What Makes Your Hair Grow Faster?
If your hair is slow to grow, there may be health and lifestyle changes you can make that will encourage it to grow faster. Although the average rate of hair growth for a healthy person is roughly one half inch a month, people with slower-growing hair may boost hair growth by identifying and addressing potential deficiencies or habits that affect their hair's growth rate. Does this Spark an idea?
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Misconceptions
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Contrary to popular belief, there are no magic formulas that will increase the rate of growth on your head. Though vitamin supplements may address deficiencies responsible for slowing down hair growth, the maximum speed at which head hair grows is generally no faster than one half inch a month. As you grow older, that rate may slow somewhat, due to stress, disease, nutritional deficiencies and chronic use of medications that affect blood flow to the scalp.
Medical Conditions Affecting Hair Growth Rate
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If you have a medical condition, such as thyroid disease, the rate at which your hair grows may be slower than the average person. Hypothyroidism, or an under-active thyroid gland, may decrease your body's hormone production, which can cause your hair's growth rate to slow and contribute to dry, brittle and unhealthy hair. Other conditions that may affect your hair's growth rate include vitamin deficiencies, menopause, anorexia, bulimia and chemical addiction or frequent drug use.
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Types of Hair Growth Products
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There are several different types of items on the market that claim to make hair grow faster. These include specially panthenol-formulated shampoos and conditioners or liquid herbal "hair food," which is designed to be applied and absorbed into the scalp to stimulate hair follicles. Spray-in type hair growth products are enriched with amino acids and other nutrients and are applied to the hair after washing and before styling to promote hair growth and strengthen existing strands of hair. None of these hair growth products have been proven effective in increasing the growth rate of hair, although they may create healthier-looking hair and help to give the appearance of longer, thicker hair.
Suggestions
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Boost healthy hair growth by drinking between 6-8 8 ounce glasses of water each day to help prevent dehydration, which can lead to hair that breaks easily and clogs follicles. Drink green tea to help relax blood vessels and increase blood circulation to the scalp and hair follicles. Get at least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise each day to raise your heart rate and promote overall cardiovascular health. Be sure to get enough sleep--between 6-9 hours a night--to help fight stress and provide your body (and hair) with the necessary energy to grow. Eat a healthy diet rich in protein, magnesium and essential Omega 3 fatty acids.
Alternatives
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If you are determined to have long tresses but don't feel like waiting several months or years while they grow, there are ways to create the illusion of long hair. Many beauty parlors offer real or synthetic hair extensions that can be woven into your natural hair to create the look of long locks. If you can't tolerate the sensation of a hair weave, you can purchase a wig or two, and change your look on a whim.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Hair image by jura from Fotolia.com
