The average rate of hair growth lengthwise is half an inch per month. This may also depend on hereditary factors. Actually, hair growth, in thickness and length, depends on various factors like age, hormonal changes, the state of internal health of both body and mind, as well as on external hair care.
Diet is extremely important for hair growth, because the hair is actually fed by the nutrients in the blood stream. The diet should supply the body with vitamins, minerals and enzymes, along with the adequate proteins and other nutrients. The daily diet should include fresh fruits, raw salads, sprouts, leafy green vegetables, yogurt. Sprouted grains and cereals are of great benefit to the hair. Along with a nutritious diet, daily exercise, relaxation, adequate sleep and a healthy lifestyle are required for healthy hair growth. A common question that is asked is how often the hair should be washed. The important aspect to bear in mind is that washing does not harm the hair, provided you use a mild herbal shampoo and apply less quantities. Rinse the hair thoroughly with water. After washing the hair, do not rub it with a towel. Allow the towel to soak up moisture and wrap it around the head for a few minutes. Do not brush wet hair. Hair is porous and its elasticity increases when it is wet. Brushing can cause the hair to stretch and break. Use a wide toothed comb, to comb out all the tangles, starting from the ends and going upwards, towards the scalp.
The application of oil with a light massage helps to stimulate blood circulation to the hair follicles. If there is dandruff, oil applications help to loosen dandruff flakes. Avoid vigorous massage of the head or rubbing of the hair. Apply warm oil on the hair and scalp. Using your fingertips, actually move the scalp in small rotary movements. Oils have their own particular properties and benefits. For example, olive oil is helpful in dandruff, as it restores the normal acid-alkaline balance of the scalp. Pure coconut oil is said to help hair growth. Ayurveda recommends the use of til oil, to restore “dosha” imbalances. Apply oil on the ends too. In fact, after shampoo, apply hair serum or leave-on conditioner on the ends too.
Dandruff inhibits healthy hair growth. Wash hair with a mild herbal shampoo, rinsing very well with water. Hot oil therapy is very useful, not only in dandruff, but for dry and damaged hair. Heat pure coconut oil and apply the oil on the scalp with cotton wool, rubbing gently to dislodge the flakes. Then dip a towel in hot water, squeeze out the water and wrap the hot towel around the head, like a turban.
Keep it on for 5 minutes. Repeat the hot towel wrap 3 or 4 times. This helps the hair and scalp absorb the oil better. Leave the oil on overnight. Next morning, apply the juice of a lemon on the scalp and wash your hair after half an hour.
Avoid tying the hair back tightly as a matter of habit. This causes tension at the roots and leads to hair loss in front, near the forehead. Tie the hair loosely. Avoid the use of rubber bands. It can cause hair breakage and split ends. Long hair left loose should look healthy, soft, smooth and silky. While washing, combing and oiling long hair, one has to take more care and give more time. For long hair, one has to be gentle and treat the hair like a delicate fabric.
And, remember that a healthy scalp encourages healthy hair growth.