Hair growth is an important issue for many people. It is so important, in fact, that there is an array of products available to help hair grow. Some products can be taken internally, while others need to be applied topically. Depending upon your preference, you can purchase products via a prescription or over the counter.
Vital Nutrients
There are variety of nutrients that are known for helping hair to grow. According to the Mayo Clinic and the Holistic Online websites, protein is one of the most important nutrients in this area. This is because the hair is comprised mainly of protein. A rich source of protein is found in soy products. Soy protein is used in a variety of shampoos, hair treatment formulas, conditioners and scalp treatments.
Biotin is a nutrient that is known for helping hair grow states Holistic Online. This nutrient is important for both skin and hair health. Read the ingredients on your shampoo, conditioner or other hair care product to be sure that biotin is listed. If biotin is listed as one of the first five ingredients, the product will contain ample amounts of the nutrient.
Vitamins C and E are important for hair health. Both vitamin C and E can improve the blood circulation of the scalp. This is important for hair follicle health. Vitamin E is known for actually enhancing the immune system. This, in turn, can help stimulate hair growth, according to Holistic Online. Both of these vitamins can be found in a variety of hair care products ranging from shampoos to hair gels.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil (such as in the brand name product Rogaine ) is an over-the-counter medication that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating hair loss. It can be purchased in two different strengths, a 2 percent or 5 percent solution. By rubbing the medication into your scalp twice daily, the Mayo Clinic states that you can help your hair grow. Minoxidil can also help to prevent further hair loss. The rate of hair growth varies with each person. It usually takes about 12 weeks to show any new hair growth results. Usually, the hair regrowth is thinner and shorter than any previous hair you had. Minoxidil has been known to stimulate hair growth enough to cover bald spots. The National Institute of Health does not recommend using this product if you are under the age of 18 or are a woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding.
Corticosteroids
Products that contain corticosteriods may help to grow new hair. It usually takes about four weeks to see any new hair growth. According to the Mayo Clinic, corticosteroids can be purchased in a variety of forms. Some products require a prescription, as in an injection into the scalp or the ingestion of a corticosteroid pill. Over-the-counter products containing corticosteroids include ointments and creams that need to be rubbed into the scalp. These products, however, are not as effective as the prescribed versions states the Mayo Clinic.
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