Do you have the impression that your hair is not growing? Do you have strands damaged by too many treatments, parched from excessive exposure to heat or broken because the cottons often? In order for your hair to be thicker and grow faster, you need to rehydrate it, replenish it and repair the damage it has suffered. There is no miracle method to stimulate growth: it happens naturally when it is healthy. Leading a balanced lifestyle and taking care of your hair, as well as your scalp, will promote its growth.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Lead a Healthy and Balanced Life
Step 1. Stay hydrated
Poor water intake hinders cell growth and reproduction - hair doesn't grow without H2O! Adequate hydration is therefore not only essential for hair growth, but also ensures the proper functioning of the body. Aim to drink 1.5-1.8 liters of water per day.
- Consume water every day instead of one or two caffeinated drinks;
- Set an alarm to remind you when to drink the next glass of water.
Step 2. Consume foods that promote hair growth and scalp health
Proteins, especially keratin, are the building blocks of hair. To encourage growth, eat a diet rich in nuts, lentils, and lean meats. To improve scalp health, opt for foods containing vitamin A (green leafy vegetables and sweet potatoes), vitamin C (citrus fruits), iron (lean red meats), and omega-3 fatty acids (avocados).
- Avoid crash diets. Your hair won't grow if you don't stay healthy. The nutrients and vitamins necessary for attractive locks are taken from the hair follicles and used to support the body's most important functions. In extreme cases, hair can even fall out.
- Eggs, bananas, raisins, and olive oil are also foods rich in vitamins and nutrients necessary for strong hair and a healthy scalp.
- High consumption of salt, fizzy drinks, sugar, alcohol, and white flours can inhibit hair growth.
Step 3. Get at least eight hours of sleep every night
Adequate night sleep is essential for leading a healthy and balanced life. Anxiety and stress can decrease stomach acids, inhibit proper digestion and prevent the assimilation of proteins, vitamins and nutrients that promote hair growth. Sometimes, excessive stress can alter hormone levels, alter the hair growth cycle and promote hair loss. Sleep reduces stress and helps cells grow as well as repair them.
When it's time to sleep, put your phone, tablet, or laptop aside
Part 2 of 4: Shampoo, Conditioner and Hairstyle
Step 1. Use a shampoo and conditioner suitable for your hair type
Read carefully the labels of the products you use to wash your head. Choose a shampoo and conditioner appropriate to your hair's needs and containing vitamins A, B, C and E. These vitamins nourish and moisturize your hair. Avoid products containing two or more foaming agents, such as sodium lauryl sulfate and ammonium lauryl sulfate, otherwise they will deprive it of all its natural oils, creating much worse damage.
- If you have dry hair, look for a moisturizing shampoo. If they are oily, buy a cleansing or deep cleansing shampoo.
- Don't wash them too often. Try using shampoo one day and conditioner the next.
- Apply the product directly to the scalp when you wash it. Lather your head and let it sit on your hair.
- If your scalp is oily, apply the conditioner only to the tips.
Step 2. Use a deep-acting conditioner
By applying a highly moisturizing conditioner once a week, you can repair, replenish and rehydrate damaged hair from root to tip. You can buy it in perfumery or use natural ingredients to prepare it at home.
Step 3. Use a natural boar bristle brush
By doing this, you will have a healthy and shiny hair, you can stimulate the scalp and naturally moisturize the hair, reducing frizz and improving its structure. In addition, you will not have to constantly resort to styling products and you will be able to wash your hair less frequently.
- When you comb your hair, try to distribute the natural fat secreted by your hair. A boar bristle brush is perfect for this task;
- Avoid brushes with metal or plastic bristles;
- When you detangle wet hair, use a wide-toothed comb to loosen the knots. Start at the tips and work your way to the root to avoid breaking them.
Step 4. Check them regularly
Don't forget to shorten them roughly every 6-8 weeks. This way, you will keep them beautiful and healthy. You won't inhibit regrowth - which happens at the roots, not the tips.
In addition, regular thinning prevents split ends from advancing to the root and further damaging them
Step 5. Avoid tight hairstyles and backcombing
Some hairstyles pull the hair from the root and can slow its growth. Also, those that develop along the surface of the head, such as afro-style braids, braids and high ponytails, can break them. The backcombing also pulls them and damages the tips.
Step 6. Carry them loose or pick them up softly
Instead of making a tight bun that risks ruining them from the root, wear them loose in a natural way. If you want to leave your face uncovered, do a slow braid. Do you have to run? Make a low ponytail without pulling them too much.
Do you want to make your eyes stand out? Try a cute headband or rolled up bandana
Part 3 of 4: Protect Hair from Heat
Step 1. Use a heat protective product
When you need to blow dry, straighten or curl them, prevent further damage by applying a heat-protective product before styling your hairstyle. You can buy it in any supermarket.
Step 2. Avoid drying them with a hairdryer
If it is not necessary, the heat damages an already damaged hair even more. Instead of using a hair dryer, let them air dry.
- Always apply a heat protection product when using the hair dryer;
- If you have a diffuser, use it! It attaches to the end of the hair dryer helping you to distribute the heat evenly over the entire hair.
Step 3. Limit the use of the curling iron or flat iron
Like the hair dryer, even tools for curling or straightening hair only cause further damage to already damaged strands. However, if you can't do without them, don't use the hair dryer before making your hairstyle, but let them air dry.
- Always apply a heat protection product when you need to curl or straighten them;
- Choose a curling iron or straightener with a temperature display. Make sure they aren't hot, but keep the heat to a minimum.
Part 4 of 4: Get a Scalp Massage
Step 1. Choose the oil to use
When massaging your scalp, you can use a variety of oils. Choose from jojoba, coconut, olive, castor or egg. You can also try essential oils, including almond, lavender, or cedarwood.
Step 2. Put a few drops on your fingertips
Pour in the oil of your choice or take about a tablespoon and put it in a small bowl. Dip your fingertips. Eliminate the excess in the bowl.
If the bottle has a drip cap, you can apply it directly to the scalp
Step 3. Massage the head
Using your fingertips, massage your scalp to stimulate the roots. Rub for about ten minutes. Dip your fingertips back into the oil bowl if necessary.
If your scalp is oily, don't overdo it. Use the oil sparingly
Step 4. Detangle your hair with a boar bristle brush or comb
Brush them from root to tip. In this way, you will distribute the oil and natural fat secreted by the hair all over the hair. Do not use a brush with plastic or metal bristles.
Step 5. Let the oil sit
If you have oily or normal hair, leave it on for a few hours. If they are dry, keep it overnight so it has time to soak into the damaged strands. Wrap your hair in a soft towel or wear a shower cap to prevent frizz (and avoid staining the pillowcase when you go to bed).
Step 6. Wash your hair thoroughly
After completing the treatment, shampoo. You will likely have to wash them a couple of times to remove all oil residue.
- Do not use conditioner after this treatment;
- If you don't have oily hair, avoid shampoo. You can leave the oil if you prefer.
Step 7. Dry your head and comb your hair
Pat your hair dry with a towel. Remove tangles with a boar bristle brush. Let them air dry. If you prefer to use a hair dryer, use a heat protective product. Keep them loose, make a braid or a soft ponytail.
Advice
- Don't comb your hair too often, otherwise the weaker roots will give out and the hair will tend to fall out.
- Hair grows on average 6 inches per year, and even more when temperatures are high.
- Dyeing, perming and chemical ironing can damage the stem. Stop these treatments to allow the roots to recover and promote hair growth.
