We’ve all been there—you get a fresh haircut, enjoy the new look for a while, and then start missing your longer locks.
While there are countless great styles for short, medium, and long hair, sometimes the desire to speed up hair growth takes over.
Although there isn’t a magic solution for overnight hair growth, certain practices can help encourage faster growth.
One effective method is making lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and exercising more frequently.
Adjusting your diet and incorporating specific supplements can also promote hair growth. Additionally, various haircare and scalp products claim to enhance hair growth speed.
And let’s not forget the benefits of physical stimulation, like scalp massages, which increase blood flow to the scalp, promoting healthy hair growth.
To help you navigate the best approaches for hair growth, we consulted a holistic nutritionist and a hair restoration specialist. From DIY egg yolk treatments to using keratin-based products, here are their top tips.
- Give Yourself a Scalp Massage
We often focus on hair products and forget that healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. “Just like good-quality soil is essential for growing healthy plants, a healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair growth,” says Bauman.
Research shows that scalp massages can reduce stress hormones, lower blood pressure, and improve heart rate.
A simple at-home scalp massage can increase blood flow, strengthen roots, and help nutrients reach hair follicles faster. You can do this with dry hair or add a nutrient-rich oil for extra benefits, but limit oil massages to once a week if you have oily roots.
- Try an Egg Yolk Mask
Bauman notes that while hair typically grows a quarter to a half-inch per month, you can improve the quality of each hair shaft. This means thicker, stronger, shinier hair. An egg yolk mask can be particularly beneficial if your hair breaks easily.
Eggs contain lecithin and protein, which strengthen and nourish your hair, and their high sulfur content can help with dandruff.
To make the mask, mix two eggs with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1/2 cup of water to dilute the mixture. Apply to dry, brushed hair and leave it on for 30 minutes before shampooing and conditioning as usual.
- Check Your Medications
Some prescription medications are linked to hair loss. “Antihypertensives, cholesterol drugs, hormone replacements, and certain antidepressants can exacerbate hair loss,” says Bauman. Always discuss potential side effects with your doctor before stopping any medications.
- Do a Hot Castor Oil Treatment
Castor oil, filled with omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E, and proteins, can penetrate dry strands and seal the hair shaft to retain moisture. Its anti-fungal and antibacterial properties help combat scalp infections that inhibit hair growth.
For a hot oil treatment, massage castor oil into your scalp and apply it to the ends of your hair. Cover with a shower cap and use a blow-dryer for 15 minutes before shampooing and conditioning.
- Avoid Smoking
Smoking restricts blood flow to the scalp, limiting the oxygen and nutrients needed for healthy hair. It can also introduce toxins that disrupt hair follicles. Quitting smoking can improve your overall hair health.
- Opt for Healthy Fats Over Supplements
While hair growth supplements are popular, their effectiveness is debated. Natural vitamins and minerals found in food are more beneficial. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in salmon, tuna, flaxseed, walnuts, and plant oils, are essential for hair health.
- Limit Heat Styling
Heat styling tools can make hair dry and brittle, leading to breakage. To promote hair growth, air-dry your hair and avoid heat tools. If you must use them, always apply a heat-protectant spray.
- Avoid Over-Shampooing
Over-shampooing can strip hair of natural oils, causing it to become dry and brittle. The ideal shampoo frequency depends on your hair type. Thicker hair can go longer without washing, while thinner hair may need more frequent cleansing. Dry shampoo can help manage grease between washes.
- DIY a Cinnamon-Based Mask
Cinnamon’s antimicrobial properties stimulate blood circulation and nourish hair. Mix equal parts cinnamon and coconut oil, apply to the roots, and leave for 45 minutes before rinsing.
- Trim Your Split Ends Regularly
Regular trims prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft, which can cause more breakage. Depending on your hair’s condition and your styling routine, you might need trims every six weeks to six months.
- Brush Gently When Detangling
Proper detangling prevents hair breakage. Use a wide-toothed comb or a detangling brush, and avoid brushing wet hair, which is more prone to damage.
- Eliminate Stress
Stress can cause hair loss or exacerbate conditions like alopecia areata. Reducing stress through meditation or yoga can help maintain healthy hair.
- Sleep on a Silk Pillowcase
Silk pillowcases reduce friction, preventing tangles and breakage. While they won’t speed up hair growth, they help maintain the health of your hair.
- Use Keratin-Based Products
Keratin strengthens hair, prevents breakage, and promotes a healthy environment for hair growth.
- See an Expert
If you’re experiencing hair loss, consult a board-certified dermatologist to determine the cause and develop a tailored treatment plan.
- Turn to Powerful Ingredients
Over-the-counter topical minoxidil (Rogaine) and supplements like vitamin D, biotin, and zinc gluconate can support hair growth, though consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.
- Practice Yoga
Yoga is believed to stimulate hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp during inverted poses.
FAQs:
- How can I speed up hair growth in a week?
- Speeding up hair growth is a gradual process. Adjusting your diet and using new treatments can show results in a few weeks.
- Does hair growth slow when your hair gets longer?
- Hair growth may slow due to the hair growth cycle, but it doesn’t stop growing once it reaches a certain length.
- Which oil grows hair the fastest?
- Experts recommend castor oil, especially as a hot oil treatment.
