Hair, actually a modified type of skin, grows about 1/2 inch per month. The average life expectancy of a hair is 6 years, and then the hair falls out and is replaced by a new hair. How you care for your hair during this time determines how healthy it will look and how fast it will grow.
Hair Nourishment
Healthy eating choices are crucial to the metabolism of keratin, the protein in hair. Spinach tops the list of foods containing antioxidant properties and vitamins A, E and C, which improves scalp circulation. Spinach is also a source of iron that prevents brittle hair.
Whole-grain foods, containing vitamin B and biotin, supply the metabolic requirement of hair follicles for optimum growth. Beta-carotene foods, like carrots, work with vitamin B for healthy, shiny hair.
Fish in your diet supplies essential fatty acids that improve hair texture, luster and condition.
Consider taking organic sulfur, a supplement known as MSM. According to a study by the Council for Natural Nutrition, women who took MSM showed "marked changes in hair length and hair brilliance" with better results in thickness of hair fibers.
Shampoo
Shampooing every day causes the hair's protective cuticle to dry out, even with a pH-balanced shampoo. Use cool water; hot water causes pores to expand, allowing hair to fall out.
Conditioner
Chemical-free conditioners should be applied to the ends of your hair, not to your scalp. An effective hair treatment is mayonnaise or buttermilk, which moisturizes and restores protein.
A mixture of honey, oil, avocados and bananas makes an effective weekly deep conditioner. Olive oil is a good hot oil treatment. By leaving it on your hair for an hour, preferably under a warm hair dryer, your hair will be shiny and soft.
Be Gentle
A wide tooth comb removed tangles from hair with minimal damage. Avoid brushing wet hair, which easily stretches and can break. High temperature settings on your blow dryer or curling iron can damage even oily hair and burn the cuticle.
If you wear your hair in a ponytail, use covered elastic hair bands or clips to prevent breakage.
Chemicals
Highlighting your hair or using hennas is less damaging than permanent color applications. Limit your use of perms and relaxers, which work by breaking the chemical bonds in your hair and contribute to breakage.
Natural or homemade shampoos and conditioners are far better choices than commercial products, which may contain chemical additives, synthetic detergents, animal byproducts, preservatives or synthetic fragrances.
Trimming
If you trim your hair regularly, it will grow longer because you eliminate dry ends that could split up the shaft.
Massage
Massaging your scalp increase circulation and encourages blood flow and nutrient absorption. Use your fingertips in a circular motion to rub glycerin or coconut oil into your scalp to replenish oils.
Exfoliate your scalp with a mixture of equal parts avocado and brown sugar. Rub it well into your scalp, wait 20 minutes and then rinse with cold water to rid your scalp of dead cells and dandruff.
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