Max out your chances with these beauty tips for longer, healthier hair growth.
On average, our hair grows about six inches per year, which averages out to half an inch every month. That can seem like unbearably little, especially for those of us who are suffering from a bad haircut, and are desperate to grow our our hair to its original glory. While there’s no miracle cure, there are easy steps you can take to encourage healthy hair growth so that your hair looks longer and glossier than ever. Are you ready to give your hair the love it needs? We’ll start you off with the right diet your body needs, cover your hair-washing routine, and address all the dos and don’ts to haircare.
How to grow hair faster in a week
Eat a nutritious, balanced diet
You are what you eat, and the same goes for your hair! Even layering up on conditioners and hair serums won’t do too much if your body isn’t getting the nutrients it needs for healthy cell function. Stick to a balanced diet that will encourage optimal hair growth. Read up on the best vitamins to help boost your hair growth, and remember to keep track of them in your diet!
Zinc
Zinc is an important nutrient that promotes hair follicle health, and a deficiency in zinc has been linked to hair loss. Foods like oysters, beef, and fortified breakfast cereal are great ways you can get your daily zinc intake.Iron
Iron has also been suggested as a treatment against hair loss, and is found in shellfish, beans, and spinach.Vitamin C
Vitamin C-rich foods like red peppers, strawberries, and broccoli help promotion iron absorption, so make sure you’re getting enough of both everyday!Protein
Your hair is made of a protein called keratin that grows from your follicles, and getting enough protein from your diet will ensure that your body has the resources it needs for hair growth.Omega fatty acids
Essential fatty acids like Omega-6 have been found to promote hair growth and lessen skin inflammation. Sources of Omega-6 fatty acids include eggs and nuts, while salmon and chia seeds are great sources of Omega-3 fatty acids.Wash hair with a scalp-clarifying shampoo
Contrary to what you might think, shampooing doesn’t always damage your hair. In fact, shampooing on a regular basis helps to clarify your scalp and make room for new hair growth.
Removes excess oil
The natural sebum that your skin secretes isn’t all that bad. It keeps your follicles moisturized and protected from the outside elements. But excess oil buildup can block your hair follicles and cause hair loss over the long term. For this purpose, it’s best to choose a shampoo without stripping harsh chemicals, and will instead balance your scalp’s natural oil levels. The Clarifying Lemon Shampoo from Avalon Organics gently clears away excess oil without any harsh detergents, and nourishes with beneficial plant oils.
Clears away dead skin cells
Did you know that your hair is the second fastest growing part of your body? That means it’s constantly pushing out of your follicles, leaving behind flakey dead skin cells that need to be cleared away before they clog your follicles. A flakey scalp can also lead to excessive scratching and hair loss. The Burdock & Neem Healthy Scalp Shampoo from 100% Pure might be your new go-to, as it sweeps away flakey skin and relieves itchiness with purifying herbs.Fights bacteria
Bacterial or fungal infections can irritate your hair follicles, leading to conditions like folliculitis or seborrheic dermatitis that disturb scalp health and cause scratching. The Curiously Clarifying Shampoo from Acure contains lemongrass and lavender oil to help purify your scalp of harmful bacteria, and soothes inflammation with chamomile.
Massage your scalp
Massaging your scalp, both while you’re shampooing and outside of the shower helps to promote blood circulation and encourage hair growth. Why? Because blood vessels feed cells at the root of your hair follicles to make hair grow. Massaging movements promote blood flow and enhance circulation, as well as relieve stress and prevent hair fallout.
A scalp massage is easier than you think, and you can easily do one for yourself at home. Always massage your scalp with your fingertips. Begin at the front of your scalp and rub in circular motions with slight pressure. Slowly move your fingers upwards to the center of your scalp, and work your way towards the back. Next, repeat the message along your hairline. Feel free to use varying amounts of pressure. Using warm water or massaging while shampooing in the shower can encourage your follicles to open up.
You can also begin a message by using a hair oil on dry hair. Massaging the oil into your scalp promotes better absorption of nutrients, so this is the perfect multi-tasking activity. Warm oil scalp massages are especially beneficial for people with thinning or damaged hair. If you’re suffering from split ends, you can also rub the oil into your hair ends.
Organic Hair Loss Treatment Fertile Roots from Laritelle
Cruelty-free, vegan
Argan oil and jojoba oil help balance sebum production and moisturize without clogging pores. Sage and lavender purify the scalp while calming with a stress-busting scent.Rosemary and Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil from Mielle
Cruelty-free
Rosemary and peppermint are as refreshing to your hair follicles as they are to your nose. This oil also packs a punch of biotin and Vitamin D to help strengthen your scalp and hair.
