From Follicle to Breakage: 5 Science Backed Tips on How to Improve Hair Growth
Key Takeaways
1) Hair growth is a two-fold process, requiring care both internally (nutrition) and externally (scalp and hair care).
2) Studies show that nearly 73% of Indians suffer from protein deficiency, which can lead to hair thinning and slow growth. [1]
3) Your hair grows about half an inch per month on average, but its health is influenced by factors like diet, stress, and sleep. [2]
4) On average, we shed 50-100 hairs a day, and this is completely normal as part of the hair growth cycle.
5) Stress can trigger a condition called telogen effluvium, where hair prematurely enters the resting phase, leading to temporary hair loss. [3]
We've all been there; brushing our hair or running our fingers through it, only to see a handful of strands fall out. Or maybe you've noticed more hair in the shower drain than you'd like to admit. It's frustrating, and over time, it can chip away at your confidence. You might even try every expensive shampoo and serum on the market, hoping for a miracle, but the results never seem to live up to the hype.
The truth is, while the right hair care products can help, improving hair growth is a two-fold process. It's not just about what you put on your hair externally, but also how you nourish your body from the inside. No single product can work miracles; achieving healthier hair requires a 360-degree approach, inside and out.
Table of Contents
1. Hair Growth From Follicles and Hair Breakage
2. How to Increase Hair Growth Naturally?
3. Additional Tips for Hair Growth
4. Conclusion
5. FAQs on How to Improve Hair Growth
6. References
Hair Growth: From Follicles vs. From Hair Breakage
When it comes to growing thicker hair, it's important to understand the two main contributors: hair growth from follicles and hair growth from hair breakage.
1) Hair Growth From Follicles
Let's start with the good news: Hair growth from follicles is the way to go if you want thick, healthy strands. Your hair follicles are like tiny factories that produce fresh strands directly from your scalp. The better you nourish hair follicles, through a healthy diet, good scalp care, and proper wellness practices; the more thick and shiny your hair can become.
But here's a twist: Hair follicles can die. If a follicle becomes damaged due to factors like poor nutrition, excess stress, or chemical damage, it may stop producing hair altogether. But, here's the good news: follicles can regenerate under the right conditions. While not all follicles will regenerate, many can be revived properly.
2) Hair Growth From Breakage
Now, here's the tricky part: hair growth from breakage. It might seem like your hair is growing longer, but what's happening is your hair is breaking along the strands. This usually happens when your hair is weak from things like heat styling, chemical treatments, or lack of proper care.
The result? You're not getting new hair; just broken strands that make your hair look thinner and more brittle over time. This "growth" is unsustainable and leaves your hair looking lifeless. The real secret is to take better care of the hair you have, prevent damage, and focus on keeping your follicles healthy so that your hair can grow from the root.
Now that we know the difference between hair growth from follicles and the damage caused by breakage, let's dive into the remedies that will help you keep your follicles healthy and stop hair breakage.
Also Read: Best Diet for Hair Growth to Boost Hair Health Naturally
How To Increase/Improve Hair Growth Naturally?
1) Minoxidil & Redensyl
While many people are familiar with biotin as a hair growth booster, Minoxidil is another powerhouse that's not as widely known; but it can work wonders. So what exactly is Minoxidil?
Minoxidil is a topical solution that stimulates hair follicles and encourages. When applied to the scalp, Minoxidil works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles, which boosts their ability to produce new hair. Think of it as a wake-up call for your sleepy follicles, urging them to get back to work and create new strands.
A 12-month observational study with 984 male patients evaluated the effectiveness of a 5% minoxidil topical solution for androgenetic alopecia. By the end of the study, 610 participants saw a reduction in hair loss, and hair regrowth was rated effective by 64.3% of patients. Hair shedding decreased significantly from an average of 69.7 hairs to 33.8. [4]
Pro Tip: Minoxidil works best when combined with a healthy diet and scalp care routine. Don't just rely on topical solutions; support your hair's growth from within, too!
Redensyl is a little-known gem in the world of hair growth, and most people haven't heard of it yet. But this powerful ingredient is quickly gaining attention for its remarkable ability to promote hair regrowth. Redensyl works by targeting the hair stem cells in your scalp, stimulating them to reactivate dormant follicles and boosting their growth cycle.
In the study, 44 patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) were treated with a topical lotion containing Redensyl and Sepicontrol A5. Among the 41 patients who completed the study, 80.8% (26 participants) showed improvements, with 7.7% experiencing great improvement, 73.1% showing moderate improvement, and 19.2% remaining stable. [6]
Also Read: 9 Easy Ways on How to Increase Hair Growth Naturally
2) Protein: The Missing Ingredient in Your Diet
You may think you're getting enough protein; after all, a typical Indian diet is packed with dal, paneer, and yogurt. But here's the thing: While we think we're eating enough, many of us still fall short. The problem often lies in the fact that our plates are heavy on carbohydrates and light on protein.
If you look at your plate, you'll notice that rice, roti, and potatoes often dominate your meal, while protein-rich foods like legumes and meat take a backseat. Hair is primarily made of keratin, a fibrous protein that gives each strand its strength and structure. Since hair is made up of 97% protein and 3% water, it's essential to include 40-50% protein in your diet to support healthy hair growth. [5]
Protein-Rich Foods to Add to Your Diet:
- Eggs: Packed with high-quality protein and biotin, essential for keratin production.
- Lentils and Beans: Rich in plant-based protein and iron, which support hair follicles.
- Chicken and Fish: Excellent sources of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which support scalp health.
