Many women grapple with the challenge of hair growth and many have made growing their hair a goal, spending so much on various products just to achieve this goal.
And while genetics impact the hair in a big way, particularly in relation to how it grows and the time it takes to grow, breakage is the main culprit for lack of hair growth.
The genes for hair loss can be passed down through either side of the family. If your parents experience thinning hair, there’s a chance you may experience same.
There are however other factors that can impact how much hair grows especially for people who do the bare minimum with their hair; shampoo, conditioner and heat styling, such individuals may find their hair doesn’t grow very much due to becoming weak and breaking.
But simple changes in routine hair procedure may bring huge improvements in hair growth.
Trimming encourages hair growth by removing split, weaker ends and preventing breakage. Many people find their hair to be stuck at a certain length because it keeps breaking off.
Not using a hair mask is a factor: Using the basic routine of shampoo and conditioner isn’t enough to grow hair. Use of hair mask is also important because it strengthens the hair and minimises damage.
Brush your hair when it’s dry from the tips first, then working your way up gently with the right brush will help prevent breakage and increase growth.
Aggressive brushing can cause severe damage to the hair. Brushing when your hair is wet is one of the biggest mistakes you can make as that’s when your hair is the most elastic and more likely to break
Not using the right products for specific hair type is an issues. Hair maintenance is not a ‘one-size fits all’ procedure because different hair types and textures require different products and care routines to aid growth.
Also, it is not about how expensive hair products are but getting the right shampoo, conditioner, mask and heat protection for particular hair types.
Wrong hair ties especially those that have elastic pulls the hair out from hair cuticles, causing hair to fall. Use soft scrunchies or hair ties like silk to curb breakage.
Age also plays a role in hair loss for both men and women. Many postmenopausal women will experience hair loss as a result of changing hormone levels.
Some men will experience gradual hair thinning as they age. In fact, by age 50, 85 percent of men will have “significantly” thinner hair.
Colouring the hair is also a factor because dyes can be damaging to the hair, causing it to grow slowly or break.
Consistently sleeping on the same side of the head can also cause that side to grow more slowly.
While there are home remedies to keep hair intact, it should be noted that it’s difficult to regrow hair that’s already been lost due to balding.
Home remedies for hair growth include:
Scalp massage to ease blood flow to the scalp and may improve hair’s thickness.
Aloe vera: Aloe vera can condition the scalp and hair. It may strengthen the hair so it’s less likely to break off.
Rosemary oil stimulates new hair growth, especially when in the case of alopecia.
Geranium oil improves circulation and promote hair growth in mice, though more research is needed on humans.
Credit: Yejide Gbenga-Ogundare, NT