Who does not want to have long, robust, and Rapunzel-like hair? But with so many common hair problems like dandruff, split ends, excessive hair fall, thinning of hair, receding hairline, etc., it is challenging to grow healthy and long hair. While commercial hair growth products claim to stimulate the growth of our hair significantly, they hardly live up to their claims until you treat the root causes of your specific hair issues. So, how can you promote your hair growth? Just rely on herbs and spices, as these readily available natural ingredients have immense potential. Keep reading about ten herbs and spices for hair growth and how they can help you in your effort.
How Fast Does Hair Grow?
Let’s delve into this question further. The scalp houses approximately 100,000 hair follicles, which remain constant throughout our lifetime. However, not all these follicles are consistently active in producing hair strands. Aging leads to the cessation of hair generation in some follicles, resulting in hair thinning or balding. Additionally, even active follicles may not constantly stimulate substantial hair growth. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the average growth rate for each hair strand is around 1/2 inch per month, translating to approximately 6 inches of growth per year. (1)
Our hair growth varies based on age, type of hair, overall health of hair, and other health conditions. It has also been found that the rate of growth of hair can also be controlled at the cellular level in the body.
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Different Phases of Hair Growth
Now, here is a little bit of the science behind hair growth. Our hair grows when the matrix cells in the hair bulbs shed some structure while reaching the upper hair follicles. This shed structure, along with keratin, proliferates to form the shaft of the hair, which exits the skin’s surface on the scalp. Typically, a hair strand has its unique growth timeline, which consists of the following three phases:
- Anagen is the first and most active hair growth phase, lasting between 2 and 8 years.
- Catagen: The second phase is the transition phase, where hair stops growing. It usually lasts from 4 to 6 weeks.
- Telogen: In this last resting phase, hair falls out. This phase does not last more than 2 to 3 months.
In most cases, around 90%-95% of hair follicles on the scalp remain in the anagen phase, while only 5%-10% of them reach the telogen phase. This refers to almost 100-150 hair falls daily, considered normal (2).
Factors Affecting Hair Growth
Though it is still not completely clear to scientists what exactly triggers the anagen phase, its duration usually depends on the length of the hair and the proliferation of the matrix cells in the base of the hair follicles. But there are more than a few factors that can negatively impact the average growth of our hair. These include (3):
- Genetics
- Hormonal imbalance
- Poor nutrition
- Specific health conditions
- Certain medications
- High level of stress
- Trauma resulting in follicular damage
During pregnancy, the number of hair follicles in the growing phase goes higher due to high levels of estrogen hormone in the body. This makes women feel that the hair is growing faster. However, those follicles return to the resting phase after delivery, thus making women feel that the hair is shedding at a faster rate than normal.
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How to Boost the Growth of Hair?
Well, you cannot trigger the growth of your hair overnight. However, following a few steps may help you promote the health and length of your hair during the anagen phase. Check them out here:
- Eat a balanced diet to get adequate amounts of your vitamins and nutrients. Studies have revealed that the deficiencies of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (4), zinc (5), iron, vitamin B5 or biotin (6), vitamin C, vitamin D, etc., may prevent the average growth of hair by increasing hair fall, thinning hair out, and worsening the overall health of the hair.
- Use a few drops of essential oils daily, like rosemary essential oil (7) or peppermint essential oil (8), to stimulate the growth of your locks. But make sure to dilute it with one or more carrier oils (jojoba oil, coconut oil, mineral oil, castor oil, sunflower oil) that can prevent hair damage (9), or add it to your shampoo.
- If severe hair loss has halted your hair growth, trying topical products, such as melatonin (10), minoxidil 5 percent (11), Propecia, ketoconazole shampoo, etc., may help. They are known to slow down and treat hair loss while encouraging growth and increasing hair density.
- As hair’s building block, protein is essential for its growth and protection. Therefore, increase the intake of protein-rich foods, including eggs, fish, meat, vegetables, nuts, yogurt, milk, etc. Applying organic coconut oil before and after hair wash may also stop protein loss from the mane (12).
- Treat your hair with keratin to make the hair strands strong from their roots. It reduces hair loss and promotes hair growth while adding luster and volume (13).
- Using caffeinated hair products as caffeine stimulates the hair follicles for faster and healthier growth (14).
