It can be endlessly frustrating waiting for your hair to grow out, especially after a perhaps too-drastic haircut. Nobody likes dealing with awkward hair lengths, and as for growing out bangs? Forget it.
However, there are several methods you can employ to help give your hair a growth spurt if you have naturallyslow-growing hair, or are simply impatient to reach that next hairstyle level. You could always try my positive reinforcement approach of chanting “grow!” 30 times before going to sleep, or go with one of these more scientifically proven, (slightly) less silly-feeling methods.
1. Scalp massage:Â Scalp massage is a proven way to stimulate hair growth. A good scalp massage will draw more circulation and blood to the scalp making hair grow faster. You can do these massages on dry hair, or while you’re in the shower. Just remember to use strong, even pressure, and try to stimulate as many root follicles as you can. If you’ve got the funds, get a scalp massage at your local hair salon. If you’ve never had one, it’s one of the most relaxing experiences of all time.
2. Use a good scalp scrub shampoo:Â Sometimes hair growth can be slowed by a buildup of hair product and/or pollution from the air. The best way to counteract this is by shampooing with particular products that help unclog the pores on your head. It’s like exfoliation for your scalp.
3. Don’t over-style:Â This may sound like a no-brainer, but if you want your hair to grow, you have to treat it right. That means put down the straightener and curling iron. Such hot tools will cause breakage, which frays hair and makes it look like it’s not growing (even though it is). Only super healthy, moisture-rich hair can grow fast (and actually look like it). Hot tools zap that moisture right out.
4. Take supplements: Nutritionists always recommend using supplements. It can be taken daily to promote healthy strong hair, skin, and nails. It’s included in most daily vitamins, but if you’re really focusing on growing your hair, I recommend finding one specially for hair.
5. Take your ponytail down:Â Wearing your hair in a ponytail constantly can cause more harm to your hair than you might think. Keeping the hair in ponytails or putting sunglasses on your head like a headband – repeatedly – will wear follicles down making them not want to produce hair. We’ve all been guilty of the sunglasses habit, I’m sure, but it’s a good one to break if you want long, lustrous hair.
6. Eat omegas:Â Omega-3 fatty acids and foods rich in vitamin D are good for your body anyway, but you may not know they also do wonders for your hair. Â Vitamin D actually helps your body create new hair follicles, from which new hair can grow. Eating foods that are high in vitamin D, protein and omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, Greek yogurt, spinach, guava, poultry, eggs and sweet potatoes will promote hair growth and a healthy scalp.
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