Hair Growth: How to Get Noticeable Results

Medically reviewed by Marisa Garshick, MD

Hair growth is largely impacted by genetics, but other factors can affect how long and strong your strands are. While hair grows naturally in a cycle, it may be possible to support even quicker hair growth with scalp and hair health products, lifestyle adjustments, and gentle hair care habits.

This article provides an overview of effective strategies for promoting the hair growth process.

Naturally Stimulating Hair Growth (Without Supplements)

While genetics plays a role in hair growth, research suggests various methods may support the growth of longer strands—without using additional supplements or nutrients. Studies show that lifestyle changes, topical hair treatments, and a gentle hair care routine may stimulate hair growth.

Many of these tactics rely on improving circulation and blood flow to the scalp. At least in theory, improved scalp blood flow creates a healthy environment for hair follicles to grow and hair to become longer, thicker, and stronger.

Other tactics involve eating well, stressing less, and cutting back on harmful habits like smoking to help naturally accelerate hair growth.

Stimulating Hair Growth With Supplements

Nutrients are an essential part of hair growth. They can help regulate the hair growth cycle and support overall scalp and body health.

If your hair isn't growing as fast as you'd like, talk to a healthcare provider about possible nutritional deficiencies. Having a deficiency diagnosed with a blood test is important. Taking excessive supplements without a deficiency can be harmful. It is safer to take a multivitamin than a single-nutrient supplement.

Various supplements are available that include key nutrients for promoting hair health. Supplementing with omega fatty acids, zinc, vitamin E, and pumpkin seed oil can potentially help treat hair loss and also encourage healthy hair growth. Some other nutrients you may want to look for are iron and biotin.

At least one study has highlighted that regularly taking supplements with omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, and antioxidants can promote thicker hair and less hair loss.

Supplements aren't regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the same way that medications are in the United States. Check with a healthcare provider before trying one out to ensure you're not getting too much of a particular vitamin or nutrient.

Average Cycle of Hair Growth

Hair grows in a four-phase cycle, which is:

• Anagen: The growth phase

• Catagen: The regression phase

• Telogen: The rest phase

• Exogen: The shedding phase

The average scalp contains around 100,000 hair follicles—and it's normal to lose about 100 hairs every day.

It usually takes about a month for your hair to grow roughly one-half inch. In general, hairs continue growing for about six years before falling out—then new hairs will grow back in their place.

Types of Hair Growth Self-Care

You can take different measures and try different products and treatments to support hair growth.

Serums

A hair or scalp serum is a topical treatment that promotes healthy hair growth. A serum is a liquid applied directly to the scalp and hair.

A variety of products is available. Look for one with nutrients that are hydrating without leaving a greasy or oily residue. Follow the directions on the product, such as applying it at night to allow the ingredients to work while you sleep.

Shampoos

Certain shampoos may help address overall hair health, potentially helping your strands get longer and stronger.

Look for moisturizing and thickening shampoos, which can help coat strands with supportive ingredients, strengthening your locks. They can make hair appear thicker and fuller while reducing hair breakage.

Dandruff Products

Shampoos and topical products targeting dandruff may also help promote hair growth.

For example, dandruff shampoos with zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, sulfur, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, and coal tar can control dry, flaky skin on the scalp. They also help prevent the itching and scratching that can worsen hair loss—allowing the hair follicles to focus on hair growth and strength.

Scrubs

When dry skin and oil build up on the scalp, it doesn't make for an optimal environment for healthy hair growth.

Trying a scalp scrub that helps gently exfoliate the surface while improving moisture and nourishment can be a simple step in your hair care routine. You may use this type of product as needed before conditioning your hair in the shower.

Scalp or Hair Oils

Applying an oil-based product directly to the scalp has been shown to improve the scalp's condition. This, in turn, can promote healthy hair growth and cut back on hair loss caused by stress.

That said, many different types of hair oil products are on the market, and there's not a one-size-fits-all ingredient that's been scientifically proven to produce hair growth results. If you go this route, select a formula that works well with your hair and scalp type and any skin sensitivities you may experience.

Medicated Topical Treatments

An over-the-counter (OTC) medicated topical treatment known as Rogaine (minoxidil) is commonly recommended by healthcare providers to promote hair growth and enhance hair thickness and density.

When applied to the scalp, minoxidil is believed to widen blood vessels, promoting increased blood flow to hair follicles. This improved circulation is thought to stimulate hair growth and is often used to address conditions such as androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as pattern baldness.

