If your hair grows at a slower rate than the average half-inch per month, it may help you to know that there are specific factors that affect hair growth rate. Nutrition, exercise, specialty hair products and techniques to stimulate hair growth can all play a part in the rate of hair growth. By looking at each one in turn, you may be able to help your hair to grow faster.
When it comes to nutrition, it is useful to know that human hair is made up mostly of water, protein and sulfur, and adding more of these elements to your daily diet may increase your hair growth rate. For more protein, add fish, eggs and nuts. Foods rich in sulfur include eggs, green vegetables, onions and garlic. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water every day to boost your hair growth rate and improve the overall quality of your hair. Hair-stunting foods and beverages you should cut out of your diet include sugar, carbonated drinks and foods high in starch, such as white bread.
Getting around 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day will benefit your health in many ways, including improved circulation that can, in turn, provide nutrients to the hair and scalp. Any type of exercise that gets your heart rate going should work just fine, whether it is brisk walking, jogging, cycling or swimming. If you are able to master a head stand or shoulder stand, this also will increase blood flow to your scalp and may improve hair follicle quality. Another technique that may help grow hair faster is a scalp massage, which works in a similar way to the head and shoulder stand by providing direct stimulation to the scalp.
Some hair products should be avoided, because they contain harsh chemicals that can damage the hair and increase the hair loss rate. These include some commercial hair colors and chemical permanent and relaxing solutions. Natural plant-based products may be less damaging to your hair. The appliances you use on your hair can also affect hair growth rate, particularly if you use them frequently; try to keep blow-drying and straightening to a minimum, because direct heat on your hair can cause hair loss and breakage. Some types of brushes can also harm your hair, so you should choose tools that are suitable for your hair type, whether long, short, thick, thinning, curly or straight.
