How to Grow Long, Thick Hair
Although genetics is largely responsible for determining the length and thickness of your hair, there's still a lot you can do to help your hair reach its full potential. Even better, a lot of growth-promoting techniques are easy to work into your daily routine. Just a few small changes in your diet and hair care habits could make a significant difference in your hair's appearance. Learn how to grow long, thick hair by getting the right nutrients, properly caring for your hair and using only hairstyles that won't damage your hair. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Gentle shampoo and conditioner Clarifying rinse Herbal rinse Scalp massage oil Protein treatment Hair brush with natural bristles or wood pins
Instructions
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Get the right amounts of all nutrients that keep hair healthy. Vitamins A, C and E and the B-complex vitamins all prevent excessive hair loss. These are found mainly in fresh fruits and vegetables and in whole grain products. The minerals zinc and selenium, found in foods like meat and nuts, are also important. Hair is made of protein, so make sure you get a healthy amount of protein from meat, nuts, beans and legumes. Also get sufficient omega-3 fatty acids from sources like fish, flaxseeds and walnuts.
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Follow a hair care routine that encourages hair growth. Look for gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that won't strip your hair of its natural oils. Once a week, use a purifying rinse, such as a vinegar rinse, to wash away buildup from shampoo and styling products. If left on, this buildup can smother your follicles and slow down hair growth. To style your hair, use only your fingers, a natural bristle brush or a wood pin brush to avoid pulling out or breaking individual hairs.
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Treat your hair with herbal washes. Herbs traditionally used to encourage hair growth include borage, sage, evening primrose, German primrose and rosemary. A study published in the March 1981 edition of the "British Journal of Dermatology" found that German primrose helps hair regrowth in alopecia areata patients. Make an infusion of one of these herbs by steeping the leaves and flowers in hot water and straining out the solids. Massage the remaining liquid into towel-dried hair and leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing it out.
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Massage your scalp with oil to open follicles and nourish the roots of your hair. Look for scalp massage oil with a base of coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil or avocado oil. You can also obtain these oils in the food-grade forms you find in the grocery store. Massage in the oil before bedtime and wash it out in the morning. If that's not practical for you, apply the oil 20 minutes before you wash your hair.
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Apply a protein treatment once a month. The commercial protein treatments available in drugstores and hair salons treat damaged hair and keep healthy hair soft and shiny. They help you grow long, thick hair by keeping your hair flexible, so it's less likely to break. Some treatments must be left on your hair for around an hour, while others must be left on all day or overnight. Both can be effective, so the choice depends on your preferences.
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Style your hair in ways that don't pull the strands. Tight ponytails, French braids and cornrows all pull the hair away from the scalp, causing some hair to fall out prematurely. Over time, this will make your hair thinner and shorter. You may also end up with a receding hairline. Save your hair by letting it hang freely or choose a gentler style, such as a loose braid.
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Tips & Warnings
If you can't find a gentle shampoo, you can make one out of common foods, such as eggs, mayonnaise and avocados. Blend one egg and 1 tsp. each of lemon juice, olive oil and mild dish soap with a half cup of wate,r and you have your own growth-promoting shampoo. In addition to herbal hair rinses, taking capsules of herb oils can also give your hair the benefit of these herbs. Be patient and consistent. It can take two or three months to see the results of your new hair care regime, but with consistent effort, results will come.
Excessive doses of some vitamins and minerals, such as zinc, can lead to hair loss, so take a hair vitamin only if you're not already taking a daily multivitamin. Don't apply pure essential oils directly to your hair or scalp. Some are quite strong when undiluted and can damage your hair or irritate your skin. Dilute essential oils in a carrier oil such as olive oil or almond oil before applying.
