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You can do many things at home to encourage hair growth.
Hair, on average, grows about half an inch every month. There is no proven scientific way to make hair grow faster. Techniques promising to increase hair length by three to four inches in a few weeks often don’t work. If someone asserts that these techniques have worked for them, it may be due to their hair texture and density. Thicker and denser hair tends to appear longer, too. However, certain home remedies may help increase hair thickness and thus hair length, which includes
- Massaging your scalp: Massaging the scalp with oil helps to improve blood circulation. Increased blood circulation stimulates hair follicle activity and hair growth. You can warm up the oil and massage the scalp with your fingertips for 20 minutes. Leave the oil in your hair for another 30 minutes.
- Trimming your ends: This may sound bizarre, but trimming the ends is essential for healthy hair growth. It is necessary to trim or cut your hair regularly. Split ends do not allow that particular hair shaft to grow, so it is better to snip them off.
- Avoiding the use of excessive styling products: Excessive hairstyling may leave a residue on the scalp. This may damage the hair shaft in the long run. Styles such as dreadlocks and tight braids exert undue strain on the hair root and cause hair shedding. Excess heat while curling, perming, and straightening will damage hair by drying out the hair shaft.
- Brushing gently: Brushing growing hair stimulates blood circulation. Improved blood circulation increases the delivery of nutrients to the head and the removal of waste products. Brushing your hair gently helps to remove the knots and tangles, thus allowing the hair to grow to its maximum. Use a wide-toothed comb while removing tangles. Never brush wet hair.
- Calming down: Excess stress and anxiety can lead to dry, brittle hair and ultimately hair loss. People going through extreme stress often experience excessive hair loss. Hence, it is necessary to take frequent breaks throughout the day and relax. Try yoga or meditation to reduce stress-related hair loss.
- Using conditioner: Limit shampooing to twice a week. Always condition your hair after each wash to lock in moisture. When you rinse your hair, use cold water to lock in its hydrating benefits. Moreover, use a good deep conditioning treatment twice a month to increase hair growth.
- Avoiding tying your hair in a tight bun: Tying your hair in a tight bun or high ponytail for a long time can damage the structural integrity of your hair and exert excess strain on your scalp and hair follicles. It is advisable to alternate between hairdos and tie your hair back a bit loosely to relieve undue pressure on your scalp.
- Getting your daily dose of nutrition: Eating a healthy diet with all the essential nutrition required for healthy hair does wonders. Some important nutrients associated with hair growth include
- Protein (fish, lean meat, and soy)
- Omega-3 fatty acids (fatty fish such as salmon)
- Vitamin C (kiwi, oranges, lemons, and tomatoes)
- Vitamin A (red, yellow, and orange fruits)
- Vitamin E (germinated grains, sprouts, and nuts)
- B complex (meat and fresh fruit)
- Iron (meat and leafy green veggies)
- Vitamin D (mushrooms and meat)
- Zinc (nuts)
- Copper (nuts)
- Magnesium (nuts)
- Selenium (nuts)
- Staying hydrated: Drinking adequate water and keeping yourself hydrated is essential for hair health. Drinking enough water can keep hair healthy.