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You must concentrate on scalp health and nutritional density to naturally improve hair growth. Proven methods include regularly massaging the scalp to improve blood flow and applying rosemary oil directly to the scalp to stimulate the hair follicles. A healthy hair care routine backed up by a diet rich in biotin, iron and zinc optimize the hair growth cycle and prevent premature shedding for sustainable, long-term results.
While these practices are considered good for your hair, it’s important to wait for a few months before you see noticeable results. Let’s further understand how these simple hacks from your kitchen can help you create a healthy hair routine.
Understanding Hair Growth
The natural growth of your hair depends on a couple of key factors – genetics, hormones and nutrition. These factors define how your hair grows in 3 cycles.
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Anagen – This is the growth phase for your hair. During this phase your hair cells divide rapidly and cause your hair to grow longer. Your hair growth phase lasts for 2-6 years depending on your hair health.
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Catagen – This is the transitional phase where your hair stops growing, and your hair follicles shrink to hold the hair better. This transitional phase lasts for 2-4 weeks.
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Telogen – This phase signals the period where your hair growth stops and the shedding cycle begins. The shedding phase can last for 2-3 months on average.
On average, 85-90% of your hair is likely to be in the anagen phase at any given time. While your genetics and hormones determine how long your hair will stay in the growth phase, proper nutrition will support healthy hair growth.
While so far, we’ve explained how hair grows and what supports it, let’s also understand what stops hair growth. Some genetic conditions like hypothyroidism and PCOS cause hair thinning.
But your lifestyle can also have a negative impact. Leading a stressful life or using harsh chemicals and heat on your hair can cause damage. A diet poor in biotin, iron and protein slows hair growth too.
How that we’ve covered the basics of improving hair health let’s get into the specifics.
How to reduce hair fall and increase hair growth naturally?
While there’s a lot of misinformation about how home remedies can improve hair growth, there are a few natural remedies that are proven to increase hair growth naturally.
1. Include specific nutrients in your diets
A nutrient-rich diet is essential for hair growth. These nutrients include:
- Protein – Your hair is majorly made of keratin which is a protein. A protein rich diet will help grow hair and strengthen strands.
- Vitamins B7, B12 & D – These vitamins are essential for scalp health. For example Vitamin B7 or biotin also helps produce keratin for your hair, nails and skin. Vitamin B12 ensures consistent flow of oxygen to your hair follicles. Vitamin D prevents hair thinning and creates new hair follicles.
- Iron & Zinc – Iron is also essential in providing consistent blood flow to your hair follicles. Zinc helps with tissue repair and improves cell function.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: They support scalp health and can help prevent hair loss by improving hair density.
While these are the nutrients your hair needs, here are a few common foods in the Indian diet that can boost your hair health.
- Eggs (protein + biotin)
- Spinach (iron + folate)
- Fatty fish like Indian salmon or Indian mackerel (omega-3s)
- Nuts & seeds (vitamin B, Vitamin E, zinc)
- Berries (antioxidants)
2. Maintain a healthy scalp
A healthy scalp encourages hair growth by opening your hair follicles and nourishing your hair adequately. For a healthy scalp, your hair care routine should include
- Do oil massages – Improves blood circulation and nourishes your hair follicles. The best oils for hair massages are rosemary or jojoba oil. Adding 4-5 drops of these oils in a carrier oil like coconut oil can nourish your hair even if you do it 2-3 times a week.
- Know your hair type – For example, if you have dry hair, you should probably wash it less frequently. If it’s fine or curly then it can get easily damaged as well, so you should choose your hair products wisely. You should also avoid brushing your hair when it is wet as it could lead to breakage.
- Retain natural hair oils – Don’t use harsh products including your regular shampoos and conditioners. Over-washing or harsh products can remove the natural oils.
3. Implement lifestyle changes
Apart from following a diet for healthy hair backed up with a routine, your lifestyle should also be conducive for your hair growth.
- Limit heat intensive hair styling like hairdryers or hair straighteners.
- Avoid tight hairstyles that put pressure on your roots
- Manage stress and at least 6-8 hours of sleep daily
While these remedies are backed by science, you should be wary of every new home remedy that claims to magically regrow your hair. In fact, even these tips can only help you maintain your hair health, but if you are diagnosed with hair loss conditions you will most likely need to rely on medication or other treatments.
How To Increase Hair Growth Naturally vs. Alternatives: An Honest Comparison
If you’re considering choosing between natural remedies or professional medication, here’s a guide to help you understand the best option for you.
|
Method |
Benefits |
Ideal User |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Natural Methods |
Supports healthy hair growth from the inside out. |
Anyone looking for holistic, sustainable hair growth. |
1. Promotes overall scalp health. 2. Nutrient-rich, natural approach.
3. No side effects. |
1. Results take time. 2. Requires consistency and discipline. |
|
Minoxidil (Topical Solution) |
Increases blood flow to hair follicles, stimulating growth. |
People with male or female pattern baldness |
1. Quick and easy application.
|
1. May cause scalp irritation. 2. Needs to be used indefinitely. |
|
Finasteride (Oral Medication) |
Blocks DHT, preventing hair loss. |
Men with male pattern baldness. |
1. Effective for most men.
|
1. Potential side effects (sexual dysfunction).
|
|
Hair Transplant Surgery |
Provides a long-lasting solution for hair loss by relocating hair follicles. |
People with advanced hair loss who are looking for permanent results. |
1. Long-lasting, permanent results.
|
1. Expensive.
|
While most of these treatments are useful for both men and women, only finasteride is recommended to men. It's a medication that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. This helps control follicle shrinking.
If you’re looking for a wholesome solution for your hair health, Traya’s Ultimate hair supplements combo might be just what you’re looking for. It brings the best of ayurveda and dermatology for healthy hair. It includes essential nutrients like biotin as well as natural DHT blockers to restore hair health without the side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to increase hair growth naturally in 1 week?
While 1 week is an unrealistic time frame for new hair growth, you can try and grow new hair by following a hair health routine consistently, till you see results and even after it.
2. Can I increase hair growth naturally overnight?
Hair growth is a gradual process, there’s no chance to speed it up fast enough to see results overnight. If you’re trying to grow more hair on your scalp with natural treatments, you might need to practice a healthy hair routine that is gentle on your hair for at least 6-7 before seeing any results.
3. What are the natural ingredients for hair growth?
Using natural oils like rosemary , jojoba or castor oil before bed can hydrate and nourish your scalp, potentially supporting growth over time.
Similarly adding ingredients like eggs, spinach, fish, nuts and seeds, berries to your diet can help improve your hair growth as well.
4. Does testosterone increase hair growth?
Testosterone plays a role in hair growth, especially in men. However, excess testosterone can convert to DHT, which shrinks hair follicles and leads to hair thinning or loss. Managing hormone levels is crucial for maintaining healthy hair growth.
References:
- https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/ss/slideshow-ways-to-help-hair-grow-faster-stronger
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-for-hair-growth
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-there-any-way-to-make-your-hair-grow-faster
- https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/ss/slideshow-ways-to-help-hair-grow-faster-stronger
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