1. Assess the current condition of your hair. Is it healthy, shiny and strong, or has it been damaged from heat, sun, coloring, etc.? You don't want to grow out hair that is damaged and scraggly. If you suffer from split, thin, and dry ends, seriously consider getting a trim to remove as much of the damage as possible. Split ends will not slow down hair growth, as your hair grows from the scalp, but they may prevent length accruing due to breakage of the ends.
2. Look at your overall health and your lifestyle. How is your diet? Do you exercise and sleep enough? Are you under a large amount of stress? If your body is lacking in health, your hair will be lacking as well. Your hair growth rate will be at its maximum when you are at your healthiest and fittest.
3. Make some dietary changes. Hair consists of protein (because hair is keretinized protein) so be sure that you are getting enough. Incorporate foods from all food groups - especially protein. Nuts, poultry, vegetables, fruits, grains, eggs, etc. All contribute to hair health.
4. Consider taking a daily vitamin supplement. There are many options on the market nowadays. Research the multi-vitamins which may work best for you. Other vitamins and minerals that are believed to contribute to hair growth are: biotin, beta-carotene, biosil, B complexes, magnesium, sulfur, zinc, silica, nettle, and flaxseed oil.
o A good hair vitamin will contain all of the nutrients necessary for overall health, as well as those specific to hair growth. Biotin and MSM are ingredients every hair vitamin should contain. Biotin promotes cell growth, the production of fatty acids, metabolism of fats, and amino acids. MSM lengthens the hair growth phase. Using a combination of the two is beneficial for healthy hair. Using an amino acid supplement is not necessary for growing longer hair. Amino Acids are the building blocks of protein. They are found in all natural foods, such as meat, eggs, dairy products, vegetables, grains, fruit, nuts, and pulses. Most Americans eat more than enough protein for to supply these amino acids. Only people who do not consume enough calories need to be concerned with their protein intake. So one may assume that using an amino acid supplement can only make hair grow faster.
5. Stimulate blood flow to your scalp. One of the two main ways is by doing cardio. There are many benefits to cardio - staying fit, being healthier, glowing skin, and increased blood flow, which can get rid of strange hues that some people get on their legs and increase hair growth. The other main way of stimulating blood flow is by massaging your scalp. Take the tips of your fingers and massage your scalp all over, for about 5 minutes.
6. Do not over brush your hair and NEVER use a bristled brush, as this will tear and damage your hair. Not to mention it doesn't feel very nice. (Boar bristled brushes, however, are in fact good for your hair as they "maintain good hair condition by keeping it clean, stimulating the scalp and distributing oils for a healthy, glossy look, without ever damaging it or causing split ends." Do not brush your hair when it is wet. Wet hair is very elastic and prone to breakage. De-tangle your hair with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb.
7. Do not over wash your hair. The oils that your scalp produces can be beneficial to the health of your hair. If you wash your hair every day, consider skipping a day or only using conditioner one day instead of both shampoo and conditioner. Shampooing everyday may be necessary for oily hair, but normal hair can get by with shampooing about 2-4 times a week, and dry hair is best when you shampoo about 1-2 a week. Curly hair (types 3A-4C) and some dry wavy hair (2A-2C) can be shampooed as little as once a week, to once every two weeks, because curly hair tends to be dryer.Use a shampoo/conditioner that is right for your hair. For instance, if you have dry, frizzy hair, you should not be using products designed for oily hair. Look into using a leave-in conditioner and/or hot oil treatments. Your local beauty supply store (i.e. Sally's) will have many options to choose from. Make sure to read the directions beforehand!
8. Cut back on the coloring sessions, which will inevitably cause your hair damage. If you must color your hair, look into some of the newer dyes available which offer more moisturizing protection when dying. If you want to dye your hair a shade of red, try dying it naturally with henna. If you want to dye your hair black, you can try dying it with a combination of henna and indigo.
9. Use protective styles, which are hair styles that keep your hair up and unexposed from environmental damage. Some examples would be buns, ponytails, plaits, cornrows, French braids, etc. This is very effective for a person whose hair is above shoulder length, because the hair tends to rub against clothes. Use them loosely, though, as you don't want to yank on your roots and scalp. When pulling back your hair, use smooth bands and clips. Avoid metal clips that can tangle and break hair, and never use bare rubber/elastic bands on your hair or hair bands that contain metal connections.
10. Avoid excessively hot water as well as blow dryers and curling irons. If you must use a blow dryer, invest in a diffuser. Consider wearing a cap or scarf of some sort when outside. Excessive heat/cold, wind and the elements can damage your hair. You may also choose to invest in a silk/satin hair wrap or a silk/satin pillowcase to reduce damage to your hair when you toss and turn at night.
11. Have patience. Scalp hair grows at an average rate of 0.4 mm/day (approximately 0.5 in/month). Unless you are genetically programed that you grow hair faster, it will take some good old fashioned time and patience to see the desired results. [1] Your hair growth tends to decrease during colder months. Try as you might, it may take years to grow your hair to a desired length, curly or straight. With trends changing so quickly, you have to consider that by the time your hair is long, it may be more in style to have shorter hair. Be diligent and have patience, and you will at the very least be rewarded with beautiful, healthy, if not long, hair. Love your hair and don't damage it!
12. After a shower turn the shower to a cold temp. then run your hair through it.
· If you get your hair relaxed, you may want to do a relaxer stretch, or decide to go natural, which is much less damaging to your hair. If you decide to stretch or go natural, you can choose to blow or flat iron the roots straight, or wear it in protective styles.
· If you are an avid swimmer, consider wearing a swimming cap to protect your hair from chlorine damage.
· Another tip to try is to eat a square of jelly everday. The gelatine in it encourages both your hair and nails to grow.
· If your hair is dry to oily, do not constantly touch it and finger-comb it with your fingers. The oil on your hands may "rub off" on your hair and give it a greasy look, also making your scalp feel dirty.
· Those with curly/frizzy hair will have to be patient. The texture of your hair means that length will take a while to show, it doesn't mean your hair grows slower.. Straightening your hair will add length, but be sure that you aren't damaging your hair in the process by using heat and chemicals. Letting your hair air dry wrapped around large curlers or cans is usually an effective and safe method.
· Still not fast enough for you? Consider hair extensions, but exercise caution. There are many drawbacks to the use of hair extensions. You must make sure that whoever is applying your extensions is a professional. If applied poorly, your extensions will look both fake and severely damage your hair. Take your time selecting your extensions as well. There are a variety of materials and extensions available on the market, many of which can and will look horribly fake. The other drawback is that extensions must be periodically replaced every six to eight weeks. If you are willing to invest the time and money, then they may be the right choice for you.
· If you have curly hair avoid over washing your hair!
