Why did my 4C hair stop growing?

Author: Mrs. Brenna Turner  |  Last update: Saturday, November 29, 2025

If you've stretched out your hair and it still seems like your tresses haven't made any progress, then it might be time to reassess your hair care routine. The issue might be due to dryness, constant shedding and split ends, which makes it harder to grow out your 4C coils.

What stops 4C hair from growing?

Lack of Moisture

4C hair is evidently difficult to manage when dry. It can be very painful to comb out 4C hair that has no moisture in it. And unfortunately this only results in breakage which is contrary to hair growth. Dryness causes other hair issues like split ends, brittle ends and unwanted tangles.

How can I increase my 4C hair growth?

8 Tips To Maintain, Grow and Care for 4c Hair
  1. Deep Condition. The foundation of 4c hair is moisture so our first tip is deep condition. ...
  2. Avoid Over Washing. ...
  3. Stop Touching Your Hair Every Second. ...
  4. Protective Style. ...
  5. Sleep with a Satin Scarf or Bonnet. ...
  6. Use a Leave-in Conditioner. ...
  7. Massage Your Scalp. ...
  8. Moisturise and Seal.

Why has my afro hair stopped growing?

In fact, the unique structure of Afro hair means that it can be more delicate and prone to damage, which can make it appear to be growing more slowly. One of the main reasons why Afro hair may seem not to be growing is due to breakage.

Why did my 4C hair get shorter?

  • Shrinkage : 4C hair often shrinks significantly when wet, which can give the appearance of shorter hair. This is a normal characteristic of tightly coiled hair.
  • Breakage : 4C hair is more prone to breakage due to its texture.
  • Lack of Moisture : 4C hair tends to be drier than other hair types.

Why you will never get ‘That Hair’. (I tried for 10 years, brutally honest)

Will my 4C hair ever grow?

It's a common misconception that 4C hair doesn't grow, or can't get long. This is a myth! Because 4C hair experiences so much shrinkage, it can feel like your hair is growing very slowly or not at all. However, if you take care of your hair, you will notice growth when you stretch out your hair.

How do I retain my 4C natural hair length?

Let's get started!
  1. #1 Moisturize, Moisturize, and Then Moisturize Some More.
  2. #2 Skip the Unnatural Stuff.
  3. #3 Nourish Your Scalp with Vitamin-Rich Food.
  4. #4 Go Easy on Heat Styling.
  5. #5 Use Protective Products and Styles.
  6. #6 Get a Trim.
  7. #7 Care for Your Scalp.
  8. Trust MIELLE on Your 4c Hair Journey.

What stimulates afro hair growth?

Regular scalp massages can stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles, promoting faster growth. Use natural oils like castor oil for potential added benefits.

Does rice water grow hair?

With its long history and current devoted fanbase, there are many people who have anecdotal evidence that rice water has improved the health of their hair. However, experts say there's not yet enough evidence to prove that rice water does improve hair health. In fact, for some people, it might even make things worse.

Does 4C hair grow faster when dirty?

Kimble says, "It is actually a big myth that dirty hair grows faster than clean hair. Having dirty hair can cause bacteria growth and scalp irritation. The bacteria growth can cause scalp diseases, which can, in turn, cause your hair to fall out or not grow properly."

Why is 4C hair so weak?

Most 4C hair textures fall under a low porosity, high shrinkage category, which means that the hair has a tough time absorbing moisture, is very fragile and easily breakable, and shrinks a lot when it's wet.

Which oil is best for 4C hair growth?

Black seed oil, also known as nigella sativa oil, is perfect for 4C hair as this natural oil has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties which keep the scalp and hair well protected. Not only that but its high content of antioxidants and fatty acids lock in moisture to promote healthy hair growth.

What helps 4C hair grow faster?

How to make 4c hair grow faster
  • Use afro hair growth products. ...
  • Use a sulphate free shampoo. ...
  • Use a deep conditioner. ...
  • Use post-shampoo or pre-shampoo hair treatments. ...
  • Cut off split ends. ...
  • Avoid heat styling.

What is 5c hair?

5c hair type:

Type 5c hair texture has the tightest curl pattern among the other types. It forms a distinct "Z" shape and has a coarser texture. This hair type is often densely packed. Also, it requires extra care to maintain moisture and prevent breakage.

How often should 4C hair be washed?

Most hair care professionals recommend washing 4C hair once or twice a month, with at least five days between washes. Washing more frequently can severely damage 4C hair because it's particularly dry and brittle compared to other hair types.

What am I lacking if my hair isn't growing?

If your hair isn't growing, it could be a sign that your body or hair is lacking in essential nutrients or care. Nutrition: Hair growth depends on several vitamins and minerals. If your diet is lacking in nutrients like biotin, iron, zinc, or vitamins D and B, it could negatively impact your hair's ability to grow.

Why is my hair stuck at the same length?

If you have a shorter hair growth cycle, that means each hair on your head grows for a shorter period of time, which is why your locks may not get past a certain length. And that's okay! It can be sort of freeing to accept that genes will be genes and embrace your length, wherever you're at.

At what age does hair stop growing?

Many hair follicles stop producing new hairs. Men may start showing signs of baldness by the time they are 30 years old. Many men are nearly bald by age 60. A type of baldness related to the normal function of the male hormone testosterone is called male-pattern baldness.

How long does it take 4C hair to grow?

Afro hair grows, on average, about half an inch a month. If your locks are prone to breakages then you may find that this slows any progress down. So, if you're wondering “how long does it take to grow hair an inch?” with particular reference to afro/4c hair, then you're looking at around a couple of months.

Does putting coconut oil on your hair help?

Coconut oil can have many benefits for your hair and scalp. It is used to relieve dandruff, restore luster to dry and damaged hair, tame frizz, and protect hair against styling damage. It is safe to use on all hair types.

Why is my natural 4C hair not growing?

Why isn't my 4C hair retaining length? If you've stretched out your hair and it still seems like your tresses haven't made any progress, then it might be time to reassess your hair care routine. The issue might be due to dryness, constant shedding and split ends, which makes it harder to grow out your 4C coils.

What should you put in 4C hair everyday?

Apply a leave-in conditioner or moisturizer to your hair, focusing on the ends and dry areas. Style your hair as desired, using a lightweight oil or butter to seal it in moisture and prevent breakage.

How long does it take 4C hair to start locking?

Ensuring your hair is in its most natural state is essential as you start your loc journey. The time it takes for hair to lock varies based on hair texture, typically ranging from 10 months to two years to reach the mature stage.

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