Natural or Essential Oils

Certain essential oils have been shown to help promote hair and scalp health.

Because of antibacterial and antifungal properties, many essential oils like tea tree oil are effective for targeting conditions like dandruff or scalp eczema. This keeps the hair and scalp healthy and moisturized, supporting an optimal environment for hair to grow.

Some studies have shown certain essential oils like rosemary oil to be as effective as medicated topical products for regrowing hair in certain cases. You may want to try other nutrient-rich oils—like coconut oil, argan oil, and olive oil—that have moisturizing fatty acids that can support a well-nourished scalp.

Because certain essential oils—particularly when used in large doses—may cause allergic reactions or other side effects, it's a good idea to perform a small patch test or ask a healthcare provider before trying it out.

Herbal Remedies

Phytochemicals (natural compounds produced by plants) found in several different herbs are a promising option for hair growth.

Some studies and anecdotal evidence have shown that using herbs like rosemary water as a hair tonic or wash can prompt the growth of hair without the added chemicals or toxins that other products may contain. A theory is that herbs might encourage blood flow to the scalp, which reduces inflammation and supports a healthy environment for hair growth.

Various herbal water recipes are available online. Be sure to test for allergic reactions or consult a healthcare provider with any questions.

Castor Oil

Castor oil products have also been making the rounds as popular methods for adding thickness and length to hair. High in vitamin E and a certain type of fatty acid, castor oil may help promote scalp circulation—contributing to healthier, stronger, and shinier hair.

Like other scalp oils, castor oil typically is massaged into the scalp and left on overnight to help boost hair growth. Note that there isn't direct scientific evidence supporting the use of castor oil for hair growth, so check with a healthcare provider before adding this to your hair care routine.

Scalp Massagers

Research suggests that using a scalp massage device can help promote hair strength, thickness, and growth. This is due to the way that pressure on the scalp positive impact on the genes in the scalp's skin cells.

One study found that regular use of a scalp massage device over a period of time increased the activity of genes linked to hair growth—and decreased the activity of genes linked to hair loss. While a scalp massaging tool may be a great way to get the job done, experts theorize that a manual (using your hands) massage may be just as beneficial.

Light Therapy Devices

Certain types of light therapy may encourage hair growth and cut down on hair thinning.

Using red or blue light devices at home seems to trigger scalp cells to improve blood supply, reduce inflammation, and regenerate the hair. Some studies have found that light therapy was able to significantly increase hair density after several weeks of use.

At-home tools are available for purchase, though using an in-office device or a light therapy session performed by a healthcare provider may lead to better results.

Collagen

Collagen, a naturally occurring protein in the body, helps support skin, tissues, joints, and bones. Evidence is mixed on whether it directly supports hair health, but collagen in supplement, liquid, or powder forms may be worth trying.

Certain studies have shown that taking collagen peptides may also help support hair growth, potentially increasing hair follicles and improving hair thickness. In addition, at least one other study found that taking a product containing collagen, peptides, lipids, and hyaluronic acid combined made for softer, shinier, and healthier hair after several weeks.

Still, discuss with a healthcare provider whether adding collagen to your daily routine is right for you.

Prescription Oral Medications

Sometimes, a healthcare provider may recommend a prescription medication treatment to help with hair growth.

Oral medications like Propecia (finasteride), typically prescribed for male hair loss, can work by blocking hormones linked to hair loss. Aldactone (spironolactone) is generally prescribed for female hair loss and can help regulate hormones responsible for hair thinning.

Because these products support hair regrowth for certain health conditions or situations, you'll need to work with a dermatologist (a physician specializing in conditions of the skin, hair, and nails) on a specific treatment plan.

What Doesn't Promote Hair Growth

To keep hair healthy and strong, experts recommend avoiding certain lifestyle risk factors. For example:

• Cut down on the use of hot tools like curling irons and flat irons, as heat can weaken strands.

• Stay away from tight hairstyles, which can pull on hair and potentially lead to permanent hair loss.

• Stop smoking to cut down on inflammation throughout the body, which can promote hair loss.

• Try to limit stress, which can be a trigger for hair loss

Summary

While there's no one-size-fits-all routine for speeding up hair growth, several different methods may contribute to a healthier scalp and strands. Options include a variety of products, tools, nutrients, medications, and hair care techniques that may be beneficial for enhancing hair strength, regrowth, and thickness.

Always check with a healthcare provider for medical treatment if you notice abnormal hair loss or hair thinning.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.