Ready to learn what healthy hair growth REALLY looks like?
Chances are, you’re thinking:
“Healthy hair grows faster”
“I need to buy some magic hair vitamins”
Truth: neither of these things matter if your scalp isn’t healthy.
When your hair has what it needs to grow strong from the inside out, that’s when you start to see real results.
Did you know that upwards of 80 million Americans suffer from hereditary hair loss? Roughly. HALF of Americans struggle with hair thinning or hair loss to some degree. And while the causes of hair loss may be different than someone who just wants healthier hair…
You can apply the same principles to maintain a full head of hair.
In this post, we’ll cover:
- Everything you need to know about the hair growth cycle
- The importance of scalp health when growing healthy hair
- The top nutrients for strong hair growth
- The biggest mistakes holding your hair back
- How to build a hair care routine that works for YOU
Everything You Need to Know About the Hair Growth Cycle
Before we jump into how to improve hair growth let’s back up.
It’s important to understand how hair grows so you know what to focus on.
Your hair grows in cycles that include three phases:
- Anagen – or the growth phase
- Catagen – transition phase
- Telogen – resting phase.
Approximately 90% of your hair is in the anagen phase at any time which can last anywhere between two years to seven years.
Wait… what?
Imagine this: You have about 120,000 follicles sprouting from your scalp. Each capable of producing up to ½ inch of hair per month.
But if your follicles aren’t healthy, they can’t produce healthy hair.
That’s why hair growth happens at the scalp. And when your scalp is under stress or has deficiencies, your hair shows it.
Simple enough, right?
The Importance of Scalp Health When Growing Healthy Hair
We already touched on this a little, but your scalp is the foundation for growing healthy hair.
While most people are concerned with the health of their hair strands, not enough attention is paid to your scalp.
Our scalp is like the soil when planting a flower. You need good soil to grow a beautiful flower. Similarly, you need a healthy scalp to grow strong hair.
Your scalp is home to tiny sebaceous glands which help moisturize both your scalp and hair.
If this process is thrown out of balance, that’s when you run into issues like:
- Dry scalp
- Excessive oil production
- Inflammation
- Buildup
Research actually shows that oxidative stress can lead to premature hair loss. That’s why working with someone who specializes in quality salon hair care is so important. They can identify these issues before they become serious.
Your scalp health directly affects the health of your hair. Make sure to keep it clean and well moisturized.
Top Nutrients For Strong Hair Growth
Want hair growth to happen faster?
Eat food that will help your hair grow.
Since your hair follicles are some of the fastest-growing cells in your body, they require constant energy.
If your diet is lacking, your hair will begin to suffer.
Let’s take a look at a few nutrients to keep your hair follicles happy:
Protein
Hair is primarily made up of protein called keratin. By eating protein rich foods such as lean meats, eggs, and legumes you are feeding your hair.
Iron
Your red blood cells need iron to help transport oxygen to hair follicles. Not having enough iron in your diet is commonly linked to hair thinning.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps keep your hair follicles healthy. A lack of Vitamin D has been linked to hair loss.
Biotin
One of the most popular supplements when it comes to hair growth. Biotin helps support keratin production and hair strength.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Helps reduce inflammation and increase blood flow to your scalp.
Zinc
Helps to regulate oil production and promote healthy cell turnover.
Another study found that people who consumed 70% more sugar-sweetened beverages experienced significantly more hair loss than those who didn’t.
Everything you put into your body shows on your hair. Eat a well-balanced diet full of whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, veggies, and healthy fats. (AKA The Mediterranean diet)
The Biggest Mistakes Preventing Hair Growth
Sure, there are certain nutrients that can help your hair grow faster.
But it doesn’t matter what you’re putting into your body if you’re sabotaging it behind the scenes.
Here are the most common ways you might be stressing out your hair follicles:
Washing your hair too much
Just like your skin, your hair has natural oils that help moisturize it.
If you strip your hair away by washing it too much, it’ll become dry and brittle.
Heat damage
blow dryers , flat irons, and curling irons can really damage your hair over time.
Always use a heat protectant before using any heat styling products.
Tight hairstyles
Whether it be ponytails, braids, or bun hairstyles that are pulled too tight can cause hair loss.
This is known as traction alopecia and occurs when hair follicles are pulled too tight for too long.
Harsh hair products
Slinky to shampoos that contain sulphates, parabens, and alcohol. These ingredients can irritate your scalp and strip your hair of moisture it needs to stay healthy.
Not using conditioner
Conditioner is not optional. Think of conditioner as the moisturizer for your hair.
Stress
We mentioned this above, but stress is a huge contributor to hair loss.
When you’re stressed, hair follicles enter the telogen phase quicker than they should. This is known as telogen effluvium.
How To Build a Hair Care Routine For Stronger Hair Growth
Let’s put this information to use.
By now, you know that having a solid haircare routine is essential to growing healthy hair.
It doesn’t have to be anything too crazy. Simple steps you can do every single day.
Here’s what we suggest:
1. Wash with the right shampoo.
Not sure what type of shampoo you need? Books scalp type. If you have an oily scalp, go for a clarifying shampoo. Dry scalp? Pick a hydrating shampoo.
2. Condition from mid-length to ends.
You should be applying conditioner from the middle of your hair all the way down to the ends.
Avoid putting conditioner on your scalp unless it’s made for scalp application.
3. Always use a heat protectant
As mentioned above, heat damages hair. Before using any hair styling tools make sure to use a heat protectant.
Sleep on a silk pillowcase and try to avoid tight hairstyles.
4. Feed your hair follicles.
Make sure you’re eating a balanced diet and taking hair vitamins if you know you have deficiencies.
5. Don’t ignore scalp problems.
If you notice your scalp is dry, oily, or constantly itchy, take action.
Most of these problems are preventable when you maintain a good haircare routine.
6. Get regular trims
Trim your hair every six-eight weeks to prevent split ends from traveling up your hair shaft.
Remember, consistency is key. You’ll never see results if you don’t stick to your routine.
Wrapping Things Up
Growing healthy hair from the inside out is no easy feat.
But once you understand what your hair needs to grow strong, you can make conscious decisions that support that goal.
Here’s your hair health takeaway:
- Scalp health is crucial to growing hair
- Eating a diet rich in protein, iron, and vitamins help
- Know your hair type and find a shampoo that’s right for you
- Avoid common hair mistakes
- Be consistent with your haircare routine
Head over to Instagram and let us know what tip you’ll implement this week to help your hair grow healthier and stronger at home.
You May Also Like: Transformative Hair Care Ideas for a Radiant Look