Mermaid Hair Oil from Captain Blankenship
Cruelty-free
We’re always on board for mermaid locks. Kukui nut oil is rich with omega fatty acids that calm and nourish your scalp. Luxe plant oils in this formula moisturize and protect against damage.Apply a hair mask
Another way to help stimulate healthy hair growth is to simply leave a hair oil or conditioner longer on your scalp to promote nutrient absorption. If you’re using any of the hair oils recommended above, they can be left in on the scalp without further rinsing. Simply put on a shower cap or wrap your head with a hot towel for 15 minutes to allow the mask to better penetrate your scalp. See more easy hair mask recipes here.
You can also create a hair mask by using your conditioner. Just make sure that it’s free of harmful synthetic ingredients like sulfates and fragrances so your skin and hair won’t get irritated from letting it sit on your head. After washing your hair with shampoo, apply conditioner thoroughly through your hair and on your scalp. Pile your hair onto your scalp to ensure more contact between the conditioner and your scalp. Leave the hair mask on for 15 minutes, then rinse and dry.
Use a hair serum
Serums aren’t just for your face. There are natural serums out there that are specifically formulated to nourish for hair growth, all the way from your scalp to your hair ends. They’re easy to use without having to rinse your hair afterwards. Just make sure to massage your scalp while you’re applying!
Deep Scalp Follicle Treatment & Volumizer For Thinning Hair from John Masters
Cruelty-free, vegan
This hair serum contains hyaluronic acid to help lock hydration and nutrients into your follicles. Combined with refreshing herbs, it’s the ideal treatment to soothe a dry or itchy scalp.
Cake Restorative Scalp Tonic from Reverie
Cruelty-free, vegan, gluten-free
As we age, some of our hair follicles actually stop growing hair, which is what results in balding. A study found that apple stem cells increase the lifespan of hair follicles, which is why Reverie included it in this restorative hair serum.Choose natural hair products
Conventional shampoos and conditioners contain harsh synthetic chemicals and fragrances that strip hair of important moisture and nutrients with repeated use. When picking a new hair product, look for naturally-derived ingredients that gently and effectively nourish hair. Avoid synthetic fragrances, harsh detergents like sulfates, drying alcohols and silicones, and phthalates. Choose avocado, argan oil, coconut oil, essential oils, herbs, and other botanicals that are compatible with your skin and hair type. To give you some inspo, here are our favorite coconut oil hair products to help hair grow faster.
Hydrating Shampoo – Purely Coconut from Alaffia
Cruelty-free
Keep it simple with all things coconut in this gentle shampoo. It also contains ginger extract to counter inflammation and stimulate the scalp.
Grow More Conditioner from 100% Pure
Cruelty-free, vegan, gluten-free
This natural conditioner is enriched with virgin coconut oil and B vitamins to deeply nourish hair. It’s packed with natural ingredients like apple cider vinegar and green tea that are gentle enough for color treated hair.
Coconut Oil Hair Mask from NDC Beauty
Cruelty-free, vegan
Coconut oil is amazingly compatible with hair proteins, making it the ideal ingredient to use for deep conditioning in a hair mask. This hair mask also features castor oil—another natural remedy for treating hair loss.
Coconut Oil Hair Mask from St. Tropica
USDA Organic, cruelty-free, vegan
This coconut oil hair mask is made entirely of organic ingredients to pamper your hair and scalp with. Horsetail is high in silica—a natural mineral that makes up collagen and is vital for strengthening hair and skin.
Bonus dos and don’ts on how to grow hair faster in a week:
- Complement your balanced diet with regular exercise and enough sleep.
- Avoid overdoing it with heat and chemical treatments that can be harsh on your hair and scalp.
- Trim your hair regularly to avoid split ends. If the split travels up your hair shaft, your hair can break off in the middle, resulting in shorter hair.
- Consult your doctor before using a new product or ingredient, especially if you’re already being treated for a medical condition.
- Don’t stress it! Stress can affect healthy hair growth, and even cause hair fallout.
With some extra TLC and the right natural hair care products, you can promote healthier hair growth that will make your hair look longer, fuller, and more radiant. Patience is key, as we don’t want to be stressing and pulling our hair out over something that needs time and careful attention. Do you have any favorite techniques for getting the luscious locks of your dreams?
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