We all desire to have long, thick, and lustrous locks. However, thinning hair is a condition that affects many people and can be very upsetting, for women and men alike.
Hair loss can be caused by various factors: nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalance, stress, use of improper hairstyles, chemical-laden hair products, heating tools, genetics, and other reasons.
But don’t worry. There are home remedies that can help you nourish your hair and promote the growth of new hair. These remedies can be highly effective, but you need to follow them regularly for at least one month.
Here are the top 10 home remedies for hair growth.
1. Scalp Massage and Hot Oil Treatment
Scalp massage will help you improve circulation and consequently stimulate hair growth. Massage your scalp for five minutes every day to see results. Rub your fingers on your scalp in a circular motion, apply gentle pressure and knead occasionally to open up the blood vessels and increase blood flow.
You can combine the massaging with a hot oil treatment once or twice a week. Heat the oil (you can use coconut or olive oil) in a microwave to help it penetrate the hair shaft easily and also reduce dandruff.
Put the hot oil on your hair and comb it through in order to ensure even distribution and reduce breakage during shampooing. Leave the oil on for at least half an hour before shampooing while wearing a plastic cap or a warm towel around your head.
Another tip says that flipping your hair upside down for 2 – 4 minutes every day will help improve circulation.
2. Rosemary
Rosemary strengthens the roots, promotes hair growth, and eliminates dandruff, which makes it an excellent herb for your hair. Its antioxidant properties will boost hair growth, and its content of sulfur and silica will help reverse hair loss.
Rosemary will increase the circulation to the scalp, unclog blocked hair follicles, and might even darken your hair.
- Mix two drops of rosemary essential oil in two tablespoons of some base oil of your liking (olive, coconut, jojoba, almond or avocado oil). Massage your scalp with this oil and leave it on for at least 30 minutes. Then shampoo your hair as usual.
- When you’re done with shampooing, you can use rosemary water as a final hair rinse. You can prepare rosemary water at home: steep two or three rosemary sprigs in two cups of hot water for about five minutes. When it cools down, strain the infusion and rinse your hair with it. If you have the dried form of the herb, boil a handful of it in water.
You can use both these remedies several times a week.
3. Castor Oil
Castor oil is rich in omega-9 fatty acids and vitamin E which facilitate hair growth. This oil is very thick and it will moisturize your hair, add volume, prevent frizzing, and fight scalp infections.
- In order to get a better consistency and enhance its benefits, mix the castor oil with an equal amount of base oil. Then rub it on your scalp and massage. Leave it on for 30 to 45 minutes and then shampoo your hair as usual. Use a clarifying shampoo since it is difficult to remove.
- You can make castor oil more effective by mixing four drops of rosemary essential oil in an ounce of castor oil and then use it to massage your hair and scalp.
4. Eggs
Our hair is made of keratin protein and eggs are a great source of protein. This makes them highly beneficial in helping your hair grow.
- To make a hair mask simply whisk two egg yolks and add two tablespoons of olive oil in the mixture. Apply it on your scalp and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse it out with cold water and then shampoo your hair as usual.
- You can also make another hair mask using eggs: mix one egg and one-quarter cup each of plain yogurt and mayonnaise in a blender. Then apply this hair mask on your hair and cover it with a shower cap. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it out.
5. Indian Gooseberry
Indian gooseberry, or amla, in combination with coconut oil, can be applied on your hair to promote hair growth. This combination is also great for prevention of premature graying.
- Heat some coconut oil in a pan, add dried amla pieces in it and cook them until they are charred. Then strain and cool the oil.
- Massage your hair and scalp with it and leave it on for at least 30 minutes.
- Then wash your hair with a mild shampoo.
- Do this on a weekly basis.
You can also make a mixture of one tablespoon each of dried Indian gooseberry powder and lemon juice that you can apply to your hair. Even if you only apply fresh amla juice on your hair, you will notice positive results.
6. Lemon Juice
Lemons are rich in vitamins, such as: C, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, folic acid, and other nutrients. They are also loaded with antioxidants. Not only do they promote hair growth, they are also very useful if you want smooth, shiny, and dandruff-free hair. When applied on the scalp, lemon juice stimulates circulation and hence prevents hair loss. However, do not use lemon juice in excess, since it can lighten your hair color over time.
- Mix one part lemon juice and two parts of coconut or olive oil.
- Apply this mixture on your hair and scalp and leave it on for 30 – 45 minutes.
- Wash it out and then shampoo your hair with a mild shampoo.
- Repeat this once or twice a week.
7. Beetroot Juice
Beetroot is a vegetable which you can juice in a juicer or run in a blender and then press through a strainer. It is rich in protein, carotenoids, vitamins B and C, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and silica. Regularly drinking beetroot juice will facilitate hair growth.
Beetroot juice is often combined with juices of other vegetables such as cucumbers, carrots, coriander, lettuce, or others that you prefer. For example, you can prepare a healthy drink by juicing or blending together half a beet, half a cucumber, and five carrots. Strain it, if needed, and drink the juice.
Drinking alfalfa juice extracted from alfalfa sprouts can also be beneficial for hair growth since it is rich in vitamins A, B-complex, and E, as well as calcium, magnesium, folic acid, and zinc.
8. Fenugreek
Fenugreek, or methi, is known to be good for hair growth because it is rich in protein. Furthermore, it contains lecithin that strengthens and moisturizes the hair.
- Soak one cup of fenugreek seeds in water overnight, or at least for four hours.
- Then take them out of the water and grind them into a paste.
- First apply coconut oil on your hair, and then apply the paste. Let it sit for at least an hour before rinsing it out and shampooing your hair.
- Repeat this process two or three times a week.
9. Fish Oil
Fish oils are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that promote smooth, shiny hair, and also encourage healthy hair growth. Often a deficiency of these fatty acids impedes hair growth.
You should take fish oil supplements every day for at least a month. If you cannot stand the smell of fish oils, consider taking flaxseed oil, which you can also include in your diet (flaxseed oil or flax seeds).
10. Coconut Milk
Coconut milk contains vitamins B, C, and E, as well as calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium, phosphorus, and numerous other nutrients. It is famous for nourishing the hair, promoting hair growth, and preventing hair loss. You can include fresh coconut milk in your diet, or try one of these remedies.
- Massage your scalp with coconut milk, leave it on for at least 30 minutes and then wash it out with lukewarm water. Do this two to four times a month.
- Combine one-quarter cup each of coconut milk, wheat germ oil, and aloe vera gel and apply it on your hair. All these ingredients are known to encourage hair growth, and aloe vera contains an enzyme that decreases hair loss.
- You can also make a nourishing hair mask by mixing coconut milk with avocado pulp, olive oil, and a little honey.
Diet also plays a key role in healthy hair growth. Therefore, you should have fresh and nutritious foods in your diet, particularly incorporating green leafy vegetables and dairy products as protein and B vitamins that are nourishing for your hair.
If you assume that your hair problems are due to a medical condition or medications, consult your doctor for proper treatment of the underlying cause.
