Hair growth hacks are pretty easy to come by nowadays. There are tons of products, vitamins, and other supplements that claim to be the silver bullet that will kick your hair growth into high gear. So how do you separate the facts from the fiction? I’m glad you asked! Here are ten hair growth hacks that work to help your hair grow faster, stronger, and healthier than ever before!
1) Get enough sleep
If you’re not getting at least eight hours of sleep a night, your body will try to get some extra rest when it can. For example, it might grow hair in weird places—like on your back or stomach—because those areas aren’t usually exposed to as much light. This phenomenon is known as follicular dysplasia, and if you don’t get enough sleep, you may notice more of it developing on your head.
2) Eat healthy food
We have probably all heard about how important a healthy diet is, but what you might not know is that your hair, like any other body part or organ, responds to proper nutrition. By eating a balanced diet rich in protein, iron, and B vitamins and including foods such as fruits, vegetables, and seeds that contain essential fatty acids (such as sunflower seeds), you will give your hair what it needs to grow healthily.
3) Exercise regularly
People don’t often think of exercise as one of the great hair growth habits. However, according to a study published in The American Journal of Epidemiology, regular aerobic exercise can reduce levels of stress hormones that contribute to hair loss and even promote regrowth for people suffering from female pattern baldness. Try brisk walking for 30 minutes three times a week to get your blood flowing and stimulate your scalp’s hair follicles.
4) Drink lots of water
Drinking enough water is crucial for overall health and hair growth. Make it a point to drink at least 2 liters (roughly 8 cups) of water every day, and also make sure to get sufficient levels of B vitamins (particularly vitamin B3), zinc, protein, and other nutrients that are important for healthy hair growth.
5) Consult a doctor
First, see a doctor rule out any medical conditions that could be contributing to your hair loss. It’s also important to identify your type of hair loss, which can be classified by three stages: active falling out (catagen), dormant falling out (telogen), and not losing any hair at all (anagen). Determining which stage you’re in will help you better understand how you can prevent further damage and promote regrowth.
6) Do not overheat
Just like you wouldn’t leave your flat iron on for hours at a time, it’s not good to overheat hair. Overheating can damage your hair, causing split ends and breakage. When blow-drying or straightening your locks, set your temperature to medium or low and make sure not to keep blowing dry until they are entirely dry. Your body temperature is pretty hot and can be damaging when left in contact with your hair for too long.
7) Use conditioner after shampooing
Did you know that by skipping conditioner after shampooing, you can stimulate hair growth? The constant washing of your hair strips away its natural oils, which are key for healthy hair growth. Conditioner replaces these oils and helps to keep your scalp moisturized.
8) Shampoo twice daily (even in dry weather conditions)
Shampooing is a good way to keep your hair clean, but it can be hard on your scalp. If you have dandruff or your scalp tends to get flaky, consider limiting how often you shampoo to two times a day—once in the morning and once before bed. This will help avoid irritation and stimulate hair growth.
9) Avoid harsh shampoos. Try baking soda and coconut oil instead.
Baking soda and coconut oil are effective solutions for damaged hair. The salt has natural anti-fungal properties that effectively treat dandruff. Coconut oil provides essential fatty acids and moisturizes your scalp while baking soda cleanses dead skin cells from your hair. To use, apply a mixture of equal parts baking soda and coconut oil to your scalp with your fingertips. Let it sit for 5 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
10) Treat your scalp right. Avoid scratching it with your nails.
It’s easy to get into a habit of scratching your scalp when you have an itch or if it’s too dry. Just make sure you take care not to damage your hair and skin by digging in with your nails—use a soft, bristle brush instead. Your hair and scalp will thank you for it!
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