If you cut your hair much shorter than you wanted, it may feel like it takes a very long time to grow out. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the average growth phase of hair can last anywhere between two and six years. To speed up the natural growth cycle, handle your hair gently and follow good nutritional practices. Remember to trim your hair while trying to grow it out. A trim every six weeks gets rid of dead ends.
Step 1
Eat a diet high in protein and iron. These substances are needed to grow hair, and a lack of them in the diet can actually lead to hair loss. Your best bet is to get these nutrients from food sources like fish, beans, eggs, chicken, turkey, milk, green leafy vegetables and lean cuts of meat.
Step 2
Include foods high in B vitamins and beta carotene. These nutrients are essential to normal hair growth and are best found in vegetables, whole grains and fruits. Some dietary examples are peppers, carrots, broccoli, kale, lettuce, oranges, peas, whole grain breads, fortified cereals and milk.
Step 3
Take a hair-growth supplement. If you are concerned that your diet is not rich in the foods needed to speed up hair growth, an over-the-counter dietary supplement can be used. They are taken on a daily basis. Brand examples are Hair Helpers vitamins and Hair Formula 37.
Step 4
Limit the use of heat on the hair. Heat exposure can damage the hair and slow down growth. Speed up the cycle by avoiding hair dryers, flat irons and hot curlers. When you wash the hair, use lukewarm water.
Step 5
Massage the scalp during shampoos. Stimulate blood flow to the area by gently massaging the scalp while washing the hair.
Tips and Warnings
- You can choose to speed up hair growth by using a topical solution as well. Minoxidil is available over the counter and found in hair growth products from Rogaine. Rogaine is applied to the scalp twice a day to encourage hair growth.
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