Having enjoyed the ease and simplicity of styling a short hairstyle, most women dream of returning their cropped locks. Growing hair is a complex and responsible task that requires comprehensive care and patience. The main task in this process is to maintain the health of the strands.
How long does it take to grow long hair?
The Internet is full of recommendations and recipes for various products that should significantly accelerate the growth of curls. For this reason, many girls have a question about whether it is possible to grow long hair in a short time, for example, in 1-2 months. Such deadlines are a myth or a marketing ploy. No amount of manipulation or cosmetic products will speed up the process so much. Any effective ways to grow long hair are limited by nature. The maximum rate by which the level of strands can increase is 1.5 cm per month, the standard value is 1-1.2 cm.
How to grow long hair quickly?
If curls do not receive enough nutrients, oxygen and vitamins, and are constantly subjected to aggressive styling without restorative care, their normal growth may slow down. In such cases, it is necessary to reconsider your diet, change hygiene products, select treatment procedures and external preparations, you can contact a trichologist. For hair to grow by 1.5 cm per month, the scalp and roots must be healthy and moisturized, provided with vitamins, proteins and minerals. This can only be achieved through a competent, comprehensive approach.
Tips on how to grow long hair
In solving the problem described, the main thing is to take care of the health of the strands, especially the ends, which are prone to splitting. The first condition for growing long hair is proper cleansing. It is recommended to use organic shampoos that do not contain sulfates, silicones and parabens. They provide deep but gentle washing without damaging the microflora of the scalp.
Other useful tips on how to grow long hair at home:
- Exfoliate several times a month. There are special shampoos with acids, but a simple salt scrub will do.
- After washing, do not rub your hair or wrap it in a thick towel, as this damages the structure of the strands. It is better to gently blot your curls without squeezing them.
- Do not comb until your hair is dry.
- Natural drying is preferable, but if you need to use a hairdryer, it is important to hold it at an angle of about 45 degrees at a distance of 20-30 cm from the head so as not to overheat the strands.
- Heat protectants must be applied before installation.
- Combing should be gentle and safe. It is better to use wooden brushes with natural bristles or special silicone anti-tangle accessories.
- When it comes to how to grow long hair, it is important to pay attention to your hairstyles. Tight ponytails and braids, plaits, and metal hairpins weaken the roots and damage the structure of the curls. It is advisable to wear your hair loose more often.
Treatments for hair growth
In addition to the recommendations listed, special stimulating measures should be included in the complex for caring for strands. These are not ways to grow long hair in a month, but the proposed procedures effectively activate blood circulation in the scalp. The bulbs receive the necessary nutrition, proteins, vitamins and oxygen, the roots become stronger and healthier.
Home hair growth stimulation on the head is carried out using the following methods:
- Self-massage.
Once every 3-4 days, it is useful to rub dry skin with your fingers, as when washing. You can add stroking movements, from the forehead to the neck and ears, circular rubbing, sipping (lungs). Trichologists recommend conducting one of the sessions using sea salt. - Contrasting hair baths.
Warm water, at a pleasant temperature, is drawn into the basin, and the curls are lowered into it. You need to massage your scalp for 1-2 minutes. Immediately after this, add a little cold water to the bath and repeat the steps. The manipulation is done once every 3 days. - Long combing.
Another massage option is to brush through the strands about 100 times daily. The comb should be soft silicone or natural.
There are also salon ways to grow long hair:
- Mesotherapy.
A slightly painful, expensive, but very effective procedure. Microinjections into the top layer of the scalp saturate the bulbs with all the necessary substances. This helps to grow not just long, but healthy, thick and strong hair. - Darsonval.
The scalp is treated with electric current. The result is increased blood circulation, due to which the curls become thicker and grow better. The device with a hair attachment can be freely purchased and used at home. - Ozone therapy.
This manipulation also involves the injection of a medicinal solution into the scalp. Ozone stimulates not only blood circulation, but also lymph flow, helps normalize the fat content of the epidermis and fights seborrhea.
Nutrition for hair growth
Most of the valuable substances must be supplied from within. There is a list of products that contain the maximum amount of necessary chemical compounds. A balanced diet is an effective way to grow healthy, long hair only if you stick to the diet for a long time. It is especially important to enrich the diet with the necessary foods in the first 2 months.
Food for hair growth:
- Organic protein
– seafood, fatty fish, chicken, turkey. - Zinc
– pumpkin seeds, dates, almonds. - Fatty acids
– olive and flaxseed oil. You can drink 1 tbsp. spoon of the product every day or add it to a salad. A lot of Omega-3, 6 and 9 are found in fish oil, salmon and trout. - Casein, calcium and B vitamins
- milk, yogurt, cottage cheese and kefir. It is advisable to use homemade products. - Minerals
– bell pepper, spinach, carrots, seaweed, beets, greens.
Haircuts for growing hair
Some girls mistakenly refuse to regularly visit the hairdresser. The list of methods on how to grow very long hair also includes monthly haircuts. To keep your curls healthy, it is important to remove damaged ends in a timely manner. If this is not done, the section of the ends will spread from bottom to top, and in the end you will have to cut off more than a few millimeters.
