Everything Girls with Kinks and Curls Should Know About Growing Longer, Stronger Hair

One of the things experts say will work against you is product buildup. Whether it's using tons of product trying to whip curls into shape or not cleansing properly when you do use shampoo, buildup on the scalp works against the length and strength of your strands. "Dirt from the hair can really clog your pores and cause damage to the scalp, and if the scalp isn't healthy the hair can't grow and be healthy so you have to keep the scalp clean," Waajid says.

Sturdivant-Drew agrees: "A lot of women do this, especially with natural hair. I feel like I see a lot of people keep piling products on and not shampooing (their hair) right. You see women with white buildup on the street and, girl, if I can see it, you can see it. So, yes, cleansing the scalp is essential." Use a good shampoo to cleanse the scalp weekly or bi-weekly depending on your curl needs, watch the product buildup (the right products mean less not more) and a good apple cider vinegar rinse, like dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse, $35, or a clarifying scalp treatment can work wonders for hair health.

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