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HOW TO MAKE YOUR HAIR GROW FASTER 

Hair is a significant part of one’s identity and self-expression. Long, luscious hair is often associated with beauty, confidence, and youthfulness. Therefore, it’s easy to understand why many people want their hair to grow quickly to achieve the desired length and enhance their overall appearance.

If you’re wondering “What helps hair grow” you’re not alone. Whether you’re aiming to recover from a recent haircut, combat hair thinning, or simply desire lengthier strands, this guide will explore practical tips and scientifically supported methods to promote hair growth

So, scroll down and discover the key steps that can contribute to unlocking the potential for faster and healthier hair growth. Keep reading!

HOW TO MAKE YOUR HAIR GROW FASTER 

What is the hair growth cycle?

The journey of hair growth is a fascinating and perpetual dance, intricately woven through the stages of flourishing, transformation, and renewal within the intricate tapestry of hair follicles. This intricate cycle unfolds in a symphony of three distinct movements.

Imagine the Anagen Phase as the vivacious crescendo of this symphony – the zenith of productivity. Here, your hair engages in a captivating stretch-and-grow routine, reaching for its utmost potential.

Transitioning into the Catagen Phase is akin to a brief interlude, a momentary pause for your hair to catch its breath. A hushed stillness descends as it readies itself for the imminent burst of renewed growth, like the calm before a dynamic storm.

The Telogen Phase, a serene resting period lasting 2-3 months, emerges as the concluding movement. Within this tranquil phase, the hair follicle takes a graceful bow, remaining in a state of repose while the hair shaft gently loosens its connection to the scalp – a poignant farewell to one cycle and a poised prelude to the next.

14 Easy tips for hair growth

Avoid excessive heat styling

Excessive heat styling can lead to breakage and damage to your hair. Frequent blow-outs or the use of curling, straightening irons, or hot combs might hinder the speed of your hair growth. If you need to use heat:

Apply a heat protectant before styling

  • Oops, the coolest setting on your styling tool.
  • Work efficiently to minimize heat exposure to your hair.
  • Avoid using heat-styling tools daily.  

Allow Wet Hair To Be

Wet hair possesses high elasticity. Brushing it while it’s still dripping may lead to strand breakage or cuticle damage—the protective, shingle-like cells enveloping each hair. Applying heat tools to excessively wet hair can generate bubbles in the hair shaft, rendering it more susceptible to damage. If your hair is straight, permit it to air-dry before gently combing with a wide-tooth comb. For textured or curly hair, delicately detangle it using a wide-tooth comb while it’s still damp.

Use medication appropriately

While medications are intended to address various health conditions, they occasionally come with unintended side effects. 

Certain drugs may lead to issues such as excessive hair growth, alterations in hair color or texture, or even hair loss. Drug-induced hair loss, akin to other forms of hair loss, can significantly affect your self-esteem. Therefore, if you rely on medications for treating illnesses, it is crucial to consult your doctor diligently before introducing them into your system.

Get a trim and maintenance

Consistent trims and upkeep play a crucial role in preserving the health and beauty of your hair. Similar to how plants benefit from regular pruning to remove dead leaves and stimulate new growth, our hair thrives with routine trimming. This practice helps eliminate split ends and fosters a conducive environment for robust and healthy hair growth.

Pay attention to nutrition

Achieving lustrous hair requires year-round care, with a particular focus on incorporating nutritious foods into our diet to promote rapid hair growth.

The study “Nutrition in Hair Growth (2023)” pointed out that nutrition plays an important role in hair growth. A healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can provide your hair with the nutrients it needs to grow strong and healthy. 

HOW TO MAKE YOUR HAIR GROW FASTER 

Stress less

Stress triggers Telogen Effluvium, disrupting the natural hair growth process by impeding the production of essential nutrients for hair development. Prolonged stress adversely impacts the immune system, resulting in a loss of scalp control and damage to hair follicles. This, in turn, leads to sluggish hair growth or even hair loss. Hence, maintaining a happy and relaxed state is not only advantageous for your hair but also has positive effects on overall health.

