Growing hair naturally is never an easy task. We all want thick, lustrous, long locks, but achieving it without expensive treatments or procedures can sometimes seem impossible. What people don’t know is that there are many natural techniques to improve 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 home. But topical application of the oil can protect damaged hair and reduce the loss of proteins or amino acids, which are essential for growth. Coconut oil can even reverse the side effects of products that contain harsh chemicals. Just massage a couple of tablespoons into your scalp and wash off after an hour.
2. gooseberry
Also known as amla, gooseberry is a common remedy for hair loss in India. Apparently, it proliferates hair growth by stimulating the dermal papilla cells in 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 into hair, washing after one 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 is true for humans! However, don’t try to dunk your hair in a bucket of yogurt. Simply eating this snack daily can help promote healthy hair. Be 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 effective. It can even 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 thoroughly with a liberal amount of shampoo to remove the odor. Do this twice a week.
5. fenugreek
This little-used ingredient is essential for shiny hair due to its bioactive compounds. However, it is necessary to know that if you are allergic to legumes such as soy, peanuts or peas, you could have an allergy to fenugreek seeds. If not, you 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 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 that can promote silky hair. The bioactive compounds in this slightly bitter tea can even reduce hair loss. You can drink a few cups a day 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 the cells of the dermal papilla on the scalp, which can even reverse hair loss and baldness problems.
8. coffee
Most people don’t know that a cup of coffee can help them achieve their hair goals. Caffeine can lengthen the hair shaft and prolong the anagen phase of hair growth, which can reduce baldness or thinning. All you have to do is drink one cup of coffee a day! Of course, don’t go overboard with the fillings, or with the cream and sugar.
9. rosemary oil
Essential oils are a common remedy for those who have trouble growing their hair the way they want. Rosemary oil is one of the most important essential oils to stimulate growth and treat androgenetic alopecia. Simply mix a few drops of rosemary oil with a carrier oil to protect your skin, massaging it into your scalp and hair before rinsing. You can also buy shampoos and conditioners with rosemary oil as the main ingredient.
10. egg
An egg yolk mask can help with a variety of hair problems. Eggs contain a large amount of lecithin and proteins, which heal and nourish hair, making it as strong as possible. Eggs also contain high sulfur content, which can help people who suffer 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 to dry, brushed hair and leave on for 30 minutes before shampooing.