In order for hair to grow and remain healthy, it must be maintained, notes the American Academy of Dermatology. Stimulating the scalp and getting proper nutrients to the hair follicles will help make hair grow faster. Sebum and hair products build up on the scalp, weigh hair down and can clog the hair follicle preventing hair growth. Using gentle products, reducing the amount of harsh chemicals on the scalp and wearing less restrictive hair styles can help improve the quality of your hair and encourage new growth.
Cleanse and Condition
Step 1
Shampoo your hair using a gentle shampoo. Shampoos containing jojoba oil help dissolve excess sebum and normalize the scalp, according to "CBS Money Watch's Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine." Other ingredients to look for in natural shampoos are rosemary, tea tree oil and lemon, which help normalize the scalp and encourage hair growth. Do not over-shampoo the hair. It can dry the hair and scalp.
Step 2
Rinse the hair with lukewarm or cool water. Hot water strips the natural oils from the hair and scalp.
Step 3
Apply a cream rinse or moisturizer. Dr. Paradi Mirmirani, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco, recommends using a conditioner to protect and maintain the hair. This is especially important for people with long hair. It protects and maintains the structure of the cuticle.
Using moisturizers will help protect the hair and keep it from becoming brittle and breaking. This means more hair on your head and less in your brush.
Step 4
Apply a leave-in moisturizer to the hair after shampooing and rinsing. This protects the hair. Run the moisturizer mostly through the ends using just a small amount on the crown area. This helps keep fine hair from getting limp, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Condition the Scalp
Step 1
Massage the scalp once or twice a week using the fingertips. Massage from the temples down to the base of the neck. Next, massage the sides of the scalp. Scalp massage loosens dead skin cells that can cause dandruff and plaques on the scalp that prevent hair growth, according to the National Institutes of Health. It also increases circulation to the scalp. The extra blood flow brings nutrients to the scalp, encouraging hair growth.
Step 2
Rub essential oils for the hair into the scalp and massage them in for 15 minutes. This can be done once a week. A 1998 study published in the "Archives of Dermatology" concluded that rosemary, lavender, thyme and cedarwood essential oils mixed with jojoba and grapeseed carrier oils stimulated hair growth.
Step 3
Apply a deep conditioner to hair and scalp, and put on a plastic cap. Leave the conditioner on for 30 to 60 minutes. This will allow the conditioner to penetrate into the scalp and coat the cuticle. This should be done at least once or twice a month.
Damage to the hair's surface creates scaly projections on the cuticle and make it difficult to comb out, according to the American Chemical Society. Deep conditioning smooths out the scales on the cuticle making hair look better while allowing for easier combing. Keeping a scalp healthy and moisturized will encourage hair growth and maintain natural oils in the hair and scalp.
Tips and Warnings
- Use a wide-toothed plastic brush instead of a boar bristle hair brush. The boar bristle brush can cause damage to the hair, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Wear loose hair styles. They are gentler on the hair and do not pull hair at the roots.
- Some essential oils can cause irritation in people with sensitive skin. Test a small area before using oils on the scalp.
Things You'll Need
- Gentle shampoo
- Hair moisturizer
- Deep conditioner
- Plastic hair cap
- Essential oils for hair
References
- CBS Money Watch: Jojoba Oil
- American Chemical Society: Heads-Up Study of Hair Dynamics May Lead to Better Hair-Care Products
- Ananda Apothecary: Essential Oils For Hair Growth and Preventing Hair Loss
- National Institutes of Health: Randomized Trial of Aromatherapy
- American Academy of Dermatology: Hair Care on a Budget
Member Comments