How to Grow Hair Faster: 15 Science-Backed Tips

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Hair Growth

It’s not easy having thinning hair. It’s a major cause of self-confidence issues, and if left untreated, can become worse with age. Many people suffer from this issue as well, and have been trying to find ways to improve hair growth for years now.

So you need the right hair and scalp solution that won’t damage or cause breakage and help grow your hair faster and stronger.

This article includes the science-backed tips for how to grow hair faster. It will also show you what products are available, and which ones specifically work best for your needs.

Stages of Hair Growth

Hair growth is a dynamic process that can be divided into three growth stages: anagen, catagen, and telogen.

  1. The anagen phase is the longest and most active phase of hair growth. This is the phase where new hair growth occurs. To encourage this phase, it’s important to eat a healthy diet and get enough rest.
  2. The catagen phase is shorter and less active than the anagen phase. This is the phase where hair growth slows down and the hair follicle shrinks. To encourage this phase, it’s important to reduce stress levels and protect the hair from damage.
  3. The telogen phase is the shortest and least active stage of hair growth. This is the resting stage where hair growth stops. To encourage this phase, it’s important to avoid over-styling or damaging your hair.

Therapeutic Interventions

Therapeutic interventions need to be implemented around the different stages of hair growth in order to see results. For example, in the long anagen phase, interventions should focus on encouraging cell division and stimulating new hair growth.

Around the middle catagen stage, interventions should focus on preventing further shrinkage of the hair follicle and preserving existing hairs.

And around the short telogen stage, interventions should focus on stimulating new hair growth.

What Affects Hair Growth?

Hair growth is determined by a variety of factors, including genetics, hormone levels, and diet. However, there are a few things that can affect hair growth and make it less likely. These include:

  • Genetics
  • Family history
  • Hormonal changes
  • Diet
  • Stress
  • Recent weight loss
  • Scalp acne

Proper hair care can help to address many of the factors that affect hair growth.

Proper care can also help to improve the quality of your hair by addressing scalp issues such as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. Also, help to improve the elasticity of your hair, which can help to prevent further hair loss.

How Fast Does Hair Grow?

The average growth rate of hair varies depending on age and genetics, but it’s generally considered to be about 1 inch every 2 weeks. This means that a person’s hair grows about 2 inches in a month.

How do you Make Hair Grow Stronger?

There are many ways to make your hair grow stronger. One way is with a topical protein treatment, which will help protect the skin and stimulate hair growth. The treatment should be applied to the scalp three times a week, for about half an hour each time.

Tips to Regrow Hair Naturally

If you’re looking to grow your hair naturally, there are several tips you should follow. Depending on the type of hair loss and the time it has been occurring, some tips may be more helpful than others.

1. Clean Your Hair and Scalp

A healthy scalp is essential for hair growth, so it’s important to keep your scalp clean and free of any build-up. Regular shampooing will help to remove any dirt or oil that could clog pores and prevent hair growth.

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See more anti-thinning shampoos.

2. Massage Your Scalp With Essential Oils

Essential oils can be a great way to improve scalp health and encourage hair growth.

So, besides keeping the scalp clean, you can also stimulate hair growth by massaging the scalp with essential oils like rosemary oil. Rosemary oil is a natural stimulant that aids in the production of new hair cells.

Simply add a few drops of rosemary oil to your favorite carrier oil (such as jojoba or coconut oil) and massage into the scalp for 5-10 minutes.

You can also add a few drops of essential oil to your shampoo or conditioner. Be sure to do a patch test before using any new essential oil, and research the quality of the brand’s products.

3. Use Hair Growth Oil

Hair growth oils are typically essential oils blended into a topical serum. When used as directed, the growth formula helps to restore scalp nutrients and stimulate new hair growth. As the hair cuticle absorbs the oils, it expands, giving the hair a fuller appearance.

4. Reduce Stress

Stress can affect hair growth in several ways. First, when we’re stressed, our bodies go into “fight or flight” mode. This means that our bodies are preparing for a physical response to stress (like running away from a predator). In this state, our bodies are not focused on non-essential functions like hair growth.

Reduce stress with meditation for good immune health.
Reduce stress with meditation for good immune health.

Second, when we’re stressed, we may produce more cortisol, which is a hormone that can lead to hair loss. Finally, stress can impact the immune system, which in turn can impact hair growth.

There are a number of ways to reduce stress. One is to do age-old Eastern medicine tricks like acupuncture or meditation. Another is to simply take some time for yourself each day to relax and de-stress. The key is to find what works for you and stick with it!

5. Get Good Exercise

Exercise is important for overall health and well-being, and that includes the health of your hair.

Exercise can help to promote circulation, which in turn can help to deliver nutrients to the hair follicles. This can promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. In addition, exercise can help to reduce stress levels, which can also impact the health of your hair.

6. Eat a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is important for hair growth. Eating plenty of protein, fruits, and vegetables can help promote healthy hair growth.

