Growing hair naturally is never an easy feat. We all want thick, lustrous, and long locks, but getting there without expensive treatments or procedures can feel impossible at times. Little do people know, there are many natural techniques for you to enhance hair growth and thickness at home. Here are our favorite tips to start your hair growth journey today.
1. Coconut oil
This inexpensive hair remedy can double as a delicious cooking oil in your household. But applying the oil topically can actually protect damaged hair, and reduce loss of protein, or amino acids, which are essential for growth. Coconut oil can even possibly reverse the side effects of products containing harsh chemicals. Just massage a couple of tablespoons into your scalp and wash it off after an hour.
2. Gooseberry
Otherwise known as amla, gooseberry is a common remedy for hair loss in India. Apparently, it proliferates hair growth by stimulating the dermal papilla cells on our follicles. It also extends the active growth phase of our hair’s natural growth cycle, which means it should be a staple in your beauty routine. Apply with palms and massage in hair, washing out after an hour.
3. Yogurt
The key ingredient in yogurt is probiotics, which can increase growth and reduce damage. In a study done on mice, yogurt made their fur more luxurious, and apparently the same goes for humans! However, don’t try to dip your hair in a bucket of yogurt. Just eating this snack daily can help promote healthy hair. Make sure to buy a plain variety, with added probiotics if possible.
4. Onion Juice
This is not the best smelling remedy on our list, but it is an effective one. It can even possible treat patchy alopecia areata thanks to its phytochemical compounds. To extract the juice, strain half an onion and apply it to the scalp. Wash it off completely with a liberal amount of shampoo to get rid of the smell. Do this two times a week.
5. Fenugreek
This under-utilized ingredient is essential for glossy locks, due to its bioactive compounds. However, it’s necessary to know that if you are allergic to legumes like soybeans, peanuts, or green peas, you could have an allergy to fenugreek seeds. If you don’t soak a quarter of the seeds overnight in water. Then, grind them into a paste and apply as a hair mask for 30 minutes, rinsing off with water only.
6. Green tea
From facials to under-eye masks, green tea bags have been a natural beauty savior for decades. Green tea is packed with antioxidants and polyphenols which can promote silky strands. The bioactive compounds in this slightly bitter tea can even reduce hair loss. You can drink a few cups daily to reap the benefits.
7. Fish oil
Stock up on those omega-3 fatty acids! Consuming fish oil in liquid or capsule form can promote hair growth because these supplements contain a precious resource called DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid. It proliferates dermal papilla cells within the scalp, which can even reverse thinning hair and issues with balding.
8. Coffee
Most people don’t know that a cup of Joe can help them reach their hair goals. Caffeine can elongate the hair shaft and prolongs the anagen phase of hair growth, which can reduce balding or thinning. All you have to do is drink a cup of coffee per day! Just don’t overdo it with the refills, or the cream and sugar.
9. Rosemary oil
Essential oils are a common remedy for those who have trouble growing out their hair as desired. Rosemary oil is one of the more important essential oils to stimulate that grown and treat androgenetic alopecia. Simply mix a few drops of rosemary oil into a carrier oil to protect your skin, massaging it into the scalp and hair before rinsing it out. You can also buy shampoos and conditioners with rosemary oil as the main ingredient.
10. Egg
An egg yolk mask can help with a range of hair problems. Eggs contain a high amount of lecithin and protein, which both heal and nourish strands, making them as strong as possible. Eggs also contain a high sulfur content, which can help people suffering from dandruff. To make this mask, combine two eggs with two tablespoons of olive oil. Dilute with half a cup of water, which will also reduce stickiness. Apply it on dry hair that has been brushed, and leave for 30 minutes before shampooing off.
