Introduction

Despite having a simple structure, hair plays an essential role in social interaction. Keratin is a complex protein that makes up the hair. Each hair is anchored into the skin by a hair follicle. The base of the hair follicle is represented by the hair bulb with multiple living cells, which help divide and proliferate to form the hair shaft. 

Blood vessels provide the cells of the hair bulb with nutrients and supply hormones that alter hair growth and structure depending on the stage of life. The three main phases of a hair growth cycle are scientifically known as anagen, catagen, and telogen.

Anagen 

Commonly called the growing phase, the anagen phase is the first hair development stage. On average, the hair on one's head can maintain through this phase for three to five years, but for some people, a single hair may continue to grow for more than seven years. 

Depending on the hair type, the anagen phases may be different. For instance, the anagen phase of pubic and brow hairs is significantly shorter than that of scalp hairs. In this phase, the hair follicles release hairs that keep growing unless trimmed or at the last stage of their life cycle. Generally, approximately 90% of the hairs on a human's head are constantly in the anagen phase. 

 

Catagen

The catagen phase is described as a transition phase, occurring right after the anagen phase concludes. It typically lasts for about ten days, in which the hair follicles contract, causing hair development to slow down during this stage. The hair breaks off from its base but can continue to hang on for a few more days as it grows. Usually, just 5% of the hairs on the head are in the catagen phase.

 

Telogen

Usually, the telogen period (or resting phase) lasts for three months. When hairs reach this phase, they do not develop or fall out.

New hairs begin to form during the telogen phase in follicles that have recently released hairs during the catagen phase. Approximately 10 to 15 % of the hairs on one's scalp are in this stage.

A fourth stage, called the exogen, often known as the shedding phase, represents an extension of the telogen phase of hair growth, lasting up to five months. Hairs drop off the scalp during the exogen phase, frequently aided by washing and combing or brushing. 

During the exogen period, it is typical for an individual to lose from 50 to 100 hairs each day. While this happens, new hairs are forming in the follicles.

The blood in the scalp flows to the follicle, where it nourishes and oxygenates the hair root, promoting hair growth. The oil gland will be passed by as the hair grows through the skin, making the hair soft and shiny.

 

Hair growing tips

People may want to grow their hair long for various reasons, and since "for growing hair tips" is a standard search, there are many methods for hair growth. Genetics indeed contribute to sustaining good hair development. However, several additional elements are equally relevant. 

The following tips for faster-growing hair include steps one can do to encourage their hair to grow and prevent breaking, even though there isn't a magic elixir or prescription that can produce fast hair growth. 

 

Reducing heat styling 

An individual's hair can become damaged and break off when exposed to heat from tools made for straightening, drying, or curling.

Because avoiding heat styling may not be possible for some people, one should try reducing how frequently they use these tools. 

Additionally, using heated styling equipment at lower temperatures might reduce hair damage's intensity. Another thing one can do is to start using heat-protection products, which can be applied directly to the hair before using a heated styling technique. Research confirms that these products significantly impact the hair, lessening its damage. 

 

What about using essential oils for hair?

Besides their pleasant smell, essential oils are believed to be a part in promoting hair growth. Even though more scientific research is needed to confirm this information, some studies have found good results of specific essential oils for hair growth. For instance, one study showed that topical application of pumpkin seed oil helped women with female pattern baldness greatly enhance hair growth after only three months. Another example is represented by rosemary oil. When it comes to hair tips for growth, this might be just as powerful as minoxidil, the main ingredient in Rogaine. It is considered that many essential oils can benefit one's hair by preventing it from falling out, including peppermint oil, lavender oil, and last but not least, jojoba oil. 

 

Avoid dying hair

Medical professionals do not recommend applying color to the hair, as the process generally involves changing the texture of the hair with certain chemicals, causing it to break. Some studies show that permanent hair colors can strip hair of its natural fatty acids, and these dyes can be more dangerous than not permanent alternatives.

 

Applying antioxidants to the scalp

Multiple clinical studies have discovered that applying antioxidants directly to the scalp may help to prevent hair loss and enhance scalp health drastically. 

A study proved that women who tried using shampoos or leave-in scalp treatments with the antioxidant piroctone olamine had considerably more hair and healthier scalps than those who received placebo formulations.

Researchers believe that these ingredients may help with protecting the scalp barrier, and as a result, hair thinning is significantly reduced. 

 

Trying a scalp massage

Other hair-growing tips at home imply scalp massages, which are believed to reduce stress levels. According to research, persistent stress might cause hair loss, as the follicles could enter a resting phase when they shed hair rather than generate new ones. 

Considering this information, promoting relaxation may have an impact on hair growth and general health. Other than the popular methods for reducing stress levels and improving mental health (such as meditating, exercising regularly, or keeping a journal), it is believed that scalp massages may also help relieve stress. 

