How to Stimulate Hair Growth in Women

Many women wish their hair would grow longer and faster. Stimulating new hair growth is possible whether you suffer from hair loss due to a genetic condition, stress or chemical treatments or you just want to grow your hair healthier and longer. Generally speaking, hair grows at an average rate of 6 inches a year. However, the rate of hair growth slows as you age, according to the American Academy of Dermatology 1. Still, there are steps you can take to stimulate new hair growth and help your hair and scalp become healthier.

Give yourself a scalp massage using peppermint essential oil. Rub a small amount of peppermint oil on your fingertips and gently massage it into your scalp. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, scalp massage with peppermint oil may help stimulate and promote hair growth 2. If you prefer, purchase commercially prepared scalp massage bars containing peppermint oil in health and beauty stores.

How to Stimulate Hair Follicles & Stimulate New Growth Naturally

Learn More

Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo once a week. Clarifying shampoos help remove residue, dandruff and dead skin cells from your scalp. Keeping your scalp clean and healthy prevents clogging of your hair follicles, encouraging new hair growth, according to Roberta Wilson in her book "Aromatherapy: Essential Oils for Vibrant Health and Beauty. 3"

Condition your hair every week with a deep-conditioning treatment. Buy a deep conditioner formulated for your hair type in grocery, beauty supply and drug stores. You can also get a deep-conditioning mask or mud pack from most hair salons. Deep-conditioning helps keep the hair you have healthy, elastic and nourished, discouraging breakage and promoting faster hair growth.

Greasy & Thinning Hair

Learn More

Brush your hair every night using a natural bristle brush. Brushing your hair helps stimulate the scalp, increasing blood flow and promoting hair growth, according to Brigitte Mars in her book "Beauty by Nature." It also helps distribute your natural scalp oils along your hair shaft, making your hair shinier and healthier 4.

Include foods rich in B-complex vitamins in your diet. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, foods containing high amounts of B-complex vitamins may help prevent hair loss 2. B-complex vitamins are important building blocks of your hair's structure. Eating foods such as spinach, whole grains and lean meats will help you meet the recommended daily allowance of most of the crucial B vitamins.