There is no magic potion for fast overnight hair growth. However, healthy hair that doesn't fall out or break off will equate to more hair that grows to your length of choice. There are many ways you can promote a healthy scalp, stimulate more vigorous hair growth and keep your hair in maximum condition.
Nourishment
Eating fruits and vegetables with antioxidant vitamins A, C and E improves circulation and contributes to healthy hair. Whole grain foods contain beneficial vitamin B; pantothenic acid can prevent hair loss; niacin encourages scalp circulation; and inositol contains elements claimed to be linked to hair growth. Fish in your diet supplies essential fatty acids for the metabolism of keratin, the protein in hair.
Dietary Supplements
Supplements such as biotin, silica and iron can contribute to hair health and rapid growth. The University of Maryland Medical Center reported that biotin supplements may improve thin and damaged hair and nails, hence promoting hair growth.
An organic sulfur supplement, known as MSM, has proved beneficial. 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
Your hair will be healthier if you do not shampoo every day. Mix your shampoo with herbs that promote hair growth. Horsetail has silica, which helps make hair stronger. Burdock root, in your shampoo or applied directly to the scalp, can help minimize hair loss. Saw palmetto, an extract from palm trees used to regulate hormones for prostate treatment, is the primary active ingredient in most hair-loss remedies. While shampooing, massage your scalp gently to increase circulation and encourage blood flow. Use cool water as hot water causes pores to expand, allowing hair to fall out.
Conditioner
Nourish your hair and minimize breakage by applying a conditioner to the ends of your hair. An intensive leave-on therapy, like a hot oil treatment, should be a weekly regime. Heat opens up the hair cuticles, allowing the moisturizer to penetrate the hair shaft. A good hair-growth stimulator is rosemary, lavender and sage in one tablespoon of sea buckthorn oil. Rosemary strengthens and stimulates hair follicles. Lavender controls the production of sebaceous gland oil and stimulates the scalp. Sage has antioxidant properties.
Styling
To prevent hair breakage, a wide-tooth comb is best for removing tangles. Avoid brushing wet hair, which easily stretches. Don't damage your hair by using a high-temperature setting on your blow dryer or curling iron. When styling your hair, use covered elastic bands or butterfly clips to prevent breakage. Hairs grow faster in the warmer summer months, so wear a hat to protect it from sun, wind and pollutants. Trim your hair regularly to help it grow longer by eliminating dry ends that could split up the shaft.
Chemicals
Instead of using permanent hair colors with ammonia, consider highlighting your hair or using hennas. Henna is an herb that stimulates healthy hair growth. Perms and relaxers break the chemical bonds in your hair and sabotage hair growth.
References
- The Vitamins and Nutrition Center: Vitamins for Your Hair
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin H (Biotin)
- Discount Vitamins & Herbs: MSM: Research Study Abstracts & Nail Health
- The Long Hair Community: Herb and Essential Oil Summary Chart: Hair Loss/Growth Stimulating
- Taking Care of Your Hair: Caring for Your Hair: Your Hairstyle
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