How To Grow Hair Faster? Know Effective Remedies

It is no secret that hair growth has long been a subject of interest to many people. People want their hair to grow faster for various reasons, whether it's to change their style or to treat a medical condition. Although several products and procedures promise to encourage hair development, not all of them are reliable. In this blog, we will explore the hair growth cycle and understand the different factors affecting it. 

Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle

There are four phases in the hair growth cycle: Anagen, Catagen, Telogen, and Exogen. Let's discuss these four stages in detail.

1. Anagen

• The anagen phase is the first stage of hair development. On average, this phase can last up to 2-6 years.
• It is the stage of active growth when hair lengthens, and new hair cells are generated. 
• The hair is also preserved in a protected environment during this period, and the hair follicle is supplied with nutrients that aid in promoting the growth of new hair cells.

2. Catagen

• The catagen phase is the second stage of hair development. During this period, the hair follicle starts to contract, and hair growth slows down. Usually, the catagen phase lasts two to three weeks.
• The hair stops growing during this stage and the cells in the hair follicle start to degrade. 
• Moreover, the hair follicle starts to cling to the dermal papilla, a tiny network of blood vessels and nerves that regulates hair development.

3. Telogen

• The telogen phase is the third stage of hair development. It is a moment of rest when the hair stops growing and starts shedding. 
• The hair follicle rests during this phase, prepares for a new cycle, and the old hair gradually gives way to new.
• The telogen period can take up to three months before the new hair begins to grow, and this cycle is repeated.
• The hair will thus continue to grow as the old ones will shed and be replaced with the new hair follicles in a cyclical rhythm.

4. Exogen 

• The exogen phase is the final and fourth stage of hair development. 
• The old hair is lost during this stage, and the hair follicle gets ready to re-enter the anagen phase. Normally, the exogen phase lasts one to two weeks.
• A new hair is already developing under the scalp's surface and forcing its way out of the follicle during the exogen phase. 
• As a result, the follicle enters the anagen phase once more, where it starts growing actively once the old hair is lost.

Why Isn't Your Hair Growing?

Your hair grows in cycles. Nevertheless, there are many reasons why your hair isn't growing as rapidly as you would like, some of which include:

1. Stress

Stress has a huge impact on hair development. Our bodies prioritise vital processes while we are under stress, but hair development is not one of them. This may result in a slowdown or complete cessation of hair growth.

2. Genetics

Genetics is also a critical factor in hair development that may lead to slow hair growth. You might experience a similar hair growth rate if your parents had sluggish hair growth. Age might also be a factor because hair growth tends to slow down the process as we get older.

3. Diet

The hair follicles cannot generate healthy hair without the proper nutrients. Due to a lack of essential nutrients like biotin, your hair may become brittle and dry, which increases the risk of breaking hair strands. 

4. Medical Conditions

Medical conditions may greatly impact hair growth. For example, thyroid dysfunction, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and autoimmune diseases can impair hair development and cause hair loss. 

In addition, drugs used to treat these diseases may affect hair development because they may impair the body's normal production and absorption of hormones, which is necessary for healthy hair growth.

How to Grow Faster with Home Remedies?

Many people are seeking all-natural methods to speed up hair growth. There are many natural remedies that can help in boosting hair growth. Let's discuss a few of them:

1. Coconut Oil

The use of coconut oil is one of the most preferred remedies for hair growth. Coconut oil is full of minerals that are vital for growing healthy hair. It contains iron, vitamin E and vitamin K, all of which can aid in strengthening hair and stopping breakage. 

2. Aloe Vera

A fantastic natural cure for hair growth is aloe vera. Enzymes found in aloe vera gel may aid in promoting strong hair growth. Additionally, it includes vitamins A, C, and E, which can support healthy hair development by nourishing the scalp.

3. Onion Juice

Onion juice contains sulphur which boosts collagen production and prevents hair breakage. You can take the juice out of raw onion or try onion hair oils.

4. Essential Oils

Some essential oils, including lavender, peppermint, and rosemary, have a calming effect on the scalp when massaged. This encourages hair development, and thus, these oils are recommended for hair growth.

What are Some Treatments to Grow Hair Faster?

If you want to grow your hair quicker, there are many treatments that you can consider. Here are some options that have proven effective and popular over the years:

1. Biotin

Biotin, a B vitamin that supports hair growth and strength, is one of the most popular hair growth treatments. Biotin is necessary to produce keratin, which is a protein necessary for hair growth, skin and nail health. 

It stimulates hair regrowth in individuals with alopecia. Biotin is responsible for making your hair voluminous, it may reduce hair fall and offer more scalp coverage. You can take biotin supplements to reap the benefits.

2. Hair Masks

Hair masks are another common remedies that are used to strengthen and nourish hair. These masks frequently contain ingredients like coconut oil, avocado, and honey to hydrate and nourish the hair. 

While the other components give the natural minerals and vitamins needed to feed and repair the hair, the oil aids in forming a protective seal around the hair strands. These organic nutrients are well renowned for promoting healthier, stronger, and shinier hair.

3. Scalp Massages

Another effective method for encouraging hair growth is by massaging the scalp. By increasing the blood flow to the hair follicles, scalp massage can encourage growth. Since the hair follicles enter a resting phase due to stress, scalp massages help to reduce stress, promoting healthy hair development. To give yourself a soothing and helpful massage, you can use your fingers or a scalp massager.

However, if you are looking for more advanced and comprehensive treatments or suffer from extensive hair loss, there are additional choices like laser therapy and hair transplant surgery. While hair transplant surgery includes moving hair follicles from one part of the scalp to another, laser treatment involves utilising low-level laser light to promote hair growth.

Takeaway

A person can generate around 1 million hair(s) in their lifetime since each follicle can create 10 to 12 hair(s). Therefore, to create healthy, strong hair, it is important to use the right hair care methods regularly and to recognise and take care of any underlying problems that could be preventing healthy hair growth.

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FAQs

Q. How much time does hair require to grow?

Hair growth differs from person to person. Hair typically grows 1.25 cm (about half an inch) every month. 

Q. Do natural remedies work well to encourage hair growth?

Home remedies may help promote hair growth as well as general hair health. It's crucial to keep in mind that despite trying the same remedies, every person may have different outcomes. 

Q. Is it normal to suffer hair loss when the hair cycle is in progress?

Yes, experiencing hair loss as part of the hair growth cycle is normal. There are several stages that hair follicles go through, including a resting stage when shedding happens. 

Q. Can food affect the development of hair?

Yes, healthy hair development requires a balanced diet full of vital elements, including vitamins, minerals, proteins, and healthy fats.

Q. How to grow hair faster naturally in a week?

It is not possible to grow hair faster naturally within a week’s time. However, with time and efficient natural and medical remedies administered properly, one can gradually see results.

 

Medically reviewed by Dr Sonia Bhatt.