Image: @teymitownsend
It’s no secret that most of us want long hair fast, and many of us have seen the numerous hair growth supplements and products that have come out of the woodwork claiming their own version of hair growth enhancement and benefits. As each new brand breaks out into the market with its own proprietary formula, it becomes harder to separate fact from fiction. Supplements and products are not created equal; some give you results while others disappoint. With all the social media obsession surrounding hair growth products, the ability to navigate the marketplace is imperative, but here’s how to better understand how to support healthy and faster hair growth.
Nutrients
Let’s start with the number one most important thing, diet. Hair nutrition is a vital part of any healthy hair regimen. The health of your hair begins from inside. Hair nutrition is, therefore, an essential part of understanding what to look for when it comes to hair growth.
The best way for you to improve the health of your hair is through vitamins and nutrients. The foods you eat and the supplements you take will make a difference. A formula rich in vitamins, nutrients, and minerals will nourish your hair and improve its health. We love Curls Blissful Lengths Liquid Hair Growth Vitamin
Hair is the fastest growing natural tissue in the human body: the average rate of growth is 0.5cm – 1.7cm per month, depending on a variety of factors. The speed of hair growth is based on genetics, gender, age, hormones. It may be reduced by nutrient deficiency (i.e., anorexia, anemia”> and hormonal fluctuations (i.e., menopause, polycystic ovaries, thyroid disease”>. Nutritionists confirm that people with certain nutritional deficiencies tend to have dry, stringy and dull hair, and sometimes experience hair loss. Fortunately, the latter can be restored once the deficiency is addressed.
You can boost your hair growth with natural ingredients. They are a great way to support hair growth. Natural vitamins, minerals, oils, essential oils, and botanicals will give you a ton of benefits. They are non-synthetic ingredients, directly derived from nature. Nature can grow by itself; it doesn’t need us.
Castor Oil
Castor Oil has frequently been used within many natural hair care regimens to grow, condition, and strengthen hair.
Research by Patel & Dumancas: “Castor Oil: Properties, Uses, and Optimization of Processing Parameters in Commercial production show that the unique structure of the oil is made up of 90% ricinoleic acid, 4% linoleic acid, 3% oleic acid, 1% stearic acid and less than 1% linolenic acid.”
All of those acids are fatty acids. Fatty acids act as a humectant and moisturizer for the hair. Sourced from the castor bean (Ricinus communis”>, castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid—a type of fatty acid found to fight inflammation. When applied to the scalp, it’s claimed to enhance the health of the hair follicles and, in turn, promote hair growth (as well as protect against hair loss”>. Still, some older research (including a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science in 2003″> indicates that castor oil may improve the appearance of hair by increasing its luster.
Opt for organic, cold-pressed products because cold-pressed oils are higher-quality and more nutrient-rich than those processed at higher temperatures.
When it comes to using castor oil as a hair treatment, one of the most popular varieties is Jamaican black castor oil.
Essential Oils
Essential oils include a variety of oils such as peppermint, tea tree, rosemary, eucalyptus oil, lemongrass, lavender, and much more. They are more commonly used to heal our ailments or make our rooms smell nice. However, they are great for hair growth, specifically our scalp. Our scalp is the powerhouse of our hair.
According to a research titled “Peppermint Oil promotes Hair Growth without Toxic Signs” by Ji Young Oh, etc., the oil contains “menthol,” which is reported to have shown the anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and antiseptic properties. These properties will penetrate the hair cells or follicles beneath your scalp to regenerate and fortify them. Thus, allowing them to fight off the free radicals that may be causing some of our scalp issues such as psoriasis, dandruff, etc.
Note: Carrier oils are used to dilute the essential oils. ALWAYS dilute your essential oil with a carrier oil before application. Using essential oils undiluted can cause skin sensitivity and irritation.
Aloe Vera
According to the Aloe Vera Gel Research Review by Oliver Grundmann, BPharm, ms, Ph.D., aloe vera contains 99.1% water. Hence, it is an excellent source of hydration for our hair. Studies show that the Aloe Vera leaf also provides calcium and magnesium. Calcium is a vital mineral for the maintenance of the body; hence, it will benefit the overall health of our hair. Magnesium plays its part in promoting follicle hair growth.
Do you have preferred ingredients for hair growth? Let us know below!
