“Not every condition responds to every treatment and an accurate diagnosis can ensure that you know what is causing the problem in the first place,” notes consultant trichologist Eva Proudman.
What are the most effective ways to stimulate hair growth?
There is a lot of differing advice out there when it comes to encouraging hair growth. Samantha likes to keep it simple in her approach, and suggests three steps:
- Take a hair supplement or hair growth vitamin.
- Daily scalp massage.
- Use caffeine-infused hair products.
Trichologist Hannah Gaboardi explains that it’s also important to take an inside-out approach, as diet plays a significant role in the overall health and growth of our hair.
“Nutrients such as protein, iron, zinc, biotin, vitamins A and E, and omega-3 fatty acids are essential for maintaining healthy hair growth, strength and texture. Protein, in particular, is a building block for hair, and its deficiency can lead to hair thinning and loss. Iron supports the delivery of oxygen to hair follicles, while zinc aids in hair tissue repair. Biotin is crucial for keratin production, a protein that forms the structure of hair.”
To ensure you don’t become deficient in these essentials, she says that, “a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats contributes to the overall wellbeing of hair by providing the necessary nutrients for optimal growth and resilience.”
What are the best hair care ingredients that contribute to hair growth?
Focusing on scalp-friendly ingredients is essential, too, as this is where hair growth is stimulated. These will “encourage a balanced scalp microbiome, decrease inflammation, and increase collagen,” Samantha notes.
She recommends scanning the ingredients list for natural betaine, phytantriol and panthenol. “Caffeine is also good for stimulating the scalp and hair follicles, therefore encouraging hair growth,” she adds.
Hannah says that “incorporating amino acids into hair care can offer several benefits.” She explains: “Amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, play a crucial role in maintaining the health of hair. Hair is primarily composed of a protein called keratin, and amino acids are essential for the synthesis of keratin molecules.”
She finishes: “Ingredients like minoxidil, known for its vasodilatory effects, are commonly found in over-the-counter products for stimulating hair follicles. Ketoconazole, often used in anti-dandruff shampoos, may have anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for certain scalp conditions.”
What are the biggest hair growth myths?
While having regular trims is essential for hair health, it is actually a myth that cutting your hair will make it grow faster. “We all have a genetic growth rate that cannot be extended,” says Samantha. “Regularly cutting hair ensures that we can retain the length that we grow but it can’t stimulate growth.”
Another misconception is that certain products or supplements can dramatically speed up hair growth. “While a balanced diet and proper care contribute to overall hair health, there is no magical solution for significantly accelerating growth beyond your genetically predetermined rate,” Hannah reminds us.
That said, remember that a combination of inner health and topical products are best together. The following formulas can aid in the overall effort to grow hair, but they are not miracle products, particularly if used alone.
1. Best hair growth supplements
“While many people obtain sufficient nutrients from their diets, certain factors like poor nutrition, stress, and hormonal changes may contribute to deficiencies that can impact hair health,” says Hannah. This is where supplements can step in to address these potential deficiencies.
“Key nutrients such as biotin, vitamins A, C, D, and E, as well as minerals like iron and zinc, are associated with hair growth and strength,” she explains, encouraging those shopping for supplements to keep an eye out for these ingredients.