How To Grow Your Hair Faster and Healthier

Nothing feels better than waking up everyday to silky, long, and healthy hair. It’s the ultimate hair goal for most of us, but it can be frustrating if nature hasn’t gifted us with amazing hair—yes, like the ones we see on magazine covers.

Healthy, well-maintained hair can significantly enhance our self-esteem and confidence, and feeling good about our appearance can positively impact our mood and social interactions.

And if you think that dedicating time to your hair seems vain and is not that important, keep in mind that in many cultures, well-groomed hair is associated with good hygiene and overall health, which can influence how others perceive you. In essence, taking care of your hair is an investment in both your physical and mental well-being.

The good news is that you can make your hair as desirable as you wish and enjoy a healthy and appealing scalp with some consistent effort. I warn you, though: it takes time and effort, but it’s not unattainable.

Are you ready to take the “awesome-healthy-gorgeous hair” challenge?

The foundation: scalp care is key

Think of your scalp as the fertile ground for your hair. Neglecting it is like trying to grow a garden in parched soil. Cleanliness prevents the buildup of sebum, dead skin cells, and product residue, which can clog follicles and hinder hair growth.

Regular Cleansing (But Not Overdoing It)

Find a shampoo that suits your hair type. Overwashing can strip away natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage. Aim for 2-3 times a week or as needed, depending on your hair type or your lifestyle (e.g., if you are doing sweaty workouts often within the week). If you don’t know your hair type, you can do this test and find out.

Scalp Massages

Stimulate blood flow to your follicles with regular scalp massages. Use your fingertips or a scalp massager in circular motions for a few minutes daily. This promotes hair growth and reduces stress. Not to mention how soothing it is.

Exfoliation

Just like your face, your scalp needs exfoliation. Hair products like gels, sprays, and dry shampoos can leave residue on the scalp, clogging follicles. Exfoliation effectively removes this buildup, allowing for healthier hair growth. Use a gentle scalp scrub or a DIY sugar scrub (mix sugar with coconut oil) once or twice a month to remove dead skin cells and product buildup.

Nourishment From Within

Healthy hair starts from the inside out. A healthy diet can have a positive impact on your hair health. For instance, hair is primarily made of protein (keratin). Ensure your diet is rich in lean protein sources like chicken, fish, eggs, and legumes. Vitamins like biotin, vitamin D, and vitamin E play a crucial role in hair health. However, don’t rush buying biotin supplements right away, because biotin will only assist in hair growth for people with a biotin deficiency. Also, hydration is essential for your hair as well. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your hair and scalp hydrated.

Maintain proper hair care habits

Handle with Care

Be gentle when detangling wet hair, which is more prone to breakage. Use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush to make smooth moves. Aka: don’t rush and be gentle. Try to avoid tight hairstyles that put excessive tension on your hair, or at least minimize them to 1-2 times per week. A beneficial trick is opting for silk or satin pillowcases to reduce friction and breakage while you sleep.

Minimize Heat Damage

Heat styling tools can wreak havoc on your hair. Limit their use and always use a heat protectant spray. When possible, let your hair air-dry and use microfiber hair towels to absorb more water. However, towels can sometimes tug at your strands, leading to breakage, so you need to make sure you remove them gently.

Regular Trims (Yes, Really!)

While it may seem counterintuitive, regular trims are essential for healthy hair growth. They remove split ends, preventing them from traveling up the hair shaft and causing further damage. If you don’t have a complicated haircut, aim to visit your hairstylist at least 3 times a year.

Deep Conditioning Treatments

Treat your hair to a deep conditioning treatment once or twice a week to replenish moisture and strengthen your strands. Look for ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, and keratin. You can also do a DIY hair mask, which is a cheaper yet effective alternative.

Oiling your hair

Many people find benefits from applying natural oils to their hair, like coconut oil, argan oil, or rosemary oil. Rosemary oil, in particular, has gained popularity due to its hair growth benefits. However, if you have an oily scalp, this solution might make things worse.

What products should I use?

There are several hair products that claim to be miraculous for your hair, however, it’s important to choose hair products that are free of harsh sulfates and parabens. Look for products that are designed for your specific hair type. Also, sometimes, a product may be beneficial for someone but not very effective for someone else, so do your homework and try different options before you stick to specific products.

Hair growth takes time

Be patient, consistent, and kind to your hair. With a little TLC, you'll be well on your way to achieving your hair goals. Remember, every head of hair is unique. What works for one person may not work for another. Experiment, find what works for you, and embrace your beautiful, growing mane!