Normal hair growth rate
First of all, you need to understand that hair grows from follicles - sacs in the scalp with hair follicles. Depending on the shape of the follicle, we end up with curly or straight hair.
The outer covering of the scalp is provided by the cortex, which contains pigment such as melanin. Depending on the state of the hormonal background, melanin determines the color of our hair. Along the outer layer there are miniature scales that form the outer covering - the cuticle. If the components do not fit tightly together, the hair begins to break, get tangled and stop shining.
It is very easy to determine the state of human health by looking at the hair - when everything is in order, the curls retain their shiny appearance even on the third day after washing the hair, because a sufficient amount of sebum is produced. If this does not happen, then the hair becomes oily and the ends split.
It is impossible to determine the average length to which human hair should grow in a month or year due to individual characteristics. However, we can say that completely healthy curls grow at least one centimeter every month.
The hair growth process can be accelerated using both modern medications and time-tested folk recipes.
Hair growth products
Pharmacies and cosmetic stores offer many special products that enhance the nutrition of the bulbs and activate “dormant” follicles. You can make some products yourself.
Additional stimulation of hair growth is performed using:
- vitamins;
- specialized hygiene products;
- medicinal solutions in the form of capsules, sprays, lotions;
- masks.
Vitamins for hair growth
The chemical compounds needed by the roots are contained in food, but in small quantities, so trichologists recommend taking them additionally. The most beneficial are the B vitamins, tocopherol (E) and retinol (A). It is especially important to use dietary supplements in winter and spring, when there are few of them in food.
What vitamins for hair growth can be purchased at the pharmacy:
- Biotin;
- Merz;
- Perfect;
- Inneov;
- Medobiotin;
- Lady's Formula;
- Pantovigar;
- Aevit;
- Evonia;
- Nutricap;
- Aurita;
- Vita-Charm;
- Hairfinity and others.
Shampoo to stimulate hair growth
The described hygiene product should cleanse the scalp and curls without damaging local immunity. Shampoo is not effective in stimulating hair growth. It is simply part of a set of procedures to ensure the preservation of their health. An important nuance in how to grow long hair at home is deep cleansing of the scalp, preventing dryness and excessive oiliness, and preventing seborrhea and dandruff.
Suitable shampoos:
- L'Oreal Professionel Homme Energic;
- Natura Siberica Coffee Organic;
- Alerana Grow Activator;
- Estel Alpha Homme;
- Vichy Dercos and others.
Hair growth spray
Local remedies provide external additional nutrition to the bulbs, improve superficial blood circulation and protect the roots from damage and loss. This method of growing long and thick hair only works in combination with a balanced diet, taking vitamins, and proper care.
Effective sprays:
- Ultra Hair System;
- Exiderm;
- Generolon;
- Follikapil;
- Alerana;
- Kérastase Stimuliste;
- Chi PowerPlus Revitalize;
- Priorin and others.
Capsules for hair growth
The form of drugs in question includes both oral medications and ampoules with a solution for external use. The first group consists of dietary supplements containing vitamins and microelements, such as zinc, selenium, and brewer's yeast. Taking these capsules is an effective way to grow healthy, long hair, but it is important to note that they stimulate follicles throughout the body, not just on the head.
Effective drugs:
- Pantogar;
- Horsepower;
- Trichup;
- Phytophanére;
- Kesh King;
- Profolan and others.
Ampoules for growing long hair contain a concentrated solution with nutrients and activators. It must be rubbed into the scalp.
Effective remedies:
- Polipant;
- Vichy Dercos;
- Placenta Formula;
- Rinfoltil;
- Crescina;
- Lanier;
- Kérastase Densifique and others.
Hair growth lotion
The described version of stimulants, similar to a solution in ampoules, is rubbed into the epidermis of the head. The lotion is a local irritant; it intensifies the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients to the bulbs, causing them to become more active. This method of how to grow beautiful long hair is also effective only in an integrated approach.
Recommended lotions:
- Time to Grow;
- Bark;
- Minoxidil;
- HairVital;
- Azelopheine;
- Kapous Biotin Energy;
- Hair Jazz;
- Refarm and others.
Popular natural masks for hair growth
Cinnamon masks
Recipes for masks with cinnamon, both with powder and ether, are deservedly popular due to the effect that this natural product has on the scalp. Mild irritation of the epidermis provokes a rush of blood to the scalp, which allows activating the supply of vitamins, minerals, and oxygen to the follicle cells. In addition to cinnamon, homemade masks contain moisturizing components - honey, base oils, etc. If we consider the most popular cinnamon masks, we can note the following: mix 1 tsp. cinnamon powder, 5 drops of essential oil, 1 tbsp. honey, 1 tsp. coconut oil and 1 tsp. macadamia oils. Quickly mix melted honey and coconut oil with the rest of the ingredients and apply to the scalp; distribute the rest of the mask over your hair and place under a heat bath for 30-40 minutes. Cinnamon powder causes a slight burning sensation - the sensation is not as strong as when using mustard or hot masks with alcohol, so cinnamon mixtures can be used for delicate and sensitive scalp. To obtain a noticeable effect, this mask should be used weekly for 8 weeks.
