Natural Hair Growth Products

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be very wary of products that claim to significantly speed up your hair’s rate of growth. The average person grows about 6 inches of hair per year, which equates to about ½ inch per month. Some people’s hair grows a little faster, others a little more slowly; this is largely affected by genetics. If you have natural hair and deal with shrinkage, keep in mind that it may be more difficult to see your growth (unless you straighten your hair). Some companies that produce hair growth products use models and spokespeople whose hair naturally grows at the average or above average rate, which can be misleading for those whose hair grows more slowly. Other companies are even more deceptive, labeling before and after photos that are not an accurate representation of what their product actually does. Before you fall hook, line, and sinker for a “miracle product,” be sure to do your research and read reviews from real people who have tried the product.

A few common myths about hair growth include:

Trimming your hair will make it grow: Trims happen at the ends of your hair and your hair grows from the roots, so trimming has no effect on how fast your hair grows. However, regular trims are important: split ends only lead to more damage, so getting rid of them can help prevent further breakage, allowing you to retain more length.

Dirty hair grows faster: While daily manipulation from washing can be hard on your hair (especially if your hair is prone to breakage and you use shampoos with harsh sulfates), it’s still important to keep your hair and scalp clean to facilitate growth. Alternate between a moisturizing, sulfate-free shampoo and a cleansing conditioner to avoid stripping your hair of too much moisture, and always detangle and style gently.

Protective styles make your hair grow faster: There are many benefits to protective styles such as box braids and twists. However, they do not make your hair grow any faster. If used properly, protective styles can help you retain more length by eliminating the damage that’s often caused by over-manipulation and daily styling.

Many people mistake slow hair growth with poor length retention. In most cases, your hair is growing, but if it’s breaking off at a steady rate, it may appear to be growing slowly or not at all. Rough detangling is one of the most common causes of breakage. Take your time and detangle gently in small sections to avoid breakage. Low-manipulation hairstyles (styles that last several days without restyling) can also significantly help with length retention. Dry hair breaks more easily, so make sure your hair is moisturized by deep conditioning regularly and using hydrating products on your hair between washes. Using a lot of heat on your hair can also contribute to breakage. Blow dryers and flat irons are the biggest culprits. Always use a heat protectant when using direct heat and set the tools to the lowest possible heat setting. Indirect heat sources such as hooded and bonnet dryers are good alternatives.

While maintaining a healthy lifestyle won’t make your hair grow any faster, it’s still very important for hair growth. Eating a balanced, healthy diet filled with fresh fruits and vegetables and lean proteins will help ensure that you’re getting all the nutrients your body needs. Drinking lots of water and exercising regularly are also essential. But don’t forget about your mental health: too much stress can wreak havoc on your physical health and can even make your hair fall out in extreme cases.

Practicing patience is an essential part of growing out your hair. No, it won’t make your hair grow any faster, but as the saying goes, a watched pot never boils, so try not to check your progress too often. You’re not likely going to see a big difference in the length of your hair over the course of a few weeks or even a few months. Try to enjoy your hair at its current length while taking steps to improve length retention and stimulate healthy hair growth. Here are ten products that can help improve hair growth.

Natural Products for Hair Growth

Biotin is a vitamin that supports healthy hair, skin, and nails. Many people who take biotin daily notice an increase in hair growth. Biotin is found in many multivitamins, but if you want a higher dosage, it’s also available as a supplement. While side effects are usually mild (or non-existent), a recent study indicated that high doses of biotin can alter the results of certain blood tests. Some users also report skin breakouts after starting a biotin regimen. It’s always a good idea to consult with a doctor before taking any supplement.

Horsetail is a plant that can be used to treat a variety of health issues. It’s available as a dried herb, in capsules, as a powder, and in liquid form. Horsetail is a great source of silica, which strengthens brittle bones, nails, and hair, making it a great supplement for hair growth. As with any other supplement, consult with a doctor before taking horsetail, especially in high doses.

The Mane Choice is a popular brand for natural hair care products.  Not surprisingly, Manetabolism vitamins contain a high dosage of biotin, but they also contain a daily dosage of vitamins and minerals, which means they can also take the place of your daily multivitamin. You can use these vitamins in conjunction with the Mane Choice Growth Oil, a blend of oils you can massage onto your scalp to help stimulate growth.

Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO) is a favorite among naturalistas. It’s praised for its ability to strengthen hair and many women have even had success growing back their edges with the help of Jamaican Black Castor Oil. Whether or not JBCO actually makes your hair grow is debatable, however, it does have the ability to strengthen your hair which can improve length retention. Massaging your scalp with JBCO also stimulates blood flow to the scalp, which in turn stimulates growth.

Fish Oil is chock-full of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are believed to support heart health, among other benefits. Those fatty acids are also believed to nourish the scalp and support healthy hair and skin. Fish oil may not necessarily make your hair grow faster, but it may drastically help with length retention by strengthening the hair and reducing shedding and breakage.

Shea Moisture products are extremely well-liked because of their ability to moisturize and nourish a variety of hair textures. Their Jamaican Black Castor Oil line is especially effective at strengthening the hair and clarifying hair and scalp to promote an optimal environment for growth. The shampoo and conditioner can be used on all hair types, and it’s especially great for dry, damaged hair.

Rosemary oil is an essential oil that is commonly used to stimulate hair growth. Try massaging it onto your scalp after washing your hair. As with any essential oil, rosemary oil is very potent, so you only need a few drops. Be sure to dilute it in a carrier oil (such as olive oil) before applying it to your scalp.

Amla oil comes from the Indian gooseberry fruit and is believed to stimulate hair follicles, promoting growth. Amla oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamins that can strengthen the hair. For these reasons, amla oil has also become a common ingredient in many hair products.

Formulated with vitamins, minerals, silica, and – you guessed it – biotin, Hair Anew Hair Vitamins are highly rated. This product has over 5,000 reviews on Amazon: many of them left by customers who saw an increase in hair growth. While it may not work for everyone, it does seem to be very effective for the vast majority of users.

Wild Growth Hair Oil is a blend of olive oil, coconut oil, and jojoba oil. It also contains a variety of vitamins, plant extracts, and essential oils that are great for keeping the scalp healthy. This is a great oil to use for scalp massages to help promote blood circulation and stimulate growth.

If you use one or more of these products, you may experience more growth than you would normally see. However, it’s important to have realistic expectations. Be sure to do your research and use caution when trying out new products, especially essential oils and supplements, as adverse effects are always a possibility. Remember that results will vary from person to person and that the best way to grow long healthy hair is to start from the inside out.