Remedies to Make Your Hair Grow Faster

Remedies to Make Your Hair Grow Faster
Photo Credit playing with hair image by Alexandra Gnatush-Kostenko from Fotolia.com

When you set the goal of growing your hair faster, know that no fast miracle hair growth remedies exist. The average hair growth is 1/2 inch per month, according to the Mayo Clinic. Treating your hair well while nourishing yourself internally will help your hair grow faster than without using the remedies.

Hair Handling Awareness

Becoming aware of how you are handling your hair plays a role in helping your hair grow faster. Damaged hair is counterproductive to hair growth, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Instead of harshly rubbing your hair dry with a towel, apply the towel to your scalp and blot. Blotting allows the towel to absorb extra moisture. Treat your wet hair gently since it is more susceptible to breakage due to its increased elasticity. Stop using harsh hairstyles that cause breakage such as tight buns, braids and ponytails. Replace these with free-flowing hairstyles that encourage hair growth. Stop using styling techniques that encourage breakage, such as teasing, and let your hair flow naturally.

Limit Heat Exposure

Limiting the amount of heat you apply to your hair will help. Excessive heat can boil the water in your hair shaft, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, and this can damage your hair. Limit your use heat-containing hair appliances such as curling irons, blow dryers and hair dryers. Decrease the amount of time normally spent using heat with air drying your hair. Stop allowing your hair to sun dry. This can cause discoloration and drying, both counterproductive to hair growth, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. To prevent sun damage, wear a hat or head covering while in the sun.

Use Hair Conditioners

Conditioners can protect and strengthen your hair, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Apply hair conditioners after every shampoo. Conditioning your hair before and after swimming in chlorinated water will also protect your hair from chlorine damage. Help your hair growth even further by applying deep conditioning treatments.

Get Enough Iron

Not getting enough iron can be counterproductive to hair growth, according to the Mayo Clinic. Iron-deficient diets can be a leading reason for hair loss, which is counterproductive to hair growth. Iron is classified as an essential mineral by the National Institutes of Health, since your body needs it to make red blood cells. Get your iron through supplements or through dietary sources. Animal products are easier for your body to digest than plant-based sources, so include liver, oysters, salmon, tuna, eggs, dark meat of poultry and lean red meat into your diet. Rich sources of plant foods include legumes, dried fruits, seeds, nuts and whole grains. Whole grains include oats, brown rice, millet and wheat. Other plant-based sources of iron include broccoli, asparagus and leafy green vegetables such as spinach, collards and kale.

References

Article reviewed by Jenna Marie Last updated on: Jul 19, 2010

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