Nearly everyone's hair is genetically programmed to grow 6 inches in total over the course of a year, according to HairBoutique.com. This averages to about 1/2 inch per month. While it is not possible to grow hair faster than your genetics allow, there are certain lifestyle and dietary changes you can make that can improve your current rate of hair growth. These steps can provide you with healthier hair and a more healthful lifestyle.
Step 1
Include lean protein in your diet. Sources of lean protein include skim milk, egg whites, grilled chicken and fish. Since hair is made from protein, having a diet high in protein can improve the rate at which your hair grows. Conversely, a diet that is deficient in protein can decrease your hair growth.
Step 2
Add a multivitamin to your diet. If you do not take a multivitamin, be sure to take one. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can thin hair and make it grow slower. B vitamins are particularly important. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, biotin or vitamin B7 can improve hair growth and a deficiency can cause hair loss.
Step 3
Drink at least 8 cups of water a day. The Mayo Clinic suggests 8 or 9 cups, although Columbia University notes that the kidneys are equipped to process up to 60 cups of water a day. (However, it is not advised that you drink this much water for a prolonged period.) Water will help flush toxins from your system and will increase your metabolic rate, allowing your body to process nutrients faster. You also can drink green tea as part of your water intake. Carbonated sodas, coffee or beer should not count toward your water intake.
Step 4
Get at least 7 hours of sleep if you are an adult. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 7 to 9 hours for adults and no less than 8.5 hours for adolescents. Your body releases testosterone and growth hormone while sleep. These hormones contribute to hair growth.
Step 5
Avoid a stressful lifestyle as much as possible. Researchers at Columbia University claim that excess stress will shift hair follicles into their resting phase during stressful times. This resting phase lasts about 2 to 3 weeks and is temporary. Large amounts of physical and emotional stress can also cause excess hair loss, according to the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Tips and Warnings
- Don't smoke. Smoking robs your bodies of essential nutrients that contribute to hair growth. Consider natural remedies such as exercising, meditating or yoga to relieve stress.
Things You'll Need
- Multivitamin
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