How to Enhance Hair Growth
Remedies and rituals for making hair grow are as varied as the people who crave long hair. Yet, achieving hair that grows easily and steadily is as simple as understanding what promotes a healthy environment for that to happen. Since hair is technically dead protein, optimal hair growth requires healthy hair follicles, balanced hormones and good general health. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Cut off all damaged hair, and get regular trims to remain free of damaged hair. Although damaged strands---for example, split ends---may make hair look longer overall, they lead to further damage, such as when the split inevitably extends up the hair shaft from the end.
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Handle hair with gentleness, especially when it's wet. Brushing too much (forget the myth of 100 strokes each day for healthier hair), piling it on top of your head while washing, rubbing vigorously with a towel to dry it, and other mistreatment are all harmful. Such actions involve excessive friction and promote breakage, because they strip and split the ends, increase tangles and stretch strands. Since wet hair is more elastic and less resilient, rough handling can cause even more damage.
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Use a conditioner after shampooing to protect hair and to make it more manageable and easier to comb without breakage. Applying a deep conditioner or using hot oil treatments regularly can help maintain moisture levels.
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Avoid tight hairstyles and hair accessories that tug on the scalp, hair follicles and hair strands, such as braids, buns, hair extensions, headbands, ponytails and other up-dos. Don't pull, rub or twist hair. When the scalp and hair are tugged on continuously, the tension eventually causes hair strands to break. Prolonged tension can damage hair follicles, sometimes permanently, leading to bald spots and a receding hairline.
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Eat a well-balanced diet that includes protein. A diet with insufficient protein can produce thinner hair or hair that doesn't grow normally. Conversely, a diet rich in protein can boost the growth process and result in stronger hair. Certain nutritional supplements, such as vitamins C and E, may enhance hair growth, but always consult a doctor before adding them to your nutritional routine.
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Eliminate or reduce the use of chemical treatments such as color and perms, heated styling equipment such as blow dryers, sun exposure to colored hair, and styling products designed to "freeze" hair or hold it in place for a long time. The first three create brittle and dry hair that breaks easily, while the last makes it more difficult to comb your hair without breaking strands.
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Improve your mental and physical health by avoiding stress, eliminating tobacco products, exercising regularly and getting sufficient sleep. A healthier body overall means healthier hair follicles.
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Tips & Warnings
After swimming in natural bodies of water, which contain salt, or chlorinated water, use a special shampoo to counteract drying. If you spend a lot of time in the sun, wear a hat, or use a topical product with an SPF to protect against drying ultraviolet rays. In certain instances, the nonprescription minoxidil treatment Rogaine can help hair grow and stop additional hair loss. The length and thickness of a person's hair are partially determined by heredity. Consequently, no matter what they do, some people's hair is genetically destined to never grow beyond a certain point.
If your hair not only fails to grow, but begins to fall out, consult a doctor to determine if you have a hormone imbalance, an underactive or overactive thyroid gland, or some other condition, such as an infection or an undiagnosed disease. Medical treatment can often correct a health problem and restore normal hair growth.