Cinnamon can be combined with clay - for 2 tsp. cinnamon powder you need to take 4 tsp. any mineral powder and dilute the mixture with water. To enhance the effect of irritation and activate blood microcirculation, you can add a little red pepper - the resulting mass is applied to clean hair for 40 minutes and washed off without using shampoo.
Masks with mustard
More effective in affecting the scalp, folk masks with mustard are deservedly popular. Mustard powder activates blood microcirculation and provides skin cells and hair follicles with a large amount of nutrients and oxygen. It is worth considering that mustard has a drying effect, which is preferable for oily hair, while if you have dry ends, it is recommended to apply any base oil separately to the dry areas of the strand.
In order for the mustard to burn more, the mask must contain sugar, the frequency of the procedures - for oily hair, the mask is performed 2 times a week, for dry hair it is enough to treat it 2 times less often. As for common recipes, the following option can be noted: for 2 tbsp. mustard powder you need to take 2 tbsp. water, 1-2 tsp. sugar, one egg yolk and 2 tbsp. your favorite base oil. Apply this mixture to the scalp - soak in a heat bath for 1 hour. A noticeable effect will be obvious after a month of regular use of this composition.
Onion masks
The effect of onions on the scalp is to irritate the cells, which causes a rush of blood, and also has a stimulating effect on the follicles, which promotes hair growth and activation of dormant hair follicles. Such masks have not become widespread due to the smell, especially since grinding them into a paste or squeezing juice out of onions is also quite problematic due to the pain in the eyes. Opinions on options for getting rid of onion odor residues on hair vary. Most users believe that even rinsing with lemon, which has a very strong smell, does not interrupt the onion “aroma” - such reviews can be found in various free sources. As for the effectiveness of onion masks, provided they are performed regularly, they deserve only the highest rating.
A popular recipe is as follows: the pulp or juice of 1 onion must be combined with honey in a 3:1 ratio. Rub the resulting mixture into the roots and keep under a heat bath for up to an hour - you should focus on the sensations on the scalp. To prepare a mouthwash, you can take lemon water in a ratio of 2-3 tbsp. fresh lemon juice per 1 liter of water - the course of the mask is 1 month.
Masks with hot pepper tincture
Another product that causes irritation of the scalp, and at the same time an increased amount of blood flowing to the follicles, is a tincture of hot pepper. Its effect is even more effective compared to cinnamon or mustard, since it is due to 2 components - hot pepper and alcohol, which provides a warming effect. Masks with tincture are not suitable for sensitive skin, but if the epidermis reacts normally to such compositions, then it is worth taking a course of masks.
You should not dilute the pepper tincture with water in the hope of reducing the burning effect - the presence of water will increase the sting, which can cause skin burns. Since alcohol has a drying effect, it is imperative to use base oils in masks for dry hair, and any oil should be applied separately to dry hair ends to protect against the mask getting in. The course of the pepper mask is 3 months, the frequency of the procedure is 1 time per week. It is worth keeping in mind that such mixtures can change the color of dyed hair.
A popular version of the pepper mixture: for 1 tbsp. pepper tincture you need to take 1 tbsp. any base oil - such a mass is applied to the scalp - the mass should not get on the hair. Alternatively, you can mix the tincture with fresh onion juice, burdock oil and honey in equal proportions, and then add 1 egg yolk to the mask - this mixture can be evenly distributed over the entire length of the hair due to the presence of moisturizing components. The third version of the popular hot pepper masks is as follows: for 1 tbsp. tincture, add 1 yolk and 100 ml of kefir - this mass is also distributed throughout the entire hair and nourishes, moisturizes the strands, and at the same time stimulates the hair follicles, blood flow ensures an increased supply of oxygen and nutrients to the follicles.
As an option for hot masks containing alcohol to stimulate hair growth, you can offer the classic mixture of honey + cognac. This recipe quickly accelerates hair growth both due to irritation of the skin, which causes active microcirculation of blood in the epidermis, and due to irritation of the hair follicles themselves, which “wake up.” Honey in this mixture plays the role of a moisturizing, nourishing component. If desired, you can add 1 yolk, 1 tbsp to the honey-cognac mixture. aloe juice or gel - this mixture is quickly rubbed into the roots and then distributed throughout the hair for 40 minutes - the best effect will be under a heat bath.
Oil masks
Oil-based mixtures provide the necessary hydration and vitaminization of hair and allow you to quickly grow hair at home. If the main problem when growing hair is fragility and split ends, then oil wraps will be the best treatment option. As a mask, you can use any base oil - burdock, castor, olive, almond; as additives to the base, it is worth offering essential oils, which are added at the rate of up to 5 drops per 1 tbsp. bases, or oil solutions of vitamins A and E. Oil mixtures are quickly rubbed into the hair roots - after a massage with a comb, distribute the mass into curls and wrap the hair with film and a towel - exposure can last up to 2 hours, course - 1 month.