There are literally hundreds of hair growth products available that range from supplements to topical solutions. Nearly all of these products have not been clinically tested and may leave you disappointed. While this may be discouraging, the good news is that there are several lifestyle changes and dietary additions that you can easily make that will make your hair grow faster naturally without you ever having to buy any hair growth products. Please note that these techniques are not treatments for pattern baldness; if you are experiencing excessive amounts of hair loss, please speak with your physician.
Step 1
Eat fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are food sources that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies can cause your hair to grow slowly or even fall out in extreme cases. The American dietary guidelines suggest that you eat two cups of fruit and two and a half cups of vegetables each day.
Step 2
Eat protein. Hair is made of keratin protein. Your body requires protein to build and maintain healthy hair. The Mayo Clinic states that you should consume 10 to 35 percent of your calories from dietary protein sources. Aim for a higher percentage rather than a lower percentage if you want to reach your optimal hair growth speed.
Step 3
Stop smoking or begin the process of stopping. Nicotine from cigarettes constricts your blood vessels and depletes your body of nutrients. Smoking also weakens your immune system. The US Journal of Dermatology and the University of Michigan also state that smoking is linked to premature hair loss.
Step 4
Sleep for at 7 hours every night. Sleep is critical for your immune system. During sleep your body releases hormones, like testosterone, that stimulate hair growth. The National Sleep Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adults sleep for 7 to 9 hours every night.
Step 5
Try to reduce the amount of stress you have in your life. Stress compromises your immune system and will slow your hair growth. Columbia University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham report that stress can cause hair follicles to prematurely go into their resting phase and shed. Although they will regrow in about 3 months, it is best to keep them growing; to that end, keep your stress levels as low as possible.
Tips and Warnings
- Use exercise or physical activity to combat stress. Low-fat sources of lean protein include egg whites, chicken, fish, soy and skim milk. If you already take a multivitamin, continue to do so as it will only help your hair's growth.
- Do not attempt to use minoxidil to grow your hair faster unless you are experiencing androgenic alopecia and your doctor recommends minoxidil. Minoxidil is FDA-approved for the treatment of pattern baldness, not for simply speeding how fast your hair grows.
References
- University of Michigan Health System: Quit Smoking, and Your Whole Body Will Thank You
- "Journal of Dermatology"; Association Between Smoking and Hair Loss; R.M. Trueb; 2003
- MayoClinic.com: Water: How Much Should You Drink Every Day?
- Columbia University: Stress Leads to Hair Loss?
- University of Alabama at Birmingham: Hair Loss (Stress)
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