Length Retention for Black Hair: Summer Hair Care Tips That Actually Work

By: Jay Dee, MPH

Black Hair Care Tips That Actually Work

When it comes to Black hair, the ultimate goal for most of us isn’t just growth—it’s length retention. Your hair can be growing consistently, but if it’s breaking, shedding, or thinning, you’ll never see that length. Let’s talk about what actually matters when your goal is healthy hair—especially in the summer.

Start From the Inside: Health Comes First

If you feel like you’re doing everything right—protective styles, moisturizing, trims—and still not seeing progress, it may be time to look internally.

I strongly encourage you to speak with your primary care provider (PCP) or a dermatologist and request lab work. Specifically, ask about:

• Iron levels (low iron and anemia are strongly linked to excessive shedding)

• Hormone levels (hormonal imbalances, including elevated testosterone in women, can contribute to hair thinning and loss)

  
  

Healthy hair growth depends on proper blood circulation, oxygen, and nutrients reaching the scalp. If your body is struggling internally, no oil, grease, or “miracle growth serum” is going to fix that.

Find a Stylist Who Prioritizes Hair Health

I love a DIY girlie as much as the next woman—doing your own hair can be empowering and budget-friendly. However, working with a licensed professional hairstylist, even once a month, can make a huge difference in your hair’s long-term health.

The internet is full of education—but it’s also full of hair myths.

Let’s Talk About Hair Grease

One of the most common myths in Black hair care is that grease on the scalp promotes growth.

Many people swear by products like Blue Magic, but here’s the truth:Heavy grease on the scalp can clog hair follicles, trap dirt and buildup, and interfere with scalp health—especially if you’re not shampooing regularly. A healthy scalp should be clean, balanced, and moisturized, not coated.

Yes, some people do the most damaging things to their hair and still appear to “grow inches overnight.” Genetics play a role—but that doesn’t mean those habits are healthy or sustainable.

Trust the professionals you’re paying. Cosmetology science has evolved, and research has shown that many routines from the past were flawed or incomplete.

Shampooing: Yes, You Actually Need to Wash Your Hair

It is important to shampoo your hair at least every two weeks. This supports scalp health by removing:

• Product buildup

• Sweat

• Dirt

• Excess oils

  
  

A clean scalp allows your hair to properly receive and retain moisture, which directly supports length retention.

That said—be mindful of what you’re using.

• Focus on moisturizing shampoos and conditioners

• Avoid using clarifying shampoos too frequently

• Use a clarifying shampoo about once a month, or as needed for heavy buildup

  
  

Over-clarifying can strip the hair, leading to dryness and breakage—the opposite of what we want.

Treatments: Don’t Guess—Consult a Professional

When it comes to treatments like:

• Protein treatments

• Steam treatments

• Chemical-based strengthening treatments

  
  

Please consult a professional.

Ask yourself: How do you know your hair actually needs that?Using the wrong treatment at the wrong time can cause significant damage, including breakage, dryness, and elasticity loss.

More often than not, your hair doesn’t need anything fancy. It needs a basic, simple, consistent routine.

Don’t complicate it.

Summer Hair Goals: Retain Length & Stay Cute

But let’s be real…

What are y’all doing with your hair this summer?

Normally, I’ll keep braids in for 2–3 months, but this summer I’m focused on retaining length and keeping my hair healthy.

According to professional hairstylists, length retention requires:

• Shampooing every 1–2 weeks

• Consistent moisture (water-based products are key)

• Routine trims

• Low-tension styles

• Low manipulation

  
  

Low Manipulation… WTH Does That Mean?!

Low manipulation simply means less pulling, styling, brushing, and tension. The more you handle your hair, the more opportunities there are for breakage.

This is why stylists recommend:

• Avoiding tight ponytails

• Limiting long-term protective styles

• Letting your hair rest between installs

  
  

And yes—Most stylists now recommend keeping braids no longer than 4–6 weeks, especially if your goal is healthy edges and scalp health.

Girl… I’m trying .

My Summer Style Compromise

Hair stylists side-eye ponytails worn all the time, but listen—I’m loving my bun and bang era.

To minimize damage:

• I use a satin hair tie

• I keep my bun loose, never tight

• I avoid daily slicking

  
  

I hope that counts as low manipulation!

I’ll probably stick with quick weaves this summer. I keep them in for about 3 weeks, they’re exercise-friendly, and I can still access my scalp for cleansing and moisture.

S/O to my girl Jessica Allu at Eluxe Hair Studios. She keep my hair long, healthy, and moisturize!

Silk Press Girlie? Read This

If you’re wearing a silk press, your routine matters even more.

Always use:

• Leave-in conditioners

• Heat protectants (every single time—no exceptions)

  
  

Heat without protection is a guaranteed way to sabotage length retention.

Final Thoughts

Length retention isn’t about trends—it’s about consistency, scalp health, and realistic styling choices. Your hair does not need chaos. It needs care. Stop chair hopping, chasing deals and choosing style over health. This is only setting you further back! Find a stylist who can keep your hair healthy first, trendy second, and budget friendly!

So tell me: What’s your go-to summer style if your goal is healthy hair and real length retention? 

Until Next Time,

The Vagina Liberator