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| super long hair |
When you're struggling to grow out an awkward hair do, it can seem like everyone else has glossy long hair. For busy (and impatient!) women, how to make your hair grow faster is one of the biggest hair care questions. Some swear by kelp supplements while others rave about head massage, but is it really possible to speed up hair growth?
"Hair will only grow about half to three quarters of an inch every four weeks".
A quick search shows that the internet is awash with women claiming they've experienced quicker hair growth while taking sea kelp supplements (derived from seaweed). Others claim that whilst kelp doesn't speed up growth, it does strengthen hair, reducing breakage and split ends. So with less breakage needing fewer haircuts, you might be able to get long hair sooner.
The experts' opinion? Give it a miss. There has been no long-term research into the effects of kelp on our bodies, and there's no scientific evidence that it helps our hair growth. It's thought that some people can suffer thyroid problems and other side effects as a result of taking kelp, so dieticians advise leaving it on the shelf until we know more.
Love Your Locks
Head Massage
All is not lost though - head massage as another option. "Gentle scalp massage will stimulate the blood supply to the hair follicle, bringing it nutrition and helping increase hair growth," he explains. "The more we can do to help the follicle secrete oil and push out the hair, the better. You'll get better results in the evening, so before you go to bed each night, spend a couple of minutes gently rotating your fingertips around, massaging the scalp."
Trichologist Philip Kingsley agrees, but warns that the effects won't be
dramatic. "It's only possible to quicken growth by a small percentage - at most 10%. Considering hair grows about six inches a year, that means you can only speed it up by just over half an inch per year." No chance of getting that Rapunzel look in time for your Christmas party then...
Strengthen Your Hair
Even with a speed boost, no one can achieve luscious long hair without looking after its condition. "Growing your hair to below shoulder-length may take you about seven years, and the hair that's then at the very tips was originally at the scalp, so it's old, aged hair,". "It's very susceptible to damage from heat appliances, general wear and tear and the sun. It needs to be treated with protein-based conditioners and conditioning masks, to make it stronger so it doesn't split or break. The more we can do to those very tips to help them, the less you'll need to cut your hair."
Diet and Hair Growth
The growth of healthy, strong hair is closely linked to what we eat. "Increasing levels of protein in the diet can improve hair growth, nail growth and the quality of your skin,". "We know that protein is particularly well-absorbed during the morning, so eating things like salmon or low-fat cottage cheese for breakfast is a great start." Vitamins A, B, C and E are also good for your hair and scalp, so make sure you're eating some citrus fruits and plenty of leafy green veg as part of a balanced diet.
Regular Trims
Contrary to what you hear at the salon, six-weekly trims may not be necessary. "Trimming your hair will not stimulate growth,". "That's a myth that's probably been touted by many a hairdresser. Unless you've got a short, defined style you can probably get away with leaving it eight to 10 weeks between trims."
The important thing, however, is to head to the salon as soon as the tips of your hair start to look a little worse for wear. "Regular trims help to seal the hair tips,". "The ends are weak and prone to damage, and can easily split. Once that happens, splits can continue tearing all the way up the hair shaft, making one hair into two very fine, weak strands. That's when the hair becomes frizzy and difficult to manage."
To reduce breakage and help your hair grow as long as possible, always use heat protection products to create a barrier around the hair shaft before using appliances like straighteners. When you're brushing your hair, work from the bottom up to avoid snapping it. Start by detangling and brushing the ends before gently tackling the roots.
Hair Growth and Hair Type
The bad news is that long healthy locks just aren't possible for every hair type.
"Someone who's got very fine hair, particularly from an Anglo-Saxon background, may find that they will only get five years' growth out of each hair before it falls out,". "Whereas someone who comes from southern European or Mediterranean heritage might even get nine years growth out of the hair. There's such a difference in texture and fibre, and so much of that is linked to heritage and genetics."