In the course of my studies about hair growth and healthy hair journey, I have come across a few proven tips that can turn your hair story around for good. These hacks work well on all types of hair from natural to relaxed, texlaxed and even colored hair.
1. Ayurvedic Herbs
Ayurveda is an ancient system of alternative medicine which originated from Tamil Siddhas in the south of India. This philosophy believes in using your food as your medicine in order to cure different ailments. With regards to hair and hair growth, there are a few herbs- Ayurvedic herbs- which help to stimulate rapid hair growth, reduce dandruff, increase hair volume and strengthen damaged hair. The use of Ayurvedic herbs for hair care has been around for quite some time but it gained popularity in the natural hair community when British YouTuber Curly Proverbz showed what she terms “Beast mode hair growth results” Nigerian Instagram natural hair aficionado and stylist, @ahgoziemnaturals, also got amazing results few months after consistently using the powdered Ayurvedic herbs as a gloss. She also infused these powders into oils and butters which she uses to lock in moisture. These are just a few of the many testimonies on the goodness of Ayurveda. These herbs when combined with a good hair regimen and healthy eating and life style habits can bring mindboggling changes to your hair health and length. Some of these herbs include: Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Methi, Henna, Bhringraj, Amla or Indian gooseberry, Shikakai, Neem and Hibiscus. They come either in powders or as oils and be used as a gloss, refreshing spray, deep conditioner or infused into your oils and hair butters.
2. Scalp Massages
My ultimate favorite. Scalp massages are the holy grail of hair growth. Blood as we all know is chockfull with a lot of nutrients. By massaging your scalp, you stimulate nerve endings and blood vessels and this facilitates blood flow to your scalp which aids hair growth. In order to see results, scalp massages should be done consistently at least three times a week; just make sure to be gentle and avoid using too much pressure. Scalp massages can either be done with the pads of the fingers or scalp massagers; it doesn’t matter if the scalp massagers are battery-powered or manual.
3. Supplements
The growth of your hair depends on what you do externally and internally. That being said, taking vitamins for hair growth is another foolproof way to fast track hair growth as they help with any nutritional deficiencies preventing you from reaching your hair goals. Biotin (Vitamin B7) is among the most popular hair growth supplements. It is also good for the skin and nails. Nature’s Vita, Natrol, Spring Valley, Now foods are just but a few good brands of premium biotin on the market. Biotin comes in tablets, capsules, gummies or in liquid form with the latter being the most absorptive and effective. The only problem with biotin is that it can trigger breakouts in some people. Inasmuch as biotin is the most popular hair growth supplement on the market, it is not the only one. Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Silica are also very effective for hair growth. Silica comes in two forms:
Horsetail Silica
Bamboo Silica
While both stimulate hair growth, the latter is better as it contains higher quantities of silica. While both stimulate hair growth, the latter is better as it contains higher quantities of silica. Bamboo silica is often sold as a tea. Other hair vitamins that stimulate fast hair growth are: Hairfinity Healthy Hair vitamins, Sugar Bear Hair Vitamins, the Mane Choice Manetabolism Plus Hair Growth Vitamins Nettle powder, Spirulina and Alfalfa powder. Disclaimer: This is not magic. Don’t expect to have floor length locks after taking them for two or four weeks. You have to take these supplements for at least three months in order to see results. Do consult your doctor before taking any of these supplements
4. Moisture is Your Friend
As over flogged as this analogy is, I’d like you think of your hair as a plant. Plants cannot grow without water; this applies to your hair. Your hair has to be moisturized both from the inside and the outside for it to grow and retain length. So up your water intake and don’t sleep on externally moisturizing your hair; your hair will thank you immensely. Due to its peculiar structure, African hair is the most brittle of all hair types. This is why when compared to other races we lose more hair while combing and manipulating our hair, making length retention almost impossible. As a result, it is imperative we keep our hair moisturized especially when combing it. That being said, combing your hair while dry is an abomination; endeavor to lightly spritz your hair with water before combing it as this would drastically reduce the amount of hair shed.
