If you want longer hair but it seems to be taking forever to grow, you’ll be pleased to learn there are certain things you can do to help the situation. According to the website Hairstyle.com, the average person’s hair grows 6 inches a year, with growth rate being slightly higher in summer and lower in cold winter months. To attain average or higher hair growth, be aware of what affects your hair and what you can do about it.
Get a Checkup
Get a physical to be sure there isn’t an underlying medical cause for your slow hair growth. Hormonal imbalances such as those associated with pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause can slow the growth of your hair, as can many illnesses and prescription medications. Your health provider can screen your health to be sure there isn’t a physical reason that is causing your hair to grow slowly.
Eat Right
To grow healthy hair, your body requires proper nutrition. Your hair is more than 90 percent protein, so it’s important to eat a diet that is rich in protein to nourish your hair follicles and promote hair growth. Eggs, fish, poultry, dairy foods and meat will provide your body with the protein it needs. According to the Daily Glow website, other nutrients that are vital to your hair growth are vitamin C, which is found in berries, citrus fruit and melons, and vitamin E from green vegetables, nuts and whole grains. Adding B vitamins and biotin will also boost your hair; eating a diet rich in beef, fish, poultry, leafy green vegetables and eggs will boost your B vitamin consumption. Avoid fad diets and eat a well-balanced diet to promote hair growth.
Detox
While adding nutrients to your diet can help hair growth, it’s also important to avoid consuming the things that are detrimental to your health and hair. The rule of thumb is, if it’s bad for your body, it’s bad for your hair growth. Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol and eating foods that are high in caffeine, fat and sugar to give your hair the optimum growing conditions.
Relax
Stress can slow the growth rate of your hair, according to Hairstyle.com. Regular exercise, meditation or other relaxation techniques and getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night will all contribute to a longer head of hair. Massage your head once a week, and use a deep conditioner once or twice a week.
Be Gentle
Remember that hair can be easily damaged, and how you treat it will affect the length. Avoid continuous use of harsh chemicals such as straighteners, colorings and hair sprays, and don’t over-process your hair with blow dryers, curling irons and other appliances. Comb your hair gently when it is wet and don’t over-brush it when it is dry. Always wash your hair immediately after swimming in chlorinated or salt water and avoid long exposure to the sun.
Photo Credit
- hair image by Pavel Vlasov from Fotolia.com
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