Hair grows from a root located at the base of hair follicles beneath your skin. The blood supply in your scalp delivers oxygen and nutrients to these follicles, nourishing the root and promoting hair growth. It’s generally normal to shed about 100 hairs a day as part of the natural growth cycle.
While genetics and age can increase hair loss over time, there are ways to support and improve hair growth if you’re seeing excessive shedding. In this guide, we’ll share expert advice on how to stimulate hair growth.
How fast does hair grow?
On average, hair grows about 0.35 millimeters per day, which amounts to roughly half an inch per month or six inches per year. You’re born with a fixed number of hair follicles, and it’s not possible to create new ones.
That said, there are steps you can take to stimulate existing follicles and promote regrowth if you’re experiencing substantial hair thinning or loss.
Is it possible to speed up hair growth?
Despite common claims, there’s no way to significantly speed up hair growth, as it’s primarily influenced by hormones, genetics, and age. However, you can optimize the conditions for healthy hair growth, which will make it appear as if your hair is growing faster.
Principally, a healthy scalp, a well-nourished body, and good hair care habits are essential for helping your hair’s natural growth process.
6 tips for stimulating hair growth
1. Eat a protein-rich diet
Protein is crucial for hair growth because hair follicles are primarily composed of keratin — a protein that makes up 80–85% of their structure. To support keratin production and promote healthy hair growth, include protein-rich foods such as eggs, lean meats, fish, and nuts in your diet. Staying properly hydrated is equally important, as water plays a key role in maintaining healthy follicles.
On the other hand, a severely restrictive diet can hinder hair growth by depriving your body of the nutrients it needs. Sudden weight loss, for instance, can trigger temporary hair shedding, a condition known as telogen effluvium (TE) or diffuse alopecia.
2. Regularly trim your hair
It may sound ironic, but regular trims can create the appearance of faster hair growth. You don’t need to cut off large lengths - opt for micro trims instead. By removing split ends, trims prevent damage from spreading up the hair shaft, reducing breakage and keeping your hair healthier overall.
For best results, aim to trim your hair every few months. This helps maintain strong, well-conditioned strands, allowing your hair to grow out into a thicker, more luscious head of locks.
3. Get a daily scalp massage
Daily scalp massages may help stimulate hair growth by increasing blood circulation, which nourishes hair follicles and encourages healthy growth. For an added boost, you can incorporate essential oils like rosemary into your massages. However, there’s limited scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness.
Aim to massage your scalp for about four minutes each day. This can be done at home or by a professional. Regardless of its direct impact on hair growth, scalp massages are deeply relaxing and can help reduce stress — a known factor in hair loss.
4. Have a gentle hair care routine
Gentle hair care is vital, especially when your hair is wet, given that it’s more vulnerable to damage. Avoid harshly rubbing your hair with a towel, as this can cause breakage. After showering, use a wide-tooth comb to detangle instead of excessive brushing, which can weaken the hair.
In addition, consider investing in a silk pillowcase, which is more delicate on your strands and helps minimize breakage while you sleep. Moreover, choose shampoos free from harmful ingredients to maintain healthy, strong hair.
5. Protect your hair
Excessive heat from curling irons, hair dryers, and straighteners can weaken your hair and lead to breakage. To minimize heat damage, reduce how often you use these tools, lower the temperature settings, and always apply a heat-protectant product beforehand.
Protective hairstyles can also help shield your hair. However, be cautious of overly tight styles because these can strain the hair shaft and lead to traction alopecia. Opt for loose, gentle styles that keep your hair safe without causing unnecessary tension.
When it comes to coloring, permanent hair dyes can damage the hair shaft, leaving it weak and prone to breakage. Where possible, choose semi-permanent dyes, which are less harsh on your strands.
6. Try low-level laser therapy
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is an effective hair restoration treatment that stimulates hair follicles and promotes healthy hair growth. The red laser light energizes the follicles, and over time, this phototherapy can lead to noticeable improvements in hair thickness, density, and overall health.
Clinically proven to stop hair loss and encourage regrowth, LLLT is a safe and painless procedure with no known adverse side effects, making it worth considering. Although LLLT doesn't grow hair faster, it will lengthen the growth phase cycle, promoting new growth.
Stimulate hair growth with Theradome
Despite a nutritious diet and regular scalp massages contributing to healthier hair, LLLT can dramatically enhance their effects. As such, if you’re serious about stimulating hair growth, the Theradome helmet stands out as a trusted, FDA-cleared solution recommended by dermatologists.
Boasting an impressive 98% customer satisfaction rate, this non-invasive device provides a reliable and long-term approach to addressing hair loss. With a one-time investment of under $1,000, and with financing options available to make it even more affordable, Theradome offers an affordable alternative to ongoing treatments.
The Theradome PRO LH80 is engineered for full-scalp coverage, treating an area of 582 cm² with consistent and effective therapeutic energy. In just two 20-minute sessions per week, it delivers the optimal dose of 6 J/cm², stimulating hair follicles to encourage thicker, healthier growth. Take the first step towards revitalizing your hair with Theradome today.
