The Best Hair Loss Treatments for Women, According to Dermatologists

Table Of Content

• Hair Loss in Women: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment
• Ways to cope with hair loss
• Experts Warn Against These 3 Age-Accelerating Beverages To Avoid After 40—#3 Is Directly Linked To Wrinkle Formation
• Male-pattern baldness
• Women's Hair Loss: Thinning Hair Causes and Solutions

Twist back those side locks and secure them at the back. Roll the remaining hair, chunk by chunk, into a chic side bun, or use a hair donut maker to achieve a voluminous updo effortlessly. They are in fact ideal to keep the hair neatly tucked away from the face while protecting it from any damage.

Hair Loss in Women: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

It’s another expensive treatment that isn’t generally covered by insurance, but it tends to be a long-lasting solution. Some small, limited studies have found that certain supplements and shampoos could be helpful, dermatologists say. However, your best bet if you’re suffering from hair loss is to see a board-certified dermatologist who can determine what’s causing your alopecia and then recommend a treatment plan. Here, dermatologists share what you need to know about alopecia, including possible causes, treatment options and what you can do to prevent more hair loss.

Ways to cope with hair loss

One study posted from 2018 noted that up to 75% of females would experience hair loss from androgenetic alopecia by the time they are 65 years old. Many people think that hair loss only affects people assigned male at birth (AMAB). However, studies show that more than 50% of people assigned female at birth will experience noticeable hair loss. The most significant cause of hair loss in women is female-pattern hair loss (FPHL). This affects about 30 million people in the United States. While many products do provide applicator nozzles that reach through the hair, some droppers aren’t as precise.

How Much Hair Loss Is Normal: Normal Hair Shedding vs Hair Loss - Women's Health

How Much Hair Loss Is Normal: Normal Hair Shedding vs Hair Loss.

Posted: Fri, 23 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Experts Warn Against These 3 Age-Accelerating Beverages To Avoid After 40—#3 Is Directly Linked To Wrinkle Formation

14 of the best shampoos for thinning hair 2023 - Cosmopolitan UK

14 of the best shampoos for thinning hair 2023.

Posted: Mon, 27 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

One example is alopecia areata, which is an autoimmune disorder where your immune system attacks hair follicles, causing thinning hair and sudden hair loss. Depending on the severity, hair loss may be mild or patchy, or more significant. If you eat a balanced diet, it’s unlikely that you’re low in biotin. However, supplemental forms of biotin have been on the rise in recent years, thanks in part to marketers promising more energy and better hair growth with such products.

Male-pattern baldness

Omega-6, on the other hand, is important for overall skin health, which might benefit the scalp. Essential oils are liquids derived from certain plants, and they’re primarily used in aromatherapy and other types of alternative medicine. Perhaps the cheapest method of trying to get thicker hair is scalp massage. It doesn’t cost anything, and if done correctly, it isn’t harmful. Minoxidil may irritate your scalp and cause dryness, scaling, itching and/or redness. With summer quickly approaching, you’ll be showing more skin ...

Best Wash-Out Treatment: The Nue Co. Supa_Thick Treatment

Others have health issues that cause their hair to fall out en masse. Whatever the reason is, it can be scary to notice fewer strands on your head and more on your hair brush. When you experience chronic stress, your corticosterone levels are increased, and when they’re increased, it slows down the hair growth cycle. You’ll still be experiencing hair fall, however, your hair isn’t growing as fast as normal, which is why it will appear thinner. Fine hair is one of the most exceedingly difficult hair types to style.

Hair Loss in Women

The procedure involves only minimal discomfort for most people and takes about 10 minutes. Known as a “scalp sensitizer,” anthralin creates an irritant reaction that stimulates the immune system and encourages hair growth. You’ll apply this cream once daily, directly to the scalp in areas where you want to encourage hair growth. You’ll receive injections at multiple sites in the affected area to encourage new hair growth, which you could notice as soon as 4 weeks after treatment.

Lavender oil has been used with success by some people with pattern baldness. It’s also backed by animal research from 2016, though human studies are needed to confirm its effects. Lavender is often combined with other oils, such as those made from rosemary and thyme. Consider the following 12 options, but be sure to talk with your doctor first.

The FDA also recently approved a new drug for severe cases of alopecia areata called Litfulo (generic name, ritlecitinib). The medication stimulates hair growth by quieting part of the immune system. Minoxidil (Rogaine) is a topical medication (the type you apply to your scalp) approved by the FDA for female pattern hair loss. It's is available over the counter as 2% and 5% solutions.

