Want to increase hair growth? Baldness is a common problem affecting men, especially those over the age of 40. In fact, by the time most men reach the age of 35, the American Hair Loss Association reports that roughly two-thirds of them will have experienced some degree of hair loss. And by the time they reach age 50, roughly 85% of men have noticeably thin hair.
Eating healthy, taking good care of your hair, and living a healthy lifestyle are the three main ways to prevent or even reverse hair loss.
How Fast Does Men’s Hair Grow?
Men’s hair seems to grow at a much faster rate than it does on women. Impressively, your hair will grow approximately five inches per year. However, the process by which hair grows is highly individual and varies in complexity from person to person; this cycle is known as hair growth.
The hair follicle is the origin of hair growth. Scalp cells tend to stick together and harden as their population grows. Once these cells have hardened, they are pushed out of the skin to form a hair follicle. When a hair reaches its full length, it pushes through the skin of the scalp or the rest of the body.
Although the rate at which one’s hair grows is highly individual, studies have shown that, on average, hair adds 0.42 inches (1.06 centimetres) per month during the anagen phase of the growth cycle. That’s pretty amazing.
The Stages of Hair Growth
Lets take a look at the hair growth process.
The Anagen stage.
As the follicle matures and produces new hair fibres, it enters the anagen phase, also called the growth phase. Hair on the scalp can stay in this growth phase for years, while hair on the body can leave it after only a few weeks.
The Catagen stage.
The catagen stage. After the growth phase, a bulb of keratin forms at the root tip of the hair shaft, transforming the hair into a club hair. This period of change may last for a few weeks.
The Telogen Phase
At the conclusion of the telogen phase, your hair will begin to shed and be replaced by new hair, a period known as the exogen phase. Ten to fifteen percent of your scalp hair is always in the telogen phase.
Factors That Contribute to Hair Growth
It might come as a surprise to you, but a wide range of outside factors can affect the rate at which your hair grows. Here are a few of the more notable factors:
- Genetics
- Hormonal swings, particularly DHT (dihydrotestosterone),
- Effects of stress
- Old age
- Insufficient nourishment
- Hair follicle damage
- Medications
- Some diseases and medical conditions
Fortunately, there are many ways to give yourself the best possible edge over your natural growth rate, and health of your hair.
Eat Healthily
Eating well is one of the best ways to promote hair growth. Protein-rich foods, as well as foods high in biotin and other nutrients necessary for healthy hair, should form the bulk of your diet. Salmon, avocados, nuts, and dark leafy greens are all healthy additions to any diet.
Since what we eat has such a profound effect on our appearance and mood, it should come as no surprise that certain foods can provide your hair with the nutrients it needs to grow as quickly as possible. Eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamin E, and other important nutrients can do a lot to improve hair health.
Eat Plenty of Fruit and Vegetables
Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is not only beneficial to your health in general, but also to your hair. Antioxidant-rich blueberries and leafy greens, for example, can shield your hair from environmental stressors. Collagen production is crucial for hair growth, and vitamin C-rich foods like oranges and strawberries can aid in this process.
Proteins
A lack of protein in the diet has been linked to balding in humans. Eat a lot of eggs, chicken, fish, and beans to get enough protein in your diet. Alternatively, you can try a protein supplement to guarantee adequate protein consumption.
Biotin
Eggs, nuts, and greens are just some of the many food sources of the water-soluble vitamin biotin. It’s also available as a dietary supplement. Because it aids in the production of keratin, the protein that makes up your hair, biotin is crucial for hair growth.
Vitamin C
Collagen is an important protein for hair growth, and vitamin C helps it to be made.Oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, and kale are just some of the fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C. You can also take a vitamin C supplement to make sure you’re getting enough of this nutrient.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D aids in calcium absorption, which is crucial for lustrous locks. It can be obtained in two ways: either through sun exposure or a supplement.
Omega-3 fatty acids
The growth of new hair and the maintenance of a healthy scalp are both aided by omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon, walnuts, and flaxseed are three of the best food sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
Take Care of Your Hair!
Use Shampoo and Conditioner Regularly!
Shampoo is your primary weapon against the buildup of dirt and debris that may affect hair growth, and this is true whether you have long hair, curly hair, or something in between.
By shampooing and conditioning your hair regularly, you can protect your scalp from dandruff and keep your hair from falling out too soon. Free radicals are reactive molecules that may be involved in hair loss. Shampoos with harsh chemicals should be avoided in favour of those designed to stimulate the growth of healthier, denser hair.
Men with long hair benefit greatly from using a conditioner, as it aids in maintaining the hair’s natural moisture, softness, and health. Try to find a conditioner that is designed for long hair if you plan on using it regularly. After shampooing, apply conditioner to wet hair, beginning at the mid-lengths and working to the ends. Don’t wash it out right away; give it a few minutes to work.
Related: Which Type of Conditioner is right for me!
Don’t Over Wash Your Hair
If you wash your hair too much, it can lose its natural oils and become dry and brittle. Shampooing every day can hurt your hair because it takes away the protective oils that your scalp makes. Wash your hair no more than every two to three days to keep it healthy.
Related: How often should I wash my hair?
Massage Your Scalp
The suggestion to massage one’s head sounds like the least likely of all of these suggestions. And yet, studies show that a traditional scalp massage actually promotes hair growth.
While the exact mechanism by which scalp massages increase hair thickness is unknown, it is thought that by gently stroking the scalp, one can directly stimulate the dermal papilla cells, resulting in thicker hair.
Reduce Stress in Your Life
It’s important to find ways to reduce your stress levels because of its link to hair loss. Make sure you give yourself plenty of downtime every day. Among the best methods for handling stress, physical activity is right up there with meditation and deep breathing.
Check Your Medications
Examining your current medication regimen is another step towards learning how to promote stronger, healthier hair growth.
Medications like anticoagulants (which thin the blood), anticonvulsants, and antihypertensives can cause temporary hair loss. Taking drugs that increase testosterone, such as anabolic steroids, can have long-term negative effects.
Trying to stimulate hair growth above its normal rate may appear hopeless at first. It’s already expanding at a rapid rate. Depending on your hair type, your hair will appear to grow by a different amount than the average of about five inches per year. Faster annual growth is possible with your assistance. Any of the above practises, from eating well to occasionally massaging your scalp, can help foster this growth.