Natural Remedies for Hair Growth

Hair loss affects both men and women.  While genetics plays a role, there are other factors, including:  hormonal imbalances, an underactive thyroid gland, nutrient deficiencies and insufficient scalp circulation.  Here are 12 natural remedies that can help boost hair growth:

Cut back on meat: Hormonal imbalances are a primary culprit in hair loss.  Japanese researchers also link excessive sebum production in the scalp to high levels of 5-alpha reductase.  Their research indicated that animal fat intake may increase sebum production.

Add the herb saw palmetto: A study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine reported that saw palmetto (serenoa repens) may increase hair growth in men.  Hair growth improved in men taking 400 mg of a standardized extract of saw palmetto and 100 mg of beta-sitosterol (from saw palmetto) daily.  Historically, saw palmetto has been used by herbalists for hair loss in both men and women.

Address a possible underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) which can cause thinning hair:  Add sea vegetables like kelp, nori, dulse, kombu and wakame, all of which are rich in iodine may be helpful to balance this condition.  Avoid drinking tap water since it typically contains fluorine and chlorine, two chemicals that inhibit iodine absorption.  You may also want to supplement with 100 mg or 1 mL of the herb bladderwrack (focus vesiculosus) daily.  Work with a qualified holistic health care professional if you suspect a sluggish thyroid gland.

Get enough essential fatty acids:  Essential fatty acids from walnuts, flaxseeds, fish and avocado are also important for healthy hair.

Boost bioton: Biotin encourages hair and scalp health.  Dietary sources of biotin include: nuts, brown rice and oats.

Boost keratin production with MSM: Methylsulfonylmethane aids in the production of keratin (a protein in the hair) while doing double-duty to strengthen hair follicles.  In one study 100 percent of people who supplemented with MSM showed reduced hair loss and increased growth in only six weeks.

Rejuvenate hair follicles with B-complex vitamins: 100 mg daily of a B-complex supplement that includes biotin and vitamin B6 can reduce hair thinning by increasing scalp circulation and rejuvenating hair follicles.

Rev up collagen production with vitamin C: Collagen surrounds the hair strands but as we age collagen breaks down, causing hair to be more vulnerable to breaking.  The best way to boost collagen is not through some expensive medical procedure, it’s by getting more vitamin C.  Foods high in vitamin C include: citrus fruits, strawberries and red peppers.  Supplementing with 250 mg daily can help boost collagen production which has the added bonus of reducing wrinkling.

Prevent breakage with vitamin E: Vitamin E is required to nourish damaged hair and to prevent breakage.  It aids the body’s ability to manufacture keratin within hair strands to reduce breakage.  Supplementing with 400 IU of vitamin E can be helpful to restore locks.

Eat foods rich in iron: Iron is also essential for hair growth and can be found in blackstrap molasses, green leafy vegetables, leeks, cashews, dried fruits, figs, and berries.  To help your body absorb iron, you’ll need enough vitamin C.

Give your hair a mineral boost: The minerals silica and zinc are also critical for hair growth.  Take 500 mg of silica two times daily and 30 mg of zinc once daily.

Boost scalp circulation with rosemary essential oil: Rosemary essential oil has been traditionally used to increase circulation to the scalp.  Add a few drops per dollop of shampoo or, better yet, add a few drops of rosemary to coconut oil and massage your scalp regularly.

Source from:   http://www.care2.com/greenliving/12-natural-remedies-that-boost-hair-growth.html?page=1

Taking Care of You Hair

The health of your hair is influenced by both your genetics and the hair regimen you follow. You may have been born lucky with beautiful locks, and have never had to concern yourself with anything other than basic hair care, while there are some hair care essentials you’ve been missing out on. Even the most basic hair care is more complicated than it seems, and many people have been accidentally abusing, mistreating, and neglecting their hair for years!

Even if you weren’t born with a great head of hair, with the right hair care routine, you can nourish your hair, help rebuild and repair years of damage, and eventually have a beautiful, shiny and healthy mane to be proud of. If you have neglected your hair until now, that damage can also be reversed, and you can start down a path to healthier hair by following just a few simple tips.

Whether you have beautiful hair naturally or your locks are a little lackluster, it is important for everyone to practice at least basic care steps, because they are necessary for maintaining your hair health. In order to feel our best, we must be the healthiest we can be. The four main types of hair maintenance are cleaning, conditioning, brushing, and styling. All of these can wreck havoc on your hair if not done in the right manner and with care. There are a few hair care essentials that beginners must know and practice.

First of all, stop being so rough with your hair! When shampooing, wash hair sparingly with a good-quality shampoo (sulfate-free options are your best bet). Pick the right shampoo for your hair type, and gently massage the scalp, concentrating on the scalp and moving gently down the strands. Remember, hair does not need to be washed every day; the typical suggestion is every 2-3 days, to avoid stripping natural healthy oils from the scalp. Always condition, and make sure you rinse out all residue to prevent build-up.

When combing out, start at the roots with a non-plastic wide-tooth comb, since these cause less breakage than regular combs or brushes. Begin by gently combing out all the bottom tangles and work upward, slowly and carefully combing one knot at a time. If you prefer brushing over combing, invest in a natural bristle brush, but never, ever brush wet hair, which is more fragile.

When you can, let your hair dry naturally. If you must use hot styling tools, always follow the directions, and use them on the lowest heat setting possible. Make sure your hair is as towel-dried as it can be, and never use irons or hot curlers on wet hair. Wear your hair naturally to prevent styling damage, and avoid additional damage by treating and coloring your hair sparingly. Also, trim your hair regularly to get rid of split ends, and give your hair the best chance to grow.

There are also a few hair care tips for beginners that might not be as obvious as hair maintenance. These include eating a healthy diet and avoiding stress. Doing both of these will help your hair look the best possible while being healthy.

There are many hair care tips to keep in mind in order to have the healthiest and most beautiful hair possible. Just remember, it’s never too late to start properly caring for your hair!

Source from: https://longhairlovers.com/hair-care-essential-for-beginners/