How come african american hair grows longer in dreads, than in relaxers and afros?

i wonder.


i have an afro for two years- and i've seen people with dreads and theirs is longer- than my afro- and they have been growing their dreads for 2 years too-


i eat well- i exercise-


so i don't get it-


i know with the chemicals and such from my perm my hair wasn't growing as fast as i wanted it too-


so i cut out the perm-How come african american hair grows longer in dreads, than in relaxers and afros?
Your hair is growing however because our hair type is so curly, it appears to not grow aka shrinkage. You have to remember that you can not measure hair growth like most can look at the way your afro has developed, is it starting to hang down, does it look bigger. Or if you want to combat the shrinakge you can get your hair singled, put it in twists, or you can wear it straight.How come african american hair grows longer in dreads, than in relaxers and afros?
I think the answer is partly breakage. I understand from a friend whose son wears dreads that he treats his hair with beeswax, which probably tends to preserve natural moisture and flexibility, although it isn't very attractive. Very curly hair can sometimes be dry and fragile, especially if it has been chemically treated in the past, as yours has. Also the frequency of washing can play a part in dryness and fragility--and blow-drying is the worst culprit. Nothing does as much damage to hair as the blow-dryer. I try never to use mine, and I have no trouble keeping my hair almost waist-length. The young man with the dreads reportedly washes his hair about once a week except in the summer when his head gets sweaty, then, more often.
With dreads you just have them done and dont do anything to it after. Also, with afros you come them alot more. That is why
Maybe your hair just doesn't grow as fast.