Apart from these tips, you can also rely on natural home remedies with excellent growth-promoting properties for your hair. Now, we will discuss the best herbs and spices for hair growth that you can try at home quickly for fast and effective results.
5 Best Herbs for Hair Growth
Certain herbs are capable of making your hair grow naturally and quickly. They encourage the follicles to produce new hair strands and enhance their health and texture. Check them out below:
1. Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Chamomile soothes the scalp, nourishes hair roots, and encourages the healthy growth of hair (15). It also conditions the scalp and reduces hair fall caused by itchiness while naturally adding a light tone to the strands.
How to Use?
Prepare an infusion of chamomile by boiling a teaspoon of the herb in a cup of water. Use this chamomile tea as a hair rinse after shampooing thoroughly.
2. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
Studies have found that an active ingredient in rosemary called carnosic acid heals damaged nerve endings in the scalp and rejuvenates its tissues. This protects against pattern baldness (both male and female) and restores hair growth. (16)
How to Use?
Make your rosemary tea/infusion by simmering the herb’s leaves in water or include it in your daily diet.
Also Read – Propecia and Rogaine – The Combination Therapy For Treating Hair Loss
3. Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)
Horsetail is also quite helpful in making our hair grow faster. It keeps the scalp healthy by boosting blood circulation and delivering selenium, silica, and cysteine, which helps the hair grow out. (17)
How to Use?
Like other herbs, it can be used as a hair rinse in infusion or taken orally as a part of the diet. If you wish, you can also blend it with your favorite shampoo and rinse your hair with the mixture.
4. Ginkgo Biloba (Ginko biloba)
Regarding kindling hair follicles in an all-natural way, ginkgo biloba can be a great choice. It increases blood flow throughout the scalp, thereby considerably accelerating new and better growth of the strands. (18)
How to Use?
Make a ginkgo biloba infusion by boiling three handfuls of the dried herb in 2 cups of water. Then, rinse your freshly washed hair with it regularly.
5. Birch (Betula alba)
The essential oil prepared from the birch tree’s bark is a super oil that curbs hair issues like dandruff, itchiness, scalp infections, hair fall, etc. It also provides nourishment to the hair and supports its natural growth.
How to Use?
Combine birch oil with your regular hair oil, or add it to your go-to shampoo and use the mixture on your hair regularly for great results.
5 Best Spices for Hair Growth
Now, here are the culinary spices that would help you accelerate the growth of your hair and enhance its appearance naturally:
6. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)
Coriander is one of the most effective spices for improving health and hair growth by significantly stimulating hair follicles.
How to Use?
Please include it in your diet in both leaf and seed forms. However, adding coriander seed powder to your hair oil and massaging your scalp can offer the best results.
7. Black Cumin (Cuminum cyminum)
Black cumin is rich in omega-3 and six biomolecules that increase blood circulation in the scalp, arresting hair fall and increasing hair growth. It also reduces dandruff to a great extent so that the hair becomes healthy and beautiful.
How to Use?
Prepare your natural hair tonic by boiling black cumin seeds in water, filtering the liquid, and combining one egg yolk. Then, apply it all over your scalp regularly with a cotton ball. A rich blend of equal amounts of olive and cumin can also replace this mixture.
Also Read – Why Should You Give Mustard Facial Scrubs a Try?
8. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Verum)
Cinnamon is very effective in boosting blood flow in the scalp and supporting hair growth. The herb also keeps scalp infections at bay by diminishing dandruff, itchiness, etc.
How to Use?
Apply a pack of cinnamon powder, honey, and olive oil or egg to your scalp and hair 2-3 times every week. Add the spice to olive oil and warm the blend to prepare your hot oil mixture.
9. Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)
Black pepper has excellent qualities of improving digestive functions and enhancing blood circulation. As a result, our body absorbs all required nutrients in the right amounts, eventually stimulating our hair’s growth.
How to Use?
Grind some black pepper into a smooth, fine powder and mix it well with olive oil. Store the mixture in a sealed container for 2 hours and then use it as a hair mask. Apply it all over your hair and wash it off with cold water after half an hour.
10. Sesame (Sesamum indicium)
Sesame seeds are packed with two essential minerals – calcium and magnesium- vital for our hair fibers’ proper growth and health.
