Hair grows from a root located at the base of hair follicles, and the blood supply in your scalp delivers oxygen and nutrients to these follicles. Consequently, nourishing the root and promoting hair growth.
It’s normal to shed about 100 hairs a day as part of the natural growth cycle. But, while genetics and age can increase hair loss over time, there are ways to improve hair growth if you’re seeing excessive shedding. In this guide, we’ll give 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.Â
That said, there are steps you can take to stimulate existing follicles and promote regrowth if you’re experiencing substantial hair thinning or loss.
Hair grows about 0.35 millimeters per day on average, which amounts to around half an inch per month (six inches per year).
It’s notable that 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 if you’re experiencing 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, given that it is primarily influenced by hormones, genetics, and age. However, what you can do is optimize the conditions to promote hair growth. In short, 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 made up of a protein called keratin by between 80-85%. To support keratin production and thereby promote healthy hair growth, you should include protein-rich foods in your diet like eggs, lean meats, fish, and nuts. Not to mention, staying properly hydrated is equally important here, as water plays a key role in maintaining healthy follicles.
Conversely, a restrictive diet can hinder hair growth by depriving your body of nutrients such as these. Sudden weight loss, for instance, can trigger temporary hair shedding, a condition known as telogen effluvium, or even 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 either, by simply removing split ends, trims prevent damage from spreading up the hair shaft, and so reduce breakage throughout your hair overall.
For best results, trim your hair every few months in order to maintain strong, well-conditioned strands, allowing your hair to grow out thicker.
3. Get a daily scalp massage
Daily scalp massages increase blood circulation, which nourishes hair follicles and makes way for healthy growth. For an added boost, you can incorporate essential oils into your massages. However, bear in mind that 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, especially when your hair is wet, is vital since it’s more vulnerable to damage at this point. This implies avoiding rubbing your hair with a towel, as the friction can cause breakage. Likewise, after showering, use a wide-tooth comb instead of harsh brushing to detangle, which weakens hair.
In addition, it’s worth knowing that silk pillowcases are more delicate on your strands and can therefore help minimize breakage while you sleep. Moreover, choose shampoos free from harmful ingredients like parabens.
5. Protect your hair
It’s now common knowledge that the heat from curling irons, blow dryers, and straighteners can weaken your hair. So, 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, though you have to be cautious around overly tight styles because these can lead to traction alopecia and make matters worse. Instead, opt for looser styles that don’t cause any unnecessary tension.
When it comes to coloring, permanent hair dyes can also leave the hair weak and prone to breakage. Where possible, choose semi-permanent dyes, i.e., those 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. For this reason, if you’re serious about stimulating hair growth, the Theradome helmet stands out as a trusted, FDA-cleared solution recommended by trichologists and dermatologists.
Boasting an impressive 98% customer satisfaction rate, this non-invasive device provides a reliable and long-term approach to addressing hair loss. Requiring only 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.
