Your hair grows an average of ½ inch per month. Nothing you do will speed up this process, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. There are, however, ways to ensure that your hair grows at its optimal speed and remains as healthy as possible in the process. Making positive lifestyle changes can lead to maximum hair health and growth.
Monitor Your Stress Level
Lower your stress level to help your hair grow. Prolonged stress causes hair loss, which can be counterproductive to hair growth, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Luckily, stress-related hair loss does not usually require medical treatment. Start using a variety of stress reduction techniques to lower your stress level and help your hair grow. Examples of stress reduction techniques include developing and implementing time management skills and better organizational skills, pet therapy, guided imagery, deep breathing exercises and meditation, nature walks, maintaining a positive mindset and taking warm baths, according to holisticonline.com. Other ways to lower your stress include water therapy, using assertive behavior, eating properly, drinking water, maintaining a sense of humor and music therapy.
Use Aromatherapy
Use aromatherapy to help your hair grow. Aromatherapy uses essential oils to improve scalp circulation and encourage hair growth, according to holisticonline.com. Make an essential oil blend to massage into your hair. Combine two drops each of thyme and atlas cedarwood, and three drops each of rosemary and lavender essential oils together in a glass jar. Either place a lid on the jar and gently shake or mix the oils together with a spoon. Now add 4 tsp. of grapeseed oil and 1/2 tsp. jojoba oil. Thoroughly mix all the oils together. Gently massage the oil mixture into your scalp for two minutes nightly. Cover your head with a towel to allow the treatment to work. Rinse and shampoo your hair as usual. Aromatherapy may not be for everyone, so check with your doctor before using it.
Exercise
Exercising increases blood circulation throughout your body, including your scalp.This can help your hair get more nutrients and oxygen, encouraging hair growth, according to holisticonline.com. Yoga in particular contains inverted postures that increase scalp circulation. Downward-facing Dog Pose, headstands, Cobra Pose, Camel Pose and Standard Forward Bend can help your hair grow. Engaging in endurance activities that increase your heart rate will help improve your circulation, according to the National Institute on Aging. These include running, brisk walking, swimming and water aerobics, bicycling and dancing.
Stop Harming Your Hair
Treating your hair harshly will counteract hair growth, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Stop using shampoos, conditioners and other hair care products that contain harsh chemicals. Choose more naturally-oriented products instead. Stop drying your hair with a blow dryer; let it dry naturally. Limit your use of curling irons and hair straighteners. Reduce the amount of time you spend bleaching, coloring, perming and/or using other harsh styling options.
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