Minimize breakage

If your hair is prone to breakage, it requires additional care. For instance, black hair tends to be delicate, so be extra attentive

  • Avoid excessive washing, do it just enough to eliminate product buildup, whether that’s on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
  • If you chemically relax your hair, seek professional assistance. Limit touch-ups to every 2-3 months, focusing solely on new hair growth.
  • Treat your hair to a hot oil treatment every few weeks for added nourishment and care.

Handle extensions and braids with care

Many individuals who have used hair extensions report that although there is considerable hair shedding, the regrowth process takes a significant amount of time. As per beauty experts, hair extensions are identified as a factor that hinders the natural hair growth process, leading to a slower regrowth than usual.

Apply strengthening conditioner 

Conditioner not only enhances the behavior and appearance of your hair but also fortifies and protects it from the damaging effects of the sun’s UV rays. If you have fine hair, apply conditioner mainly to the ends to prevent weighing it down. For Black hair, ensure a thorough coating of the tips to nourish the delicate ends.

Avoid rapid weight loss

Swift weight loss, similar to stress, can result in hair loss. When protein intake is insufficient, the body allocates resources away from hair growth, diminishing its priority. As a consequence, when returning to a regular diet, there may be a reduction in the rate of hair growth.

Sleep on satin

Smooth cotton linens offer a pleasant sensation on your skin, yet they may not be the optimal selection for individuals with delicate hair. Many individuals advocate for using a satin bonnet while sleeping or opting for satin pillowcases. While this won’t accelerate hair growth, it can potentially minimize friction, frizz, and breakage. Additionally, the experience is luxurious.

Scalp Massage

Regular scalp massages enhance blood circulation beneath the scalp, promoting the infusion of nutrients into hair follicles. This stimulation encourages swift and robust hair growth. To enhance effectiveness, incorporate essential oils into your massages to further stimulate hair growth.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR HAIR GROW FASTER 

Incorporate a weekly hair mask 

Similar to facial masks, hair masks serve as a source of moisture, nourishment, and overall health for your hair. A hair mask functions as an intensive conditioning treatment, resembling a regular conditioner but offering more nutrients and moisture through its enriched ingredients. Its extended application time, lasting up to several hours, allows for deeper penetration and enhanced effectiveness. 

Shield your hair from environmental factors

Protect your hair from the detrimental effects of extreme heat and cold. Wear a hat in bright sunlight or cold weather, and secure your hair in a tie on windy days to prevent it from becoming frizzy and tangled.

Best hair growth vitamins for women

Nature Made Hair, Skin, and Nails Plus Collagen: This supplement provides a comprehensive blend of vitamins and minerals that are essential for maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails. It includes vitamin D, biotin, and collagen, each playing a crucial role in promoting healthy hair growth and overall well-being.

 

Viviscal Extra Strength Hair Growth Gummies: These tasty gummies provide a convenient way to consume essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, biotin, and iron, which nourish hair follicles and promote thicker, fuller hair.

 

HOW TO MAKE YOUR HAIR GROW FASTER 

Solgar Zinc Chelate with Vitamin C: This supplement offers a highly absorbable form of zinc, zinc chelate, along with vitamin C to enhance zinc absorption and utilization. This synergistic combination effectively supports healthy hair growth and overall well-being.

NOW Foods Zinc + Vitamin C: This product provides a convenient and effective way to support healthy hair growth and overall well-being. This powerful duo works together to nourish and revitalize hair follicles, promoting thicker, stronger, and healthier hair.

Nature Made Iron: This supplement provides a high dose of ferrous sulfate, an easily absorbed form of iron, to promote healthy hair growth. It replenishes iron stores and supports hair follicle production, resulting in thicker, stronger, and glossier hair.

Solgar Gentle Iron: This supplement offers a gentler form of iron, iron bisglycinate, which is less likely to cause digestive upset than ferrous sulfate. It also contains vitamin C, which enhances iron absorption.

FAQ

1. Which oil is best for hair?

Whether you are trying to avoid chemicals or are just looking to experiment with some new hair care products, try natural oils such as coconut, argan, jojoba, almond, olive, and grapeseed. 

2. Can you wash your hair every day?

This depends on your hair type.While oily and straight hair may require daily washes, you may not need to shampoo daily if you have dry or damaged hair. If your scalp is slightly oily but your ends are not, try a dry shampoo in between washes.

