Do you feel like your hair grows at a snail’s pace? Do you wish your hair grew faster?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, hair grows an average of 0.5 inches per month. This adds up to about 6 inches over the course of a year.
But, what if you want your hair to grow faster? Is there anything you can do? Luckily, you can speed up your hair’s growth rate with some natural hair growth tips.
Check out this guide to discover the top hair growth tips.
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Clean and Stimulate Your Scalp
Faster hair growth all starts with the scalp. Just as you need to care for a tree’s roots in order for it to grow, so too do you need to care for your scalp in order for your hair to grow.
If your scalp is chronically inflamed – ie, you suffer from buildup, oxidative stress, and scalp tension, then you’re more likely to experience hair thinning or hair loss.
This is due to the fact that inflammation causes your hair follicles to close up, which results in limited growth and eventually leads to shedding. To take care of your scalp, make sure to wash it with a gentle shampoo.
While shampooing, massage your scalp to relieve stress, increase blood flow, and stimulate the hair follicles. The circulation of blood will help deliver vital nutrients and oxygen to your hair follicles, which will result in faster growth.
Here are some other tips that will help you take better care of your scalp:
- Wash your hair two to three times per week (this will ensure it doesn’t get too oily or too dry)
- Exfoliate your hair once per week to rid your scalp of dead skin and bacteria
- Incorporate tea tree oil into your hair care routine (tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties that can attack dandruff and promote a healthy scalp)
You should also invest in a shampoo and conditioner that’s specially formulated for scalp care.
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Take Hair Growth Supplements
Healthy vitamins and supplements can also help stimulate hair growth.
However, you need to make sure you research the ingredients before buying, otherwise, you’ll just be wasting your money on overpriced gummies.
A quality hair growth supplement will contain both biotin and collagen. Both of these ingredients contain high amounts of amino acids, which are the building blocks of healthy hair. And, this isn’t pseudoscience. Research shows that both of these ingredients support hair growth.
This is especially true for those who have low levels of biotin in your body, as low levels can lead to hair loss. Here are some signs that you may have a biotin deficiency:
- Brittle hair
- Hair loss
- Fatigue
- Dry or scaly scalp
- Dry eyes
- Depression
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle pain
- Difficulty walking
If you’ve been experiencing any of these side effects, you may want to get tested for a biotin deficiency.
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Keep Your Hair Moisturized
Keeping your hair moisturized can also help it grow at a quicker rate. If your hair is too dry, it’ll turn brittle and break before you can achieve the length you want.
While everyone’s hair has different needs when it comes to moisturizer, here are some general tips for keeping your hair moisturized:
- Use a shampoo that’s designed for dry hair
- Use a thick conditioner cream before taking a dip in a pool
- Deep condition your hair overnight
- Avoid extreme weather conditions
- When experiencing extreme weather, wear a hat or a scarf to protect your hair
- Lay off the hair dye
- If you have fine hair, avoid moisturizing your roots, as fine hair is usually driest at the ends
- Avoid using hot styling tools on a daily basis
- Apply UV protection to your hair
- Skip the daily shampooing
- Avoid brushing your hair when it’s wet
- When brushing, use a wide-tooth comb
- Do a hot oil treatment on a weekly basis
Also, don’t forget to drink plenty of water to keep your hair moisturized.
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Boost Your Antioxidant Intake
Just like the rest of your body, your hair ages. This is why people experience hair thinning as they get older, which in turn slows down the rate at which your hair grows.
One of the best ways to slow down your hair’s aging is to boost your antioxidant intake. Antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals and manage oxidative stress, which can result in younger, longer hair.
You can consume antioxidants and use them topically to promote hair growth. Here are some of the best antioxidant-packed foods:
- Onions
- Garlic
- Leeks
- Red wine
- Pumpkin
- Mango
- Berries such as blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries
- Parsley
- Spinach
- Carrots
- Apricot
- Grapes
- Eggplant
You can also find antioxidants in hair serums, oils, and sprays and apply them topically.
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Opt for Protective Hairstyles
Certain hairstyles can also help your hair grow faster. By wearing a protective hairstyle, you’re able to minimize your hair care routine, avoid hot tools, cover the ends of your hair, and safeguard your hair against the elements.
Some of the best protective hairstyles include cornrows, flat twists, and box braids. Just make sure to switch out your hairstyle every two weeks or so to give your hair a break.
Natural Hair Growth Tips: Are You Ready to Grow Out Your Hair?
Now that you’ve read these natural hair growth tips, it’s time for you to start growing out your hair. Before you know it, you’ll have the long, luscious locks you always dreamed of.
Be sure to check back in with our blog for more hair care tips and tricks.