While genetics does play a role in hair growth, several other factors also play a role.
How to make hair grow faster? What are some ways to promote hair growth? The most effective way to grow hair? What are some great ways to promote hair growth? Ways to promote hair growth?
You might be wondering if there's any way to make your hair grow faster. Are there any products that help? Can dietary changes accelerate growth? What about drugs or treatments?
In this article, we will help answer these questions. We will also take a closer look at what affects hair growth and what steps you can take to improve your hair growth.
How does the hair grow?
Here's an interesting fact: According to the American Society of Dermatology (AAD), you're born with all the hair follicles — about 5 million to be exact.
Of these, there are about 100,000 hair follicles on your scalp. When it comes to hair loss, AAD says it's perfectly normal to lose about 50 to 100 hairs a day.
Hair grows from the roots at the base of the hair follicle under the skin. Blood from the scalp enters the hair follicles, providing oxygen and nutrients to the roots and aiding hair growth.
As the hair grows, it passes through your skin and through an oil gland. According to AAD, it is the oil from this gland that makes your hair shiny and soft.
What can help your hair grow?
While genetics does play a role in keeping hair growing healthy, several other factors also play a role.
While there are no magic potions or remedies that can grow immediately, there are a few things you can do to help your hair grow.
Let's take a look at 10 steps to help your hair grow faster and stronger.
1. Avoid restrictive dieting
According to Dr. Lindsey Bordone, a Columbia University dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at Columbia University Medical Center, we can't control everything that affects hair growth. But there are some things we can avoid that can lead to impaired growth and increased shedding.
"Restrictive dieting reduces the resources and nutrients needed for hair growth," Bordone says.
"And because hair growth is a relatively low priority compared to other body functions, hair growth stops quickly when your body is under stress from dieting," she explains.
"Even after a healthy diet is restored, hair loss usually lasts for months," Hakatanei said.
2. Check your protein intake
Bordone says, "If your diet is severely restricted, the hair won't grow optimally and it can fall out. ”
"A balanced diet and adequate protein intake are important for optimal hair growth," she adds. "In general, we recommend taking 50 grams or more of protein per day."
3. Try caffeinated products
We all know that caffeine can keep you energized, but a 2014 study found that it may also have growth-promoting effects on your hair.
According to the study, caffeine may help promote new hair growth in both men and women at the molecular, cellular and organ levels.
If you are interested in caffeinated products, these recommended products can be purchased online:
- Glimmer Goddess's Organic Caffeine Hair Conditioner blends a variety of ingredients including caffeine, vitamins, premium oils and organic plant materials.
- TruePure Natural Caffeine Shampoo contains caffeine and other ingredients such as niacin, red clover and vitamins.
4. Explore essential oils
Not only do essential oils smell good, but they may also help promote hair growth.
A study of trusted sources found that taking pumpkin seed oil in the form of 400 mg capsules per day can lead to increased hair growth in men. After 24 weeks, the number of men's hair increased by 40% in men taking pumpkin seed oil.
Other learning trusted sources observed four groups of mice, each of which received a different hair treatment. Treatment includes saline, jojoba oil, 3% minoxidil, or 3% peppermint oil.
The study found that the group that was given peppermint oil had the most hair growth. This includes a significant increase in dermal thickness, number of hair follicles, and depth of hair follicles.
Research-credible sources also suggest that rosemary oil may be as effective as minoxidil, the active ingredient in Rogaine, in restoring hair growth.
5. Improve your nutritional status
Specific vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids are especially important for your overall health and also play a key role in providing your body with the energy it needs for hair growth. This includes:
A Learned Trusted Source found that taking omega-3 and omega-6 supplements for 6 months may help prevent hair loss.
Data from another learned trusted source suggest that lower zinc levels may play a key role in hair loss.
Although there are limited studies demonstrating the efficacy of biotin, a literature review of credible sources found 18 reported cases with clinical improvement in hair and nail health following biotin supplementation.
If you are interested in vitamin supplements, you can purchase these products online.
- LesLabs Hair Health contains all the essential nutrients that support hair growth. This dietary supplement contains vitamin A, vitamin E, thiamine, biotin, pantothenic acid, zinc, zinc, pumpkin seed extract, MSM and bamboo stem extract.
- Sugarbear Hair Vitamin is a vegetarian gummies supplement that contains vitamins A, C, D, E, vitamins B-6 and B-12, folic acid, zinc, biotin, pantothenic acid, and more.
6. Indulge in a scalp massage
A scalp massage can help promote relaxation and relieve stress. However, according to small 2016 learning trusted sources, it may also help promote hair health.
The study examined the effectiveness of scalp massage for 4 minutes a day. After 24 weeks, the researchers found that the nine men involved in the study had thicker hair than they had at the beginning.
While the study did not show any significant differences in hair growth, it is thought that scalp massage may help dilate blood vessels beneath the skin. This, in turn, can lead to thicker, stronger hair that is less likely to break or be damaged.
Enjoy a professional scalp massage or indulge in a hands-on massage at home.
7. Research on platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP)
Dr Sapna Palep, board-certified dermatologist Spring Street Dermatology, said the use of PRP therapy for people with hair loss has shown promise.
While more controlled studies are needed, one learning trusted source found that PRP can be an effective treatment option for hair loss.
"PRP is a breakthrough treatment that uses injections of a patient's own platelet concentration to restore and accelerate hair growth," she said. "Platelets are proteins that originate from their own bloodstream and DNA, and when they are put back into the body, they act like stem cells," Palep said.
Scalp injections of PRP can wake up dormant hair follicles, leading to more hair growth.
Treatment is given once a month for 3 months, with maintenance every 6 months thereafter.
8. Keep the heat
Heat generated by curling irons, hair dryers and straighteners can damage and cause it to break. While avoiding hot styling altogether may not be an option, you may want to try to limit how often you use these tools. Lowering the temperature of the heated styling tool also helps reduce hair damage.
In addition, according to a 2011 study by credible sources, using heat protection products before using heated styling tools can significantly reduce hair breakage.
Heat treatment works by forming a protective barrier, which helps prevent moisture loss when using heating tools.
If you are interested in thermal protection agents, these recommended products can be purchased online:
- HSI Professional Argan Oil Thermal Protector is a weightless spray that can help protect your hair from temperatures up to (232.2ºC).
- Kenra Platinum Blow Dry spray is a more expensive option that reduces blow drying time while protecting your hair from the effects of high temperatures.
9. Discuss minoxidil with your doctor
Vanessa Thomas, cosmetic chemist and founder of Freelance Formulations, says there are ingredients, such as minoxidil, that have been clinically tested for hair growth and have shown positive results.
Used to treat hereditary hair loss on the back of the head, minoxidil is an active ingredient in the building.
"If the concentration of minoxidil is below a certain percentage, some products containing minoxidil do not require a prescription," Thomas said. However, any product that uses this drug must be registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Rogaine isn't for everyone and can take up to 4 months to see results.
10. Easily color hair
"When we dye our hair and change the texture with chemicals, these processes put stress on the hair and cause it to break," Thomas said.
"But when we reduce these processes, the number of hair losses decreases and it looks like it grows faster," she adds.
Conclusion
While genetics does play a role in hair growth, several other factors also play a role. While there is no magic formula for immediate hair growth, there are a few things you can do to promote the health and growth of your hair.
Eating a healthy diet that includes key nutrients and enough protein is key. The use of certain products and treatments may promote hair growth, while reducing heat treatment and chemical treatment can also help.
If you are concerned about hair loss or not being able to get your hair to grow, you may need to discuss with your doctor why this is happening.