You would have seen numerous Hollywood movies in which the heroine and hero have their long luscious locks add to their impressive personality. For proper growth of hair, the major factors making a contribution are health, hereditary factors. Similar to simple ailments such as cold, cough, loss of hair is one of the challenges an individual faces in his lifetime. Five decades ago, hair fall was linked to signs of old age. In recent times, increasing pollution, stress and improper lifestyle have contributed to loss of hair. In the good olden days, your ancestors took good care of their health. They had sufficient time that they can devote to every part of their body, including hair. Nowadays, money can be easily earned or taken via credit cards, but a 24 hour day is not sufficient for a normal human being. In an age, where fast foods and instant results are the keys, you are looking at quick results that can result in further damage of hair. In this article on home remedies for fast growth of hair simple instructions have been given, which, if followed can foster quick growth of hair.
The Growth Cycle Of Hair
Let it be known, every strand of hair goes through three stages of its life cycle. The growth of hair starts from the root, (or in other terms) follicle, below the skin. The hair makes use of the nutrients from the blood vessels that are present below the follicle for growth. The growth from the initial stage to death (hair fall) is divided into four stages: anagen, catagen, telogen and the last stage is exogen. You would be surprised to know that every hair will have a different stage of the growth cycle.
As you age, the duration of the first stage (anagen) is reduced. Then the hair becomes thin and weak. Now you know the reason the diet should be rich in nutrients to maintain good health.
You lose around 80 to 100 hairs per day. Every hair has its stages of growth but if the loss of hair is rampant, then medical treatment is required. Around 85 % of the hair will be in the anagen phase, the third stage (telogen) will be 14 %. If the ratio is disturbed, you will have to bear the cost. Result – More hair fall and growth of new hair will stop or will be very slow.
First Stage (Anagen) – Healthy Hair
The duration for strong growth of hair is 2 to 6 years. The hair root absorbs nutrients, and there will be fast division of hair cells. New hair forms in abundance and hair grows at a fast pace.
During this phase, the hair is sensitive to body conditions. Lack of proper nutrition, diseases and stress can take a toll on the activity and limit the growth of hair. The result – the ratio of hair growth in the anagen and telogen phase becomes disturbed and you can feel the increase in hair fall.
The next step in growth of hair is called the catagen phase or transitional phase. The duration will be a few weeks. The division of hair cells is reduced, and the root can shrink to one-third of the original size. The hair gets detached from the root of the hair and will travel upwards (in the scalp).
The third stage is called the resting phase or telogen phase. The duration of this phase can be from three to 120 days. This stage is very important as hair falls occur. The old hair can be eliminated by the new growth of hair or it can fall on its own.
The last stage is known as exogen or the new hair phase. The cycle of growth is completed when the old hair is completely eliminated and new hair makes its presence felt.
Relation Between Growth Phases and Loss Of Hair
If the ratio between the anagen and telogen is disturbed, many hairs enter the telogen phase earlier and the fall of hair starts. A view into the growth cycle of hair will tell that it is similar to many body functions. The challenge begins after the age of thirty. The loss of hair, as explained above, is mainly due to improper diet, stress and in few cases, hormonal imbalances.
Exercise should be made a part of daily activity. A healthy body will promote fast growth of hair.
Drink plenty of water as toxins can be flushed out from the body. A healthy body will have lustrous hair.
Do not have your hair over-styled. You are free to go by the recent trends of fashion, but ensure that the hair is not damaged. Kindly understand, chemical cleansers and applications can cause thinning, hair loss or damage if they are improperly used.
Do not try processes such as straightening or curling the hair regularly. They can cause permanent damage to the hair strands.
1. Egg Mask
The simple home remedy has been part of many cultures since ancient times to promote fast growth of hair but with various ingredients.
Step 1
You can take the white of an egg.
Step 2
Add one teaspoon of olive oil as well as honey to the egg white.
Step 3
Mix the contents well so that they form a paste. Apply all over the scalp and leave the contents for thirty minutes.
Step 4
You can rinse the hair by using warm water and use the shampoo of your choice.
How Does It Work?
Rich sources of zinc, iodine, proteins and selenium are found in egg white. The other main medical components are Vitamin E and A which are essential for strengthening the hair strands.
Loss of hair is attributed to the hormone known as DHT (Dihydrotestosterone). The shafts of hair follicles are reduced by this hormone. The hair gets thin until it falls out. When you apply olive oil in the scalp, the production of DHT is reduced. The other benefits of olive oil are it can be used for treatment against dandruff, flakes and lice.
Not Good, If:
- You are allergic to olive oil. You can suffer from skin rashes.
2. Coconut Milk
The medicinal components of this milk contain iron, essential fatty acids and potassium.
Step 1
You can extract the milk of a coconut.
Step 2
Apply on the areas where there is loss of hair.
Step 3
You can continue the procedure overnight.
Step 4
Rinse with your favorite shampoo and water the next day.
How Does It Work?
Coconut milk contains lauric acid responsible for protecting the strands and roots of hair from breaking by binding them to the protein in the hair. The medicinal properties of coconut milk are similar to the sebum (natural oil that prevents the scalp from getting dry). The procedure endorses fast growth of hair and prevents split ends and breakage.
