Healthy hair grows. But healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. I'll be sharing with some of the top trick and bio-hacks (and things you should stop doing immediately) to get you on your way to achieving your #hairgoals in no time.
Ready for the cold, hard facts? No matter how many hair supplements take every morning or how many trims you get every month, you cannot physically grow butt-length hair overnight,—or even over many nights. Our hair ages 3x faster than our skin, so life and lifestyle choices take their toll on our tresses. Add that to hair remaining in the resting phase longer as we age, and well hair just doesn't get as long or thick as we age. The good news is that science as caught up.
“Hair typically only grows a quarter inch—a half an inch max—per month,” says celebrity hairstylist Mark Townsend, who helped Ashley Olsen grow out her asymmetrical bob to her waist. “And still, getting long hair is only possible if it is super healthy (scalp too) and doesn’t have a ton of split ends,” he adds."
If your hair isn’t growing, or as fast as it used too, you can, actually, hack the system and speed up the process a little bit. Below are my top ways along with key advice from experts, hairstylists and doctors. These are the top tried-and-true ways, and new exciting technologies, to get the locks your lusting after.
1. HAIR OILING
Scalp health and follicle health is NUMBER ONE. Certain hair oils have been studied and proven to increase hair density,
"If you’re trying to grow your hair fast, you need to pay attention to your scalp. “The two most important layers of the skin in relation to the scalp are the dermis and the epidermis—the dermis contains our hair follicles, glands, nerves, blood vessels, collagen, elastin fibers, and fat cells,” says Bridgette Hill, trichologist and colorist. Introducing proper scalp care into your hair care routine will impact the rate of hair growth and the health of your hair fiber.” "When you take care of your scalp, you're actually ensuring that blood and nutrients can easily flow to the hair follicle, which then helps minimize shedding and loss, says Hill. So, what exactly does scalp care look like for you? Well, for starters, you’ll want to invest in a scalp oil..." Scalp health is KEY. Without a proper environment, the dermal papilla can't regenerate. But hold up, not all hair care are created equal. There are many harmful chemicals even in scalp oils marketed as "healthy" that will actually pollute the scalp. So any old scalp oil WILL NOT do. Use a scalp oil WITHOUT ingredients like artificial fragrance, cyclic silicones, paraffins, waxes, mineral oils, and dyes. These ingredients build up over time and clog the follicle, making it nearly impossible for any real nutrients to penetrate. Silicones and waxes also coat the hair and clog the scalp, keeping out air/nutrients/hydration, and over time the hair and scalp suffocate under the layers, become brittle, flaky and dehydrated and lead to hair breakage and even hair loss. Just look at the ingredients below in a "high end top selling" brand marketed in salons for scalp health and hair strength. It is literally pure petroleum derivatives and silicones.
Feed the scalp what it wants, and the hair as a much higher chance of growing. We need a complex profile of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids in order to properly nourish the scalp. The preservative free, cyclic silicone/wax/paraffin/dye/artificial fragrance free formula of this oil is the richest, highest nutrient oil I've seen on the market after researching hundreds of oils.
I was looking for a hair/scalp oil to help with my own #hairloss and lack of #hairgrowth and was super impressed by this product. This oil has over 13 natural plant and essential oils rich in omega fatty acids, antioxidants and nutrients highly compatible with the skin and hair.
Just look at the ingredients of this oil …true nutrition for the scalp!
"While you're at it, go ahead and buy a scalp shampoo to use after your treatment (think: something clarifying if you’re dealing with buildup, something lightweight and hydrating if you’re dealing with excess oil). Hill suggests giving yourself a “proper shampoo" once a week, i.e. where you apply the product directly on your scalp—not just your hair—letting it sit for five minutes before rinsing and conditioning.“You can even buy a hair-color applicator bottle at a beauty supply store to help easily distribute the shampoo through your scalp.”
2. REDUCE HEAVY METALS
Heavy metals wreak havoc on our bodies. They are…they are found in the environment, paint on your favorite coffee cups, in your water bottle and cookware, in dental fillings, even foods like greens, and some grains, beans and nuts.
Seafood can be particularly high in metals, highest in shellfish, oysters, fatty fish like king mackerel, swordfish, and tuna can which can all contain very high levels of mercury. Heavy metals are also found in cigarettes and second hand smoke, hair relaxers & hair dyes, keratin treatments and even personal care products like deodorant/ anti-perspirant where aluminum lurks in very high percentages.