How to Use?
Massage your scalp and locks with warm sesame oil thrice every week. Move your fingertips in a small circular motion while applying gentle pressure only. Oral intake of whole sesame seeds may also help you in your effort.
Always consult a doctor before using any herbal remedy for hair growth. This will help you avoid adverse reactions like allergies, rashes, hives, itchiness, trouble breathing, etc.
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Summary:
The total number of hair follicles on our scalp remain constant throughout our lifetime. Some of them stop generating new hair with age, thus causing hair thinning or balding. The follicles that keep producing new hair fibers also do not promote significant growth at all times. Typically, there are three phases of hair growth: anagen (active phase), catagen (transition phase), and telogen (resting phase). But certain factors like genetics, hormonal imbalance, poor nutrition, specific health conditions, stress, trauma, etc. can put a negative impact on the normal growth of our hair. Though you cannot trigger the hair growth overnight, you can eat a balanced diet, apply essential oils, use topical products, or try protein treatments to promote the health and length of hair during the anagen phase. Certain herbs (chamomile, rosemary, horsetail, ginkgo biloba, birch, etc.) and culinary spices (coriander, black cumin, cinnamon, black pepper, sesame, etc.) also have excellent growth-promoting properties for our hair, which can deliver fast and effective results naturally. However, you must consult a doctor before trying any of these remedies to avoid adverse reactions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is It Possible to Regrow Hair on Bald Spot?
Unless your hair follicles reach the telogen phase, you can regrow hair on your bald spots. It solely depends on the root cause of balding and how long the area has been bald on the scalp.
What Causes Hair Follicles to Die?
According to MayoClinic.com, hereditary baldness and scarring are the two leading causes behind the permanent death of hair follicles.
What Herbs Stop Balding?
Certain herbs that are super effective in stopping balding are bhringraj, licorice, amla, curry leaves, ginseng, etc.
Which Oil is Best for Hair Growth?
Coconut oil, sesame oil, castor oil, rosemary oil, jojoba oil, lavender oil, etc., are some of the best oils for hair growth.
Does Castor Oil Grow Hair on Bald Spots?
Yes, castor oil helps in hair regrowth on bald patches and significantly improves the tensile strength of hair fibers.
References:
- “Hair and Scalp Care,” AAD.org
- “Telogen Effluvium: A Review,” NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
- “How to Grow Hair Faster: 6 Tips for Growth“, Healthline.com
- “Effect of a Nutritional Supplement on Hair Loss in Women,” NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
- “Analysis of Serum Zinc and Copper Concentrations in Hair Loss,” NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
- “A 3-Month, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating the Ability of an Extra-Strength Marine Protein Supplement to Promote Hair Growth and Decrease Shedding in Women with Self-Perceived Thinning Hair“, Hindawi.com
- “Promotion of Hair Growth by Rosmarinus officinalis Leaf Extract,” NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
- “Peppermint Oil Promotes Hair Growth without Toxic Signs,” NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
- “Effect of Mineral Oil, Sunflower Oil, and Coconut Oil on Prevention of Hair Damage,” NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
- “Topical Melatonin for Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia,” NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
- “Pilot Study of 15 Patients Receiving a New Treatment Regimen for Androgenic Alopecia: The Effects of Atopy on AGA“, NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
- “Hair Cosmetics: An Overview,” NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
- “A Clinical Trial to Investigate the Effect of Cynatine HNS on Hair and Nail Parameters,” Hindawi.com
- “Differential Effects of Caffeine on Hair Shaft Elongation, Matrix, and Outer Root Sheath Keratinocyte Proliferation, and Transforming Growth Factor-β2/Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1-Mediated Regulation of the Hair Cycle in Male and Female Human Hair Follicles In Vitro“, NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
- “Application of Microencapsulated Essential Oils in Cosmetic and Personal Healthcare Products – A Review,” OnlineLibrary.wiley.com
- “Promotion of Hair Growth by Rosmarinus officinalis Leaf Extract,” NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
- “Patient Guide to Hair Loss & Hair Restoration,” books.google.co.in
- “Effects of Ginkgo Biloba on Cerebral Blood Flow Assessed by Quantitative MR Perfusion Imaging: A Pilot Study,” NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
