Hair Growth

Get the Most for Your Hair Growth

The top question through AskKaren is how to get fast hair growth. I get regular letters telling me how people are in a big rush to get hair growth because of a special occasion.

Most want to know how to get rapid hair growth to change their hair from short to long in a matter of a few weeks.

Note: This is an orginial article which you may find many copycats of on other web sites. Those sites “illegally” altered this article to avoid copyright issues. This article was originally published in 2001 and recieves constant updates as they become available. This is the original article.

What I am about to pass to you is the truth to the best of my knowledge about heair growth. First, there is no such thing as instant hair growth.

There is no magic potion. If you desire to change your hair from a short Bob to longer locks you do have options, but can be limited. If you absolutely insist upon an instant hair length change you need to look to wigs, clip on ponytails or hair extensions.

You are able to increase the rate of hair growth, but make no mistake it is not instantaneously. Six inches is the length that is genetically programmed for hair growth in one year, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Individuals such as Crystal Gayle are able to grow hair at a much more rapid rate than others. Again, she is the rare exception and not the general rule.

Your Hair Is Not Alive

Many people do not understand that the hair outside of the scalp is dead, and has no ability to regenerate itself. Hair is a dead protein. Hair on average grows at a rate of one half inch a month, and the average head has 100,000 strands on it. From your scalp to your shoulders equates to roughly two years of hair growth.

Take a moment to consider that. Think of all the punishment you give your hair in two years, the washing/drying, brushing/combing, any chemical processing and the environmental factors as well. In comparison, consider what a piece of fine fabric would look like after two years or daily handling. Your hair like everything else goes through an aging process which has a direct impact on the growth of your hair.

How to Increase Growth

Proper nutrition is important, vitamins and minerals play a large role in hair growth. Individuals with inadequate nutrition can suffer from hair loss and possible balding. An abnormal thyroid can also affect hair. An over active thyroid (hyperthyroid) turns hair limp and greasy, while under active thyroid (hypothyroid) causes brittle and frizzy hair.

Your hair gives insight to your general health. If you are healthy your hair will reflect it. Individuals with health issues or poor diet will have hair that shows it.

You can maximize your hair growth by taking the appropriate combination of b-complex vitamins and amino acids. Your supplements should include folic acid, B-6, inositol and biotin to promote best results. To generate the healthiest hair include silica, zinc, magnesium and sulfur.

Vitamin A (Beta-carotene) is another essential vitamin. Beta-carotene not only helps with healthy hair, nails and skin but is required for normal bone bone growth and development, as well as the maintenance of the protective sheath surrounding nerve endings.

Yellow and green vegetables as well as fruits are high in Beta-carotene.

Protein Intake is Essential

Hair is mainly protein, if the nutrition intake is short in protein to create the hair it can lead to thinning hair or slowing of the hair cycle. Hair growth improves with a protein rich diet.

To increase hair growth and health some nutritionists recommend liver, brewer’s yeast, wheat germ or granulated lecithin. Eggs, fish, yogurt, beans are all good sources of protein. Hair growth has also been increased with soy protein.

Studies involving soy and hair showed it helped to strengthen and increase hair growth. Tofu is a fantastic source of soy.

Hair Growth Inhibitors

Hair growth can be stunted by stress and certain medications. If your medication causes hair issues it is important to discuss with your physician the medication treatment, do not stop the medication without first consulting your doctor. Your health is more important than your hair.

WARNING: If you are taking medication for any reason, be sure to consult your doctor before beginning any new vitamin, mineral or herbal program.

Stress is a huge health issue and it is important to minimize your level as much as possible. To reduce stress consider to use of medication or relaxation techniques. Your hair will show a difference. Adequate sleep and rest in essential as well. 7-9 hours of sleep is considered to be the appropriate amount for good hair growth.

Supplements for Rapid Hair Growth

To maximize your hair growth it is important to exercise, reduce stress, get plenty of sleep and relaxation, and be sure to eat right . A good supplement with the essential vitamins and minerals can help to promote great hair growth.

Personally, I have had excellent results with HairTopia vitamins. If you are interested look at the review by Jane Bullock on HairTopia Vitamins.

While an excellent diet is the first step to general health, it does not guarantee that you will get all of the essential vitamins and minerals necessary to optimize your hair growth.

The Essential Supplements

When combined with lifestyle changes the following supplements can increase hair growth:

• B-complex vitamins. 50mg of the major B-complex vitamins (including inositol, folate, and biotin).
• One tablet or one tablespoon of flaxseed oil daily.
• Vitamin B-6. 50mg of vitamin B-6.
• Daily dose of zinc, sulfur and magnesium.
• Vitamin C with bioflavonoids, take one to two grams daily.
• 10,000 to 15,000 IU of Beta-carotene daily.
• 300mg of Silica (sometimes called horsetail) daily.
• 250mg of Nettle three times daily.
• 400 to 800 IU daily of vitamin E.

Additional Tips for Hair Growth

The Zone Diet has been found to aid individuals with hair loss issues, the diet is low in fat. Hair care specialists also recommend the Zone Diet to those with hair concerns.

Here are other growth tips:

Resume of Hair Growth

There is no such thing as instant hair growth. There is no magic potion to get long hair. Your options to get longer hair instantly are very limited. Extensions, wigs or clip on ponytails are your best bet if you need instant hair length.