Shampoos, conditioners, oils, and creams can only do so much for your hair. Optimal hair growth is a process that begins from within the body. Hair that is thicker, stronger, healthier in most cases is not because of an external product but rather a balance of diet, mind, body and spirit. In other words, nourish your body with raw fruits and veges, incorporate some form of meditation (i.e. reading, writing, drawing, positive visualization, etc), take your health seriously, drink plenty of water, get plenty of rest (at least 7-8 hours of non-interupted sleep), think positive thoughts and exercise!
Although there are many advertisements claiming to make your hair grow faster and thicker, most hair on most people is genetically programmed to grow a maximum of 6 inches a year (equivilant to about 1/2 per month) under normal circumstances. However, if;
- your body is nutrient deficient
- you're stressed
- you've started or stopped taking one or more medications
- you've recently given birth
- you've made drastic diet changes (i.e. fasting, crash diet, vegetarian, vegan, etc)
- you've experienced some form of hair and/or scalp trauma
- you have genetic predispositions
- heat is applied to hair excessively (i.e. bumping the ends every morning before work)
- other
you may not obtain the average growth of 1/2 inch per month. Furthermore, depending on the severity of the imbalance, the hair may not grow at all and/or may begin to shed.
Keep in mind, if you or someone you know are experiencing undesirable hair and/or scalp concerns, please refrain from applying chemicals as this may worsen the condition.
Here are some other hair growing tips:
- Eliminate or cut back on caffeine and carbonated sodas which weaken the body and block maximum hair growing potential.
- Eat a healthy diet. Avoid foods that are high in sugar or fat.
- Treat your hair like a piece of fine old lace. Treat it carefully avoiding any unnecessary brushing, combing or handling.
- Avoid use of hot water when shampooing
- Avoid daily heat styling
- Have a weekly scalp massage to provide stimulation to the hair follicles.
- Do a series of ongoing conditioning treatments to protect the hair's shaft.
- Have regular trims to eliminate split ends and allow the hair to look and feel healthier.
If we pay attention to the needs of our hair, mind, body and spirit; we can minimize and even eliminate most of these problems so that each of us can have beautiful and luxurious hair. Our individual genetic makeups will determine whether our hair will be naturally straight or curly, thick or thin, long or short. But no matter what type of hair you were born with, if you take the time and effort necessary to properly care for and nourish it, your hair can be beautiful and healthy every day.
