How I Am Growing My Hair - Tips For Speeding Up Hair Growth...

Last year, one Autumnal day, I decided to get my hair cut really short. In fact, the shortest I have ever had it. Whilst I enjoyed having it short for a while, after a few months I decided I wanted to grow it again (typical huh!?) Not just because I want longer hair again but because I want to grow my natural colour out. I have had it up to here *raises hand above head* with the maintenance and expense of having coloured hair.

Now while there is some truth in the role of genetics and the speed hair grows, there is also an awful lot YOU can do to encourage hair growth and health.

Diet

Diet is the most important element in growing healthy hair. We are essentially made from protein so eat a diet high in protein rich foods, healthy fats and drink lots of water. Water keeps all of your cells hydrated and maintains the balance of body fluids, which helps transport nutrients around the body (and to your scalp!) Don't forget your fruit and veg too, they're your vitamins! 

Exercise

Exercise encourages blood flow to your face and head. When blood flow to the scalp is increased hair follicles are stimulated, thus encouraging growth. Plus getting a bit red in the face, does wonders for your skin too! If you don't fancy exercise, long headstands or hanging upside down like a bat, see the next step...

Scalp Massage

As above, increasing blood flow to the scalp can ''re-awaken'' dormant hair follicles and get that hair growing again! Spend a good five minutes massaging your scalp using your fingertips or, invest in a scalp massager like I did (see below)

Minimise Styling Time

Reduce the amount of heat and styling products you apply to your hair. Heat leads to breakages and damaging of the hair shaft itself. The same applies to colour, you might want to ditch the bleach and hair colourants if you really want to grow long healthy hair ;-)

Clean Your Hair Carefully

Try to shampoo and condition your hair 3-4 times per week maximum. Washing every day can strip hair of it's natural oils and dry your hair out. Also, choose products that contain natural ingredients like coconut, avocado, jojoba and olive. These will help add moisture to the hair and minimise split ends and other hair damage. N.B Take care of hair when it's wet, wet hair is more prone to damage. Use a wide toothed comb and comb gently from the ends upwards.

Supplements

I have left this part for last as I want to go to in the most detail here. I have always eaten well and exercised and my hair has always grown pretty slowly. I introduced the following supplements into my diet at the beginning of January and my hair is now definitely growing quicker.

L-R Complete Vitamin B-Complex, Sea Kelp, Silica Complex and Hydrolysed Collagen.

B Vitamins

B vitamins are superb for general health and reducing fatigue and this complex (above) contains a myriad of super vitamins. Biotin, B12 and Folic Acid in particular are well known for the hair growth boosting properties! Biotin is probably the most famous supplement when it comes to hair growth and hair health but, by taking a full B-Complex supplement, you get many more of the much needed vitamins that really help boost a healthy head of hair!

Sea kelp

Sea Kelp is essentially an algae and a well know superfood! Kelp is really rich in Iodine, Zinc, Iron, Vitamins A and K and Amino Acids. Iodine is widely linked to hair growth and hair loss (in deficiencies) as it is vital for normal growth and development. Zinc accelerates the renewal of cells. These nutrients are vital in maintaining a healthy body, metabolism and regulating hormones and thyroid function. Thus maintaining and improving hair health as thyroid and hormone level imbalances can lead to hair loss.

Silica Complex

Firstly, Silica (Silicone and oxygen) works by helping to achieve hormonal balance. An imbalance in sex hormones is one of the main causes of hair loss. Secondly, silica binds to other minerals in the body and takes many nutrients to the peripherals of the body i.e the hair and nails. This complex also includes other hair loving and hair loss preventing minerals such as Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Boron and Horsetail. Silica is another very popular supplement used by those wanting to grow their hair.

Collagen

Collagen is a MAJOR component in forming your body's muscles, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. Collagen also plays a huge part in filling out wrinkles in the skin making it youthful and plump. Collagen is also vital for strengthening and thickening the hair. As we age our natural collagen production starts to decrease *sad face* This particular Collagen supplement (above) contains vitamin C also, it is advisable to take them in conjunction as Vitamin C contributes towards normal collagen function.

Fish Oils

I always take fish oils for general health so I didn't include them on the photo for this post. But they are definitely worth investing in for not just hair health but for skin, joints and heart health. Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oils) nourish the hair follicle for stronger and shinier hair. 

Vitamin E

Another Supplement not photographed but I want to include..Vitamin E. Vitamin E helps with hair growth and health in countless ways. It is a great stimulant for the growth of capillaries, when the capillaries are strong and healthy, the blood circulation around the scalp is enhanced which then promotes strong and healthy hair growth. Vitamin E also protects the body from free radicals. Free radicals cause ageing, thinning and greying of the hair and even baldness. Therefore, Vitamin E is essential for the health of the body AND hair.

Now for the fun part...the results. Well, the results so far anyway. I started taking all of the supplements mentioned above at the end of the first week in January. I also took weekly photos to track my hair growth. Impatient? who, me!? So, let's see..

Oh hi regrowth, nice to see you! (first time I've ever said that). As you can see, my hair has grown quicker than the average 2.5cm per month. In fact, it measured 4.1cm on the last photo taken at 28 days! Now, that is quick for me, really quick! My hair used to grow at a rate of about 2cm per month, if that! Considering supplements can take up to three months to have an effect, I am really happy thus far.

Tips

• I do believe a combination of all I have mentioned is vital for good health, not just for your hair but skin and nails too. It's hard to say for sure which factors help with hair growth the most, so practise a combination of as many as you can.
• Be patient! Keep at your healthy lifestyle and results will come.
• Stay away from overpriced 'celeb endorsed' hair supplements. You just need to look at the ingredients and you will see they can be bought much cheaper from your favourite health store. They are often way overpriced and don't contain as high of an amount of the nutrients as they should.
• Try not to stress, stress is bad for your hair as well as skin and health. Manage stress levels as best you can.

Side Effects

Side effects to this healthy lifestyle? As well as accelerated hair growth, you may experience glowing skin and longer, stronger nails! 

Conclusion

I am inclined to think it's the supplements that are really helping to speed my hair growth process up. I always drink a lot of water, workout and eat healthily so I'm sure its supplements in particular that are causing my accelerated hair growth. It's also worth mentioning, when you start taking a supplement, they often say it will take three months to notice a difference! So, I am super excited to see how much more my hair will have grown after the full three months!

I get my supplements from Holland & Barrett because I find them to be of high quality, they're easily attainable and there are always offers on instore and online. But, of course you can get them from wherever you like to shop.

So, that's it! I hope this was of some help to you. I will do an update post in another 8 weeks time, if it's something you would be interested in? 

What are your hair growth tips? 

Will you be trying any of my methods?

Please leave a comment below and let me know, or if you have any questions.

Thanks as always, see you soon!