You can either purchase over-the-counter laser devices to use at home or receive the treatments from a provider. A variety of treatments have been developed to help regrow hair and thicken existing hair on patients with alopecia, dermatologists say. Their effectiveness largely depends upon what type of alopecia you have and how quickly you start treatment.

Nizoral contains a low concentration of ketoconazole, but stronger concentrations will require a prescription from a doctor. One review from 2018 noted that topical ketoconazole might help reduce inflammation and improve the strength and look of the hair. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. But, as with multivitamins, there isn’t enough evidence that folic acid is guaranteed to help make your hair thicker.

Brush your bangs to one side and seal them with some hair gel and you will get a unique and outstanding look, that girls with thick hair will envy. If you are not ready to go through the rounds of creating full-time curls and waves, you can easily go for the simple slight waves look. The slight waves are easy to style and they look great on long hair. Play around with the length to choose the one that suits you best. If your hair seems to be stringy at the ends as well as thin, you can draw attention away from that by playing up color. This shade of blonde flatters light and pale skin tones as well as adds an artistic style element.

You may also need to use it for 6 months or more to prevent further loss and promote regrowth. Hair loss caused by stress or hormonal changes, like pregnancy or menopause, may not always require treatment, since this type of hair loss will typically stop on its own as your body adjusts. Still, a dermatologist or other healthcare professional can offer more guidance on strategies to help minimize hair loss in the meantime.

That’s because factors like genetics, your nutrition, stress and anxiety, and changes in your hormones, metabolism, or medications can all contribute to thinning hair. And the cause of your hair loss can help you determine the right ingredients for you—and, with that, the best hair growth serum. Therefore, “the best guidance is to ask questions and rely on trusted sources for scientific evidence and advice that is tailored to your individual need,” she instructs. With that in mind, consider these the serums worth trying to achieve your unique hair goals. Baldness is often hereditary, and is activated by a shift in your hormones.

How To Make Your Hair Grow Faster: Tips for Healthy Growth

However, it's crucial to understand that individual hair growth depends on various factors such as genetics, overall health, and lifestyle choices. This article will explore effective methods to help promote faster hair growth. If you have hair shedding, you can also apply stimulating drops such as the Philip Kingsley Density Preserving Scalp Drops. Crisp cotton linens feel good against your skin, but they might not be the best choice if you have fragile hair.

Ask your doctor about minoxidil.

It’s always best to check with a dermatologist before applying essential oils to your hair and scalp. While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before you begin using essential oils and be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products.

Supplements

They also note that folate deficiencies can cause changes in the color of the hair. Folate is present naturally in foods, while manufacturers typically add folic acid to foods. One 2016 article notes that vitamin B2, or riboflavin, deficiencies have associations with hair loss. The authors of a 2021 review suggest that permanent hair dyes can remove the natural fatty acids that make up the hair. The researchers from the above study suggest that treatments can be once a month, for 3 months, and every 6 months thereafter for maintenance. “If your diet is severely restrictive, hair won’t grow optimally, and shedding can occur,” said Bordone.

Use Keratin-Based Products

If you can't resist a change, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends staying within three shades of your natural hair color and dyeing the hair darker rather than lighter, which generally causes less damage. But finding the right formula isn't a matter of simply choosing a product off the shelf and hoping that it works. “I encourage everyone with a concern for hair thinning or shedding to consult with a health-care provider first,” says Paradi Mirmirani, MD, a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in hair disorders with Kaiser Permanente in Vallejo, CA.

Eat a nutritious diet

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Associations (AADA), there are several simple methods you can try on your own, or under the guidance of a medical professional. These are the secrets and home remedies that grow hair fast, according to top dermatologists, celebrity hairstylists, skincare experts and our own Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab pros. Sounds potentially scary if you're dealing with breakage, but “heat helps the leave-in penetrate your hair cuticle and stretch it, so it won’t shrink up and dry out as quickly in your protective style,” says Green. Hair that’s left down is prone to tangling up and drying out (especially at the ends), which is where protective styling is key. Opt for loose twists, rolls, and French braids that you can DIY at home regardless of your hair type, or ask your braider for jumbo box braids or faux twists for a longer-lasting protective style, if you’re working with type 4 hair.

The Best Hair Growth Products for Women - Us Weekly

The Best Hair Growth Products for Women.

