How To Grow Long, Thick Hair in 2023
We all want to have a thick, shiny head of hair, don’t we? To run our fingers through our hair and have it feel lush and healthy. But many people are struggling with hair loss, hair thinning, or a change in hair texture, that leaves them feeling self-conscious. There are many different things that can lead to hair loss or balding over time, but no matter your situation, there are things you can do to prevent further loss, and to boost your natural hair growth! If you have been searching for how to regrow hair naturally, this post is for you.
People of all ages experience thinning hair, not just into middle age and beyond. Some individuals find that their hair falls out after a period of intense stress or illness. Or that their hair starts changing a while after starting certain medications, or moving to a new climate. It’s important to know that there are many reasons why you may be experiencing hair loss or hair thinning, and you may wish to address those first. However, all of the tips listed below will help you on your way to thick, healthy hair, no matter your age or health condition.
Want to naturally encourage hair growth? Start with these 10 tips!
1. Give your hair a rest
Too many of us put a lot of strain on our hair and scalp, which can lead to breakage and thinning over time. This is especially true of heat styling, over-shampooing, and tight hairstyles like braids and ponytails. These things can cause changes in the hair shaft itself, along with the hair follicle, affecting growth cycles and overall appearance.
If you want to regrow your hair, it’s important to take a rest now and then. Give your hair a break at least a couple times a week, from the aggressive styling. Stop shampooing every single day. Reduce the number of products you use. Take a few months off from dying your hair, or better yet, stop dying it altogether.
2. Only shampoo your scalp
No matter what the shampoo commercials show, it’s actually not necessary to always wash the entire length of your hair and your ends. This can strip your natural, healthy oils, and leave you vulnerable to breakage and split ends. Your scalp is where you should be concentrating your washing efforts, to unclog follicles/pores, reduce oil, and scrub away debris or toxins that may interfere with healthy hair growth.
When shampooing, try to choose products that don’t contain harsh chemicals like sulfates or parabens. And if you’re curious about how to block DHT and regrow hair naturally, check out #5 on this list!
3. Try a head massage
Most of us don’t really touch our scalp much, outside of washing or styling our hair, and this is a real lost opportunity! There are thousands of nerve endings in the scalp and neck, and a simple massage is a great, cheap, and effective way to boost hair growth. By using your hands and fingers to gently massage your scalp, you can increase circulation, and relax the skin and muscles that often get tight.
Head massage brings more nutrients to the hair follicles, plus it feels amazing and is a great stress reliever. Massage your scalp any time of the day or night, or combine it with the tip below for a truly luxurious experience.
4. Do regular oil treatments
In today’s world of harsh chemicals, poor water and air quality, and less-than-nutritious food, our hair is in serious need of nourishment. One DIY hair growth idea you can try is oil treatments. These typically involve a small amount of oil applied to the scalp and hair, massaged in, and left to absorb for a while.
Depending on your hair type (see #8), certain oils may be better suited for you. Castor oil is a popular choice that enhances hair growth. Coconut and jojoba oils are also great, and can penetrate the hair shaft for soft, silky locks. Add in a few drops of essential oils like rosemary oil, cedar, or grapefruit for an extra hair growth boost.
5. Use a DHT-blocking shampoo
When choosing the right shampoo for you, you may want to look into how to block DHT, and try a DHT-blocking shampoo! DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, is a hormone that can attach to the hair follicle and cause it to atrophy. This is the hormone most associated with male pattern baldness, but it can affect women as well.
DHT-blocking shampoos often contain a synergistic formula of natural DHT blockers - ingredients that naturally block its production or block the attachment of DHT to the follicle. Look for one that is made without harsh chemicals or additives, like Amplixin Volumizing Shampoo.
6. Eat enough healthy fats
While hair is made from 95% protein (keratin), it’s the fatty acids and oils that keep the hair follicle and shaft healthy and strong. For optimal hair, skin, and nail health, it’s important to have some healthy fats in your diet. And not just any fat will do!
Processed trans fats, hydrogenated oils, or vegetable oils like canola or soybean won’t support your hair growth, and have other negative consequences too. Look for naturally-occurring fats from things like avocados, nuts and seeds, coconut, sustainably-caught fish, pastured meats and eggs, and olive oil.
7. Try biotin
Your hair needs many different nutrients in order to look and feel good, and to support the growth cycle over time. One of the best supplements for hair growth is biotin, also known as vitamin B-7, and sometimes dubbed “hair food.” Biotin has been shown to help hair grow faster, thicker, and stronger over time, and can be a great addition to your natural hair growth routine. Check out our bestselling Biotin supplement here.
Biotin is often sold as ingestible supplements, but you can also apply it to the scalp itself with a biotin serum or leave-in treatment, like this one.
8. Know your hair type
Let’s face it- not every diet or exercise works for every single person, and the same goes for our haircare. If you want to maximize your ability to regrow hair naturally, it’s a great idea to get to know your unique hair type! Your hair type will determine what kinds of products are best for you, and different styling or treatment techniques that will be supportive for you.
Hair types include hair structure (straight, wavy, curly, and coily), hair thickness (fine, medium, and coarse), hair porosity, and scalp moisture (dry, normal, oily). Make the most out of your hair growth routine, by knowing your hair type and how best to work with it.
9. Stay hydrated
We all know the importance of hydration, but it truly is key when you’re trying to naturally regrow your hair! Dry, dehydrated hair follicles aren’t going to be pliable and strong, and won’t be able to support fast hair growth. Dehydration can also lead to an itchy, irritated scalp, which can result in hair falling out.
But before you grab your water bottle...it’s necessary to cut out all the things that are dehydrating you in the first place! Cut back on the coffee and other caffeine sources, along with alcohol, and consider investing in a humidifier for your home. Then, freely drink your filtered water, fresh juices, and herbal teas.
10. Boost overall circulation
Good blood flow is critical for all the cells in your body, and when they don’t get enough of it, cells can shrink, harden, or become overloaded with toxins. Your scalp cells and hair follicles need circulation, in order to give you healthy, strong, thick, shiny hair. The problem is, most people are relatively sedentary and don’t move enough to get blood flowing to the head and neck. Most typical diets are also filled with foods that prevent good blood flow.
Move your body in any way that feels good, as often as you can. Try inversions or yoga poses that bring your heart above your head. Get massages if you’re able to. Anything you can do to get things moving, will help you with stimulating hair growth.
If you’ve been searching for all the ways to regrow hair naturally, these 10 tips will get you started. And remember, when it comes to hair growth, patience is key. Stick with these habits and be consistent, and it’ll pay off!