How to regrow hair

Using too much heat can stunt the growth of your hair.

There are many factors that can contribute to a woman's hair loss or lack of hair growth, including stress, pregnancy, illness and genetics. Hair loss can negatively impact an individual's daily life and social, physical and mental happiness. While there are ways to regrow hair and restore it to its former vibrancy, hair regrowth takes patience because the time intervals between starting treatment and seeing results can vary significantly from individual to individual.

Instructions

1. Take vitamins and natural supplements to normalize your system and maintain healthy hair. Vitamin intake is a cost-effective way to strengthen hair. Vitamin B, for example, can stop hair from falling out. It also can help thicken hair and stimulate growth. Take 800 micrograms of vitamin B12 daily. You can also get vitamin B12 by consuming foods like fish, eggs and milk. For vitamin C -- another element seen as contributing to healthy hair -- take an 800 mg supplement daily or eat fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C content.

2. Massage your scalp with natural ointments. Olive oil, shea butter, argan oil and other natural oils can strengthen your hair follicles and cause added growth to your hair. Apply the ointment of your choice with your hands, using your fingers to work it into a wet or dry scalp.

3. Eat healthy foods. Excess sugar, for example, can damage the body by negatively impacting the immune system. This in turn can affect hair growth. Eating more vegetables, fruits and proteins will help ensure a proper diet that goes a long way towards improving your health in general. Avoid fried foods, junk food, sodas, or foods with lots of fat. Drink eight glasses of water a day.

4. Use medically prescribed methods to regrow your hair. Some people have reached more critical stages of hair loss and need a doctor's analysis. Doctors can give cortisone shots to patients who suffer from hair loss, for example. The hair growth drug Propecia is not recommended for women, however, and has potential side effects for men, including low libido.

5. Use a topical treatment such as Rogaine. The Rogaine brand is available without a prescription and comes in formulas for men and women. Minoxidil -- the active ingredient in this product -- stimulates hair growth.

6. Treat your hair with respect. Avoid using excess heat on your scalp. Do not use harsh strokes when brushing or combing your hair. Take care when using bobby pins, rubber bands, hair clasps or other hair implements. Find hair care products that have organic ingredients. Read the labels on the back of these products and do your research. Get your hair trimmed on a regular basis, typically every six to eight weeks.

Tips & Warnings

• Contacting a doctor is the best step in finding an effective method for treating hair loss.

• There can be side effects to using medicinal hair growth treatments such as Rogaine. These side effects can include burning, itching and irritation of the scalp.

References

• Pulling Out Hair -- Trichotillomania Blog; Ms. Penny Lane; Hair Regrowth: How long does hair take to grow back? Is it ever the same? August 2008
• Tone Health; How to Regrow Hair in Women; April 2011
• Hair Loss Treatment Help; Regrow Hair
• Healthy Communications; Controversial Ingredients to Avoid in Your Personal Care and Beauty Cosmetics

Resources

• Merrilyn Hope's Blog; Natural Ways to Regrow Hair in Children; August 2010