How to Grow Hair Faster? 10 Proven Tips for Longer Hair
Hair growth is influenced by factors such as genetics, nutrition, care. Discover on L'OFFICIEL how to have healthy and long hair.
Hair growth is a complex process influenced by numerous factors, including genetics, diet, scalp care, and daily habits. While there is no magic formula to dramatically accelerate hair growth, adopting targeted, evidence-based practices can promote longer, healthier hair. Below are ten tried-and-true tips to promote hair growth.
1. Balanced and Nutrient-Rich Diet
A balanced diet is essential for healthy hair. Hair follicles require specific nutrients to function properly and produce strong hair. Proteins are essential, as hair is mainly composed of a fibrous protein, keratin. Foods such as lean meats, fish, eggs and legumes must therefore be included in the daily diet. In which vitamins and minerals play a crucial role:
Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Stimulates blood circulation in the scalp, helping to deliver nutrients to the hair follicles. Found in foods such as chicken, tuna, salmon, mushrooms, avocado, and peanuts.
Biotin (Vitamin B7): Involved in the synthesis of keratin, contributes to hair growth. Food sources include liver, egg yolk, soy, spinach, and walnuts.
Vitamin C: Stimulates blood circulation in the scalp, promoting hair growth. It is found in fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits, carrots, tomatoes, red peppers and berries.
Vitamin E: Protects hair and regulates the production of sebum in the scalp. Food sources include walnuts, peanuts, egg yolk, fish oil, spinach, asparagus, broccoli, tomatoes, whole grains, and smoked salmon.
Vitamin A: Helps prevent the aging of hair follicles and regulates the sebaceous glands of the skin. Foods rich in vitamin A include green leafy vegetables, cabbage, squash, broccoli, carrots, liver, and egg yolk.
Vitamin D: Plays an important role in the growth phase of the hair life cycle. It is obtained with moderate exposure to the sun and through foods such as egg yolk, mushrooms, milk and fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, tuna, swordfish and cod.
A deficiency in these nutrients can lead to brittle hair and slow growth. In some cases, taking specific supplements can be helpful, but it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplementation.
2. Scalp care
A healthy scalp is the foundation for optimal hair growth. Regular cleansing with gentle shampoos that are right for your hair type helps keep your follicles free from clogs caused by oil and product residue. Overuse of harsh shampoos can strip your scalp of its natural oils, causing dryness and irritation. It’s best to limit washing to 2-3 times a week unless your individual needs dictate otherwise. In addition to cleansing, hydrating your scalp is key. Applying hydrating masks or natural oils, such as coconut or jojoba oil, can improve skin elasticity and provide essential nutrients to your follicles. However, it’s important to avoid overusing products that can clog pores or cause buildup.
3. Scalp Massage
Massaging your scalp regularly stimulates blood circulation, increasing the supply of oxygen and nutrients to your hair follicles. This can promote faster growth and stronger hair. Using your fingertips, make circular movements all over your scalp for a few minutes a day. To enhance the effect, you can use essential oils known for their beneficial properties on hair, such as rosemary oil or peppermint oil, diluted in a carrier oil.
4. Avoid aggressive chemical treatments
Treatments such as bleaching, perms, and chemical straightening can damage the structure of the hair, making it more susceptible to breakage and slowing growth. When possible, it is preferable to opt for natural colors or less invasive hair treatments, minimizing exposure to harsh chemicals. The use of high-heat hair straighteners and curling irons should also be limited, as they can weaken the hair, causing split ends and breakage. When using heat tools, it is important to always apply a heat protectant to protect the hair from the heat.
5. Manage stress
Stress can negatively impact hair health, accelerating hair loss and slowing growth. Adapting to relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or even simply taking a walk outside can help reduce stress levels. Maintaining mental and emotional balance is essential to promoting long-term hair health.
6. Avoid Too Hot Water and Aggressive Drying:
Washing your hair with water that is too hot can damage your hair follicles and dry out your scalp. It is best to use lukewarm water to avoid stressing your hair. Additionally, aggressive drying with rough towels or using a hot hair dryer can damage the structure of your hair. It is best to gently pat your hair dry with a soft towel and use a low heat hair dryer or let it air dry if possible.
7. Protection from Environmental Factors
Prolonged exposure to UV rays, pollution, and harsh weather conditions can damage your hair, making it dry and brittle. Wearing hats, bandanas, or hair sprays can help limit damage from the sun and wind. Even in the winter, dry air from heated rooms can have a negative impact on hair health, so using humidifiers can be helpful in keeping your hair hydrated.
8. Use Products That Are Appropriate for Your Hair Type
Each hair type requires specific care. Dry hair, for example, requires deep hydration, while oily hair could benefit from clarifying shampoos that remove excess sebum. Using customized products helps to treat hair in a targeted way, promoting healthy and strong growth. It is also important to avoid overloading with products, which can clog hair follicles and slow growth.
9. Sleeping on Silk or Satin Pillowcases
Sleeping on silk or satin pillowcases can reduce friction between your hair and the pillow, preventing breakage and split ends. These smoother materials are also gentler on your scalp, helping to keep your hair healthy and strong over time.
10. Consult a Professional
If your hair growth is particularly slow or you notice signs of excessive thinning, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist or trichologist. A hair health professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend specific treatments, such as topical therapies or medical treatments, that may be helpful in stimulating growth.