Inexpensive Hair Products to Manage Your Mane
View Photos
style sectionstyle section
In general, hair grows a half-inch every month. Even so, there are factors that alter your hair growth, either stunting it, causing hair loss or assisting your hair in reaching its maximum growth. Learn exactly what these factors are and how they work.
Start Protein-rich foods such as salmon can help optimize hair growth.
Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
Add more protein and sulfur in your diet each day for optimum hair growth--your hair is primarily made of protein, sulfur and water. Eat protein-rich foods such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, eggs, almonds and tofu. Consume high sulfur foods such as eggs, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, onions and garlic. Take MSM daily, a natural source of sulfur.
Drink half your weight in ounces of water daily for your hair growth and health. Water moisturizes your hair from the inside out.
Avoid sugar, soft drinks and starchy foods such as white rice and white flour. These will stunt your hair growth.
Take a walk to increase blood circulation.
Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images
Walk up to 30 minutes each day. Walking increases your blood circulation, delivering nutrients to your scalp and hair.
Learn to do a head stand or a shoulder stand. These yoga positions are specifically designed to increase blood flow to your upper organs and scalp, nourishing your hair follicles. Ask your doctor first if you have existing health conditions.
Give yourself a good scalp massage. This directly stimulates the circulation of your scalp, feeding your hair follicles.
Use tools that won't damage your hair.
George Doyle/Stockbyte/Getty Images
Avoid using chemicals on your hair, such as commercial hair color products and chemical relaxers or perms. The chemicals are damaging to your hair, even when a professional is applying it for you. Learn how to color your hair safely using natural, plant-based products, such as henna (body art quality), indigo and amla. Discover ways to work with your hair without chemically altering it.
Use only hair-safe tools on your hair such as seamless wide-tooth combs, satin or silk hair ties and scarves. Avoid brushes that can tear your hair. Air dry your hair instead of using a blow-dryer. Learn to style your hair without using direct heat as with flat irons or curling irons.
Avoid things that can be dangerous to your health, such as smoking.
David De Lossy/Photodisc/Getty Images
Get a hemoglobin blood test from your doctor if you regularly suffer from hair breakage or hair loss. You may be anemic, meaning your hair follicles are not receiving the nutrients it needs for hair growth. Your doctor will prescribe daily iron supplements if your tests show you have anemia. You'll also be required to eat more iron-rich foods.
Ask your doctor and pharmacist for details about drug interactions and side effects when assigned prescriptions. Certain medications not only stunt your hair's growth but cause hair loss.
Quit or cut down on smoking cigarettes if you are a smoker. Cigarette smoking restricts your blood vessels, making it difficult for nutrients and oxygen to reach your hair follicles.
Think positively.
Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
Develop an attitude that is not only positive but excited about growing your hair. See a "setback" as the valuable learning tool it is. Visualize and expect the best outcome. This keeps you making wise decisions when it comes to your hair.
All of these factors are essential for a successful hair growing experience. Before you know it, you will have a beautiful, healthy mane you can be proud of.
