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If you’ve been here for a while you know I love hair care. To really encourage length, I think of it in two steps: Stimulating growth and retaining the hair I The latter involves many of your standard hair care lessons, but the former takes a bit more work: You have to go internal. It’s not as difficult as it sounds, and I’ll break it down for you.

Protein

One of the things that really helps hair growth is getting adequate protein. This doesn’t mean eating a steak every day (though I’m not going to stop you if that’s your thing). It means making sure you’re incorporating plenty of protein-rich foods into your diet.

Some of my favorites include

  • lentils
  • black beans
  • chickpeas
  • quinoa
  • yogurt.

These foods will help keep your hair healthy and encourage growth.

Hydration

Another key factor in hair growth is hydration. You’ve heard it a million times, but drinking water is really important for keeping your body—and your hair—healthy. aim for at least eight glasses per day. You might also want to try a hair mask made with natural ingredients like avocado, honey, and olive oil. These ingredients will help keep your hair hydrated and looking its best.

Stimulation

Stimulating growth can be a bit more difficult, but it’s definitely worth it. The first thing I would recommend is a scalp massage. Now, I know that not everyone loves having their head touched, but a scalp massage can really encourage hair growth. The basic idea is to rub your fingers from your forehead to the base of your neck and back again in small circles. Repeat this for at least five minutes once or twice a day.

You can also buy a scalp stimulator. These tools can help increase blood circulation to the scalp, which in turn encourages faster hair growth.  

Scalp Stimulators/Massagers

Vitamins

Vitamin B12 and iron can actually help as well. Some foods high in vitamin B12 include eggs (my personal favorite), beef, salmon, and dairy products. Iron-rich foods include leafy greens like spinach and kale. These are especially great for vegetarians, but if you’re not a vegan, consider incorporating some of these foods into your diet to help with hair growth.

Supplements

If you’re having trouble getting all the nutrients you need from food, supplements can be a great way to fill in the gaps. There are many different types of supplements available, so do some research and find one that works best for you.

Top Natural Hair Supplements

I’d recommend talking to your doctor before starting any new supplements, especially if you’re taking other medications.

Lifestyle

Another way to naturally stimulate hair growth is to avoid smoking and drinking excessively. And I don’t mean just for a few weeks before an important event—I mean forever. Smoking and drinking can not only be bad for your hair, but they’re also terrible for your overall health. So if you’re looking for healthy hair growth, try to avoid these vices.

Low Manipulation/Low Heat

This is for retaining the hair you have. The less you manipulate your hair, the better. This means no combing, brushing, or styling while it’s wet. Wet hair is more susceptible to damage, so try to avoid any contact if possible. You should also try to keep your use of heat styling tools to a minimum. High temperatures can damage your hair, leading to breakage and shorter strands.

Although this may be a bit more work, you’ll definitely see the difference in the long run. There are plenty of other things you can do to stimulate growth, but these are a great place to start. With a little bit of effort, you’ll be on your way to longer, stronger hair in no time.