Protein: Protein is essential for hair growth. In addition to helping build new hair cells, protein can help keep existing hair cells healthy and strong. One of the best sources of protein for hair growth is meat, but plant-based proteins such as soy are also good options.

Fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables contain a variety of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, and other nutrients that can help promote healthy hair growth. They also provide fiber which helps prevent hair loss from happening in the first place.

Learn more about foods to support hair growth.

7. Take Supplements

B vitamins like B12 and folic acid are important for hair growth. Biotin and zinc are also essential nutrients for healthy hair.

You can get these nutrients from foods like leafy green vegetables, nuts, and eggs. Otherwise, you can also take supplements to make sure you’re getting enough of them.

Fo-ti root extract is another popular natural remedy for hair loss. It’s thought to promote hair growth by increasing blood circulation to the scalp. You can find fo-ti root extract in capsules or liquid form at most health food stores.

8. Keratin Treatment

Keratin is a protein that helps to support hair health, and taking supplements may improve hair growth. However, more research needs to be done to understand the full effects of keratin on hair growth.

Nutrafol Bundle: Women and Men Hair Growth Supplements.
Nutrafol Bundle: Women and Men Hair Growth Supplements.

Nutrafol’s Women’s Hair Growth Supplement contains keratin and collagen protein, which can help support hair strength.

Nutrafol’s Men’s Hair Growth Supplement contains 21 medical-grade ingredients (including keratin) to support hair growth.

9. Caffeinate Your Follicles

Caffeine is a stimulant that can help promote hair growth. It can also help reduce hair loss. Topical formulas containing caffeine may be effective in reducing hair loss.

Alpecin’s C1 caffeine shampoo is highly rated and contains caffeine, niacin, and zinc to promote fuller-looking hair and thicker texture.

10. Use a Topical Herbal Treatment

There are a few different herbal treatments that can help with hair growth. One is topical melatonin, which may help reduce hair loss and increase the anagen growth cycle.

11. Avoiding Damaging Hairstyles

Wearing your hair in the same style every day can lead to damage. It’s important to switch up your style regularly to help prevent harm.

Hairstyles that pull on the hair, such as tight braids or extensions for women, or a topknot or man bun for men, can cause breakage and slow down growth. To avoid this, try loose styles or clip-in extensions that put less strain on the hair.

12. Avoid Harsh Chemicals

If you’re hoping to regrow your hair, it’s important to avoid anything that could damage it. That includes harsh chemicals and products.

Dyeing and bleaching hair can also cause damage, so it’s best to avoid these treatments if you’re trying to grow your hair out. If you must color your hair, opt for a natural dye or bleach alternative.

Hair Products to Avoid

  1. products with harsh chemicals
  2. products that strip the hair of its natural oils
  3. products that contain sulfates

13. Give Your Hair a Heat Styling Break

Blow-dryers and styling irons can cause breakage and lead to shorter hair length. So, if you want to grow your hair out, it’s best to avoid them. Instead, let your hair air dry whenever possible.

If you’re concerned about damaging your hair, there are a few things you can do to mitigate the damage.

  1. First, wet your hair before heat styling so that it’s less stretchy and easier to brush.
  2. Second, use the coolest setting possible on your heat tools and work quickly.
  3. Finally, spritz on a heat protectant before using any heat styling tools.

Following these tips will help you avoid damaging your hair while still being able to enjoy your favorite styles!

14. Protect your Hair from the Sun, Chlorine, and Other Elements

Exposure to the sun, chlorine, and other harsh elements can damage your hair and prevent it from growing properly. People with curly hair, in particular, are more likely to experience hair damage from these elements.

15. Trim Hair Regularly

Split ends are one of the main causes of hair breakage, and can lead to shorter hair growth. Regular trims help prevent split ends from growing and repairing, and can result in longer hair growth.

What About Rice Water for Hair Growth?

Rice water has been used for centuries in Asia to promote hair growth. The key component of rice water that’s thought to promote hair growth is the starch. Starch is a complex carbohydrate that can help to thicken and strengthen the hair shaft.

There are two ways to make rice water for hair: boiling and fermentation. Boiling is the quicker method, but fermentation creates a more concentrated solution.

Rice Water for Hair Growth
Rice Water for Hair Growth.

Boiling Method

To make boiled rice water, simply boil some rice in water and then strain out the solids. You can use this solution immediately or store it in a clean container for up to a week.

Fermentation Method

To ferment the rice water, rinse some uncooked rice in clean water and then place it in a clean jar or container. Add enough filtered water to cover the rice and then cover the container with a cheesecloth or coffee filter secured with a rubber band.

Leave the mixture at room temperature for 12-24 hours and then strain out the solids. This solution can be stored in a clean container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Application

When you’re ready to use either type of rice water solution, simply wet your hair with clean water and then pour or spray it onto your scalp and strands.

