As the largest organ in the body, the skin encompasses flesh, hair and nails, according to Kids Heatlh. Because both the skin and nails constantly grow, they require the right mix of nutrients to manufacture new cells. If you do not feed your body the nutrients it needs, your hair and skin will not grow as fast as possible. Achieve optimal growth through the right mix of vitamins, minerals and healthy habits.
Step 1
Consume sources of lean protein. Both the hair and nails are made from keratin, a hard protein, according to Kids Health. Therefore, more protein is necessary to produce keratin. Lean sources have less fat and cholesterol than their more fatty counterparts. Options include fish, skinless chicken, turkey, eggs, soy products, nuts and low-fat dairy, according to HairBoutique.com.
Step 2
Take a B-complex vitamin. The B vitamins are vital to hair growth because they are a necessary part of the growth cycle. Make sure your supplement contains needed vitamins such as biotin, vitamin B-6 and folic acid, according to HairBoutique.com.
Step 3
Consume foods that are high in beta carotene. This form of vitamin A is needed for skin and bone development. It also is associated with having strong, healthy hair--beneficial for helping to prevent hair loss and breakage. Examples of foods that contain beta carotene include carrots, bell peppers, squash, broccoli, bananas and other fruits and vegetables that are green or yellow.
Step 4
Sleep between seven and eight hours each night. When you sleep, your body is engaged in the growth cycle. Lack of sleep means your body does not have the optimal time to grow hair, according to HairBoutique.com.
Step 5
Massage the scalp once a week. Massage helps stimulate blood flow. When blood flows to the scalp, more nutrients can be brought to feed the skin cells. The massage also helps to stimulate hair follicles, encouraging growth. Place both hands on the scalp and slowly rub in circular clockwise motions. After a few minutes, reverse and rub in a counterclockwise motion.
Things You'll Need
- B-vitamin complex
- Lean protein sources
- Foods containing beta carotene
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