If you want to encourage hair growth, the main thing you should strive for is a healthy scalp. We reveal how you can achieve your desired hair length faster.
Encouraging hair growth: How much influence do we have?
Our hair grows an average of an inch a month. Depending on the disposition, it can also be a few millimeters more or less. Fortunately, we are not completely powerless exposed to genetics and can influence our own hair growth.
The right beauty tips can stimulate hair growth, which allows us to get a little closer to our dream mane. Perfect if you want a longer mane or want to let the bangs grow out. Try the following tips – they not only lead to faster growth, but also to stronger hair!
Tip 1: Scalp massages
Our hair is produced in what are known as hair follicles. If these are optimally supplied with nutrients, the hair grows back strong, healthy and quickly. If we improve the absorption of nutrients by the hair follicles, we also encourage hair growth. And you can do that very easily from home – with a scalp massage!
The light pressure on the skin increases the blood flow to the affected area, which makes it easier for nutrients to be absorbed. So take a little longer to massage in the shampoo or treat yourself to a small scalp massage with a massage brush before going to bed.
Tip 2: The right diet for beautiful hair
When we diet, we not only limit the calories, but also the absorption of nutrients. The less we eat, the fewer vitamins, minerals and the like end up in the body. And these building blocks are missing from the hair follicles in order to produce strong and healthy hair. Not only does hair grow back more slowly – it also feels weaker and thinner.
Are you currently on a reduced-calorie diet? Then you should make sure that you have a sufficient intake of so-called micronutrients so that the growth of the hair is not impaired. This is where supplements can help to meet the need.
Above all, the following are important for healthy hair and good hair growth:
- Biotin: The trace element is a natural component of the hair and strengthens the hair fiber.
- Zinc: The mineral promotes the formation of keratin, the main component of hair. If there is a lack of zinc, less keratin is formed – the hair grows back slowly and less densely.
- Iron: An iron deficiency not only makes you tired, it also leads to thinning hair. A sufficient intake is absolutely necessary for well-functioning hair growth.
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids: These fats make the hair look smooth and shiny. In addition, with the help of a study from 2015, researchers found that these fatty acids are supposed to prevent hair loss.
Tip 3: Proteins promote hair growth
Since over 90 percent of our hair is made up of keratin, a protein, you should definitely eat a protein-rich diet. If this important macronutrient is missing, hair growth is inhibited.
In addition to meat, fish and eggs, many plant-based foods also turn out to be real protein bombs. Lentils, chickpeas or tofu are good alternatives for vegetarians and vegans. Grains such as oatmeal are also wonderful protein boosters for beautiful hair.
Tip 4: Caffeine cure for the scalp
A 2014 study showed that topical caffeine has a positive effect on hair growth. Don’t worry, you don’t have to reach for the coffee cup right away – it would be very difficult to get the smell out of your mane anyway!
Fortunately, there are now some fragrance-free high-tech hair serums that contain caffeine. If you apply these caffeine solutions to the scalp daily, hair growth will be stimulated and the hair will grow back thicker and faster. Caffeine can also reduce hair loss.
Why does it work? Our hair grows in certain cycles. There is a growth phase and a resting phase. Caffeine suppresses this resting phase and extends the period in which the hair grows from the follicles. By the way: a hair serum with caffeine is more suitable than a caffeine shampoo, as the serum stays on the scalp longer.
Tip 5: Get rid of heat
Heat is always a minor strain on skin and hair. Cell damage can result from high temperatures. You will notice this, for example, in limp hair and slow hair growth.
To keep your hair and scalp healthy, you should avoid high temperatures as much as possible. The biggest culprit here is the hair dryer, which releases the hot air directly onto the sensitive scalp.
To protect your hair, you should let your hair air dry. Heat should also be used as infrequently as possible when styling.
Tip 6. Massage in essential oils
It doesn’t necessarily take chemistry to make hair grow faster. Stimulating hair growth also works with natural essential oils. And that is even scientifically proven!
A 6 month study showed that rosemary essential oil made the hair grow extraordinarily fast and thick. If you don’t like the rosemary scent, you can also opt for peppermint oil. Scientists were able to prove: The essential oil with the fresh mint scent significantly increased the number of hair follicles. This made the hair look fuller and more grippy.
But be careful: essential oils should never be applied undiluted to skin or hair. This could lead to skin irritation and irritation. Mix a few drops of essential oil in your favorite shampoo instead. In this way, hair growth can be stimulated without much effort or expense.
By the way: essential oils not only give us stronger hair. They also help soothe itchy skin.
Tip 7: Better hair with ginseng
In addition to essential oils, there is another herbal beauty booster that is said to have a positive effect on hair growth: ginseng! Korean researchers found in a 2009 study that taking ginseng extracts could significantly improve hair density.
Ginseng is one of the so-called medicinal plants and has been used for centuries against a variety of ailments. From tiredness to hair loss – the ground ginseng roots contain so-called ginsenosides, which stimulate the metabolism. Science has proven that ginseng actually has a stimulating effect on hair growth.
Tip 8: Dye less hair – stronger hair
Whether hairdresser or self-colored: Most conventional hair colors contain so-called peroxides. They are necessary to open the hair shaft and chemically change the color pigments.
Unfortunately, these peroxides are very aggressive to the hair and scalp. If you should feel a tingling or stinging sensation after dyeing your roots, this is due to these aggressive coloring additives.
To prevent hair and hair loss, you should delay the hair coloring to protect the scalp. Base powder and sprays can help to hide unwanted transitions. This way, the scalp is less stressed and the hair can grow back strong and healthy.