to their parents. However, environmental factors play a huge role in affecting how long or short an individuals' hair is. That's why it's important to take proper care of your natural hair to ensure that it reaches its fullest potential.

5. Environment. As mentioned above, one's environment can have a huge impact on your hair growth. The environment can include a host of factors such as weather, pollution, water and heat (from the sun and from straightening products). If you notice changes in your hair's growth based on any of these factors, simply adjust your regime to enhance your chances of growing longer hair.

If you are worried about your hair growth it is always advisable to consult your doctor.