3. Does weather affect hair growth?

While there’s a theory that hair grows faster in the summer months and sheds more in the winter, the evidence is anecdotal at best. Any unusual hair loss should be addressed with a doctor, no matter the time of year.

4. How long does it take to speed up hair growth?

The amount of time it takes to speed up hair growth depends on several factors, including your age, genetics, overall health, and any underlying medical conditions.

Conclusion

Having beautiful and sustainable hair is a common need in each of us. Taking a holistic approach to hair care involves addressing not only external factors but also internal ones. A balance of proper nutrition, gentle care practices, and mindful lifestyle choices contributes to the overall health of your hair. Remember, it’s not just about what you apply to your hair but also about how you nourish it from within.

In the journey to faster hair growth, patience is truly a virtue. Commit to the practices that support growth, and in time, you’ll likely see the results you desire.

How to Do Box Braids: A Beginner’s Tutorial

Box braids are a popular and stylish protective hairstyle that has been around for decades. They are versatile, low-maintenance, and can last for weeks with proper care. If you’re looking to try out box braids for the first time or simply want to improve your technique, this article will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to do box braids.

Choosing the Right Hair Extensions

The first step in creating box braids is selecting the right type of hair extensions. You can choose between synthetic or human hair extensions, depending on your budget and preference. Here are some factors to consider when choosing:

  • Texture: Look for hair extensions that match your hair’s texture as closely as possible.
  • Length: Choose extensions that are at least three inches longer than your natural hair to allow for braiding.
  • Color: Pick a color that complements your skin tone and personal style.

You should buy 6-8 packs of synthetic hair if you’re aiming for long, thick braids. For shorter and thinner box braids, you might require fewer packs. Seek out smooth and soft synthetic hair, which is less prone to frizz, either at your local beauty supply store or through online retailers. The commonly used synthetic hair types for box braids are the soft-pressed Kanekalon Expression hair and pre-stretched Kanekalon hair. Alternatively, you can opt for human hair extensions or yarn hair. When uncertain about the quantity, it’s wise to purchase more hair than you think you’ll need. Any leftover hair can be saved for future styles or returned if the retailer permits.

Preparing Your Natural Hair

  • Wash and Condition: Start by washing your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo and a nourishing conditioner. Ensure that you rinse thoroughly to remove any product residue. Follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to hydrate and strengthen your hair. Leave the conditioner on for the recommended time to allow your hair to absorb all the moisture and nutrients it needs.
  • Detangle: Gently detangle your hair using a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush. Start from the tips and work your way up to the roots to minimize breakage and pain. If your hair tends to tangle easily, feel free to use a rat-tail comb for those stubborn knots.
  • Stretch: If you have very curly or coily hair, you may choose to stretch it before braiding to make the process more manageable. You can do this by blow-drying your hair on a low-heat setting or using stretching techniques like banding or braiding.

How to Do Box Braids on yourself

Now that you have your hair extensions and natural hair prepped, it’s time to start braiding. Follow these steps:

Materials You’ll Need

  • Wide-tooth comb
  • Rat-tail comb (optional)
  • Hair clips or hair ties
  • Hair extensions (kanekalon or synthetic braiding hair)
  • Hair mousse or styling gel
  • Hair oil or moisturizer (optional)
  • Scissors (for trimming)

Step 1: Section Your Hair

Begin by using a wide-tooth comb to create four distinct box-shaped sections in your hair. Start by parting your hair down the middle, from your forehead to the nape of your neck, and then create another part from ear to ear. Leave the first section you plan to braid undone. Ensure that these sections are evenly partitioned, resulting in a neatly defined box shape with a straight line at the roots. Employ three large hair clips to secure the other three sections, keeping them conveniently out of your way. This initial division into four sections helps streamline the braiding process and prevents unworked hair from getting in your way as you braid. It might be helpful to use a mirror to ensure precision while creating these sections.

Step 2: Prepare the Braiding Hair

Take a portion of your sectioned hair, roughly measuring 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5.1 cm), and divide it further into thirds. Next, select a section of synthetic hair that’s slightly thicker than your natural hair section. Within the synthetic hair section, remove approximately one-third of it, leaving you with two strands—one thicker and one thinner. Alternatively, you can split the entire synthetic extension into three equally sized strands and then combine two of them to create the thicker and thinner sections.