Posted: Wed, 28 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

According to the CDC, scalp hair grows an average of one-half inch per month. If your hair is two inches long and you’re aiming for shoulder length (about 12 inches) growth, that adds up to a little less than two years to reach your goal. A silk or satin hair cover or pillowcase is better for the health of your hair than cotton, which will absorb all the moisture from your strands and lead to tangles and breakage.

Dry shampoo fans may be sad to learn that while occasional use of dry shampoo is okay, it should never become a part of your daily routine, says Lana Grand, celebrity hairstylist and owner of Los Angeles-based salon Petite Mason. Hair loss is not harmful in and of itself, but it's normal if it causes you stress. It’s understandable that you may be looking for ways to increase hair growth and hair fullness. After diagnosing your condition, dermatologists or other healthcare professionals can offer medical treatments for your hair loss. The specific treatment you receive will be based on what will work best for your particular diagnosis as well as any other underlying health conditions you may have. You may notice that most hair accumulates on your brush or after you run your fingers through your hair after times of intensive stress or emotional upheaval.

Braiding the hair is a good, protective practice that can save your hair from any breakage as it strengthens the hair structurally. In fact, a loosely-tied braid can work alongside your body’s natural process to boost hair growth. To give yourself a hot oil treatment, massage the oil into your scalp and then apply it all the way to the ends of your strands. Pile your hair on top of your head, cover it with a shower cap, and blast your strands with a blow-dryer for 15 minutes.

Look out for hydrating formulas that include growth vitamins such as zinc and biotin. You probably know this already, but any hairstylist will tell you the most obvious way to help your hair grow faster is to ditch your routine of hot tools. "Blow-dryers and styling irons can certainly damage your hair by making it dry and brittle, which can lead to breakage and shorter hair length," advises Bauman. "If you’re trying to grow your hair, I recommend air-drying your hair and avoiding any heat tools. If you do use a heat tool, use a heat-protectant spray."

"For all my alopecia patients I also recommend supplementation with 1500IU of vitamin D, 3500mcg of biotin, and 90mg of zinc gluconate." "There are several types of hair loss or alopecia and several contributing factors that cause hair loss in females," says McMahan. "It is important to get an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist who is an expert at diagnosing the type of alopecia a person may be experiencing and get a treatment regimen that is tailored to the cause of each alopecia."

It is important to note that hair products and vitamin supplements are unlikely to make any noticeable changes to the growth rate. This article looks at some ways in which a person can boost their hair growth, from improving diet to exploring natural remedies. However, some steps may help boost the health and growth of your hair.

“Incorporate a variety of nutrients to promote healthier hair,” she says. At the top of her list are iron- and protein-rich foods like red meat, spinach, legumes, tempeh, tofu, poultry, fish, and eggs. The healthy fats found in salmon, avocado, and nuts can also help promote shinier, stronger hair. One 2014 study found that peppermint oil was more effective at promoting hair growth than saline, jojoba oil, and minoxidil. Minoxidil is a medication that doctors prescribe to treat high blood pressure and hair loss.

McMahan advises those experiencing hair loss or shedding to seek an expert's help to determine the root cause of the problem. While a brush with metal bristles has its purpose, a wide-toothed comb, a detangling brush, or a paddle brush with rounded bristles are all better options for gently combing through knots and causing minimal breakage. Almost as important as what you use to brush your hair is when you choose to do so. Instead of detangling after the shower (when your hair is at its most vulnerable and fragile), comb through your knots before you wash your hair.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), you may lose 50–100 hairs a day. This phase is transitional and marks the change between the growth phase and the resting phase. According to one 2016 article, a lack of protein can lead to hair fragility and brittleness. Also, rapid weight loss or a decrease in protein intake can lead to a condition called telogen effluvium (TE).

In fact, a 2018 research review explains that oxidative stress, an imbalance of oxidants to antioxidants, plays a role in hair loss in adults1. Ponytails and braids can cause hair to break, especially if your style is pulled tightly. If you wear it that way every day, permanent hair damage can occur. Braiding our hair can be a cool, sophisticated way to make it look extra slick. It’s not for everyone especially if your hair is tightly pulled back. Constantly touching your hair can lead to breakage, weakening of the shaft and damage to the follicles.

Also, the toxins from smoking can seep into the hair follicles and cause disruption. She suggests including protein, complex carbohydrates, foods rich in iron, vitamin C, and vitamin B12 in every meal. Serious stress can send hair into a resting phase, skipping the stage that coaxes it to grow. It may put you at higher risk for a condition called alopecia areata, where your own immune system attacks your hair follicles.

