Waiting for something is antagonizing, just like lengthening your hair strands. For every woman, having long hair is a real deal because it has always been an enticing part of femininity. It improves your overall appearance and boosts your self-confidence. It's no longer surprising that many ladies prefer having long hair because it allows them to try more hairstyles and various looks.
If you think that your hair is not cooperating with you, here are some possible reasons.
REASONS WHY YOUR HAIR IS TAKING ITS TIME TO GROW LONGER
1. Genes
Genetic factors predetermine your hair length, density, thickness, texture, and luster. Genes can also trigger different hair problems such as early hair aging, thinning hair, and worst of all — hair loss. Research shows that inheriting defective hair-producing cells can have a detrimental effect on hair growth. If you think that your hair is not in its best condition, don't panic. It's best to consult a dermatologist to determine if genetics has something to do with your hair problem.
2. Stress
Stress has always been detrimental to health. It can create emotional disturbances and cause physical changes – including your crowning glory. Stress and hair loss are also correlated according to scientific research. When you are stressed, the hair follicles undergo a resting phase. This hinders you from growing new hair strands. Stress can also weaken your hair, causing your strands to fall out. Thus, it prevents you from lengthening your mane. Therefore, you must avoid stress-inducing habits.
3. Medical Conditions
Hair loss is a common effect of medical ailments, such as thyroid disorders. A person who has excessive hormones (hyperthyroidism) or lacks hormones (hypothyroidism) is more likely to get thinner hair. Cancer patients are also prone to hair loss because of the treatments they receive. Scalp infections can also hinder hair growth. Bacteria and fungi can damage the skin barrier and cause itchy patches around your scalp. Autoimmune diseases such as alopecia areata, lupus, and Hashimoto's Disease are also well-known for causing hair loss. An autoimmune disease shuts down many bodily functions, including hair growth and restoration.
4. Poor Hair Care Habits
Your hair needs constant tender loving care. Notice that some of your hair care habits are doing the other way around. An unhealthy diet, lack of sleep, exposure to heat, and filthy hair care tools are some of the infamous culprits. You might want to reconsider the hair products that you apply to your mane. Remember that your way of living affects your body's physical changes, like your hair growth.
DOS AND DON'TS IN GROWING YOUR HAIR LONGER
1. Make time for frequent trimmings.
If you've been sparing your hair from haircut just to elongate its length, then you need to stop. Yes, trimming your hair means shortening it. In reality, it helps you to grow your hair longer. By cutting your hair, you get rid of split ends. Not only do these ends harm your roots, but they also thin your hair strands. Trimming removes the damaged parts of your hair. Give those locks special treatment by having a haircut every six to eight weeks. If you're not fond of having regular haircuts, you need to be exceptionally careful with handling your hair.
2. Treat your hair with natural ingredients.
ALOE VERA
You might think of this cactus-like plant as an emergency treatment for burns. Aloe Vera is the ingredient you also need for your beauty concerns. Not only does it heal breakouts and wounds, but it also aids in hair growth. How does this miracle plant help to grow your hair longer?
According to experts, aloe vera contains anti-inflammatory properties, which can help treat alopecia, a hair loss condition triggered by the inflammation of the hair follicles. It has antimicrobial properties that can reduce dandruff and prevent scalp infections. Aloe vera is also an active moisturizing and cleansing agent for your hair strands and scalp. You can also use its sticky raw form as a hair conditioner. If you can't get your hands on an aloe vera plant, look for a shampoo or conditioner containing aloe vera extract.
OLIVE OIL
This next favorite is commonly found in home kitchens. Olive oil is a cooking agent that is never limited to satisfying one's palate. It is also a known ingredient for lengthening hair. What does olive oil contain to help your locks?
