Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Courtney Foster. Courtney Foster is a Licensed Cosmetologist, Certified Hair Loss Practitioner, and Cosmetology Educator based out of New York City. Courtney runs Courtney Foster Beauty, LLC and her work has been featured on The Wendy Williams Show, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, and in East/West Magazine. She received her Cosmetology License from the State of New York after training at the Empire Beauty School - Manhattan.
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Finding a few loose strands of hair on your pillow or in the shower usually isn’t anything to worry about. But if your hair is looking a bit thinner lately, there are things you can try to help encourage more to grow. Stick to proven strategies and products for the best results and you can often notice results within a few weeks. To help you out, we’ve put together a handy list of options for you to give your hair growth a healthy boost.
Steps
Expert Video
Video
Expert Q&A
- QuestionWhat could cause hair to suddenly fall out, or to stop growing in certain areas?
Ashley AdamsAshley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
Professional Hair StylistThis could be from stress, so try to take breaks from work, school, or whatever is stressing you out. Go for a walk once a day or watch a funny video to lighten your mood. You could be wearing hairstyles that are too tight, like a tight ponytail or bun, which could cause traction alopecia. Wear your hair down or in a very loose ponytail. Work on eating healthier to make sure your hair gets the nutrients it needs. If your hair is still falling out, visit a dermatologist. - QuestionI have suddenly lost my hair, including my scalp, eyebrows, and mustache, in just one week. What should I do?Ashley AdamsAshley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
Professional Hair StylistVisit your doctor. Explain that you've rapidly lost all your hair and you're not sure why. They'll be able to discuss possible reasons behind your hair loss and guide you through different treatment options.
Tips
- There are a ton of “hair myths” out there such as cutting your hair will make it grow faster, brushing your hair will distribute your natural oils and stimulate your scalp, and shampooing too often can cause your scalp to produce less oil. Your best bet is to stick with things that have been proven to encourage healthy hair growth.[17]Thanks
Tips from our Readers 
- Even though regular trims won't speed up hair growth, having split ends can ultimately slow down new hair growth. If you have split ends, and they're breaking off at a rate of 1/2" a month, and your hair grows 1" a month, the split ends are cutting new growth down by half. Make sure you're trimming those split ends!
- If you use gel, mousse, hairspray, oils, or creams on your hair, use a clarifying shampoo at least once a month to reduce harmful buildup.
- Massage your scalp with your head upside-down. This encourages blood flow to your hair follicles, which may grow your hair faster.
- Don't dry your hair with a towel. Use an old, clean t-shirt instead, as the fabric is smoother and won't tear your hair out.
Warnings
- Having too much iron can be really harmful. Never take an iron supplement without checking with your doctor first.[18]Thanks
References
- ↑ https://health.usnews.com/health-news/articles/2012/08/08/dos-and-donts-of-healthy-hair
- ↑ https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/how-to-make-hair-grow-faster
- ↑ https://health.usnews.com/health-news/articles/2012/08/08/dos-and-donts-of-healthy-hair
- ↑ Courtney Foster. Certified Hair Loss Practitioner. Expert Interview. 9 December 2019.
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/hair-loss-a-to-z
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/treating-female-pattern-hair-loss
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4289931/
- ↑ https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/how-to-make-hair-grow-faster
- ↑ https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/biotin-vitamin-b7/
- ↑ https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/how-to-make-hair-grow-faster
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/treating-female-pattern-hair-loss
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/hair-loss-a-to-z
- ↑ https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/how-to-make-hair-grow-faster
- ↑ https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/a19943904/stress-on-hair-and-skin/
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/treating-female-pattern-hair-loss
- ↑ https://nashvillehairdoctor.com/hair-transplant-cost/how-much-does-a-hair-transplant-cost/
- ↑ https://www.cnn.com/2012/01/13/living/hair-myths-o
- ↑ https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-Consumer/
About This Article
To encourage hair growth, start by drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day and eating foods that are high in protein, such as nuts, lentils, and lean meats, to encourage cell growth and maintain a healthy scalp. Additionally, use a shampoo and conditioner that contain vitamins A, B, C, or E to nourish and hydrate hair. You’ll also want to avoid products with sodium lauryl sulfate and ammonium lauryl sulfate as they can damage your hair. Lastly, trim your hair every 6-8 weeks to prevent split ends from moving up the hair shaft and causing breakage. To learn how to best style your hair to encourage hair growth, keep reading!
Reader Success Stories
"It gave easy and affordable ways to grow my hair without having to spend loads of money, and the products are natural so have benefits. It also explains best treatments for different types of hair, which is lovely."..." more
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