Like every good thing, growing and maintaining long hair requires patience. Normally, you lose some hair daily naturally or from combing. However, this does not really matter because this is replaced with higher volume of hair growth.
It becomes a problem when you lose hair much more than your body is producing. It takes about a month on the average for hair to grow by only half an inch. You can hasten your hair growth process by adopting good hair care practices.
One way is by weaving your hair often. Fancy and modern styles look good, but may not always be the best for your hair. Do styles that require you to weave your hair as this will help stimulate the root of your hair and promote fast hair growth.
Hair growth is hindered by the following;
- Poor hair care
- Medical conditions: some illnesses are known to cause hair loss (alopecia) not just on the head but on other parts of the body as well.
- Medications: some medications such as cancer therapy can cause extensive hair loss as part of their side effects
- Malnutrition
- Hormonal imbalance
- Physical and emotional stresses
- Aging
To grow long hair, you should follow these tips:
1. Eat balanced diet
Good food makes your hair grow well. Hair is made up of proteins so having protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and beans will go a long way in helping your hair grow. Also, fruits and vegetables which contain nutrients promote hair growth. Vitamins A, C, and E are antioxidants. Antioxidants help slow down the process of aging. Fats and oils are also an important part of your diet because they help dissolve vitamins thereby making them easily absorbed by the body.
2. Combing your hair rigorously
Take care when combing your hair. If you rough handle your hair, you are likely to lose more hair.
3. Never comb your hair wet
Wet hair is weak. It clumps together and tangles. So when you comb your hair, it pulls out from the root or break from the point where it tangles.
4. Stop applying heat to your hair
It is always good to give long intervals before the use of these chemicals or application of heat. These may cause scalp burns and inflammation and reduce your hair’s capacity for growth. The heat from the hairdryer burns your hair and damage it.
5. Avoid scalp infections
Itching and hair loss may be signs of scalp infections. See your doctor if you notice these signs.
6. Know your hair type
Dry hair is prone to hair breakage. So oil regularly to prevent this. If your hair is naturally oily, don’t oil regularly as too much oil will clog the hair pores and prevent your hair from growing.
7. Use hair creams with natural ingredients
The type that contains ojoba, aloe vera, honey, shea butter, and olive oil. They all stimulate hair growth.
8. Avoid using rubber band to tie hair together
The hair will break easily when removing the bands. Instead use a soft cloth band as a substitute.