According to the American Hair Loss Association, two-thirds of men experience some degree of hair loss by the time they turn 35, increasing to a staggering 85% by age 50. Women are also not immune from this condition, with the Canadian Dermatology Association estimating that 40% of women will experience some signs of hair thinning by age 50.
The prevalence of such an issue naturally makes many adults wonder about how to help with hair growth before the situation reaches a point of no return. While hair growth and loss is a natural process affected by many factors such as age, genetics, nutrition, and health, research has shown that employing certain holistic methods can be highly effective in stimulating hair growth.
In this article, we will provide a complete run-down of the proven methods for hair growth, discussing the science behind their effectiveness as well as tips on how to use them for maximum results.
Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle
Before discussing how to help with hair growth, it is important to understand the different phases of our hair growth cycle.
The process of hair growth can be characterized into 4 stages, each discussed individually below:
- Anagen: Also referred to as the “growth phase”, the anagen state involves hair follicles actively being generated and extended, lengthening the hair shaft. This is also the longest state of the human growth cycle, lasting anywhere from two to eight years.
- Catagen: Deemed as the “regression phase”, this is when hair follicles begin to transition between the anagen and telogen stages. Lasting up to two weeks in time, hair follicles in the catagen phase typically lose about one-sixth of their diameter as hair growth slows.
- Telogen: Termed as the “rest phase”, the telogen phase is a 3-month process during which your hair follicles stop growing but do not fall out either. This is also when new hair starts to grow in follicles that have become thinned out during the catagen phase, eventually pushing the old hair out.
- Exogen: The final stage of the human hair growth cycle is the “shedding phase”, during which old hair falls away from the scalp during a period of two to five months. Even as this is going on, the anagen phase is restarting, ensuring the cycle of hair growth continues.
External factors can cause hair follicles to exit the anagen phase prematurely, resulting in a greater number of strands entering the next phases and subsequently shedding. Once the hair growth cycle is disrupted, it can lead to hair thinning and hair loss beyond that which is normal.
Factors Affecting Hair Growth
There are several factors contributing to an individual’s hair health, subsequently affecting the rate at which their hair grows and sheds. Below are some of the variables involved when discussing hair growth:
- Genetics: Studies have shown that hair loss present in the mother or father of an individual can pose a high risk that they too will experience hair thinning or pattern baldness in their lifetime. Other elements that may affect hair growth such as hair growth patterns, hair texture, and hair density are also closely related to genetics.
- Hormonal Changes: Research indicates that hormones released during the life of women in particular have a significant effect on their hair growth. Stages such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause may all contribute to an increase in hair loss due to the hormonal changes they bring about.
- Nutrition: Deficiencies of several key nutrients such as iron, Vitamin B12, and Zinc have been proven to adversely affect hair health. This is also why many people who lose weight after being on restrictive diets find their hair to start thinning and reducing in quality. A well-balanced diet may be what helps stimulate hair growth in the long run.
- Stress: Chronic stress can take a toll on the body’s physical health, including the life cycle of healthy hair growth. Recent studies have shown that continued stress may even lead to a condition known as telogen effluvium in which more than 70% of hair stops growing, leading to eventual hair loss.
- Environmental Conditions: Changes in environmental factors may also affect hair growth. This includes UV radiation, pollutants in bathwater, and extreme weather conditions, all of which can damage hair follicles and subsequently inhibit hair growth.
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How to Help With Hair Growth: 10 Effective Ways
If you are interested in learning about what can help your hair grow, we have prepared a comprehensive list of holistic remedies for you. Backed by research, the following list includes both natural treatments as well as mainstream supplements- all stuff that helps your hair grow back to the way it used to be.
Below are 10 of the most effective ways to stimulate hair growth in both men and women.
Essential Oils
Used for centuries due to their healing properties, essential oils are aromatic extracts of plants that have been obtained through concentration by steam distillation. They are derived naturally and contain no added chemicals, making them ideal for use on many parts of the body- including the hair.
Below is a list of some of the most common essential oils:
- Peppermint oil
- Rosemary oil
- Lavender oil
- Almond oil
- Cedarwood oil
- Lemongrass oil
- Tea tree oil
- Jojoba oil
Of these essential oils, peppermint oil, rosemary oil, and cedarwood oil have been clinically studied for hair growth. The results show peppermint oil increases follicle depth and number, while rosemary oil increases hair count and thickness by working similarly to the common topical solution minoxidil. Cedarwood oil was also documented to improve hair growth in patients with alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease resulting in the loss of hair over time.
