Hair grows an average of 1 cm per month, however there are some ways to make your hair grow faster. Some methods include ensuring adequate nutritional intake for optimal follicle formation, and increasing blood circulation to the scalp.
Other tips include massaging the scalp on a daily basis and opting for a high protein diet with lots of vitamins. There are also some cosmetic procedures that can help to speed-up hair growth and prevent hair loss.
It is important to highlight that there are health conditions that can impact hair growth, like toxin build-up or medication use. Therefore, you should see a dermatologist if you find that your hair takes a long time to grow or if it is very weak and fragile. The doctor can investigate any underlying causes and recommend the best treatment.
Ways to grow your hair
9 tips for helping your hair to grow faster include:
1. Eating protein-rich foods
Foods that are high in protein, like meat, fish, milk, eggs and yogurt, are necessary for the formation of keratin and collagen. These substances are fundamental parts of the structure of hair follicles, and adequate amounts can stimulate a quicker growth of healthy hair. Check out a list of high-protein foods that you can incorporate into your diet.
2. Massaging the scalp and brushing your hair
Massaging the scalp and brushing your hair can boost blood circulation in the area. The massage should occur when washing your hair or after your hair is dry. Be sure to press lightly with the tips of your fingers for 5 to 10 minutes. To brush your hair, you should use a soft-bristle brush, or opt to brush your hair when it is still damp.
3. Applying essential oils on the scalp
Massing with scalp with essential oil is another great tip for making your hair grow faster. Primrose oil or rosemary oil can repair hair damage and stimulate the growth of healthy strands. These oils can also strengthen hair follicles and treat dandruff.
When applying essential oil, you should mix a few drops of the oil with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and lightly apply this mixture directly on the scalp. You can massage it for 10 minutes and then wash your hair as you normally would.
Before trying this method, you should apply a few drops of the oil to your inner arm to assess whether you have an allergy. If the skin becomes, irritated, red or itchy, you should not use this essential oil on your scalp.
4. Correctly using conditioner
Conditioners and leave-in masks should be applied at least 4 fingers after the root. It should be lightly applied from to bottom. Blood circulation and hair growth can be impacted if these products are applied directly to the scalp. If needed, you can brush your hair out after showering or apply a smoothie serum to your damp hair.
5. Tying-up your hair
Securing hair into a ponytail or brain can exert a moderate force on your hair strands. This may increase circulation to the scalp, which may lead to hair growth. Nonetheless, you should be mindful of the pressure applied when tying-up your hair, as it can also lead to breaking and fall-outs.
Another important consideration is to avoid tying up your hair when wet, as the scalp is more prone to developing a fungal infection that can leave the hair weaker and cause an odor.
6. Moisturizing your hair once a week
Moisturizing your hair on a weekly basis is essential for strengthening hair strands and stimulating growth. Home hair masks are a great option, as they usually contain vitamins and minerals that penetrate the hair and cleanse the pores within follicles and on the scalp.
7. Taking vitamins for hair growth
Vitamins are essential for hair growth. These help to maintain a healthy scalp, strengthen hair strands, prevent damage, and act as antioxidants to prevent damage from free radicals. Some beneficial vitamins include:
- Vitamin A: This vitamin is involved in the formation of sebum that is produced by the sebaceous glands. This is an oily substance that protects the hair.
- Vitamin C: This vitamin plays a role in the formation of collagen and products the body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals.
- B-complex vitamins: These are necessary for overall metabolism and act as a regenerative and repairing force in the skin.
Biotin is a type of B-complex vitamin that helps the hair to grow faster. It also stimulates keratin production, which is part of the hair follicle structure, and can make hair shinier and provide more elasticity. Learn more about how to take biotin for hair growth.
8. Discontinuing tobacco use
Cigarettes can affect not only the hair growth cycle, but also its pigmentation. Exposure to smoky environments can increase nicotine levels in the hair follicle and at the root, leading to weakened, breaking hair.
9. Avoiding hats
Frequently using hats can suffocate the hair root, affecting its growth and increasing the risk for fungal development. They should be avoided altogether, otherwise their use should be limited.
Cosmetic treatments for hair growth
In addition to the above tips to help your hair grow faster, there are also some cosmetic treatments you can receive to stimulate hair growth:
- Microneedling: This procedure stimulates the formation of new fiber collagen, providing firmer, stronger skin. To optimize its effect, you are advised to also use topical products like minoxidil or alfatradiol, which are medications that promote hair growth and prevent further losses.
- Carboxytherapy: This procedure consists of the injection of carbon dioxide gas directly into the scalp. This increases blood blow, promotes hair growth and increases the formation of new strands. This technique can be used by men and women, and to treat cases of male pattern baldness.
Before starting any of these methods, you should consult with a dermatologist to confirm the underlying cause of hair loss. This will ensure that treatment will be effective.
