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Hair growth is one of those beauty goals that seem simple on paper but feel impossible when you’re stuck with slow progress or constant shedding. You do the masks, buy the serums, follow every “miracle tip” on TikTok, and still—barely an inch to show for it.
That’s because real, sustainable hair growth doesn’t come from gimmicks or one-size-fits-all hacks. It’s about understanding your hair, giving it what it really needs, and cutting out what’s holding it back.
In this guide, I’m breaking down the top hair growth tips that will actually help you. Let’s begin!
1. Add rosemary oil to your routine
Rosemary oil has been praised for centuries for its ability to boost circulation in the scalp, which can help awaken dormant hair follicles and promote new growth.
Below are four tips to add rosemary oil effectively to your hair care routine:
- Dilution is key: Never apply rosemary essential oil directly to your scalp.; it’s potential and can cause irritation. Instead, mix a few drops (around 4-5) with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba.
- Massage it in: Apply the blend directly to your scalp, focusing on areas where you want to boost hair growth. Use your fingertips to gently massage for about 5-10 minutes to help the oil penetrate deeper and increase blood circulation.
- Timing: You can leave this on for at least 30 minutes, or if you prefer, overnight for maximum absorption. Just remember to wash it out thoroughly the next day.
- Frequency: Aim to do this 2-3 times a week for noticeable results over a few months.
For a more intense treatment, you can add rosemary oil to your shampoo (a few drops per bottle will suffice) or look for hair care products that already contain rosemary oil.
2. Pop a biotin gummy
Biotin, also known as Vitamin B7, plays a crucial role in the production of keratin, which is essential for hair health. Biotin supplements, often found in gummy form (such cutesies), can help strengthen hair and promote new hair growth, especially if you have a Vitamin B7 deficiency.
When to take biotin gummy
You can take one gummy daily, preferably with a meal to aid absorption. However, it’s best to check the label on the product.
How much to take
The recommended daily dose of biotin varies, but most hair supplements contain between 2,500 to 5,000 mcg. Consult your doctor if you’re unsure about the dosage or if you experience side effects (though rare) like acne or an upset stomach.
3. Massage only if it doesn’t worsen your hair fall
Scalp massages can be incredibly beneficial for stimulating new hair growth. This is because massaging your scalp increases blood circulation, which helps nutrients reach your hair follicles.
However, if your hair follicles are weak and highly nutrient-deficient, chances are a scalp massage might worsen your hair fall. Therefore, if your hair is falling out in clumps, it’s better to skip the massage and consult a trichologist.
In addition to this, you should also focus on treating existing scalp issues like severe dandruff, psoriasis, or scalp infections first before incorporating massages.
That said, here are 3 tips you must keep in mind to give your scalp a proper massage:
- Choose the right oil: Use a lightweight oil like argan or jojoba to reduce friction and provide nourishment.
- Gentle movements: Use the pads of your fingertips to gently massage your scalp in circular motions. Avoid using your nails or applying too much pressure—that can aggravate your hair fall and prevent new hair growth.
- Duration: Keep the massage short and sweet—5-10 minutes is sufficient. Overdoing it can stress the scalp.
4. Clarify your scalp
Product buildup, excess oil, and dead skin can clog your hair follicles, stalling growth and leading to a dull scalp. Therefore, you must clarify your scalp once in a while to get rid of the gunk.
But how do you clarify your scalp? Here’s how:
- Choose the right clarifying product: Look for shampoos with natural clarifying agents like apple cider vinegar or activated charcoal. Or, you can also prepare your own DIY clarifying rinse by mixing 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water.
- Application: Use a clarifying shampoo/DIY rinse once or twice a month. If you’re using the shampoo, apply a small amount to your scalp and massage gently for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
For those using DIY clarifying rinse, pour the mixture over your scalp after washing your hair with a normal shampoo, and rinse thoroughly after a few minutes.
- Follow up with conditioner: Since clarifying products can be drying, always follow up with a hydrating conditioner to restore moisture.
5. Schedule a scalp analysis
A lot of hair issues stem from scalp conditions you might not even be aware of—like blocked follicles, excess sebum, or even low-grade inflammation. A professional scalp analysis can uncover these hidden problems and offer targeted solutions.
Here’s what you can expect during a scalp analysis:
- Initial consultation: The specialist will ask about your hair care routine, diet, and stress levels.
- Scalp examination: Using high-resolution imaging, they’ll check for issues like follicle density, sebum buildup, and scalp health.
- Customized treatment plan: Based on the findings, you might be recommended specific treatments like scalp exfoliation, medicated shampoos, or even laser therapy.
6. Take collagen supplements
Collagen is a structural protein that helps maintain the elasticity and strength of your scalp. Over time, our natural collagen production decreases, which can lead to weaker hair follicles and thinning hair. That’s why you must take collagen supplements to provide an optimal environment for hair to grow.
Below I’ve mentioned 3 tips to use collagen correctly:
- Pick the right type: Look for hydrolyzed collagen (also called collagen peptides) as it’s easier for your body to absorb.
- Dosage: Start with 5-10 grams per day. You can mix it into your morning coffee, smoothie, or even water. Some people prefer collagen capsules, but powders tend to be more versatile.
- Consistency is key: Stick to your daily routine for at least 3-6 months to notice a difference in hair thickness and growth.
7. Get the right nutrition
Nutrition is the foundation of healthy hair growth. Your hair follicles thrive on a diet rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Without these nutrients, your scalp can struggle to produce new hair, leading to slow growth.
Key nutrients for hair growth:
- Protein: Hair is made up of keratin, a type of protein. Make sure your diet includes high-quality protein sources like chicken, fish, eggs, and legumes.
- Iron: Low iron levels can cause hair loss. Incorporate iron-rich foods like spinach, lentils, and red meat into your meals.
- Zinc: Zinc promotes hair tissue growth and repair. Foods like pumpkin seeds, nuts, and whole grains are great sources.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fatty fish like salmon and walnuts, omega-3s nourish the scalp and keep your hair hydrated.
8. Reduce stress
When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, a hormone that can disrupt the natural hair growth cycle, pushing more hair follicles into the resting phase. This can lead to noticeable thinning and shedding.
Hence, you must learn to manage stress levels to maintain a healthy hair growth cycle. Here are 4 easy tips to help you with this:
- Even 10 minutes of daily meditation can significantly lower stress levels.
- Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity like walking, yoga, or cycling most days of the week.
- Try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, and aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
- A gentle scalp massage can help reduce tension and improve blood circulation, benefitting hair growth.
9. Microneedling for the scalp
Microneedling is a relatively new but promising technique for encouraging hair growth. By creating tiny micro-injuries in the scalp, it triggers the body’s natural healing process, which includes increased collagen production and better nutrient delivery to the hair follicles.
Here’s how to do it:
- Choose the right derma roller: Look for one with needle lengths between 0.5mm and 1.0mm for scalp use.
- Sanitize everything: Make sure both your scalp and the derma roller are clean. You can use an alcohol-based solution to sanitize the roller before and after each use.
- Gently roll: Divide your scalp into sections and gently roll the derma roller over each section in vertical, horizontal, and diagonal directions. Avoid pressing too hard to prevent injury.
- Aftercare: Apply a nourishing scalp serum or oil post-treatment. This helps to soothe the scalp and maximizes the absorption of active ingredients.
- Frequency: Start with once a week and gradually increase to 2-3 times per week as your scalp adjusts.
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