Not Good, If:
You are allergic to coconut oil. You will suffer from hives and skin sensitivity (allergic reactions).
3. Castor Oil
Castor oil is rich in Vitamin E, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids that can support fast growth of hair naturally.
Step 1
As this oil is sticky, you can mix with coconut oil (or almond oil or olive oil).
Step 2
Massage the entire scalp and let the mixture remain for half-an-hour to 45 minutes.
Step 3
Then you can shampoo the hair. Then wash with warm water.
Note: You can also add rosemary, lavender, thyme oil to the castor oil and then apply to the hair.
How Does It Work?
Castor oil has medicinal properties (Anti-fungal and anti-bacterial). It has high constituents of ricinoleic acid that can assist in balancing the pH of scalp. It can also provide essential nutrients to the scalp’s oil. The other benefits are moisturization and shiny hair.
Not Good, If:
People suffering from allergies because of topical application of castor oil are rare. However, consult a doctor if you suffer from:
- Rashes
- Itching
- Side effects
- Dizziness
- Difficulty in breathing
- Swelling (these side-effects are very dangerous)
Checking For Allergies
You can put a small amount of the oil on the forearm and wait for a day. Any allergic reaction, you should refrain from topical application. The other side effects are heat, mouth ulcers and burning sensation in the eye.
4. Massage The Scalp
The procedure of massage has been known to promote blood circulation in a specific area. The blood flow in the entire scalp area is enhanced. Kindly also provide the hair with a natural oil treatment or shampoo every week.
Step 1
Start from the back of the head with your five fingers and massage all the way to the front of the head.
Step 2
Let the initiation of the process be gentle five times.
Step 3
Increase the speed and you can feel the blood circulation spreads to all parts of the scalp.
You can follow the massage procedure as per the circumstances.
How Does It Work?
In recent times, due to excess stress, blood flow is blocked to the roots of the hair. Massage promotes blood circulation and strengthens the hair roots. If you are using jojoba oil, the hair is moisturized which makes it less prone to have split ends. Natural scalp oils are distributed throughout the head. Additional benefits are – massage provides glow to the face. Jojoba oil makes the scalp remain moist
A massage to the head assists other body organs such as the eye to get relaxed, reduce eye strain and can act as a breather for nervousness and anxiety.
Not Good, If:
If you are suffering from a medical symptom such as eczema or psoriasis. Have a consultation with your dermatologist before doing the massage. In similar conditions, the activity can lead to disastrous consequences.
5.Onion
Onions make you cry, but once you get acquainted with the benefits of onion juice for your hair, they will make you smile. Onion juice is rich in sulfur, due to the presence of high keratin found in the onion juice. Onion juice is used to treat those alopecia patches and promote hair growth. On the other hand, onion helps in the proper absorption of the juce in the cuticles of the hair and improves blood circulation. All you need to do is take some onion and grind them in the mixer. Then squeeze the juice out of the pulp.
When onion juice is applied on the scalp, with the presence of high amount of sulfur, onion juice helps in the hair growth, that too thick and long. Another benefit of onion juice is that it helps in the production of collagen, which is good for hair and skin cells. All you need to do is apply some onion juice to your scalp and massage it a bit. Their will be improved blood circulation, which will then help you in the thick hair growth.
Steps:
Churn some onions in the mixer and squeeze the onion juice out of the pulp.
- Then apply the onion juice onto your scalp and leave it there for 15 minutes.
- Shampoo the hair properly after the process.
Not recommended, if
It is recommended to stay away from onion juice, if you are intolerant towards the smell of the juice. In case you have any allergies, then you need to stay away from the onion juice as well.
6 .Nutritious Diet
You can control hair fall by having a good nutritious diet and nurturing your hair. The diet should contain food rich in protein, minerals, vitamins etc. It is essential that you select fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamins A, B, C, E as well as minerals (copper, magnesium, iron, zinc and selenium). For generating the pace in the growth of hair, Vitamin B-complex is necessary.
You can select among the variety of foods such as yogurt, milk, cheese, broccoli, spinach, grapefruit, brown bread, salmon fish, oats, eggs, chicken to be included in your diet. You can also include vegetable and fresh juices, for example, grapefruit, orange, lettuce and beet juice.
The other important foods vital to promoting growth of hair are fish, beans, olive oil, walnuts rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Kindly be known, three percent of hair shaft is composed of omega-3 fatty acids.
If your diet does not contain sufficient quantities of zinc and vitamin E, it could lead to thinning of hair and loss.
Not Good, If:
You are a diabetic. Kindly check the chemical components of the diet.
You have undergone an operation and suffering from low immunity. You can suffer from cold after consuming fruits. Kindly take the guidance of your physician before opting for any new diet.
When To See A Doctor
If your child or relative or you is perturbed by the hair loss and want to get the best treatment, it is time to pay a visit to the doctor. Kindly note, loss of hair can also be related to an underlying medical condition that requires proper treatment and attention.
Natural Remedy Vs Pharmacy
Some brands for promoting fast growth of hair are Nizoral, Revivogen, Nioxin, Folicure, Tricomin and DS Labs Revita Hair Growth Shampoo. You can also search for products having DHT inhibitors. The inhibitors can remove DHT from making a mark on the hair follicles.
