What are the best ways to get thicker hair?
There are several home remedies and doctor-prescribed interventions to grow thicker hair.
Hair loss and damage can occur due to genetic tendency for baldness, hormones (pregnancy), medications (cancer medication) and other medical illnesses (stress, thyroid disease or autoimmune diseases). If there is hair loss or hair damage associated with a nutritional deficiency of certain vitamins or minerals, hair growth supplements and several natural remedies can help hair growth or regrowth, making hair thicker. However, they do not produce results overnight and it usually takes a long time (one to five years) to see results. Normally, hair grows only half an inch a month, so even after taking supplements it would take five to six years for a new strand of hair to reach shoulder length. However, there are several other changes in the hair that can be seen after a few months of using natural remedies and taking supplements. After a few months, the oil glands on the scalp get reactivated and that moisturizes and nourishes the scalp and hair. The hair starts to appear shinier, more moisturized and healthier. The hair may not be as brittle as it used to be, which reduces hair breakage. One may consider consulting a dermatologist as well. A dermatologist can help diagnose the cause of hair loss and suggest medication and/or specialized treatments, which can provide faster results.
Home remedies for thicker hair
Below are the home remedies for thicker hair
- Massaging the scalp with natural oils: Several oils can help facilitate hair growth, make hair thicker and improve the texture of hair. They include
- Virgin coconut oil: Getting a regular head massage with oil is one of the most popular practices to get a thick and lustrous mane. It relaxes the mind, stimulates the scalp and helps promote overall good hair health.
- Castor oil: Castor oil is rich in vitamin E that improves hair health, hair growth and thickens the hair. Applying castor oil evenly to the scalp and hair and washing it off after 30 to 60 minutes once or twice a week can help.
- Olive oil: Olive oil is rich in omega-3 acids, promoting hair growth and making the hair appear smooth and shiny. Applying olive oil evenly to the scalp and hair and washing it off after 30 to 60 minutes once or twice a week can help. You can mix olive oil with another oil, such coconut oil or almond oil, and apply them together.
- Using minoxidil: Minoxidil is the only over-the-counter medication for hair loss approved by the United States Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), which can be used by both men and women. It cannot restore a receding hairline, but it can effectively stimulate hair growth, prevent hair loss and thicken hair. It’s available as Rogaine or Theroxidil in liquid and foam forms in 2 to 5 percent strengths. Minoxidil is not a curative treatment. Minoxidil must be applied to the scalp every day. Hair loss resumes if minoxidil is discontinued and hair may also fall out faster than before.
- Applying homemade hair masks: Eggs are rich in protein that is essential for healthy hair. You can make a hair mask by beating one or two egg whites and applying the mixture to your scalp when you have wet hair.. Leave the mixture on for 30 minutes. The mask can be washed off with shampoo. Bananas are rich in minerals that help build collagen and make hair thicker, stronger and softer. A mask can be made by mashing a ripe banana with two tablespoons of olive oil (egg may be added to this mixture as well) and applying it all over the scalp and hair. The mask can be washed off with shampoo after 20 to 30 minutes.
- Applying aloe vera: Aloe vera benefits the skin, scalp and hair. Aloe vera may be applied directly to the scalp and hair or mixed with olive or coconut oil and washed off by shampooing after 30 minutes.
- Eating a balanced diet: Eating a protein-rich diet will definitely make hair lustrous. Make sure you include leafy green vegetables for iron, sprouts and eggs for zinc lean meats for protein and nuts for zinc and selenium in your diet.
- Taking hair growth nutrients: Some important nutrients are necessary to promote hair growth and maintain healthy hair texture. These include
- Vitamin A helps form sebum, which is required to keep the scalp and skin conditioned and healthy. A decrease in sebum due to vitamin A deficiency will make the scalp dry, irritated, itchy and flaky. It also causes the hair to become dry and brittle. Vitamin A is found in orange or yellow vegetables such as carrots.
- Vitamin E nourishes the skin, nails and hair and protects the skin and hair from sun damage. Vitamin E is rich in plant-based oils, seeds, nuts, fruits and vegetables.
- Zinc can regulate the level of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body, a hormone that can cause hair loss. A decrease in zinc levels causes an increase in dihydrotestosterone, which can cause hair loss. Sesame seeds, nuts, eggs and fish are rich in zinc.
- Iron is essential for hair growth. Low iron levels lead to anemia. Low iron levels affect the hair follicles and disrupt the growth cycle of the hair, leading to hair loss. Iron is rich in lentils, red meat, spinach and green vegetables.
- Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps in the formation of collagen. Vitamin C also helps in iron absorption. Rich sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits such as oranges and kiwis. Vitamin C is also present in sweet potatoes.
- Vitamin D is important for healthy hair follicle production, promoting hair growth. Vitamin D also helps reduce stress and depression. It is found in eggs, oily fish and mushrooms.
- Amino acids are essential for healthy hair growth. Amino acids help produce keratin, which promotes hair growth and nourishes and improves hair texture. Amino acids are rich in protein-rich foods such as dairy, meat and eggs.
- Omega 3 fatty acids produce oils that keep the skin, nails and scalp healthy and hydrated. Fish, avocado and pumpkin seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
- Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that is also called vitamin H or coenzyme R. Biotin improves the strength and texture of nails and hair.