Does your hair appear significantly thinner, drab and lifeless? Have you found that your brush is gathering more hair than usual? You might be losing hair. You can take precautions to safeguard your hair from further damage and keep it in good condition. Here are eight tips for increasing hair growth and preventing hair loss.
Eat Healthier
It is possible to increase hair quality and encourage new hair growth by eating foods high in protein, iron, vitamin A, vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, biotin and vitamin E. These include:
- Fruits (blueberries, strawberries, oranges, avocados, grapefruit)
- Vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, sweet potatoes, beans, spinach or any dark leafy greens)
- Fatty fish (mackerel, salmon, sardines)
- Eggs
- Red meat, chicken and shrimp
- Seeds and nuts (pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, almonds, walnuts)
- Greek yogurt
Stay Hydrated
A well-hydrated scalp is less prone to issues like itching, dandruff and shedding from breakage; therefore, aim for 4-8 glasses of water daily. This breakage can contribute to hair loss by causing an overall thinning of hair density.
Increase Blood Flow
Regular exercise improves your blood flow and can impact your hair. In addition, physical activity has several benefits, including stimulating sebum production on the scalp, which promotes healthy hair growth.
Try a scalp massage if you do not have time for a regular workout but want to ensure that your scalp is in top condition. The increased blood flow to your hair follicles from a scalp massage can produce a healthy foundation for hair growth, especially when combined with beneficial hair oils, such as:
- Jojoba oil
- Castor oil
- Rosemary oil
- Coconut oil
Trim Your Hair
Get regular trims and haircuts. Split ends must be trimmed off or they will continue to split higher until the strand of hair breaks off.
Avoid Using Bleach, Chemicals and Damaging Treatments
When growing your hair, you must refrain from using any hair dyes, bleach or chemical treatments. Bleaching your hair opens up the cuticle of your hair strands, causing considerable damage—especially if you have darker hair.
Avoid Certain Hairstyles
Avoid wearing tight braided hairstyles, extensions and hair clips, as they can lead to tension. For example, if you wear your hair in a ponytail or bun every day, this might lead to damage. Instead, try to vary your hairstyle regularly.
Choose Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner
Avoid sulfate-containing shampoos and conditioners if you have thin hair. Sulfate does an excellent job of cleansing hair, but it can also strip natural oils from the hair and scalp, leaving the hair brittle and susceptible to breakage.
Avoid Heat-Styling
Hair straighteners, blow dryers, curling irons and hot rollers can dry out your hair and make it more fragile. Dry hair is more prone to brittleness, damage and frizz, increasing the risk of hair loss due to breakage. Try letting your hair dry naturally if you can.
Are You Losing Your Hair?
Maintaining a healthy scalp and hair can encourage hair growth and increase self-confidence. But if none of these tips work for you, Kalos Hair Restoration offers several effective options to help you grow thicker and healthier hair. In addition, Dr. Benjamin Stong can help you identify if you have hair loss. Call today to book a consultation.
