Hair Growth Tips for Faster Results: Tried and Tested Methods 

Often, many individuals wonder and ponder on tried and tested methods that they can use to make their hair grow faster. In this quest for healthier and faster hair growth, some individuals use substances that will harm rather than help their hair. There is no report of a tried and tested method to grow the hair overnight but there are specific steps that can be taken to help the hair grow faster. These tips for faster hair growth will be covered in this article.

What Factors Affect Hair Growth?

The hair is made of keratins, a class of structural filament-forming proteins that are insoluble. As a strand of hair grows, it passes by an oil gland which gives the hair its luster. About 100,000 hair follicles are found on the human head. Aging leads to the inhibition of some of these follicles from producing hair. Certain factors affect hair growth, such as:

• age
• some health conditions
• the overall health of an individual
• hair type
• genetics
• nutrition
• hormones

Phases of Hair Growth

Hair is known to grow in three phases, with each hair strand taking 2 to 6 years to complete its growth cycle.

1. Anagen – As the first and most active phase of hair growth, hair at this phase grows at the root of the air follicle. Anagen usually takes 2 to 6 years.
2. Catagen – The transition phase, or catagen, is when the hair follicles begin to contract and separate from the blood supply, and the active growth phase ends. This usually lasts between 2 to 3 weeks.
3. Telogen – This is also known as the resting phase which takes 3- 4 months. At this phase, the hair stops developing and remains in a latent state. The hair starts the cycle over again after this stage. 

Hair Growth Tips for Faster Hair

Eating a Balanced Diet

A well-balanced diet is a diet that includes all the classes of food. It helps in the sustenance of good health. Certain hair growth nutrients and vitamins such as biotin, vitamin C, iron, etc., can help in promoting the growth and density of the hair. 

Avoid Restrictive Eating

Avoid restrictive dieting because the food one gets restricted to may lack essential vitamins and nutrients that could be beneficial to the growth of hair. Restricting one’s diet can also cause oxidative stress which in turn inhibits hair growth and structure.

Consume Vitamins and Nutrients

Over time, vitamins and nutrients have been known to improve and sustain good health, and the same applies to hair. Several vitamins and nutrients can enhance the growth of the hair. A deficiency in such vitamins can hinder the growth of the hair and may lead to hair loss.

1. Biotin (Vitamin B7) – This can be taken to boost hair growth, especially for those who are deficient.
2. Iron – Hair loss has been reported to be associated with a deficiency of iron. Taking foods rich in iron can help treat iron deficiency.
3. Vitamin D – Naturally obtained from the sun, vitamin D can be metabolized by keratinocytes. Hence, a deficiency of vitamin D prevents keratinocytes from enhancing hair growth.  
4. Vitamin C – Vitamin C has oxidative properties which enhance the immune system, foster the absorption of iron, and prevent oxidative stress.
5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids – A study once conducted on mice revealed that mackerel oil extract enhanced the growth of hair fibers in the anagen phase.

Other vitamins that can be taken include vitamin B complex, vitamin E, omega 6, and zinc. Salmon, almonds, spinach, sweet potatoes, eggs, and avocados are a few foods that are high in nutrients that promote hair development. Including these nutrients in your diet can support the growth of thicker, stronger hair.

Avoid Damaging Hairstyles

When thinking about making one’s hair, individuals should consider if the style can have a damaging effect on their hair. Certain styles that can be damaging are making tightly braided hairstyles e.g., excessive making of cornrows, and packing one’s hair too tightly. Wearing one’s hair the same way every day can also can hair breakage. 

Monitor the Intake of Protein

Sufficient consumption of protein has been reported to be essential for the optimal growth of hair. Telogen effluvium, a condition known as temporary shedding can be caused by a decreased consumption of protein.

