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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
