Many people are frustrated waiting for hair growth to be longer. The internet is full of suggestions for speeding up hair growth, but the easiest way to start is to change your diet because a few small changes can make a real difference. After getting enough nutrition, you can implement the best and most effective lifestyle changes and hair care.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Hair Care
Step 1. Avoid shampooing every day
If your hair isn't too oily, washing it every day can dry out and damage your hair. Shampooing every other day allows the body's natural oils to maintain healthy hair.
Consider scalp care to keep hair follicles clean. This treatment will also maintain healthy hair
Step 2. Use conditioner
When shampooing, make sure you use conditioner. Hair conditioner helps restore oil that is lost when shampooing. Make sure the shampoo residue is completely gone before applying the conditioner.
Step 3. Rinse hair with cold water
After removing the remaining shampoo and conditioner, rinse your hair with cold water. Cold water keeps hair follicles strong, also reduces hair loss in the shower.
Step 4. Minimize staining and styling with heat
Using heat and dye over time can damage your hair. Try to dry your hair yourself whenever possible. Use a sponge or Velcro roller instead of a hot roller. If you color your hair regularly, extend the distance and use a color-safe shampoo to minimize hair damage.
Step 5. Brush the hair carefully
Use a wide-toothed comb to untangle the tangles. Comb the ends first, then towards the scalp. Pulling your hair hard in an attempt to untangle the tangles will only lead to hair loss.
Step 6. Tie the hair properly
Pulling your hair too tightly into a ponytail at the top of your head can cause your hair to break. Instead, choose a loose ponytail around the nape of the neck. Avoid rubber hair ties. Change the position of the ponytail each time so that the hair is not brittle in one area.
Step 7. Massage the scalp
Massaging the scalp daily can stimulate blood flow to the follicles and promote hair growth. Incorporate scalp massage into your daily hair care routine.
Method 2 of 3: Adjusting Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Cut the ends of the hair
This advice may sound counterintuitive, but it can actually prevent hair breakage and promote growth. Over time, the ends of the hair will start to split. Forked hair will cause tangles and tend to be pulled loose when combed. Trimming the ends of the hair regularly will minimize split ends.
Step 2. Use a silk pillowcase
Hair can get tangled in strands of cotton pillowcases. A silk pillowcase will reduce friction and ultimately prevent hair breakage.
If you don't have a silk pillowcase, wrap your hair in a silk scarf
Step 3. Don't wrap your hair in a towel
Wrapping your hair in a towel after shampooing can break your hair. To reduce excess water, it's best to squeeze your hair gently or press it with a towel.
Consider microfiber towels for wrapping your hair as they are softer than regular towels
Method 3 of 3: Changing Your Diet
Step 1. Increase protein intake
Hair and nails are composed of a protein called keratin. Hair growth has three phases, namely anagen (when hair grows), catagen (when growth begins to stop), and telogen (when growth stops/or hair falls out). Protein-deficient hair will enter the final stages faster than protein-rich hair.
- Some examples of protein sources are chicken, eggs, and Greek yogurt.
- Protein needs of each person varies depending on body weight and lifestyle. Most people need 45–55 grams of protein per day.
Step 2. Increase your intake of iron and zinc
Minerals such as iron and zinc are very important in protein production. Iron deficiency is known to cause hair loss.
- You can get iron and zinc naturally from foods such as spinach, beans, and seafood.
- The amount of iron and zinc you need each day depends on your age, gender and lifestyle. Talk to your doctor before making any changes to your daily mineral intake.
Step 3. Eat vitamin-rich foods
Vitamin D is crucial for hair growth. Vitamin C is also important for iron absorption. You can get vitamin C in citrus fruits. While vitamin D comes from sunlight and food sources such as fortified milk and orange juice.
Talk to your doctor before making any changes to your daily vitamin intake
Step 4. Increase your intake of biotin and other B vitamins
Biotin and other B vitamins can promote healthy hair growth. So, make sure your diet contains enough B vitamins. You can ensure adequate intake by taking a multivitamin every day. In addition, consume foods rich in these vitamins.
- Examples of food sources of biotin are eggs, cheese, mushrooms, almonds, and cauliflower.
- B vitamins are found in fish, meat, eggs, dairy products, green leafy vegetables, legumes, and nuts. Also, look for foods fortified with B vitamins, such as breakfast cereals and breads.
Step 5. Focus on healthy fats
Omega-3 fatty acids are needed for hair growth, and make hair healthy and shiny. The body cannot produce this type of fat naturally.
- You can get omega-3 fatty acids from fish. Adults are recommended to eat two servings of fish each week to meet the needs of omega-3 fatty acids.
- If you are vegan or vegetarian, take a DHA supplement.
Tips
- Keep your body healthy and adopt a balanced diet so that you can have long and healthy hair.
- Use a heat protectant before styling your hair with heat.
- Massaging your scalp for 5–6 minutes will promote healthy hair and hair growth.
- Hair growth can be accelerated by using a mask from eggs mixed with natural olive oil.
- The use of olive oil alone can also support hair growth.
Warning
- Talk to your doctor before making any serious changes to your diet. Also, see a doctor if dietary and lifestyle changes don't help. If your hair is falling out and you don't know the reason, your doctor can do tests to check for another underlying condition.
- Using heaters, dyes, and other styling products can damage your hair in the long run.
