The best tips for promoting hair growth in women are to eat a nutritious diet that is low in fat and sugar and get regular scalp massages. Careful handling of hair promotes healthy growth. Excessive combing and brushing should be avoided, and use of blow dryers should be kept at a minimum. Since getting adequate sleep and reducing stress are important to bodily health, they contribute to hair growth as well.
One of the best ways to grow more hair is to eat healthy foods that are low in fat and sugar. A good diet for hair growth must contain plenty of protein and iron. Protein is found in meat, eggs and beans. Iron-rich foods include liver, raisins and whole grain cereal. Important hair vitamins include the B vitamins and vitamin E, while zinc, sulfur and magnesium are among the crucial hair minerals.
Other nutrients vital to hair growth in women include beta carotene and fatty acids. Beta carotene is found in sweet potatoes, spinach and carrots. Fish, soy and walnuts are good sources of fatty acids. Women may also take beta carotene or fatty acids as hair supplements, but they should always check with a medical professional to be sure that the supplements will not adversely interact with any other medicines that they are taking.
Scalp massages are excellent for promoting hair growth in women. These can be done by professional masseuses or by the women themselves while shampooing their hair. It is believed that scalp massages help with hair growth by improving circulation in the scalp, thereby nourishing hair follicles.
To treat thinning hair, minoxidil is available as an over-the-counter hair growth drug. It is rubbed into the scalp, and it might take 12 weeks or more before results are seen. The hair that grows as a result of using minoxidil tends to be shorter and finer than normal hair growth in women.
Growing and maintaining thicker hair requires handling hair with gentleness. Brushing hair too frequently promotes wear and tear, as does the use of blow-dryers. Women should protect their hair from the sun by wearing a scarf or a hat.
Women should get sufficient sleep and incorporate relaxation techniques into their daily lives to reduce stress. Rest and relaxation help the body to be healthier. When the body is healthier, so is the hair, and overall good health helps to promote hair growth in women.
Both thyroid problems and hormonal imbalance can cause hair loss. Hair falling out can also occur as a result of fungus infection. If a woman is losing hair in significant amounts, she should see her doctor to rule out any medical problems.