Massage it into your scalp and then rinse it out with clean water. You can use rice water as often as you like, but try to use it at least once a week for best results.

Other Ways to Stop Hair Loss

  1. Minoxidil is a medication that helps prevent hair loss and hair regrowth. It may take six months of treatment for the benefits to be seen, and it may take a few more months for you to know whether it’s working. Possible side effects include scalp irritation and unwanted hair growth on the adjacent skin.
  2. Finasteride (Propecia) is a prescription drug that works by stopping the production of testosterone in the body. Finasteride can slow hair loss in some men, and may even show new hair growth. Finasteride may not work as well for men over 60. Rare side effects of finasteride include diminished sex drive and sexual function and an increased risk of prostate cancer.
  3. Nioxin System is a kit developed for treating fine and thinning hair by targeting the three main areas of visible hair loss.
  4. Other oral options include spironolactone (Carospir, Aldactone) and dutasteride (Avodart).
  5. Surgery is an option for treating severe hair loss, but it’s usually only recommended as a last resort after other treatments have failed to work or if the person has a medical condition that makes surgery necessary.
  6. Wigs and Hairpieces: For many people with milder forms of hair loss, wigs and hairpieces offer an effective solution . Wigs and hairpieces can be made from real hair or synthetic fibers and are available in a variety of colors, styles, and textures.
  7. Scalp Micropigmentation: Scalp micropigmentation is a cosmetic procedure that involves tattooing pigment onto the scalp to give the appearance of fuller, thicker hair.

Consider Microneedling

Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that uses fine needles (dermaroller) to create tiny punctures in the skin. This stimulates the body’s natural healing process to produce new collagen and elastin.

Dermarolling has been used by many to stimulate hair growth, so it’s no wonder that in the past decade or so, there have been several studies on the effects of dermarolling on hair growth. Hair follicles are stimulated by rolling a small, metal roller over the head at varying speeds.

Microneedle derma roller for hair growth.
Microneedling for hair growth.

Hair Loss in Men & Women: When Should You Worry?

There are several types of hair loss, each with its own causes. It is important to see a board-certified dermatologist who is an expert in diagnosing the type of hair loss a person may be experiencing. Proper treatment will be tailored to the cause of the hair loss.

Be sure to bring a list of all your medications and medical history to your appointment. The provider may be able to determine the root cause of hair loss based on this information.

FAQ

What stimulates hair growth?

Hair growth is stimulated by the DHT hormone, which is released in hair follicles. Hair loss occurs when too much of this hormone is produced and then gets blocked by getting in the follicles. Hair loss treatments can help to reduce how much of this hormone is produced and thus prevent hair thinning or baldness. Some people also believe that certain foods or supplements can stimulate hair growth.

What increases hair growth fast?

There are a number of ways to increase hair growth, including using natural ingredients like egg yolks and honey. However, other effective strategies include drinking plenty of water and taking omega-3 supplements. Also, using topical hair-growth products like Minoxidil or PRP therapy.

What is the best way to grow hair faster?

Many methods exist to grow hair faster, including using shampoos and conditioners that contain natural ingredients such as biotin. However the best way is to eat healthier foods, drink more water, and get plenty of sleep.

Does minoxidil really work?

Yes, minoxidil has been shown to be effective for stimulating hair growth in both men and women. It’s important to use minoxidil consistently in order to see results; most people see an improvement within 3-6 months of regular use. Minoxidil works by increasing blood flow to the scalp; this helps deliver more nutrients to the follicles which can promote hair growth.

My acne treatment isn’t working – could this be related to my hair loss?

It’s possible that your acne treatment may be causing hair loss. If you’re not seeing results from your acne treatment, it’s important to see a dermatologist for other options. One potential cause of hair loss is spironolactone, a medication commonly used off-label to treat acne. Spironolactone can help increase hair growth in some people.

Are there any topical treatments that can help with hair growth?

Yes, there are a variety of topical treatments that can help promote hair growth. These include minoxidil (Rogaine), finasteride (Propecia), and various custom-made products that contain ingredients such as retinoids, biotin, and caffeine. It’s important to see a dermatologist for these products as they need to be tailored to your individual needs.

I’ve heard of PRP therapy – does this really work for hair growth?

PRP therapy has been shown to be effective for stimulating hair growth in up to 20% of people who try it. PRP therapy involves taking a small amount of blood from the patient and then injecting it back into the scalp. This helps deliver more nutrients and cells to the follicles which can promote hair growth . However, there is no guarantee of success with PRP therapy and it is important to see a dermatologist for an evaluation to see if this treatment is right for you.

Conclusion

So, hair growth is definitely possible with the right approach and a good routine. If you want to see noticeable results, stick to a plan that focuses on eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep and exercising regularly.

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AUTHOR

I'm the founder of Bald & Beards, an amateur barber and I've been obsessed with men's grooming, styles, and trends for over 20 years.