10 Hairstyles That Disguise Hair Loss and Thinning

Table Of Content

• Curly Bob
• What are some tips for dealing with hair loss?
• At-home laser therapy

You can purchase the 2% or 5% solution over the counter (OTC). However, you have to follow directions exactly and use the product indefinitely. Don’t use this product if you’re pregnant, if you plan to get pregnant or if you’re breastfeeding (chestfeeding).

Curly Bob

“Be cautious about vitamins, supplements, and shampoos that claim to help hair loss,” advises Dr. Goh. And any medical conditions that lead to hair loss should be treated directly to address the condition, not just its symptoms. Alopecia means “hair loss.” There are many different types of alopecia, in addition to androgenetic alopecia.

What are some tips for dealing with hair loss?

Common diagnoses include androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and lymphocytic scarring alopecia, Agbai tells USA TODAY. This is the name for hair loss caused by medications that harm your hair follicles. Radiation and chemotherapy treatments for cancer can be toxic to follicles, causing your hair to fall out within the first few weeks after you start treatment. Hair regrowth usually begins within a few months after you finish treatment. Regrowth continues for over a year, after which time it stabilizes. Minoxidil usually needs to be used long-term to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth.

At-home laser therapy

Some people find comfort in talking with a mental health professional if their hair loss causes discomfort. Others may find relief in changing their hairstyle or wearing a wig. If your hair is very thin, a short or medium hairstyle will maximize its volume. A pixie cut with choppy layers is a cute, femme look for straight hair.Close crops are also an adorable choice for curly and coily hair. Finally, an androgynous buzz cut is a striking style for hair of all textures. We hope by now you know that fine hair doesn’t mean being left without a great hairstyle.

A Sneaky Vitamin Deficiency May Be the Cause of Your Thinning Hair, Dermatologists Say - Yahoo Life

A Sneaky Vitamin Deficiency May Be the Cause of Your Thinning Hair, Dermatologists Say.

Posted: Wed, 17 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Folic acid supplements

Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. This is a procedure in which your doctor removes hair from a part of your scalp where hair growth is full and implants it into an area where hair is thinning. Pregnancy, and especially giving birth, can lead to hair loss.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy

It can be helpful to keep a hair diary to track any changes you notice or symptoms you experience and to look for patterns. Other forms of alopecia, such as alopecia areata, may cause one or more patches of complete baldness. Some possible treatments include birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy for either estrogen or progesterone. Hair loss and thinning in females can happen for a variety of reasons. Treatments can depend on the cause, but may include Minoxidil, light therapy, ketoconazole, and more. While the process of thinning hair can be concerning at first, many types of thinning hair are treatable.

Collagen-Boosting Supplements Women Over 40 Should Take Daily To Maintain Skin Elasticity

Beyond that, Kaitlyn turns what she learns into engaging and easy-to-read stories about medical conditions, nutrition, exercise, sleep and mental health. “Lupus of the scalp is another form of scarring alopecia that’s autoimmune,” says Dr. Lenzy. “It’s common, especially in women of color.” It shows up as red, scaly, thick lesions that don’t usually hurt or itch.

Lordet says to secure the headband about a 1/4 inch from your hairline or directly over the hairline, using a comb to tease the hair. Starting from behind the headband, brush back and spray a bit of hairspray for hold. We stand by the Unite Boosta Finishing Hairspray, which helps hold your hair in place while giving it tons of shine. If losing length doesn’t bother you, the pixie cut may be your thing. This spunky style gives some fullness to your crown and doesn’t require much maintenance.

Other possibilities include antiandrogen medications, such as spironolactone. Androgens are hormones that can speed up hair loss in some women, particularly those with polycystic ovary syndrome, who typically produce more androgens. If you have an underlying medical condition, such as alopecia areata, getting the correct treatments from your doctor may help with hair loss.

However, make sure you give your hair a lot of rest, so it doesn’t get even thinner. While the color of choice for women with thin hair is blond, dark colors are also allowed. If you decide to go for a darker color, make sure that you keep your hair short. An easy way out for women with thin hair would be colored ends. The best choice would be to keep the ends darker than the rest of the hair since it would give the top more volume, but a vice versa version is also allowed.

