According to the American Academy of Dermatology, hair growth is cyclic, with alternating periods of growth, called anagen, which lasts for years; arrest, called catagen, which lasts for days; and resting, or telogen, which lasts for months. The differences in the length of hairs is more related to the length of anagen phase than growth rate. About 90 percent of the more than 100,000 scalp hairs are growing, but there are things you can do to try to make your hair grow faster.
Vitamins
Since hair is genetically programmed to grow at a rate of 6 inches per year, any attempt to make the hair grow faster must be initiated at the cellular level. Vitamins are substance that are successful at promoting hair growth, by providing your cells with essential minerals and co-factors utilized in the keratin metabolic pathway. B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E and MSM are essential vitamins for hair growth. B vitamins such as niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin and folic acid are essential for cell membrane integrity and function, cellular oxidation and repair, DNA synthesis and the breakdown of proteins and carbohydrates, all of which are essential requirements are keratin metabolism. According to PureHealthMD.com, Biotin is used for various functions in the body, including energy production and blood sugar management. Biotin is also needed for healthy hair and skin. MSM is known to lengthen the anagen growth phase, while biotin promotes cell growth and the metabolism of fatty acids and amino acids; thus, when used together, they significantly increase the rate of hair growth.
Vitamin C and Vitamin E are also essential for hair growth. Vitamin C improves scalp circulation by maintaining the integrity and function of the capillaries that carry blood to the follicles. Vitamin E improves oxygen uptake as well the circulation to blood throughout the body and, consequently, the scalp.
Nutritious Foods
Hair is composed of a fibrous protein called keratin. Since amino acids are the building blocks of hair, diets rich in fish, meat, cheese, eggs and milk provide your body with proteins and subsequent amino acids that will be used in the keratin metabolic pathway. Foods such as salmon, flaxseed and walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and are essential in maintaining the cell membrane's integrity and opening the hair follicles for hair to grow. Legumes like kidney beans and lentils should also be an important part of your hair-care diet. Not only do they provide plentiful protein to promote hair growth, but ample iron, zinc and biotin. In addition to proteins, fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, seaweed, bananas, carrots, and blueberries have antioxidant properties that help detoxify the body and promote hair growth.
Protective Styling
Protective styles protect the ends of the hair from splitting and damage. Protective styles such as ponytails, buns and braids helps the hair grow faster and longer because the hair is able to retain its moisture and is not exposed to environmental stresses which leads to breakage. In addition to protective styles, its also important to moisturize the hair--especially the ends--to keep the hair from breaking as it grows.
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