For years, my hair seemed stuck at shoulder length. No matter what I tried, my curls would reach a certain point and just… stop. Sound familiar?
Here’s what I learned: growing long curly hair isn’t about finding a miracle growth serum. It’s about length retention—keeping the hair you already have from breaking off before you even notice. Once I shifted my focus to scalp health, sealing my ends, and reducing manipulation, everything changed. These five products became my non-negotiables, and my hair finally started thriving.
My Essential 5
- Castor oil – for scalp conditioning and root strength
- Jojoba oil – the perfect lightweight carrier
- Leave-in conditioner – your hydration foundation
- Curl cream – to seal and protect your ends
- Silk pillowcase – overnight protection while you sleep
Let me break down exactly how I use each one.
1. Castor Oil: The Growth Powerhouse
Why it’s a game-changer: Castor oil is thick, nutrient-rich, and incredible for conditioning your scalp and strengthening your roots. It doesn’t make hair grow faster, but it protects your oldest strands from breakage—which is how you retain length.
My application method: I rarely use castor oil alone (it’s too thick!). Instead, I mix a small amount with a few drops of jojoba oil, then massage it gently into my scalp 2–3 times per week. I focus especially on my edges and crown, where my hair is most fragile.
2. Jojoba Oil: The Perfect Carrier
Why it’s a game-changer: Jojoba oil mimics your scalp’s natural sebum, so it moisturizes beautifully without weighing your curls down. It makes thick oils like castor oil much easier to work with.
My application method: I use jojoba as a carrier oil for my scalp treatments, and as a finisher to scrunch out the gel cast once my curls are completely dry. Just a few drops go a long way.
3. Leave-In Conditioner: Your Hydration Foundation
Why it’s a game-changer: This is your most important styling step. After cleansing, your hair needs continuous moisture to stay flexible and strong. Dry hair breaks—hydrated hair grows.
My application method: On soaking wet hair fresh out of the shower, I apply leave-in section by section, making sure every curl is saturated before I add any other styling products. Try out : L’Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls
4. Curl Cream: The End Sealer
Why it’s a game-changer: Your ends are the oldest, most fragile part of your hair. A good curl cream locks in the moisture from your leave-in and creates a protective barrier against damage.
My application method: I smooth it over my leave-in using the praying hands method, focusing on mid-lengths to ends. This ensures my most vulnerable strands stay sealed and protected.
5. Silk Pillowcase: The Overnight Protector
Why it’s a game-changer: Cotton pillowcases create friction and absorb moisture from your curls while you sleep, leading to frizz, breakage, and split ends. Silk allows your hair to glide smoothly, preserving your style and your length.
My application method: I simply sleep on a silk pillowcase every single night. It’s the easiest, most effortless change you can make—and one of the most effective.
Ready to Transform Your Curl Care Routine?
These five products—and the simple, consistent ways I use them—are what finally helped my hair grow past my shoulders, stronger and shinier than I ever thought possible.
SHOP THE PRODUCTS
Click the links below to grab my hair care staples and start your own successful length-retention journey:
- CASTOR OIL (While my exact castor oil brand isn’t available, this 100% pure, cold-pressed castor oil is a fantastic alternative)
- JOJOBA OIL
- L’Oréal Paris LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER
- CANTU CURL CREAM
- SILK PILLOWCASE
Let me know what you think of these products!
