Hair Growth Hinders
The average rate of hair growth is about a half-inch per month. While minoxodil (Rogaine) may help hair grow a little faster due to its ability to boost the rate of cell division in the follicles, for the most part the key to longer hair isn't in an essentially hopeless search to find a way to make it grow faster. Instead your goal should be to prevent or stop what may be slowing its normal growth rate.
A number of factors can cause your natural hair growth rate to become sluggish. They include an excess amount of caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and/or a generally poor diet that is low in protein.
Aging, stress, certain medical conditions and some prescription medication may also slow the rate of hair growth. In addition, the hair growth cycle can be interrupted by a lack of sleep or water.
Patience and Commitment
The typical person can expected to grow 6 inches of hair annually. A few people might experience an 8-inch growth over 12 months. There are a number of steps you can take to help ensure this growth occurs.
Drink plenty of fluids each day, and minimize the use of damaging hair products like hair dryers and curling irons and chemicals such as hair bleaches and dyes. The overuse of hair products including hair sprays and gels can clog and damage hair follicles.
Massaging your scalp may help improve circulation. Each strand of hair on your head begins at the papilla. The papilla is a knob-like indentation at the bottom of the hair follicle that contains vascular loops for the nourishment of the hair root.
Vitamins and Herbs
A number of herbs may help encourage your hair to reach its maximum half-inch of growth each month. Seaweeds such as Atlantic kelp, Himanthalia elongata, are used to stimulate hair growth. Vitamin E, zinc, gingko and rosemary have been linked to healthier hair.
Protein
Your daily food intake should include plenty of fruits and vegetables. Protein is essential to hair growth. Good sources of protein include eggs, soy and beans.
Zinc and biotin are two of the most important requirements for hair growth. You can also take multivitamin tablets to ensure that you get your required nutrients daily.
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