Most men are not concerned about hair growth until hair loss becomes an issue. While there is no magic formula for men or women to make hair grow there are some things you can do to help with impending hair loss, and to keep the hair you have healthy.
The Facts
Hair is made up of dead protein cells and grows at an average rate of half an inch a month from the hair follicle. The follicle sits below the scalp and is alive. The follicle is where each hair strand is formed from protein within the body. Hair strands will grow for about four to seven years, enter a "resting phase," and then fall out. A new strand will begin growing anytime between three weeks and three months later. The hair shaft is fragile and has no regenerative properties. So, don't waste your time cutting it, brushing it or combing just to make it grow faster.
Types of Hair Loss
Consulting your physician is the best way to determine what type of hair loss you're experiencing. Depending on what is causing the hair loss, treatments may be available. According to familydoctor.org, "common baldness," or male-pattern baldness, an inherited trait, is the most common type of hair loss for men. Minoxidil, the over-the-counter drug known as Rogaine, may be able to help slow or prevent the development of male pattern baldness. The prescription drug finasteride is also available from your doctor. If certain medication, an infection, disease or hormone imbalance is the cause, it can be altered or corrected.
Eat Right
Changing your diet to promote hair growth may not be as crazy as it sounds. B vitamins are crucial in helping the body synthesize protein. Hair is made of protein. Easting spinach, broccoli, kale, eggs and whole grains will boast your intake of B vitamins such as niacin, folic acid and biotin. Vitamins A and E also are important for great looking hair. Eating a diet high in protein means there are amino acids available for making new hair strands. Foods such as wheat germ and brewer's yeast are high in protein. If your body lacks nutrients, it will not be able to produce healthy hair.
Do No Harm
Avoid excessive nicotine, alcohol, caffeine and stress. Nicotine and caffeine are known to cause the hardening and restriction of blood vessels, making it hard for nourishing blood flow to reach the scalp area. According to Consumer Reports Health site, emotional stress alone will not accelerate hair loss; however, stress can cause alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that produces circular patches of hair loss.
Using Herbs
According to all4naturalhealth.com, the most popular and effective herb for prostate health is saw palmetto. The prostate is regulated by many hormones, including DHT--- DHT in the bloodstream can signal hair follicles to slow hair growth. An unhealthy prostate can cause DHT levels to get out of balance quickly. All4naturalhealth.com also suggests henna and coconut oil as common topical herbs to assist with hair growth. Henna can be applied directly onto the hair and scalp to promote healthy hair growth and prevent loss. A small amount of coconut oil rubbed into the scalp is an excellent way to condition hair to a healthy sheen and stimulate growth.
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