A study which was conducted in 2016 looked at how well daily, 4-minute scalp massages worked. According to the researchers, nine males participated in the project and their hair was thicker at the end of the 24 week programme than at the beginning. Although the study found no discernible difference in hair development, it is believed that massaging the scalp may help widen blood vessels just beneath the surface. This might result in thicker, stronger hair and less prone to fall out or get damaged. 

Besides at-home massages, one can also opt for a professional scalp massage. 

 

Regularly cutting or trimming the hair

It is very common for people who desire to grow their hair long to avoid trimming or cutting their hair for this purpose. However, experts say regular hair trimming can encourage healthy hair growth. Removing broken ends is essential in stopping the strands from breaking off and growing further up. Contrary to popular perception, regular haircuts won't cause the hair to grow more quickly. Regardless of trimming frequency, it is well-known that the hair grows at a rate of around half an inch every month, meaning that it grows 6 inches within a year. In other words, one can typically grow hair 6 inches in 12 months.

 

Platelet-rich plasma treatment

Abbreviated as PRP treatment, the platelet-rich plasma treatment is designed to help patients with hair loss. To restore and speed up hair development, PRP involves injections of a patient's own concentrated platelets.

Platelets are proteins with DNA taken from one's bloodstream that can function like stem cells when reintroduced into the body. PRP injections into the scalp stimulate dormant hair follicles, promoting increased hair growth. According to studies, maintenance treatments can be given every six months following the initial three-month treatment period.

 

Minoxidil treatment 

Cosmetic chemicals have discovered that some ingredients, such as minoxidil, have the potential to improve the development of one's hair. As mentioned before, minoxidil is an active ingredient in Rogaine and helps with genetic hair loss, especially on the back of the head. Experts say that if the minoxidil concentration is below a particular threshold, some products containing minoxidil do not require a prescription. Yet, all minoxidil products need to be registered with the FDA. 

It is important to remember that Rogaine treatments may not lead to the desired results for everyone. Additionally, the process is considered a long-term one, as results may be seen after three to six months. 

 

Preventing hair breakage 

Hair breakage, dryness, and frizz may result from the falling apart of the scales holding the hair strands together. One can include specific actions and habits in their routine to stop this from occurring, such as aiming the scalp while applying shampoo, using hair conditioner regularly, avoiding rubbing the hair when drying it with a towel, and leaving the wet hair to air-dry more often. 

When it comes to brushing it, it is recommended to use a brush with natural bristles to style it. Additionally, over-brushing the hair should be avoided as it could cause breakage. 

 

Protecting the hair during the night

As lacking sleep generally leads to a decrease in the melatonin (a hormone that controls how quickly hair grows) levels produced by the human body, getting a good night's sleep lasting from seven to nine hours could also impact the physical appearance of one's hair. During the night, it is common for those with long hair to experience friction and tangling. 

To prevent these, one should use a silk or satin pillowcase instead of their usual one. Sleeping with wet hair should also be avoided, as it can weaken the hair strands and result in matting and hair breakage. 

 

Dietary tips for growing hair fast

When looking for growing hair tips, it is essential to be aware that nutrition also plays an important part. Many people aspire to thick, healthy hair, particularly as they age. But, a variety of factors, including age, general health, genetics, environmental exposure, drugs, and medication, as well as the dietary plan one follows, affect how quickly it develops and how healthy it is.

Even while an individual has no control over some of the listed elements (for example, age and heredity), the diet is probably one that a person can have greater control over.

The growth cycle of the hair follicle and cellular turnover are both significantly influenced by vitamins and minerals humans obtain from the food they consume. Hair loss can be a result of eating a diet that is deficient in specific nutrients. 

If a person is experiencing hair loss due to poor nutrition, eating a balanced diet rich in specific vitamins and minerals may help promote hair growth. 

Although an additional investigation is required to determine the relationship between micronutrients and hair loss, it is advisable to make sure to consume enough foods that are high in nutrients that promote hair growth, such as:

• Eggs

Protein and biotin are two essential elements for hair growth, both abundantly found in eggs. Since protein makes up a large portion of hair follicles, eating enough protein is crucial for healthy hair growth.

It has been demonstrated that a low-protein diet might accelerate hair loss. Biotin pills are very often advertised for hair growth since they are necessary for synthesizing the protein keratin found in hair. According to research, more biotin consumption has also been linked to better hair development in those with biotin deficiencies. Although unusually, one ingests too much biotin through food, several supplements for the growth of hair, skin, and nails include more biotin than is advised daily. Eggs are also considered a fantastic source of zinc, selenium, and other elements that are good for the general health of the hair. They are, therefore, among the greatest foods one can eat for healthy hair.

