The 10 simple tricks to make you hair grow faster will leave even Rapunzel envious! Hair growth is a result of a cycle of physiological events that take place in the hair bud or follicle, rightly termed as the hair cycle. There are three phases to this stage – anagen (the growing phase), catagen (the intermediate phase) and telogen (the shedding phase).
The length of one’s hair is dependent upon several factors, including genetic predisposition, nutrition and of course, the duration of the anagen phase. A hair strand grows at the rate of about one centimetre a month, which means it would take each strand about a year to grow by twelve centimetres; it would take five years to grow hair up to sixty centimetres, while waist-length hair, which is usually eighty to ninety centimetres long, will have taken about seven years to grow. Shoulder-length hair will have taken only about three years.
General health and nutritional factors are important for healthy hair growth. Some minerals may be particularly important for hair growth. Those who lack zinc in their diet produce only fine, sparse hairs and even lose their hair. Vitamin B, also known as panthenol, plays a part in hair growth. It also improves the physical properties – elasticity, strength and gloss – of the hair shaft.
There are methods to foster faster growth of hair; use these 10 simple tricks to make your hair grow faster, healthier and stronger.
Oil massage:
A good oil massage helps increase blood circulation to the scalp and roots of your hair, which in turn fosters the growth of healthy hair. You can use various oils such as coconut, almond, olive, and jojoba or rosemary oil for regular massages. Use a towel dipped in hot water to cover your hair after the massage as it helps in penetrating the oil into your scalp opening the pores
Combing:
Brush your hair every day for one to two minutes every morning and evening, massaging your scalp ever so gently; this stimulates blood circulation in your scalp and spreads your natural oils evenly over your hair. Healthy blood circulation is essential for hair follicles to work efficiently and grow new healthy hair. Never brush your hair when it is wet; instead, gently run a wide tooth comb through the strands
Hair mask:
Amla, fenugreek seeds, onion juice, avocado and other such ingredients work wonders for your hair. Make a fine powder of very slight roasted fenugreek seeds and store in a jar. Soak one cup of this powder with one cup of amla powder in lukewarm water overnight. Use as a hair pack next day and keep on for about twnety minutes before rinsing off with plain water. You can follow-up with warm methi oil or plain amla oil at night for great results
Shampoo:
Although the purpose of shampoo is to wash away dirt and product build-up, it can strip away essential natural oils that keep strands soft and healthy along with it. Avoid shampooing your hair daily; opt for alternate-day shampoo washes, alternating with co-washing and washing with plain water. When shampooing, be gentle on your hair by only lathering up at your scalp and then simply letting the suds slide down strands, hitting the rest of the hair as the water rinses it away
Conditioner:
Never skip the conditioning process after shampoo washing your hair. Conditioner helps replace the lipids and proteins inside the hair shaft. It also seals the cuticle to help prevent more damage from happening so that you can get your hair to grow longer and look healthier.
Diet:
A well balanced diet is essential, to nourish the hair and scalp from within. A diet packed with proteins, vitamins, minerals and omega3 fatty acids is a requisite for strong and resilient hair. Your daily diet should consist of fresh fruits and vegetables. Consume green leafy vegetables, cereals, peas, fish, beans, almonds and yoghurt. Incorporate nutrients such as Vitamin B12, zinc, iron and calcium as these work to prevent hair loss. A protein rich diet is also important – consumer soybean, cheese, milk, fish, chicken and other protein rich foods to naturally supply your body with the required nutrients. Stay away from junk and processed food.
Exercise:
Not only does regular exercise keep our body healthy, it encourages hair growth. Spend about twenty minutes daily on exercise such as yoga, walking, jogging, dancing and cycling. This improves blood circulation and helps the nutrients to penetrate into the scalp
Water:
It is important to keep your system adequately hydrated; remember to drink ten to twelve glasses of water daily, to keep your grow hair faster and keep it nourished and healthy, as hair consists of 95% protein and 5% water
Trim:
Regular trims will keep the hair tips looking healthy and prevent splits from working their way up strands, which would require you to chop hair off more often. It is recommended that you ask your stylist to take around just an eighth of an inch off every ten to twelve weeks to prevent extreme split ends before they start.
Harsh Treatments:
Chemical laden cosmetics and treatments can cause severe hair fall. These chemicals clog the pores of the scalp, preventing the skin from breathing and stopping healthy hair growth. Several shampoos and conditioners contain harsh chemicals such as sulfates which have adverse effects on your hair. Switch to mild, herbal shampoos for your hair; alternatively, you can use a mixture of amla, reetha and shikakai to wash your hair. A hair pack of honey and eggs can be used as a natural conditioner. Excessive styling using heat and chemicals, excessive combing, dying, bleaching, perming and tight braids can also result in hair loss by weakening the hair fibre and making it brittle
Follow these 10 simple tricks to make your hair grow fast, regularly. Although hair growth is not an overnight process, these methods will help foster faster and healthier hair growth. Place as much importance on internal nourishment through diet and exercise as on external care.