Use Essential Oils

Essential oils refer to compounds extracted from certain plants. Popularly known for their aroma, essential oils can be used for aromatherapy as well as in food preservation. Massaging the scalp with essential oils is a basic key to keeping healthy hair. It can also help the scalp in getting more nutrients. Examples of essential oils that can be taken to boost hair growth include rosemary oil, peppermint oil, lavender oil, and pumpkin seed oil. 

It is critical to be aware of any hazards and negative effects before utilizing essential oils for hair development. Despite their potential benefits, misuse of these products can result in skin rashes, allergic reactions, and even hair loss. It is advised to appropriately dilute essential oils and do a patch test before applying them to the scalp. Before utilizing essential oils for hair growth, always seek medical advice.

Explore Products with Caffeine

Known for boosting energy, caffeine when infused into hair products can help to prevent hair loss. By accelerating cell development and metabolism, caffeine may help with hair growth. 

Protect your Hair

One can protect their hair from damaging activities by:

1. avoiding silicon-containing shampoos,
2. stop over-shampooing,
3. stay hydrated,
4. staying away from exposing the hair to excess ultraviolet rays,
5. avoiding sleeping with wet hair which can weaken the hair,
6. protecting the hair when sleeping.

When sleeping, friction can occur between one’s hair and the pillowcase, hence it is advised to use a satin or silk pillowcase. 

Reduce Stress

Chronic stress has been reported to lead to high blood pressure and affect the overall health condition of an individual. To the hair, stress can inhibit its growth, leaving the hair in a sustained resting phase. Stress can also cause the hair to become gray prematurely. 

One way to relieve the hair of stress is by indulging in scalp massage. Massaging the scalp can not only relieve stress but it can help with relaxation, fostering hair growth in the process. One study revealed that by having a 4-minute scalp massage for 24 weeks, nine men engaged in the study had thicker hair. 

Getting enough quality sleep helps to relieve stress and increase melatonin production which regulates hair growth. Other ways to relieve stress are by exercising, meditating, and eating healthy.

Regularly Hair Trimming

Although this tip may seem insignificant, trimming the hair regularly, every couple of months can help enhance the growth of healthy hair. The benefits of trimming the hair include:

1. removes split ends
2. enhance hair growth
3. prevents hair breakage 

Avoid Heat

Excessive exposure of the hair to heat can alter the keratin shape of the hair leading to hair breakage, loss of moisture and make the hair vulnerable to damage. It is best to completely avoid heat styling the hair. However, if the use of heat cannot be avoided, then temperature-controlled styling tools should be used, and the use should be limited.

Avoid Hair Breakage

Caused by heat, stress, or underlying conditions, hair breakage refers to a condition when the hair starts to snap or lose its healthy sheen. To prevent hair breakage one can do one of the following:

1. use conditioner,
2. do not brush excessively,
3. allow the hair to air dry,
4. the hair should be blotted with a towel rather than rubbed.
5. maintain a healthy diet,

Avoid Damaging Treatments and Chemicals

To maintain healthy hair growth, individuals are advised to stay away from harmful hair products. Hair coloring which is a type of hair product used by individuals can have damaging effects on the hair. It can cause dryness of the hair, hair breakage itchy scalp, hair loss, and allergic reactions. A 2021 review revealed that the natural fatty acids that are present in the hair can be removed by using permanent hair dyes.

Visit a Hair Expert

Overall, individuals are advised to see an expert if they are unsatisfied with their hair growth or are experiencing hair loss. Hair loss can be caused by various factors which can be identified by a board-certified dermatologist. Before embarking on self-medication, it is recommended that an individual who suffers from hair loss should book an appointment with a medical professional.

Hair growth is a gradual process that should be done with care and thoughtfulness. No method can make the hair grow overnight but there are recommended methods that can help over time if done consistently. Adopting a holistic approach that combines staying hydrated, maintaining a well-balanced diet, avoiding heat hair styling, massaging the scalp with essential oils, and so on. However, it is important to visit a hair expert for advice on what products to use. By implementing these methods and being consistent with one’s hair care routine, faster hair growth results can be achieved.