Introduction
With the increasing levels of hair fall amongst people these days, learning about hair growth tips and hair growth in general is a must.
When a child is born, he has around 80,000 to 1,20,000 hair follicles- which is the number of follicles he’ll ever have. The onset of hair growth is observed at the bottom of a follicle under the human skin. Oxygen and other essential nutrients are then supplied to the follicle through blood which aids in hair growth. The hair then pushes itself through skin and passes through an oil gland, which is responsible for the shine given to a hair strand.
Key takeaways
- The first step towards understanding hair growth is first understanding the hair growth cycle. Its four key phases are: anagen (growth), catagen (transitional), telogen (rest), and exogen (shedding).
- Essential steps for promoting hair growth are – follow a nutritious diet rich in proteins, iron, omega-3s, and vitamins, alongside intense hydration and methods of scalp care. Try to manage heat damage and avoid over shampooing. Use protective hairstyles, scalp massages, and DIY treatments like coconut oil, rosemary oil, avocado mask or aloe vera masks to enhance growth.
Phases of hair growth
The process of hair growth consists of a cycle containing four distinct phases- anagen (growth), catagen (regression), telogen (rest) and exogen (shedding). Understanding this hair cycle is the first step towards learning all about hair growth. Each of these phases play a vital role in the growth of a hair strand.
- Anagen phase: also known as the growth phase, this phase lasts from 2 to 7 years, although it can vary depending on the location of the hair follicles and other factors. During this time, the hair follicles are mostly active and produces new cells every now and then, which ultimately leads to hair growth. This is the longest phase in the hair growth cycle and it determines the quality and length of hair.
- Catagen phase: also known as the transitional phase, it lasts up to two to three weeks. This is the short span of time when hair follicles shrink, causing hair growth to stop. The bottom part of hair follicle is broken down causing it to get reabsorbed in the body. Hair shaft does not receive blood supply as a result of which it can’t grow any further.
- Telogen phase: also known as the resting phase, it can last up to three to four months. During the telogen phase, the hair strand doesn’t grow, but, however, is still attached to the follicle. No production of new cells is seen during this phase as the hair follicles become dormant.
- Exogen phase: also known as the shedding phase, it can last up to a few months. When the new growth of hair through the follicles gets pushed up, the old hair begins to shed. This is the time when hair follicles are being renewed and the cycle starts again with anagen phase. The rate at which the hair sheds can differ from person to person depending on a lot of factors like stress, hormonal changes, other health conditions.
Essential facts about hair growth
Nutritious diet is the key to hair growth: as we start to learn facts about hair growth, it must be noted that a diet is the most crucial step in achieving one’s hair goals. Essential vitamins and minerals that fortify hair follicles and encourage healthy development like protein, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, and E, must be incorporated in daily diet. These are known to play vital roles in enhancing quality of scalp, reducing hair fall, and ensuring stronger, healthier hair.
Always condition your hair: a good quality conditioner can enhance hair growth simply by moisturizing and hydrating hair, reducing breakage and making it bouncy. It smoothens the outer most layer of hair, which makes detangling easier and also minimizes any further damage to the hair. By maintaining the health of the scalp and protecting hair from environmental hazards, a conditioner helps in optimal hair growth and overall strength. Traya’s damage repair conditioner is one such conditioner which gives intense moisturization to the hair and promotes hair health.
Extra care of serums: Serums aid hair growth by providing concentrated nutrients to the scalp, that enhances blood circulation, and stimulates hair follicles. Most of them contain vitamins, minerals, and other active ingredients like curry leaves, biotin or redensyl that are known to strengthen hair roots, reduce hair loss, and promote healthier, faster growth of hair. Traya’s Recap hair serum is a doctor’s recommended formula that promotes hair growth by minimizing shedding or hair and also promotes healthy-looking hair.
Avoid heat damage: minimized heat damage is crucial for hair growth as exposure to excessive heat from styling tools can make hair strands weak and even break them, leading to split ends and stunted growth. Heat can strip healthy hair of moisture, making it brittle and damaged. Taking hot showers or heat styling can make hair conditions worse by ripping moisture off.
Avoid over washing: washing your hair more than required can make the scalp too dry which affects the overall hair health. This leads to lack of moisture and nourishment on the scalp that severely affects hair growth. It is advised to wash hair two to three times per week, depending on the hair types. A gentle, sulphate free shampoo like Traya’s defense shampoo can be used to cleanse hair and scalp by not stripping them of essential oils. It contains biotin as an active ingredient that promotes hair growth.
Hydrate, hydrate and hydrate: Hydration is really important for healthy hair growth and also for maintaining overall hair health. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water on a daily basis ensures that hair follicles remain nourished and hydrated, promoting stronger and healthier hair strands. Also, by using hydrating products for hair care like leave-in conditioners and hair masks can help maintain good moisture levels, reducing breakage and promoting hair health. Hence, it can be concluded that prioritizing both internal and external hydration is important for best results.
