Back to Basics: Hair growth tips

This post is dedicated to all the folks that cut their hair significantly short, and are trying to grow it back. I am talking from experience! So here are some best tips for faster hair growth. 

Diet

Eat a balanced amount of protein daily 

Hair is mainly composed of keratin, a protein made from amino acids. By consuming protein, you are providing your body with the "building blocks" for your hair. Healthy protein sources include lean meat, fish, eggs, nuts, beans and soy products. 

Don't completely cut out fat 

By fat, I mean unsaturated fats and fatty acids such as omega 3. These fats are important for as they help your body to process essential vitamins needed for hair growth such as vitamin A, D, E and K.

Vitamins 

As well as the vitamins outlined above, Vitamin C is also responsible for hair growth. Vitamin C deficiency can cause dry, dull and weak hair that is prone to breakage. Vitamin C is used to make collagen, a fiber that is essential for the production of new hair cells. As well as citrus fruits, Vitamin C can be found in strawberries, broccoli, guava and peppers. 

Iron and Zinc 

Iron is also found in the above mentioned protein sources, and is essential for hair growth, as it supports your red blood cells to provide oxygen to your cells, including your hair follicles.

Zinc helps with growth and repair of your hair, and also keeps the oil glands around your hair follicles working as they should. Zinc can be found in peanut butter, oysters, crab, poultry, pumpkin seeds and chickpeas.

If you have a Zinc or an Iron deficiency, you may need health supplements. Seek advise from a health professional before taking any steps. 

Psychological

Promote growth by minimising stress

Easier said than done, I know! But simple things like eating well, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep can help to reduce general physical stress levels. Intense stress or emotional stress can cause hair growth to slow down or even stop. Hair loss can be found in sever cases. 

By learning how to effectively manage emotional stress, you are doing yourself as well as your hair a favour. Removing emotional and psychological can help give your body the environment it needs to produce health and rapid hair growth.  

Health

Medical condition

It is possible that your hair growth rate can be affected by a medical problem. Prolonged illnesses, eating disorders, prescription medication, genetic or family history can be an underlying problem. Consult a physician before beginning any hair growth regimes. It could be that targeting an underlying medical condition is all you need to restore your hair growth rate. 

Hormonal imbalances can also affect hair growth. Balancing hormonal changes due to menopause, change in birth control use, thyroid or testosterone levels can restore hair growth. 

Styling

Avoid 

• Excessive combing or brushing - this will cause premature hair fall out 
• Chemicals - perming, bleaching, chemical straightening and repeatedly colouring hair
• Rubber bands - these will cause hair to break, use gentle hair bands that do not contain any metal binds. 
• Excessive washing - it is recommended to wash your hair up to 4 times a week. No more! This will avoid the natural oils being stripped away.

 

Do 

• Follow proper hair hygiene and choose products carefully.
• Use oils such as coconut, almond and olive oil on your hair. 
• Trim your hair every 6-10 weeks - this won't promote hair growth but will avoid split ends travelling up the hair.

Be Patient 

Even by doing everything outlined in this post, it will take about 6 months before any change can be seen. As well as doing good for your hair, you are benefitting your health and general well being by following these guidelines. 

I hope this advice helped, I know I'm eager to have long hair again. 

Stay blessed, Peace!