Getting your hair regularly cut is a great way to stay looking good. But sometimes, things don’t always go the way you want them to.
A new barber, an accidental snip, or even questionable moments in your hair history can leave your scalp feeling abused and naked. Sometimes you just need to look good for the interview the next day.
But don’t freak out. Seriously, don’t.
All that stress can lead to some mean hair damage. Instead, let out a quick sigh of relief, and recognize that this guide for how to grow your hair faster is already the first step.
How To Grow Hair Faster
There’s one undeniable fact that must be taken out of the equation before we go any further: there’s no miracle-gro for your hair. The growth size is usually capped at half an inch a month.
Genetics play a huge factor in this, but for the most part, there’s no making it go any faster.
However, there are a large number of things you can (or cannot) do that will have an impact on not only how fast it grows, but the health and quality of your hair as well.
So instead of promising miracles, we’ll focus on the do’s and don’ts of your hair growing process.
1. Get 8 Hours of Sleep
It might sound easy, but getting the proper number of hours of sleep per night is vital for your health. Your hair is no exception to that.
Without it, stress and anxiety can creep in, worsening your follicle conditions. Instead, get at least seven to nine hours of sleep per night for a full rest.
Not only will you feel more rested, but your scalp will thank you too.
2. Exercise Regularly
A good exercise routine helps out your entire body including your scalp. Aiming for at least 3 separate 30-min rounds of cardio per week is ideal, and throwing in some interval training or weight training doesn’t hurt either.
Doing so increases blood flow and promotes healthy circulation. This in turn means more blood flow to your scalp and a happier head of hair.
3. Reduce Stress
Stress doesn’t just hurt the mind, but it can also result in physical troubles as well. The mind’s health directly influences the body’s health.
That’s why it’s important to find ways for yourself to relax. While this will look different for everyone, here are several options that seem to work for a lot of people:
- Exercising
- Meditation
- Participating in hobbies and interests that excite you
- Listening to and making music
- Teamwork events
You should also take this on a physical level as well and apply it to your hair. Occasionally your scalp needs a massage and a break from tight hairstyles.
Allow your hair down every once in a while from ponytails, braids, and other styles that pull excessively on hair follicles.
4. Focus on Conditioner
Washing your hair is important, but it is more important how you condition it. Your hair could use an occasional break from the chemical wash, but conditioning is always a good time for your hair.
The Vaughn Energizing V76 Conditioner is a great option as it promotes blood circulation in your scalp and can help your hair look fuller. Plus, it smells great too!
If you want something a little more natural, Brickwell’s Revitalizing conditioner makes use of aloe vera, vitamin E, and peppermint oil to aid thinning scalps to gain strength and moisture.
5. Avoid Extremely Hot Showers (And Cold Ones)
What’s good for skincare is often good for hair care as well, since the two share common ground and therefore benefit from the same treatment.
Hot showers can damage your scalp and stress out the follicles. They also strip vital oils from your hair that can lead to breakage.
Meanwhile, cold showers can traumatize the scalp and lead to shrinkage in the follicle, resulting in a thinner look.
A nice warm shower is not off the table, and taking a cool rinse isn’t either. Just avoid the extremes.
6. Brush your Hair
Another simple thing like brushing your hair is often a common step that is skipped.
Brushing your hair is a key grooming technique to provide some circulation to your scalp and gets rid of dead hairs hanging about.
It is important, however, to avoid brushing while your hair is wet. This is when your hair is at its weakest and can suffer the most damage. Towel dry first always.
Also, make sure to get the brush that works best for your hair type and situation, as not all are created equally.
7. Skip the Cigarettes
If you need another reason to quit an unhealthy habit, taking a blow to your vanity will help. Smoking can cause hair loss, and is quite unhealthy for the skin as well.
The only sexy man to look like a skeleton is in a Tim Burton fantasy. In reality, shriveled skin can lead to a shriveled scalp which can only lead to hair damage.
It will not be an easy process (I have personal experience), but freeing yourself from tobacco will be liberating. Plus the ladies enjoy it when your breath smells good.
What to Remember . . .
Miracle locks don’t happen overnight, and as much as you might try. The best thing you can do is remain calm and be patient.
The good news is that every day you keep treating yourself and your hair well, the better it will look and feel growing out. The slow runners always win this race.
Before you know it, your hair will look amazing, and every day is another step toward that hair goal. Knowing how to grow your hair faster is knowing how to be patient.