Your hair is a big deal. Even just a simple style change can make you look like a completely different person. So, of course, you want to make sure your hair has as much volume and thickness as possible. To do this, you’ll need it to be as healthy as possible.
I know this is the case for me. This is why I was so frantic to find a fix for my hair when it started falling out! I read dozens of articles and tried countless techniques. Some were… completely useless if I am being honest.
But, besides an absorbable collagen… I did find a lot of other good information out there on how to promote hair growth, slow hair loss, and maintain hair health.
If your hair just isn’t staying thick, or you’re losing more than you’re growing — I’ve been there. I get it. Don’t worry. I’ve collected some of the best tips I came across in my travels that might be able to help!
But to understand hair growth, it helps to know how it grows…
We’re born with all of the hair follicles we will ever have — about 5 million. Of those, 100,000 are on our scalp.
Our hair grows from a root at the bottom of a follicle beneath the skin. Blood goes to the follicle and supplies oxygen and nutrients to the hair root, which helps the hair grow. As hair grows, it pushes through the skin and passes by an oil gland, providing that natural shine and softness of hair. [1]
When it comes to hair loss, it’s normal to lose about 50 to 100 strands of hair per day. But what if you’re losing more? Or what if your hair just isn’t growing back fast enough to replace this loss?
Today, we’re going to look at 7 ways to help boost hair growth!
This one may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people let it fall by the wayside, or worse — how many people think they’re getting the nutrition they need, but aren’t.
Examine the foods you eat and the supplements you take. Are you eating anything that may interfere with the absorption of another crucial nutrient? Are the supplements you’re taking designed to be absorbed, or are you wasting your money?
These things are important for not just your hair health, but overall health. When your body is lacking in a certain nutrient, frankly, hair comes last. Your body will use the vitamins and minerals for more important bodily functions before hair growth.
Some of the most crucial nutrients for hair growth include:
One study found that routinely taking omega-3 and omega-6 supplements may help protect against hair loss. [2]
Data from another study suggested that lower zinc levels may play a key role in hair loss. [3]
And a review of the literature found 18 reported cases that showed clinical improvement in both hair and nail health after biotin supplementation. [4]
A main function of B12 is to assist in the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen through the body. If you don’t have sufficient red blood cells, not enough oxygen will be able to reach the follicle and hair root, potentially stunting growth.
Something else that’s important to make sure you’re getting enough of is protein.
A lack of protein has been shown to promote hair loss. Since hair follicles are made largely of protein, adequate levels can keep your hair follicles strong and healthy. [5]
You read that right. Caffeine. It can give you an energy boost, and, as it turns out, it may also be able to give your hair growth a boost.
One 2014 study found that it may have growth-promoting effects on your hair. According to the study, caffeine may help promote new hair growth at the molecular, cellular, and organ levels in both men and women! [6]
Now that’s some good news.
Essential oils not only smell nice, but some of them may also be able to help promote hair growth. Another win-win!
One study found that a daily dose of 400 milligrams of pumpkin seed oil in capsule form resulted in an increase in hair growth in men. After 24 weeks, the men who took pumpkin seed oil experienced a 40% increase in hair count! [7]
Another study looked at four groups of mice, each of which was given a different hair treatment. The treatments consisted of various solutions touted to promote hair growth. The study found that the group given peppermint oil showed the most hair growth. This included a significant increase in dermal thickness, follicle number, and follicle depth. [8]
Research has also shown that rosemary oil can have a very positive effect on restoring hair growth. [9]
Have you ever had your scalp massaged? You may have had it done at the hair salon, and if so, you know how nice it feels. And, according to one study, it can also boost the health of your hair.
The study examined the effectiveness of daily, 4-minute scalp massages. After 24 weeks, the researchers found that the 9 men involved in the study had thicker hair than at the start. [10]
While the study didn’t show any noticeable difference in hair growth, it’s thought that a scalp massage may help dilate blood vessels beneath the skin. This, in turn, may lead to thicker, stronger hair that’s less likely to break off or become damaged.
You can get a professional scalp massage, or do one for yourself at home. Using light to medium pressure, apply your fingertips to your scalp and move them around in small circles. Work your way around the entire scalp until everywhere has been massaged.
Even if it doesn’t make a difference, at least it feels nice!
The heat from curling irons, hairdryers, and straighteners can damage your hair and cause breakage. While avoiding heat styling altogether might not be an option, you may want to try limiting how often you use these tools. Decreasing the temperature of heated styling tools can also help reduce hair damage.
According to a 2011 study, using a heat protectant product before using a heated styling tool may significantly reduce hair breakage. Heat treatments work by forming a protective barrier that helps prevent moisture loss when using heated tools. [11]
To help keep your hair healthy and strong, you need to go easy on it. Which leads into my next point…
You may color your hair for various reasons. And you don’t have to stop completely. But it’s important to be mindful.
Though hair dyeing doesn’t inhibit hair growth, it may cause hair loss by damaging the hair. Hair dye also contains both ammonia and hydrogen peroxide, which can loosen hairs, promoting hair loss. On top of that, hair dye can physically weaken hair shafts, increasing breakage-caused hair loss.
If you are going to dye your hair, look for a natural brand to try and reduce the effects. Either way, it’s going to be tough on your hair. But the better you treat your hair outside of coloring it, the less of an impact the dye will have on your hair.
Ultimately, what helps your hair is being gentle with it and ensuring that your body has the nutrition it needs to allow your hair to be at its best.
I hope that these tips can help you have a head of hair that makes you feel confident and beautiful.
Remember, what worked for me was collagen that my body could actually absorb and use. If you think your hair could use a boost, EverBella’s collagen could be just the thing!
References And Resources