Leave it to dry and once dry, undo and style as desired. He says this style works best on hair longer than four inches and can be used to create volume when the twist is separated. Keep scrolling for 10 expert-approved hairstyles that can create the optical illusion of a fuller, thicker head of hair. Teasing seems like an easy way to give your locks a boost, but it can damage your hair and cause split ends and fly-aways. Save it for special occasions, and get it done at a salon to help prevent breakage.

Best known by its brand name Rogaine, minoxidil is an over-the-counter hair loss treatment approved by the FDA. There are online options to obtain minoxidil as well, through companies like Hims and Keeps. Plant-based oils are primary sources of omega-6, while omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish and some seeds. If you don’t normally consume such foods, talk with your doctor about taking a supplement. Omega-3 helps your body fight inflammation, an underlying cause of numerous conditions. Premature hair loss may also be related to inflammation.

One group included 43 people who took cystine and vitamin B6. Anthralin topical cream (Dithralin), originally used as a treatment for psoriasis, may also prove effective for the treatment of mild alopecia areata. Topical tretinoin (Retin-A) is sometimes used in combination with minoxidil to treat androgenic alopecia.

You can only receive PRP therapy from a healthcare professional. This treatment is relatively new, so research supporting its effectiveness remains limited. That said, a small 2014 study suggests it’s both simple and effective, and many people feel satisfied with the results.

The most common cause of alopecia is an inherited condition called male- or female-pattern hair loss. If you’ve got long, natural curls and are experiencing receding or damaged hair along the hairline, Collins recommends a big change. Big as in chopping your hair into a full, heavy curly fringe and blunt bob above the shoulders. To style, use your normal styling products for curls and grab a diffuser to give your curls volume.

To notice the full results, you may need to continue with one or a combination of treatments for several months. “Give your doctor a full hair history — when the thinning began, where and how extensive the thinning is, and any relevant symptoms,” she says. Hormonal imbalances before, during and after menopause can lead to more permanent hair loss, Dr. Simpson says. Start by nixing traumatic styling practices from your roster, Dr. Lo Sicco says, such as aggressive brushing (no teasing!), excessive heat styling, bleaching, and chemical hair straightening.

Are There Ways to Make Hair Grow Faster?

Table Of Content

• Protect hair from physical damage.
• Eat a nutritious diet
• beauty & gut collagen+ powder
• Try caffeine- or keratin-infused shampoos and conditioners.

“This increasingly popular treatment works wonders in improving the function of hair follicles by utilizing high-volume platelets derived from the patient’s own blood,” says Dr. Sobel. As he describes, this “liquid gold” solution stimulates cell regeneration and triggers and maintains the hair’s growth phase. An additional advantage of PRP is that it comes from the individual’s blood, ensuring there are no adverse or allergic reactions to worry about. Hair never seems to grow more slowly than when you need it to do the exact opposite. If you’re wondering how to grow hair faster, the first thing to keep in mind is that there’s no sudden miracle cure for transitioning between hairstyles or growing out an unfortunate chop overnight. On average, you should expect a maximum half inch of new growth per month—and that’s under the healthiest conditions.

Does Dirty Hair Grow Faster? I Tried It For More Length - Refinery29

Does Dirty Hair Grow Faster? I Tried It For More Length.

Posted: Fri, 28 Aug 2020 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Protect hair from physical damage.

At least anecdotally, there seems to be some benefit to this generations-old pro-tip. Rice includes the antioxidant inositol, which is known as a hair rejuvenator. Scheduling a haircut can feel counterproductive when you want your hair to get longer. But regular trims keep hair from breaking and getting even shorter, Dr. Bergfeld notes. Get your fill of B7 from foods like eggs, fish, meat, seeds, nuts, sweet potatoes, broccoli and cauliflower, or try out a mega-B vitamin.

Eat a nutritious diet

It may be combined with certain prescription treatments recommended by your dermatologist. Talk with your doctor before trying supplements like biotin, keratin, or other nutrients. They may interact with any medications you take and cause unintended side effects. How long the anagen phase lasts depends on how long your hair is and if the cells in your follicle base are continuing to multiply and become hair cells.

beauty & gut collagen+ powder

The shed structure combines with keratins to form hair strands that exit your skin’s surface. As you age, some follicles stop producing hair, which is what causes baldness or hair thinning. Stress hair loss can be traced back to the stress hormone cortisol, which triggers your hair to enter its resting phase. It can also take a while to show up, so you may not see the shedding until three months after the stressful event. "The journey going from short to long hair can feel daunting," says Branch. This doesn't necessarily encourage growth, but it does protect the hair length you already have.