- Nuts and Seeds: Walnuts, cashews, and flaxseeds are packed with both protein and essential fats.
Start including these protein-rich foods at every meal, and you'll not only see better hair growth, but your overall health will improve, too.
However, getting enough protein from food alone can be a challenge; you'd need to eat a mountain of eggs, chicken, and beans! In such cases, you can take a protein supplement to give you the boost you need without the hassle.
Also Read: Whey Protein vs. Plant Protein: Which One Fits Your Lifestyle?
3) DHT Blockers and Biotin Supplements
To support hair growth from within, supplements can be a game-changer. Biotin, a key vitamin for keratin production, strengthens hair, making it less prone to breakage and encouraging thicker growth. But for even more support, consider supplements with DHT blockers.
DHT is a hormone that shrinks hair follicles and can stop hair growth. DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone often linked to male pattern baldness, can cause hair follicles to shrink and lead to thinning or hair loss in both men and women. [7]
For women, higher levels of DHT can lead to symptoms like painful periods, acne, and the growth of unwanted facial hair.
Supplements with natural DHT blockers, like sawpalmetto, can help reduce its effects, promoting healthier, thicker hair. Combining DHT blockers with biotin in one supplement targets hair growth from both angles; protecting follicles from DHT while boosting their growth potential.
If you want to supercharge your hair growth, look for supplements that combine biotin with DHT blockers and saw palmetto for maximum impact.
4) Avoid Build Up in the Scalp
Imagine this: You've been using your favorite shampoo for weeks, but your hair still looks lifeless, and the growth seems stagnant. Ever wondered if it's because your scalp is clogged with product buildup, dead skin cells, and excess oils? This is a common issue that can stifle hair growth.
Mistake to avoid: Not paying attention to your scalp. If your scalp isn't healthy, your hair won't thrive.
Remedies for a Healthy Scalp:
- Scalp Massage: Massaging your scalp for 5-10 minutes a day can improve blood flow to the hair follicles and encourage growth.
- Exfoliate Your Scalp: A gentle exfoliating scrub can remove dead skin cells and product buildup that may be clogging your follicles.
- Oil Your Scalp: Oils like coconut, castor, and rosemary oil are known for their hair growth benefits. Rosemary oil, for example, has been shown to stimulate hair growth and is often compared to minoxidil in its effectiveness. [8]
5) Increasing Iron Intake
We often try techniques like nail rubbing, scalp massages, micro needling, and more to boost blood flow to our hair follicles, hoping they'll promote hair growth. But what if we're running low on something much more fundamental :iron?
Iron deficiency can silently contribute to severe hair fall, and we might not even realize it until it becomes a problem. Iron plays a key role in carrying oxygen to your hair follicles, which helps them stay nourished and encourages hair growth. Without enough iron, your follicles can become weak, leading to thinning and excessive shedding.
While boosting circulation is great, don't forget to check your iron levels and keep them in balance to truly support healthy hair growth. One way to support this process is by taking an organic blood builder supplement, which can help replenish your iron levels and give your hair the strength it needs to thrive.
Additional Tips for Hair Growth
1) Manage Stress: Reducing stress is crucial for healthy hair growth, as high cortisol levels can lead to telogen effluvium, causing more hair to fall out. . Telogen effluvium is a type of temporary hair loss that happens when your body goes through stress or a big change such as body experiences stress (like illness, childbirth, major surgery, or even emotional stress), it can push more hair into the "falling out" phase than usual. Relaxation techniques like yoga, gratitude exercises or deep breathing can help keep stress in check.
2) Onion Oil for Growth: Onion oil is packed with sulfur, which boosts collagen production, strengthening your hair and improving growth. The sulfur also helps improve blood circulation to the scalp, nourishing your hair follicles.
3) Consider PRP Treatment: If nothing else seems to work, PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy can be a last resort. This treatment uses your own blood to stimulate hair follicles and promote natural hair growth, helping your hair become thicker and healthier.
Conclusion
In conclusion, achieving healthy hair growth is a combination of proper internal nutrition and external care. From managing stress and boosting iron levels to using supplements like biotin and DHT blockers, every little step counts.
Remember, it's a well-rounded approach that supports your hair follicles, strengthens strands, and encourages growth. So, treat your hair with care, and it will thank you with fuller, healthier locks!
Frequently Asked Questions on How to Improve Hair Growth
Q1 - What are the most effective treatments for promoting hair growth?
Minoxidil is a clinically proven topical treatment that can stimulate hair regrowth. Additionally, micro-needling has been shown to enhance the absorption of minoxidil and stimulate hair follicles.
Q2 - How can I improve scalp health to support hair growth?
Regular scalp massages can increase blood circulation, promoting healthier hair growth. Maintaining a clean scalp by washing with gentle shampoos and addressing conditions like dandruff is also beneficial.
Q3 - Are there dietary changes that can enhance hair growth?
A diet rich in iron, vitamin B12, and protein supports hair health. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help determine if supplements are necessary.
Q4 - How does aging affect hair growth, and what can be done about it?
As we age, hair growth can slow, and thinning may occur. Maintaining a healthy diet, using gentle hair care products, and considering treatments like minoxidil can help manage these changes.
Q5 - How long does it take to see results from hair growth treatments?
Hair growth treatments like minoxidil typically require consistent use for about three to six months before noticeable results appear. Patience and adherence to the treatment regimen are essential.
References
| Sr. No. | Reference Links |
| 1. | India’s protein deficiency and the need to address the problem |
| 2. | Advances in hair growth |
| 3. | Telogen Effluvium: A Review of the Literature |
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