One of the best ways to help hair growth is a scalp massage using essential oils. The oil should be applied using gentle pressure on the head, starting from the roots down to the length of the hair. Once applied, the oil can be left overnight or for a couple of hours, washing it off with shampoo once done.
Caffeine
A natural chemical found in common beverages like tea, coffee, and cola, caffeine is commonly used as a stimulant for the body’s nervous system to encourage mental alertness. However, recent studies have claimed the chemical to be a stimulant for hair regrowth as well.
Some research suggests that caffeine may inhibit the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone often implicated in male-pattern baldness. By blocking DHT activity, caffeine may help prevent the shrinking of hair follicles causing subsequent hair loss.
Caffeine is also known for its antioxidant properties, which can help protect hair follicles from damage. This may also contribute to maintaining the health and vitality of the scalp and hair.
Caffeine can be applied to the hair in the form of a rinse or as a pre-packaged topical solution.
To create a caffeine rinse at home, start by adding 1-2 spoons of strong coffee to hot water and allowing it to brew. After shampooing your hair, pour the cooled caffeine rinse over your scalp and hair, massaging gently to ensure even distribution. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly with water.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a large medicinal plant with succulent leaves that each have serrated edges. The most potent part of the aloe vera plant is the clear pulp which can be found inside of its leaves, known as aloe vera gel. This clear liquid is made up of water, sterols, amino acids, lipids, and vitamins which can help repair and strengthen strands of hair when it is applied.
Aloe vera has been documented to help balance pH levels, resulting in the opening of blocked hair follicles. This makes the plant one of the best things to help hair growth.
In addition to this, aloe vera has also been linked with reducing inflammation of the scalp. This may result in a decrease in scalp dryness, itchiness, and dandruff, all symptoms that promote hair loss in individuals.
Green Tea
Among the many things that help hair growth is green tea. Green tea is a drink made by dissolving crushed leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant into hot water. Originating in China, the beverage is now drunk all over the world to achieve numerous health benefits.
Research indicates the presence of powerful antioxidants known as polyphenols in very high concentrations in green tea. Within these polyphenols is a compound called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Research shows EGCG to be significantly effective in promoting the growth of hair as well as protecting existing hair follicles from breakage.
For best results, apply a homemade green tea mask directly to your damp hair after shampooing. To prepare the mask, simply brew 2-3 tea bags of green tea in boiling water for 4-5 minutes. Once cool, strain the mixture to remove the leaves. You can also start drinking up to 2 cups of green tea every day to nourish your body with the drink’s powerful antioxidants.
Onion Juice
Onions are a vegetable commonly used in cooking, making it a staple in almost every household. Consequently, If you’re wondering how to help with hair growth but unsure of where to begin, onion juice may be a good starting point.
Onions are rich in many nutrients which have been proven to aid in the nourishment and healing of our body. These include vitamin C, vitamin B6, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Onions also contain a high concentration of sulfur, a compound that is known to be effective in stimulating hair growth by regenerating weak or broken hair follicles.
The best way to use onion juice for hair regrowth is by massaging the liquid into the scalp. You can prepare the onion juice by blending 1-2 peeled onions using a food processor and then draining the paste using a cheesecloth. The juice left over should be applied to the hair and left to soak for at least 30 minutes.
If the smell of the onion is too pungent, you can add a few drops of fragrant essential oil such as lavender or peppermint oil to the juice. Rinse off using shampoo and cold water
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Fish Oil
Extracted from the tissues of cold-water oily fish, fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that have been proven to help your hair grow. These acids have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making them effective against hair damage caused by dry scalp and dandruff.
Research has also shown fish oil supplements to act efficiently towards hair regrowth, improving hair density and diameter in nearly 90% of tested subjects during six months. The
Fish oil can be applied directly to the hair after being mixed with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or olive oil. After it is left on the hair for at least 30 minutes, the oil can be rinsed off using shampoo and cold water.
Alternatively, you can use fish oil supplements in the form of gummies or capsules containing only the extracted omega-3 fatty acids. This is, essentially, the stuff that helps your hair grow.
Curry Leaves
If you’re wondering about how to help hair growth without having to take supplements, it may be worth looking into curry leaves. Traditionally used in the Indian subcontinent as a staple during cooking, curry leaves are a plant native to Asia and also thought to contain healing properties. Studies have suggested the plant to be an effective alternative treatment for diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer.
Recent research has added curry leaves to the list of things that stimulate hair growth. The plant is found to measure high in compounds such as beta-carotene as well as protein content which are proven to be instrumental in the prevention of hair thinning and hair loss. Curry leaves also contain amino acids which strengthen hair fiber, subsequently helping hair growth.
