How to Make Your Hair Grow Faster Naturally: Expert Tips for Healthy Growth

We’ve all been there—cut your hair, love it for a while, and miss your old length. Whether your hair is short, medium, or long, you might want it to grow faster at some point. While there’s no magic trick to growing hair overnight, there are many ways to encourage hair growth. 

In this guide, we’ll explore 11 best ways to help you grow hair naturally and prevent breakage.

How Long It Takes Your Hair To Grow?

Hair grows in three stages: anagen, catagen, and telogen. According to Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist from New York City, most hair growth happens during the anagen phase. 

This phase lasts around three to five years for each strand, with hair growing about half an inch per month. After the anagen phase, hair enters the catagen phase, which lasts about ten days. Then, it moves into the telogen phase, where hair falls out, and the cycle starts again.

11 Tips for Hair Care and Preventing Breakage

Just like a skincare routine, you must also care about your hair. Below are the best hair growth that will make your hair stronger and grow faster:

1. Avoid Restrictive Dieting

Hair growth is influenced by various factors, some of which we can’t control. However, certain habits can hinder growth and increase shedding, like restrictive dieting. 

When the body is deprived of essential nutrients due to strict diets, it prioritizes other functions over hair growth, leading to hair shedding. Even after returning to a balanced diet, shedding may continue for a few months. 

Sudden weight loss can also trigger temporary shedding, known as telogen effluvium (TE), which can be linked to nutrient deficiencies like niacin.

2. Ensure Adequate Protein Intake

A well-balanced diet that includes sufficient protein is vital for healthy hair growth. If protein intake is too low, hair may not grow optimally, and shedding could occur. 

It’s generally recommended to consume at least 50 grams of protein daily to support hair health. You can consider protein sources like Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder or Raw Organic Protein Garden of Life Vanilla Powder to help meet your intake.

3. Consider Caffeine-Infused Hair Products

Caffeine might have positive effects when used in hair products such as shampoos and conditioners. Some studies suggest that caffeine can help stimulate hair growth by promoting cell metabolism. In fact, it may be as effective as certain drug-based treatments for reducing hair loss. 

Best Caffeine Shampoos for Hair Growth 

4. Use Essential Oils

Essential oils, aside from smelling great, might also encourage hair growth. For instance, pumpkin seed oil has been shown in some studies to promote hair regrowth when applied topically. Other essential oils that may help with hair growth include rosemary, peppermint, jojoba, and lavender.

Best Essential Oils for Hair Growth 

5. Enhance Your Nutrient Profile

Research from a 2017 review indicates that deficiencies in essential nutrients can affect both hair structure and growth. Key nutrients that play a role in hair health include:

• Iron
• Zinc
• Fatty acids
• Selenium
• Vitamins D, E, and A
• Folic acid

A 2015 study found that omega-3 and omega-6 supplements taken over six months helped reduce hair loss in individuals experiencing female pattern baldness.

Best Omega Supplements for Hair Growth

6. Enjoy a Scalp Massage

Regular scalp massages can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve hair health. A study found that participants who received daily four-minute scalp massages for 24 weeks experienced thicker hair. 

While the study didn’t demonstrate significant hair growth, scalp massages may enhance blood circulation, making thicker, stronger hair less prone to breakage. You can opt for a professional massage or do it yourself at home.

7. Explore Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment

PRP therapy may be a promising option for hair loss. Dr. Sapna Palep, a board-certified dermatologist, says this treatment involves injecting a concentration of a patient’s platelets to stimulate hair growth. 

Platelets, derived from the patient’s blood, have properties similar to stem cells. The recommended treatment schedule is once a month for three months, followed by maintenance sessions every six months.

8. Limit Heat Exposure

Heat from styling tools like curling irons, hair dryers, and straighteners can damage hair and lead to breakage. To minimize damage, limit the frequency of using these tools and opt for lower temperature settings. 

A study review suggested that using a heat-protectant product before styling can significantly reduce breakage by creating a barrier that prevents moisture loss.

Best Heat Protectant for Hair

9. Apply Antioxidants to Your Scalp

Using antioxidants on your scalp can help mitigate hair loss and improve scalp health. A 24-week study revealed that participants using a shampoo or leave-in treatment containing piroctone olamine experienced significantly increased hair density and improved scalp conditions compared to placebo products. These ingredients may help strengthen the scalp barrier, leading to reduced thinning.

Best Antioxidant for Hair Growth

10. Schedule Regular Trims

Trimming your hair every few months can encourage healthier growth by removing split ends and preventing them from traveling up the hair shaft. While regular trims won’t speed up hair growth, which averages about half an inch per month, they can improve the overall appearance of your hair.

11. Protect Your Hair While You Sleep

To support healthy hair during sleep, consider the following tips:

• Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep each night. Insufficient sleep can reduce melatonin production, a hormone linked to hair growth.
• Use a silk or satin pillowcase to minimize friction, tangling, and breakage.
• Avoid sleeping with wet hair, as damp strands are more susceptible to breakage and matting.

Final Words

Taking care of your hair is essential for healthy growth and overall well-being. By following these tips for hair care, you can support your hair growth journey and keep your locks looking their best. Remember to be patient. Hair grows about half an inch each month, but with consistent care, you’ll notice improvements in strength and length.

We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences, so feel free to share them in the comments section below!

FAQs

Can I Speed Up Hair Growth?

While you can’t increase the number of hair follicles, you can boost natural hair growth by following these tips: eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet, and consider taking supplements like biotin, probiotics, and iron.

Does Onion Help with Hair Growth?

Yes, onion juice can enhance hair strength and thickness due to its high sulfur content, which may prevent hair loss and promote growth. Additionally, sulfur supports collagen production, aiding in healthy skin and hair growth.

Which Oil is Best for Hair?

• Coconut Oil: Softens hair and boosts shine.
• Geranium Oil: Strengthens hair.
• Jojoba Oil: Moisturizes, adds nutrients, and stimulates the scalp.
• Lavender Oil: Deep conditions, enhances shine, and helps control dandruff.

Can Rice Water Promote Hair Growth?

Many experts consider rice water an effective treatment for hair care. Historical anecdotes and personal experiences suggest that rice water may enhance hair strength, texture, and growth.