Olive oil also contains antimicrobial properties which can fight against dandruff. It also prevents split-ends, which hamper hair growth. If you want to achieve softer hair, olive oil is a helping hand for being a healthy moisturizer. It is highly recommended to use the extra virgin olive oil to obtain more of its natural minerals. You can opt to damp your hair with olive oil and other essential oils like castor oil, coconut oil, or almond oil to treat your hair and scalp with more nutrients.
FENUGREEK SEEDS
The legume fenugreek is not only famous for its culinary and pharmaceutical purposes. Its seeds are also known to provide multiple hair growth benefits. They are packed with all the vitamins and minerals favorable for your mane. Fenugreek extract is also enriched with antioxidants that defend your hair shaft from protein-damaging radicals. You may include fenugreek seeds in your hair care regimen to treat hair fall issues.
3. Nourish your mane with hair vitamins.
Your body needs to absorb enough nutrients to maintain bodily functions, and your hair must never miss any of those vitamins and minerals.
The first on the list is Vitamin A, which is known to stimulate cell growth. This vitamin is also a helping hand of the skin in producing an oily substance called sebum. Sebum is a waxy material which protects your scalp from damage and locks your skin's moisture. Consuming enough Vitamin A can hasten the follicles entering the growth phase, thus improving your mane's condition.
Vitamin B3 or Niacin is your go-to vitamin for enhanced blood circulation. It is scientifically proven to help in the oxygen and nutrient distribution among your hair follicles. Niacin is also rich in antioxidants that prevent waste and other radicals from causing follicle damage. Recent studies have shown the substantial role of niacin in making significant hair growth improvement.
Do not forget to include Vitamin C in your hair treatment. This particular vitamin is essential for collagen-building, a vital factor for healthy hair growth. It aids in the synthesis of various amino acids, the building blocks of collagen. A decrease in the collagen level can cause hair thinning and eventually lead to hair loss. Therefore, a healthy dose of ascorbic acid stimulates cellular repair to keep your locks thriving.
Vitamin D also aids in maintaining healthy locks. Research shows the importance of Vitamin D in fighting against hair loss. Its receptors can actually prompt hair follicle production. An increase in hair follicles means more hair strands. Next time, do not hide from the sun and get some Vitamin D.
It is recommended for you to have a vitamin-packed diet. Pamper yourself too with hair vitamin treatments for hair growth and restoration.
4. Avoid a high-sugar diet.
Yes, you've read it right. Excessive consumption of sugar can hinder you from growing long and thick hair. Studies show that a high intake of sugar can increase the DHT level in your body. A surge in dihydrotestosterone or DHT in your body may lead to hair loss conditions like Telogen Effluvium. A glucose spike can also cause the breaking down of proteins, especially your hair's very own keratin. Once its protein composition starts to degenerate, your hair follicles become endangered. Start saving your locks by cutting off sugary foods and drinks from your diet.
5. Stay away from hair sprays.
Styling your hair may require the use of hairspray. However, it can only provide temporary frizz-free results. In fact, these chemically-infused products hide a myriad of damaging components. Most hairsprays contain ethanol, a variant of alcohol that can cause scalp irritation. Regular use of these styling products can cause a build-up of dandruff-like particles on your scalp. As much as possible, avoid using hair products that hinder hair growth.
6. Have patience.
It is estimated that hair strands get longer by half an inch every month, so don't expect your hair to grow in a few days. Growing your hair is not an instantaneous process. It also needs a strong will and a consistent effort to achieve desirable results. Just be patient in waiting. Treat your mane with TLC, and your hair will never go wrong.
CONCLUSION
No matter how much hair care products you damp onto your hair, instant hair growth is not always a guarantee. Remember that hair growth is a complicated process that is heavily influenced by numerous factors. Know the dos and don'ts in growing your hair. Be patient in nurturing your locks, because good things, like healthy hair, come to those who wait.
FIND MORE
Get to know more about hair growth. Learn more about the safest hair growth products to fight against hair loss and female alopecia. If you want healthy-looking hair, check out the best shampoo and conditioner for your hair growth.