Growing a long, healthy mane can sometimes seem easier said than done. Typically, the average person has about 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) of new hair growth every two months. There is no scientific and proven method to make hair grow faster, but there are a few simple things that can be done to make your hair less prone to damage and excessive loss. Before turning your attention completely to your hair, it is important to live a healthy lifestyle. Taking proper care of your hair is also very important, which includes washing, brushing, and styling your hair properly.
Hair, like the rest of your body, needs the proper nutrition to grow and stay strong. Usually this can be accomplished by eating a healthy, balanced diet, which includes a number of vitamins and minerals. Taking vitamin supplements may also help, some of which are specifically made for making hair grow faster.
Some research suggests that vitamins and minerals may make hair grow faster. Iron and protein are considered to be two particularly important nutrients for this. Both of these can be found in certain meats, especially red meat and liver. Vitamin E is also considered to be important for healthy hair, and this can be found in whole grains and nuts. Other important nutrients include zinc and vitamins A, B, and C.
Some lifestyle changes may also help your hair grow faster. Limiting alcohol and nicotine could help keep your hair healthy. Also, as some scientists believe that hair grows faster while a person is sleeping, it couldn't hurt to get at least eight hours of sleep every night.
Treating your hair gently and taking care of it properly will keep it healthy and may even help it grow faster. Although it is quite resilient, it still needs gentle care to avoid damage and breakage. Any harsh chemicals that alter the color or texture of your hair should be avoided, and any hair products that you use should be gentle and made specifically for your hair type.
Proper shampooing also can help your hair grow faster. Shampooing too much can strip your hair of important oils, but not shampooing enough can cause build-up, which can clog the hair follicles. Generally, people with oily hair should wash it every day or every other day, while people with dry hair don't typically have to wash their hair more than a couple times a week. Experimenting with your hair and washing schedule may be necessary at first, but you will most likely be able to find a balance between too dry and too oily.
When shampooing your hair, concentrate on the scalp. Massage the shampoo into a decent lather and rinse thoroughly. Massaging the scalp will not only help rid it of build-up, but it can also stimulate your hair follicles and possibly help your hair grow faster. When conditioning, it is recommended that you work it into your hair, from the bottom up, and leave it on for a few minutes, which will help moisturize your hair. After washing your hair, squeeze or blot it dry with a towel instead of rubbing it.
Brushing your hair with a natural-bristle brush is typically recommended by almost all stylists. Hair should be finger combed first, then brushed gently. One method of brushing your hair can also help evenly distribute oils and stimulate your hair follicles to help grow new hair. To do this, bend at the waist, turning your head upside down, and carefully brush your hair from the roots to the ends.
Styling your hair can also cause it to break, or otherwise become unhealthy. Many stylists say that any tight styles, like tight ponytails, should not be done very often. Avoiding these styles can help stop hair loss.
Other styling methods are also frowned upon by many stylists. For example, heat stylers, such as hair dryers or curling irons, should be used only on occasion. Applying too much heat to the hair can dry it out and cause breakage.