There are 3 ways heavy metals interfere with hair growth and can cause hair thinning and hair loss:
Heavy metals directly interfere with the growth of our hair by inhibiting the binding ability of keratin. Keratin is a type of structural protein that provides strength to our hair and nails. Over time, heavy metals weaken the bonds of keratin, resulting in abnormal development of the hair shaft, making the hair shaft prone to breakage. That’s what heavy metals do. They poison different proteins and functions in the body. Hair thinning and hair loss is just ONE symptom of heavy metals poisoning the body.
Another way in which heavy metals interfere with hair growth is through their effect on our hormones. The hair growth cycle is largely affected by hormonal imbalances, for example, women with PCOS that often notice hair loss as a first symptom.
And finally, heavy metals can instigate something called Telogen Effluvium, which is a type of hair loss disorder tied to your stress response, because heavy metals place a lot of stress on the body as it tries to remove these substances from the organs.
One of the biggest things that I do on a monthly basis is a very simple heavy metal detox protocol. It’s 3 simple steps and can be done using things purchased on Amazon. Purchase my HEAVY METAL DETOX GUIDE here for $39.
4. 5. LLLT Hair Caps
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) or Red Light Therapy has it's come to be known, is a non-invasive method used to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth. LLLT hair caps are devices equipped with low-level lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit light energy to the scalp. This light penetrates the scalp tissues, stimulating cellular activity and promoting blood circulation. Improved blood flow to the hair follicles enhances nutrient delivery, which can contribute to healthier hair growth and reduce shedding. Research suggests that LLLT may increase hair density and thickness. The convenience of a hair cap makes it an attractive option for those seeking a hands-free approach to hair growth treatments. I personally use one and love mine.
6. Use the Growth Inducing Conditioner:
Choosing the right conditioner is crucial for maintaining the health of your hair and supporting its growth. A good conditioner helps in detangling hair, reducing breakage, and providing essential nutrients. Look for conditioners with ingredients like biotin, plant-based keratin, and vitamins that nourish the hair shaft and promote overall hair health.
Conditioning regularly can also help in preventing split ends, which can inhibit hair growth. However, it's essential to choose a conditioner that suits your hair type and doesn't weigh your hair down, and always avoid conditioners with petroleum deriatives and other oils that are NOT right for your hair type. My favorite one for growth for fine/medium hair is thi
7. Reduce/Eliminate High Heat Settings:
Excessive heat styling can damage the hair shaft, leading to dryness and breakage. High heat settings on styling tools such as hairdryers, straighteners, and curling irons can strip the hair of its natural moisture, making it more prone to damage. To promote hair growth, it's advisable to reduce or eliminate the use of high heat settings. Opt for lower heat settings, and always use a heat protectant spray before styling to minimize damage.
8. Brush Gently:
Brushing your hair is essential for distributing natural oils and preventing tangles, but it's crucial to do so gently. Vigorous brushing, especially when the hair is wet, can lead to breakage. Use a wide-tooth comb or a brush with soft bristles, and start detangling from the tips, gradually working your way up to the roots. This helps minimize stress on the hair shaft and promotes healthier hair growth.
9. Avoid Tight Ponytails/Top Knots:
Hairstyles that involve tight pulling, such as tight ponytails or top knots, can cause tension on the hair follicles and lead to a condition known as traction alopecia. This type of hair loss is caused by prolonged tension on the hair, which can damage and weaken the follicles. Opt for looser hairstyles to reduce stress on the hair and promote a healthier environment for growth.
10. Diet - Collagen Precursors, Zinc, etc.:
Nutrition plays a vital role in hair health and growth. Collagen is a structural protein that contributes to hair strength, and consuming collagen precursors like vitamin C can support its production. Zinc is another essential nutrient for hair growth, as it plays a role in the hair follicle development and function.
A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, biotin, and omega-3 fatty acids, can positively impact hair growth. Ensure your diet includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to provide the necessary nutrients for optimal hair health.
In addition to these lifestyle and care practices, it's worth noting that individual responses to these measures can vary, and it's advisable to consult with a functional medicine practitioner who can address any issues that may be causing hair loss or hair thinning as well.
Here's to growing your head of dream hair,
XOXO
Mikki