Cross the 2 sections of hair at their centers, and fold the thinner strand backward upon itself. This action results in three hair strands of approximately equal thicknesses since the thin strand has been folded to create a single, thicker strand. To maintain a secure grip on the extension, use your thumb and forefinger to hold it firmly at the base of the loop.

Step 3: Start Braiding

Place the synthetic hair atop your natural hair, right at the roots. While keeping the three distinct synthetic hair strands, select one strand to act as your central or anchor strand, which you’ll merge with your natural hair. Align the loop of your partitioned hair directly over your natural hair’s roots, gently pinching your anchor strand together with your natural hair.

Step 4: Add More Braiding Hair

With the anchor strand of synthetic hair and your natural hair strand held together, initiate the braiding process with the synthetic hair. Guide the right-hand strand beneath the anchor strand, shifting the right-hand strand to the middle position. Subsequently, pull the left-hand strand under the center strand (which was previously the right-hand strand), positioning it now in the center. To keep things looking seamless, make sure to blend the braiding hair with your natural locks.

Step 5: Braid to the End

Continue braiding until you’ve reached your desired braid length. You can choose to leave a small portion of your natural hair unbraided at the ends for a more natural look or braid all the way to the ends.

Step 6: Secure the End

Continue this sequence throughout the entire length of your hair, and once you’ve reached the end, secure it in place using a hair elastic. If the braid holds its shape without an elastic, you can skip this step. Maintain consistent tension to achieve a tight, orderly braid, making sure it’s secure but not uncomfortably tight. Applying even, gentle pressure as you braid ensures a uniform and smooth appearance for your braid.

Step 7: Repeat

Braid your hair section by section, allowing yourself breaks whenever necessary. Begin with one section and progress from the lower part of your scalp towards the crown for easier management. As doing an entire head of box braids can be a time-consuming task, taking breaks between sections or when needed is essential. Ensure you braid each section swiftly and consistently to prevent frizziness. Maintain uniform pressure throughout the braiding process to achieve braids of the same thickness and shape.

Step 8: Trim and Style (Optional)

If desired, you can trim any uneven ends and style your box braids. Common styles include leaving them loose, pulling them into a ponytail, or creating updos and buns

Care and Maintenance

Once you’ve completed your box braids, it’s essential to take care of them properly to ensure they last for as long as possible. Here are some tips:

  • Keep Your Scalp Clean: Use a diluted sulfate-free shampoo to clean your scalp. Dilute the shampoo with water to prevent residue buildup between braids. Gently massage your scalp with your fingertips and rinse thoroughly. Focus on cleansing your scalp every 2-4 weeks or as needed.
  • Moisturize Your Braids: Use a water-based moisturizer or leave-in conditioner to hydrate your braids and natural hair. Apply it directly to your scalp and braids, concentrating on the ends. Be cautious not to oversaturate, as excessive moisture can lead to frizz.
  • Protect Your Braids at Night: Invest in a satin or silk bonnet or scarf to protect your braids while you sleep. Cotton pillowcases can create friction, which may cause frizz and damage.
  • Avoid Overstyling: Constantly pulling your braids into different styles or over-manipulating them can weaken your natural hair and cause breakage. Stick to simple styles to minimize stress on your hair.

FAQs

  1. What type of hair extensions are best for box braids? Human hair extensions are best for a natural look and feel, but they can be expensive. Synthetic hair extensions are more affordable and come in a wide range of colors and textures.
  2. How often should I wash my box braids? You should wash your box braids every two weeks to keep them clean and fresh.
  3. Can I swim with box braids? Yes, you can swim with box braids, but it’s essential to wear a swim cap and rinse your hair thoroughly afterward.
  4. How long do box braids last? Box braids can last four to eight weeks, depending on how well you care for them.
  5. Can I do box braids on short hair? Yes, you can do box braids on short hair, but the length of the extensions you choose will depend on how short your natural hair is.

Final Takeaway

Box braids are a beautiful and protective hairstyle that can be done at home with the right tools and techniques. By following this guide, you can create perfect box braids that will last for weeks and keep your hair healthy and protected. Remember to take care of your braids by moisturizing, cleansing, and protecting them from tight hairstyles. Happy braiding!