Ask The Expert: How to Grow Long Locks for African Americans

We went straight to the top for tips on how to grow out African American hair! Amoy Couture Hair Salon and product line owner, Amoy Pitters, shares her top tips for going from short strands to long, glossy locks, the healthy way.

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long story
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Long Story

Here, Amoy Couture Hair Salon and product line owner Amoy Pitters (her clients include Joy Bryant and Ciara) shares tips for going from short strands to long, Keke Palmer-esque locks, the healthy way.
shampoo you
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Shampoo You

"To prevent breakage, I recommend shampooing every week," says Pitters. "The belief that Black woman don't need to shampoo often is a myth! All the dead skin laying on the scalp is the main culprit in lack of hair growth." Try using a soap-free shampoo like L'Oreal Everstrong Reconstructing Shampoo ($6.99; ulta.com).

totally tresstastic
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Totally Tress-tastic

Gabrielle Union goes for a mermaid-y vibe with her super-long, glossy waves.
snip snip
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Snip Snip

"Frequent trims don't make hair grow faster, that's a myth," says Pitters. "However, trimming does prevent split ends, which can impede growth. I recommend trims every four to six weeks."
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Sixties Sultry

Lauren London wears her thick, mile-long strands in a sixties-inspired, half-up/half-down ’do.
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Take Your Vitamins

"Prenatal vitamins are a great trick for growing hair," says Pitters. "They're safe to take if you're not pregnant." Try Nature's Wealth Prenatal Plus Vitamins ($16; natureswealthvitamins.com).

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Hat Trick

Tika Sumpter pairs her extra-long, sleek strands with a floppy-brimmed hat for a haute hippie vibe.
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Healthy Hair

Prenatal vitamins aren't the only supplement that will get hair growing to Christina Milian-lengths. "Try vitamins B and C, as well as flax seed oil or a teaspoon of nettle," says Pitters.
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Shoulder to Shoulder

Melanie Fiona tosses her thick, naturally wavy locks over one shoulder for an easy-breezy, but drop dead gorgeous look.
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Chicken Dance

"Protein is a great hair growth stimulant, especially if you eat it," says Pitters. "Try chicken, almonds, and avocados. Vegetarians sometimes have weak hair due to their lack of protein!"
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Long and Luscious

Kimora Lee Simmons's trademark is her jet-black, lustrous, impossibly long hairstyle! Her gorgeous daughters are following in her footsteps with their lengthy curls.
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Natural Woman

"Natural products like virgin coconut oil encourage hair growth," says Pitters. Nature's Way Extra Virgin Coconut Oil ($9.49; drugstore.com) strengthens and adds a stunning sheen to your tresses.
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Classic 'Do

For a red carpet appearance, Jada Pinkett Smith smoothed her foot-long locks back in a low ponytail. Timeless!
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Grow, Baby, Grow

"The Rene Furterer line has treatments that deal with both hereditary and sudden hair loss," says Pitters. "After shampooing, I massage them into the affected areas to encourage growth."
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