How I Grew My Type 4 Hair from Shoulder to Bra Strap Length (Science-Backed Routine)
If you’ve ever felt like your hair just won’t grow past a certain point, I get it. For years I thought my hair had a “limit,” but what I learned as a cosmetic chemist is that our hair can grow long; it just needs the right balance of moisture, strength, and scalp health.
So if I had shoulder-length, type 4 natural hair and wanted to grow it to bra-strap length, here’s exactly what my regimen would look like and exactly what I did!
Pre-Poo: Protect Before You Cleanse
Before you even think about shampooing, start with a pre-poo. This step keeps your hair soft and manageable during cleansing, reducing breakage before it starts.
What I’d do:
• Apply your favorite pre-poo to your hair in sections (mine is coconut oil).
• With the pre-poo on your hair, detangle gently with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
• Cover with a plastic cap for 15 to 20 minutes before shampooing.
Why it works: Pre-pooing creates a barrier that helps your hair retain moisture and softness when it comes into contact with water and surfactants (cleansers).
Cleanse: Focus on Scalp Health
Hair growth starts at the scalp, period. The scalp is an extension of the skin and needs to be cleansed regularly to keep follicles open and oxygen flowing.
What I’d use:
A hydrating shampoo packed with ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, and Polyquaternium-7 (for slip and softness).
How I’d use it:
• Focus shampoo directly on the scalp and massage.
• Let the suds cleanse the length as you rinse.
• Rinse with lukewarm water; hot water dries the cuticle and leads to frizz and breakage.
Science tip: A good shampoo removes buildup without stripping. Over-cleansing can throw off your scalp microbiome and disrupt hair growth.
Condition or Deep Condition: Strength and Slip
After shampooing, conditioning is where the magic happens. This is where your hair regains its elasticity, softness, and strength.
What I’d use:
A conditioner with BTMS-50, fatty alcohols (cetyl or stearyl), and amodimethicone for long-lasting softness.
How I’d use it:
• Apply from ends to roots.
• Detangle in sections with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
• Rinse lightly, leaving a little behind for that soft, buttery finish.
Every other wash, use a deep conditioner with hydrolyzed protein or ceramides to help reinforce the hair cortex and prevent mid-shaft breakage.
Herbal Tea Rinse: Growth and Scalp Balance
This step is optional but powerful. A herbal tea rinse soothes the scalp, boosts circulation, and supports stronger, thicker hair over time.
What I’d use:
My Curly Chemistry Herbal Hair Tea Rinse, which combines rosemary, hibiscus, nettle, and green tea for antioxidant and circulation benefits.
How I’d use it:
• Pour the cooled tea rinse over hair after shampooing.
• Leave on for three to five minutes.
• Follow with conditioner to lock in softness or add any extra tea over your conditioner for increased slip.
Why it works: Herbal compounds like rosmarinic acid and catechins help reduce shedding and protect follicles from oxidative stress.
Moisturize and Seal: The Retention Stage
Moisture is what keeps the hair you’ve grown. Without it, length retention becomes impossible.
What I’d do (LCO):
• Lightly spritz your hair with a liquid leave in, water, or aloe.
• Layer with a creamy moisturizer.
• Seal in moisturizer with a lightweight oil or butter such as sweet almond or mango butter.
Focus: The ends; they’re the oldest and most fragile part of your hair.
Science tip: Humectants like glycerin and aloe draw moisture into the hair, while emollients and oils lock it in, preventing breakage.
Maintenance: Protect and Be Consistent
This is where most people lose progress, not from a bad product but from inconsistent habits.
Night routine:
• Sleep with a satin bonnet or pillowcase.
• If your hair feels dry, after a day or two redo the LCO method.
Scalp massage:
• Three to four times a week using a serum with rosemary, biotin, or peppermint.
• Massage for three to five minutes to boost blood flow and stimulate follicles.
Protective styling:
• Stick to low-tension styles such as twists, buns, or non-glue wigs.
• Moisturize under your style every few days to avoid dryness and breakage.
Monthly Care: Keep Hair Strong and Balanced
• Protein treatment once a month to reinforce the hair shaft.
• Clarify monthly if using heavier products or oils.
• Trim every three to four months to prevent splits from moving up the strand.
Internal Support: Feed Your Follicles
Hair health is internal before it’s external. Here’s what I’d take daily:
• Vitamin D3 with K2 for hormonal balance and follicle activation.
• Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) for scalp hydration and reduced inflammation.
• Zinc with biotin for protein synthesis and strand strength.
• Iron (if deficient) to improve follicle oxygenation.
Here are the supplements I recommend.
Results Over Time
• Three months: Less shedding, more moisture retention.
• Six months: Fuller hair, visible growth.
• Twelve months: Four to six inches or more of retained length.
Final Thoughts
Our hair is beautiful, resilient, and capable of incredible growth. It just needs consistent care and a balance of moisture, strength, and nourishment. Hair growth isn’t overnight; it’s maintenance. And once you master that, bra-strap-length hair isn’t a dream, it’s inevitable!