All hair grows one-quarter to one-half inch per month, according to Hairfinder.com. Damaged hair is no exception. Unfortunately, damaged hair tends to be dry and brittle and breaks off easily. As a result, damaged hair breaks off just as fast as it grows. Several factors influence the rate of growth. Some factors, such as heredity, are beyond your control. Others, such as diet and styling habits, can be altered to influence better hair growth.
Step 1
Get a haircut. Remove as much of the damage as you can and follow up with regular trims every two to three months. Trimming the damaged ends prevents the damage, such as split ends, from traveling up the strand.
Step 2
Condition your hair after every wash and deep condition at least once a month. Use an additional leave-in conditioner if your hair is extra dry. Conditioning softens and restores moisture to the hair, which prevents breakage.
Step 3
Comb and brush your hair gently. Vigorous brushing can break the hair strands and scratch the scalp. Thin-toothed combs can also break the hair. Comb your hair while wet with a wide-toothed comb and a detangling agent.
Step 4
Massage the scalp to stimulate growth. Mix jojoba oil, the contents of one vitamin E capsule, 10 drops of eucalyptus oil and 10 drops of peppermint oil in a 16-ounce squeeze bottle to create an oil treatment for the hair. Massage a dime-sized portion of the oil mixture into your scalp once a day.
Step 5
Eat healthy and stay hydrated. Look for foods rich in vitamins A, B, C and E, which prevent hair loss and strengthen the hair shaft. Add iron and protein to your diet to also contribute to hair growth. Drink plenty of water to moisten your skin and hair.
Step 6
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day. Exercise increases blood flow, sending nutrients to the scalp.
Step 7
Get plenty of sleep. The body does most of its growing at rest, according to BabyCenter.com. Get at least eight hours of sleep per night to promote hair growth.
Things You'll Need
- Light conditioner
- Deep conditioner
- Leave-in conditioner
- Detangler
- Wide-toothed comb
- Jojoba oil
- Eucalyptus essential oil
- Peppermint essential oil
References
- Hairfinder: Is Your Hair Damaged?
- Hairfinder: Split Ends
- "Textured Tresses: The Ultimate Guide to Maintaining and Styling Natural Hair"; Diane DaCosta with Paula T. Renfroe; 2004
- Hairfinder: How Fast Does Hair Grow?
- Baby Center: The Connection Between Sleep and Growth
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