To use curry leaves for stimulating hair growth, you can make a hair mask by blending crushed curry leaves with a small amount of yogurt. Apply the mask all over the scalp, letting it sit for at least 30 minutes. Once done, rinse off with cold water.
PRP Injections
If you’re wondering about how to make hair follicles grow, Platelet-rich plasma injections (PRP) can be considered as a form of treatment.
Blood is typically made up of four parts, red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. By isolating plasma from a patient’s own blood, doctors are able to formulate a liquid rich in platelets called PRP. This can then be injected into the skin or hair to treat degenerative conditions such as arthritis, muscle injuries, and hair loss.
Treatment using PRP injections can be one of the things to help your hair grow as it kick-starts the regeneration of cells in your scalp, causing hair follicles to enter the growth phase. This results in your hair becoming thicker, stronger, and increasing in length with continued treatment.
PRP is often used by patients who have undergone a hair transplant and want to achieve a quicker result. The process typically takes a total of 15 weeks, with the patient undergoing one PRP session every 5 weeks.
Minoxidil
Often prescribed to patients suffering from hair thinning and loss, using Minoxidil is often one of the first things to do for hair growth.
Minoxidil works by increasing blood flow to hair follicles, which can help stimulate hair growth and prevent further hair loss. The drug has also been found to prolong the anagen phase, allowing hair follicles to grow hair for a longer period before entering the telogen phase. This results in thicker, longer hair strands over time.
Minoxidil is typically available as a topical solution or foam, which is applied directly to the scalp once or twice a day. Most patients are able to see an improvement in hair thickness after 4-5 months of continued treatment, though in some cases it may take up to 12 months to see results.
Although Minoxidil is proven to be among the things that help hair grow, it is not a long-term solution, working only as long as you are using it. Once the treatment stops being applied, the regrown hair will shed and your hairline will be back where it started.
Finasteride
On the same level as minoxidil in terms of its prevalence as a hair regrowth treatment, Finasteride is a medication used to treat hair loss, particularly in men with male-pattern baldness. Rather than being applied topically to the scalp, finasteride is taken orally in the form of tablets.
Finasteride works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a hormone that plays a role in shrinking hair follicles in individuals genetically predisposed to male-pattern baldness. By reducing DHT levels in the scalp, finasteride helps to slow down the process of hair follicle breakage. Follicles are subsequently encouraged to produce thicker hair shafts, resulting in improved hair density and overall appearance.
Finasteride is typically taken as a once-daily oral medication. Like minoxidil, it is not a long-term form of treatment, with continued use being necessary to maintain any hair regrowth achieved. Discontinuing finasteride treatment can lead to the gradual loss of any hair gained within 6 to 12 months. Finasteride is also not approved for use in females, as it may cause serious side effects on their reproductive health.
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Key Takeaways
- Hair growth is influenced by various factors including genetics, hormonal changes, nutrition, stress, and environmental conditions.
- The hair growth cycle consists of four stages: anagen, catagen, telogen, and exogen. They are crucial for addressing hair loss and promoting growth effectively.
- Essential oils like peppermint, rosemary, and cedarwood have been clinically studied and shown to promote hair growth through follicle stimulation and hair thickening.
- Caffeine, found in beverages like coffee and tea, has been researched for its potential to inhibit DHT activity and protect hair follicles, making it a promising ingredient for hair growth products.
- Natural remedies such as aloe vera, green tea, onion juice, and curry leaves are also believed to stimulate hair growth and improve scalp health through various mechanisms, including pH balance, inflammation reduction, and nutrient delivery.
- Medical treatments like PRP injections, minoxidil, and finasteride are available options for individuals seeking more advanced interventions to address hair loss, but they may come with potential side effects and require ongoing use for sustained results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for hair to grow?
On average, your hair will grow about six inches every year, which is about 0.5 inches per month. However, this rate may vary depending on your genetics and general lifestyle. For some people, the rate of hair growth may be more than double the standard.
Why is my hair growing so quickly?
Hair that is growing faster than average can be a result of an increase in hormones. This is usually the case in conditions like pregnancy or right after hitting puberty.
Does dry air cause hair loss?
Dry air is a common occurrence in the months of winter, leading to a decrease in overall hair quality. The dryness in the environment causes your scalp to be sucked out of any moisture, resulting in an itchy, flaky scalp. This can result in your hair becoming damaged and breaking easily, causing hair loss.
What foods thicken hair?
Foods that are rich in vitamin A and iron can contribute to healthier, thicker hair. Some examples include spinach, salmon, sunflower seeds, walnuts, eggs, and mangoes.
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