Which hairstyles promote healthy hair growth?

If you’re concerned about hair loss or have trouble getting your hair to grow, speak with a doctor to find out why this may be happening. These ingredients may improve and protect the scalp barrier, resulting in reduced hair thinning. Additionally, according to a 2019 review of research, using a heat-protectant product before using a heated styling tool may significantly reduce hair breakage. “Even after resuming a healthy diet, hair shedding usually goes on for a period of months,” said Bordone. While oily and straight hair may require daily washes, you may not need to shampoo daily if you have dry or damaged hair. If you’re experiencing unexplained and/or severe hair loss, you should schedule a checkup with your doctor, as certain health conditions can cause hair loss.

Consider Using Minoxidil

The speed at which a person’s hair grows depends on genetics, sex, age, and hormones. This phase allows the follicle to grow new hair unless it is damaged or affected by an underlying condition, such as alopecia. However, the studies are limited and have a lack of quantitative data. Additionally, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) state that vitamin B7, or biotin, deficiencies can lead to thinning of the hair and hair loss all over the body.

Even if you're not a meat lover, you should still aim to maintain a diet high in protein for hair growth. Women who don't get enough of it often experience "more hair shedding," Dr. Fusco says. But in general, it can’t hurt to see a doctor and get a full blood panel to make sure you’re healthy, as vitamin deficiencies can stunt hair growth. Even if you're using a great shampoo for damaged hair, if you're not using a conditioner every time you wash your hair, you're not doing it right. Dry hair hinders growth by increasing the chances of breakage, so it's important to moisturize your strands to restore growth proteins back into hair follicles.

The 10 Best Collagen Supplements for Hair Growth, 2024 - ELLE

The 10 Best Collagen Supplements for Hair Growth, 2024.

Posted: Sat, 30 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

While peace of mind and exercise can reduce stress and make you feel better than before, practicing yoga is believed to stimulate hair growth. This idea comes from the notion that in inverted positions, a rush of fresh blood goes to the head and pumps new life into the scalp. Nothing will test your patience like properly detangling the knots in your hair, but it’s an important step in growing your strands faster and one that definitely shouldn’t be rushed. If you have a tendency to quickly and haphazardly rip a brush through your hair and call it quits, you might want to reconsider.

Create a scalp care routine

Keep reading to learn 14 ways you can help your hair grow and prevent breakage. Any unusual hair loss should be addressed with a doctor, no matter the time of year. If your scalp is slightly oily but your ends are not, try a dry shampoo in between washes. Topical ointments are generally recommended for people who experience hair loss and may help your hair grow. The set includes almond, avocado, castor, coconut, and grapeseed oils.

There are limits on how much hair will grow in a week, but giving your hair a little extra love will maximize hair growth in a short period. Bond-building treatments, such as Olaplex or similar products, are designed to repair and strengthen damaged hair. While they don't directly stimulate hair follicles or increase the rate of hair growth, they may indirectly support healthier hair growth by improving the overall condition of the hair. You can also find hair growth serums that contain active ingredients that have been FDA-approved to promote hair growth, like minoxidil. According to Dr. Bhanusali, topical caffeine not only helps stimulate blood flow to your scalp (which is essential for healthy hair growth), but it also helps counteracts DHT, the hormone responsible for hair loss.

“This includes unprocessed foods with no added sugar such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish, olive oil, nuts, and low-fat dairy,” Dr. Camp says. Topicals are effective at maintaining hair health to an extent, but supplements are another smart way to get your nutrients in. There’s no miracle pill that will suddenly speed up hair growth, but certain ingredients can assist in the process. Shamban frequently recommends biotin to her patients, which works as well internally as it does topically. Nutritionist Jessica Sepel, founder of JSHealth Vitamins, likes kelp-sourced iodine and zinc, which are featured in her Hair + Energy vitamins.

Consider changing pillow covers and bedspreads for better nutrient absorption. There’s potential for benefits from hair extensions, but they can also do harm. It’s always good to try methods that don’t involve extensions, like growing your hair or getting a trim every 4-5 weeks. Additionally, embracing looser hairstyles, reducing heat styling, and incorporating periodic trims can safeguard against breakage, ensuring the overall health of your hair as it grows longer. "Make sure the heat protectant is one of the first things to touch your hair after washing it," reiterates Grand. "Heat damage can cause your strands to snap, which affects the length you worked so hard to grow."