 

• Spinach

Spinach is a nutritious green vegetable rich in vitamins A and C and iron, folate, and other minerals essential for hair growth. 

According to several studies, vitamin A is crucial for hair growth. However, taking excessive amounts of vitamin A might result in hair loss. By consuming meals high in this vital ingredient, an individual should be able to obtain all the vitamin A their body requires. Up to 20% of a person's daily vitamin A requirements are met by a cup (approximately 30 grams) of spinach. Spinach is also one of the excellent plant-based sources of iron, which is necessary for hair growth. Red blood cells rely on iron to transport oxygen throughout the body, assisting in developing, repairing, and sustaining metabolism.

 

• Berries

Berries are filled with healthy nutrients and vitamins that can promote hair growth. Included in these is vitamin C, which has potent antioxidant qualities. Antioxidants can aid in defending hair follicles from injuries caused by dangerous molecules known as free radicals. These chemicals are naturally present in the environment and the human body. 

For instance, 1 cup (about 144 grams) of strawberries has a whopping 85 milligrams or up to 113% of one's daily recommended vitamin C intake. 

Moreover, collagen, a protein that helps thicken hair to keep it from becoming brittle and breaking, is produced by the human body using vitamin C.

 

• Fish

Nutrients found in fatty fish (for example, mackerel, herring, and salmon) may encourage hair development besides having multiple other health benefits. 

They are great providers of omega-3 fatty acids, which research has shown to promote hair development. According to previous studies, taking a supplement containing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and antioxidants decreased hair loss and enhanced hair density. There are, however, very few scientific proofs and research on the relationship between omega-3 fatty acids and hair development. In addition to being a fantastic source of protein, selenium, vitamin D3, and B vitamins, fatty fish also contains these nutrients, which may support strong, healthy hair.

It's a good idea to consistently consume fatty fish and other sources of vitamin D in the diet, even though it's still uncertain whether low vitamin D causes hair loss.

 

• Sweet potatoes

Beta-carotene is abundant in sweet potatoes. This substance is transformed by the body into vitamin A, which is commonly associated with healthy hair. The amount of beta carotene in a medium sweet potato (about 114 grams) is sufficient to meet up to 160% of one's daily vitamin A requirements. According to studies, vitamin A can have an impact on sebum production, which contributes to the health of hair. It is vital to eat foods high in vitamin A, such as sweet potatoes, to meet the human body's needs, and steer clear of excessive supplementation.

 

• Avocado

Avocados are scrumptious, healthful, and a fantastic source of good fats. Furthermore, they are a great source of vitamin E, which may promote hair development. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that, like vitamin C, works to squelch free radicals to lessen the risk of oxidative damage. There is mixed information, but some studies have discovered reduced vitamin E levels in those who are experiencing hair loss. Additionally, vitamin E shields the scalp from oxidative stress and damage. A scalp with damaged skin may have fewer hair follicles and poorer-quality hair.

 

• Nuts

Nuts are delicious, practical, and full of nutrients vital for healthy hair growth. For instance, an impressive 48% of an individual's daily vitamin E requirements are met by an ounce (28 grams) of almonds. 

They additionally include a variety of B vitamins, zinc, and vital fatty acids. Hair loss has been associated with any of these nutrient deficiencies. Along with aiding hair development, nuts have been linked to numerous other health advantages, such as the lowered risk of heart disease and inflammation. Because of this, nuts are a great and simple addition to the daily diet.

 

• Others

Due to their properties and all the vitamins and nutrients, other foods may significantly help, being considered growing long hair tips. These include seeds, oysters, beans, and even meat.

As detailed above, maintaining an overall nutritious diet is crucial for one who desires solid and beautiful hair.

Supplements are also available for those who do not obtain enough nutrients from their dietary plans. However, there is little evidence that hair vitamins and supplements encourage hair growth in otherwise healthy individuals. 

Some vitamin shortages, nevertheless, have been linked to hair loss. In certain situations, a supplement might be advantageous. Hair loss may be exacerbated by nutrient deficiencies, particularly in several B vitamins, vitamins C and D, iron, and zinc.

 

Conclusion

Even though genetics play an essential part in hair growth, other elements that individuals have control over come into play. It is well known that there is no instant recipe for hair growth, yet incorporating certain habits into one's daily routine may significantly help with both the length and general health of the hair. 

There are many hair tips for growth, such as avoiding heat styling and hair colors and protecting the hair to reduce and prevent breakage. It is essential to remember that nutrition plays a part as well. The nutrients that are required in order to promote hair growth include most B vitamins and the vitamins A, C, D, and E, as well as iron, zinc, biotin, and protein.

It is considered that these nutrients also help with preventing hair loss. Fortunately, treating a vitamin deficiency in any of these substances may assist in treating hair loss and speeding up hair development.