HOW DOES THE HAIR CYCLE WORK AND HOW FAST DOES HAIR GROW?
The growth of your hair takes place in three phases. In the first part of the cycle, the growth phase, the hair is formed in the follicle and then gains length and thickness. Up to 85 percent of your hair is in this phase. Growth continues for two to six years, after which the second phase follows. In this so-called transition phase, the hair root no longer receives any nutrients and becomes calloused within two weeks. This is followed by the third part of the cycle, the rest phase, in which the hair becomes weaker over the course of three months and ultimately falls out. Then the cycle starts again.
In this way, your hair grows around two centimeters per month, or half a centimeter in a week. All hair is never in the same phase of the cycle at the same time, so growth, shedding and new formation usually occur in a balanced ratio.
HOW CAN I STIMULATE HAIR GROWTH?
The maximum rate of growth and the maximum length of your hair are determined genetically, but you can promote growth with the right diet and care products tailored to your hair needs. When it comes to your diet, the most important thing is that your hair gets all the nutrients it needs to grow healthily and quickly.
WHICH NUTRIENTS PROVIDE FASTER HAIR GROWTH?
The basic substance of your hair is keratin, which your body produces itself but relies on a sufficient supply of vitamin B7 (biotin) as well as the trace elements silicon and zinc. Biotin is found in oats, eggs, nuts and mushrooms, so there should be no deficiency with a balanced diet. Soy products also contain biotin, while tofu offers you another bonus for hair growth with the amino acid lysine, as this protein strengthens your hair. Silicon is found in barley and oatmeal, for example, but is also contained in many other foods. You can consume zinc through meat, lentils and dairy products. At the same time, with special care that supplies your hair with keratin from the outside, you can repair existing micro-fine cracks in the hair fibers and thus protect your hair from breaking off.
In addition to keratin, collagen also plays a crucial role for full hair, as the amino acid has a strengthening and structuring effect. If you dream of voluminous hair, collagen is particularly important in making your dream a reality. To produce this protein, your body needs vitamin C, which is mainly found in fruits such as kiwi, citrus fruits and vegetables such as spinach, peppers and cabbage.
OTHER IMPORTANT NUTRIENTS
Another important nutrient that helps your hair grow faster is vitamin E, which you can get from nuts. Some varieties, such as walnuts, also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are also important for hair growth. These fatty acids form the walls of your cells and are therefore present from head to toe. At the same time, the fats ensure that your skin can store moisture for longer, which not least benefits your scalp and therefore your hair.
The vitamins B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B9 (folic acid) and B12 (cobalamin) play a special role if you want to accelerate the growth of your hair. B2 helps your body detoxify itself so that harmful substances are removed from your system, which not least helps your hair. B3 also promotes hair growth more indirectly by ensuring a healthy, resilient and balanced scalp that gives germs no chance. B5 provides more volume and shine to the hair.
B9 and B12 are involved in the formation of red blood cells and thus improve the oxygen supply to the hair follicle. As a result, hair grows healthier and faster, its cells can divide better and the hair fibers can exploit their genetic potential. Care products containing caffeine also increase blood circulation, making them popular among women and men alike to prevent hair loss and stimulate growth.
WHAT METHODS CAN YOU USE TO ACCELERATE YOUR HAIR GROWTH?
In addition to the right diet, there are other ways to do something good for your scalp and hair that will make them grow faster. On the one hand, you can carry out regular head massages, ideally with nourishing oils. This stimulates blood circulation in the hair roots, which means the hair is better supplied with nutrients. At the same time, the massage ensures relaxation and loosens the muscles, which improves your general well-being. Relaxation and avoiding stress is also important for hair growth because your body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline when under stress. These, when present in excess, can damage your hair and even cause it to fall out. So make sure you get enough rest, sleep and recovery in your everyday life so that your stress level doesn't rise too much.
Good hair care also includes the right shampoo and a suitable water temperature, which should not be too high. Hot water dries out the scalp and hair and can damage it when combined with heat styling. Therefore, wash your hair at most lukewarm and let it air dry as often as possible.
WHICH FOODS PROMOTE HAIR GROWTH?
In general, a balanced diet with fresh fruit, lots of vegetables and whole grain products is recommended. So that your body gets all the vitamins it needs, nuts, meat, fish and dairy products as well as eggs should also be on your menu. By consuming these foods, you ensure that the hair root gets enough nutrients and you can enjoy healthy hair.