Stress management: Effectively managing stress can significantly enhance hair growth, as, chronic stress causes hormonal imbalances and inflammation, leading to hair loss conditions. By practicing techniques such as exercising, meditating, and adequately sleeping, the hormones can be stabilized and inflammation can be reduced, creating a healthier environment for hair follicles to grow.
Trim split ends from time to time: Trimming split ends is considered important in promoting hair growth. Regular cutting of damaged split ends prevents splits from traveling up to the hair shaft, which can lead to breakage and slow hair growth. By removing this damaged hair, the overall integrity and strength of hair can be easily maintained, allowing it to grow even more efficiently. One must trim hair in every six to eight weeks to boost healthy hair growth.
Minimalistic hair care: following a minimalistic hair care regime can be highly effective for promoting hair growth. Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to avoid stripping natural oils and drying hair, and condition regularly to keep hair moisturized. Exposure to heat in styling and harsh treatments must be avoided to reduce damage. By simplifying your routine and focusing on some essentials, a healthier, more robust hair growth can be observed.
Top hair growth tips
Scalp massages: Scalp massages can boost hair growth by improving blood circulation to the hair follicles, resulting in an increased blood flow. Enhanced blood flow would deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles, which can stimulate hair growth and effectively strengthen hair strands. Additionally, massage can also help to reduce stress, which can also turn out to be beneficial since stress can eventually lead to hair loss. To maximize scalp massage benefits, use fingertips to gently massage in circular motions for 5-10 minutes on a daily basis. A nourishing hair oil can also be used for scalp massages to enhance its effects.
Healthy fats: Healthy fats play a significant role in enhancing hair growth by nourishing the scalp as well as hair follicles. Fatty fish such as salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts, eggs and other foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation and promote circulation, which boosts overall hair health. Fats that are found in avocados and olive oil have essential nutrients that provide moisture to the scalp, preventing dryness and dullness and enhancing their appearance. Incorporating these fats into daily diet helps in maintaining the structural of hair strands, which in turn makes them less prone to breakage. Regular consumption of these healthy fats can make hair stronger, more vibrant and improve overall hair growth and health.
DIY hair treatments: DIY hair treatments can support hair growth by utilizing natural and nourishing ingredients. One simple treatment is a coconut oil mask. Warm some coconut oil and apply it to your scalp and hair, and leave it on for 30-60 minutes before rinsing. Coconut oil has properties that keeps the hair follicles moisturized and support hair health.
Another good option is aloe vera and jojoba oil mask treatment. After combining aloe vera gel with a few drops of jojoba oil, apply it to the scalp, and let it sit for not more than 30 minutes. Aloe vera is known to promote circulation and soothe the scalp area, and jojoba oil has properties similar to natural oils present on the scalp and prevents excessive dryness. Other treatments like rosemary oil massage, avocado and olive oil mask, flaxseed gel mask are also known to provide nourishment to the scalp and encourage overall hair growth.
Protective hair styles: Protective hairstyles promote hair growth by reducing damage and hair loss. Styles that effectively perform these functions include braids, buns, and updos, which protect ends and prevent breakage. Hair styles like box braids and cornrows are excellent for keeping hair tucked properly and less prone to tangling. Buns- both high and low, particularly when using silk or satin scrunchies, prevent friction and further breakage of hair. Regular moisturizing and maintaining of scalp can work wonders along with these styles, ensuring growth and preventing damage. One must always ensure that the styles aren't too tight in order to avoid stress on the roots.
Also read: Hair Care Routine for Hair Growth
Some products for hair growth:
|
Product |
Benefits |
Ingredients |
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This hair growth serum helps in treating alopecia in males, hair loss and support overall hair growth. |
Minoxidil, procapil, DHT blocker |
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this hair oil can penetrate deep into the scalp nourishing the follicles, promoting healthy hair growth and reducing damage. |
Argan oil, bringraj, rosemary oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, almond oil |
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Minoxidil 2% serum |
This serum is used to treat female-pattern baldness and promote hair growth |
Minoxidil, Procapil |
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This serum improves hair fall and enhances growth of hair by targeting the root cause of the same. |
Redensyl, Procapil, capixyl |
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This is an ayurvedic formula that targets hair follicles and promotes hair growth by nourishing them. |
Wheat germ, motia rosha, ORPL |
FAQs
For natural stimulation of hair growth, following a nutrient-rich balanced diet along with regular oiling, conditioning and cleansing the scalp along with minimal heat damage Is necessary. It is also essential to incorporate healthy fats in daily diet.
- How much does our hair normally grow in a month?
An average human’s hair grows around half an inch every month. However, it also depends on many factors and can also be enhanced using many effective measures.
- Can dietary changes impact hair growth?
Yes, incorporating healthy fats can indeed affect hair growth positively. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon can stimulate hair growth.
- Is it true that stress affects hair growth?
Yes, stress is a very well-known factor that triggers hair loss and prevents hair from growing in some cases. Stress management techniques are recommended to treat stress-induced hair fall.
- Does frequent trimming cause hair to grow?
Trimming damaged ends regularly can prevent split ends to travel up to the shaft and make hair growth easier and better.
