Written by Menswear Style in Hair on the 1st February 2018

If you’re trying to grow your hair out or are starting to notice your hair thinning and want to avoid further hair loss, you may be curious about proper hair care. In fact, you may be asking yourself if there are ways to grow your hair faster and thicker. This is a question many men ask themselves regularly when looking in the mirror, wishing for longer and thicker hair. The truth is that the average rate of hair growth is about 1/2 inch per month – some guys can grow hair a little faster or slower. The fastest your hair can grow is determine by a person’s genetics. While there really is nothing that will make hair grow faster overnight, there are factors that can make it grow at your body’s optimal rate, allowing you to realise your hair’s full genetic potential. Below, we will discuss changes to your daily lifestyle, such as diet, exercise, sleep, and a good hair care regiment, that can maximise the rate of hair growth for most men.

Diet and Supplements 

A balanced diet can help provide your body’s cells with the nutrition, vitamins and minerals for healthy growth. Because hair grows from the root in the follicle made up of protein cells, a high-protein diet will give your cells the nutrition to reproduce, divide, and grow. Hair shafts are created when dead cells in hair follicles are pushed out through the scalp by newly formed cells. Providing the body with quality protein, vitamins A, B, C, E, and F, and minerals such as iron, magnesium, silica and selenium can encourage cell reproduction and faster hair growth. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that good nutrition can improve the quality of your skin.

Foods that contain these essential vitamins, especially B vitamins, include the following: Vegetables (spinach, broccoli, beans, green bell peppers, cabbage, lettuce, avocadoes, tomatoes, and carrots), Fruits (Strawberries, bananas, apricots, kiwis, cantaloupes, pineapples, peaches), Protein (Eggs, fish, chicken, turkey, steak, nuts, flaxseeds, raisins, lentils, soy products and dairy like yogurt, milk and cheese). A proper diet and the right supplement (e.g. a multivitamin), can help you ensure your hair grows as fast as it can. However, don’t bother buying any of these magic formulas that promise good hair growth on your head or face. These so-called “beard supplements” provide all the same vitamins and minerals your ordinary multivitamin does. And don’t forget – your body can only process and absorb so much of these vitamins, so buying a supplement with 500% of your daily need of biotin or vitamin E isn’t going to give you nicer facial hair.

Exercise, Stress and Hair Loss 

Men should know that blood circulation is essential to stimulate hair growth. Regular aerobic exercise and weight-lifting can improve and maintain healthy blood flow to the scalp, carrying essential oxygen and nutrients. Even a scalp massage for 3 to 5 minutes a day, a few times a week can benefit you. Exercise and deep breathing can also relieve stress to prevent hair loss or slow hair growth, especially since stress, depression, and sleep deprivation are known to contribute to thinning hair. In addition to making your hair grow faster and longer, proper exercise will undoubtedly help you lose weight and ultimately make you look and feel better as well. 

Sleep 

Sleep deprivation is associated with serious health problems, including hair loss. During sleep, circulation to the skin and scalp is increased and the body secretes extra growth hormones that accelerate cell reproduction. Since cell reproduction makes hair grow, getting enough sleep and rest can literally make hair grow faster at night. With cell growth peaking at about 2AM in most people, getting to bed early and sleeping for 7 to 8 hours is essential.

Shampoos and Conditioners 

Do not shampoo your hair too often or every day, especially when using shampoos or conditioners that contain harsh chemicals that may leave your hair extra dry. And because dry, brittle hair is vulnerable to breakage, over-washing could be preventing your locks from reaching their maximum length. By using mild, organic shampoos and conditioners, it is possible to maintain at least some of your hair’s natural moisture and oils, and at least once a week, consider a leave-in conditioner to help retain moisture. Similarly, avoid washing our hair with very hot water, and instead finish your shower with warm or colder water to increase shine and health. 

Proper Hair Care 

Although the time it takes to grow hair longer is determined by genetics, hair that is damaged can break or fall out without reaching its full potential. Since hair is comprised of dead cells, it cannot repair itself. Guys can limit damage to their hair by avoiding the use of heated styling tools such as blow dryers or straighteners (if you have long curly or wavy hair), which can burn hair. Furthermore, when brushing or combing your hair to remove tangles, men should brush hair gently using a boar bristle brush without pulling or tugging that may damage roots. And if you already have long hair, we recommend you not strain the roots with tight ponytails or braids (cornrows).

Trim Your Hair 

While this may seem counterproductive, trimming your hair once every couple of months allows you to remove split ends and rejuvenate growth. Damaged ends basically stop growing so cutting off the tips to stimulate growth again makes sense. Just remember not to ask your barber to cut off too much – a quarter inch of hair is all that’s needed. 

Best Haircuts For Thin Hair 

Whether you have naturally fine hair or are experiencing the thinning process as you age, it’s important you learn how to pick the right hairstyle for your texture. But just because you’re losing hair doesn’t mean you can’t get a stylish hairstyle. The trick is fooling the eye. What makes people notice bald spots is contrast – having hair in one spot and then having none in close proximity. But what if you could make the transition gradual and avoid bringing attention to your bad hairline or thinning hair? For example, if you’re searching for trendy hairstyles for men with receding hairlines, don’t try to grow out your hair and cover it up with a comb over. Instead, get a high skin fade. This cool modern haircut starts blending your hair on the sides very high, thereby minimising the contrast. Another option would also be the faux hawk fade, where your barber would style your hair to meet in the middle of your head. As for the top, guys can get short or medium-length cuts depending on their personal preference, but we highly recommend they stick to a pomade or wax that is matte or low shine. Don’t use cheap gels because they tend to clump hair and show the scalp.

With so many different ways to combat slow hair growth or a thinning mane, guys don’t need to feel self-conscious about a bad hairdo. Between these subtle lifestyle changes to promote growth and hairstyles just for thin hair, you can feel confident about your sense of style again.

We discuss the Best Haircuts For Thin Hair, Stress and Hair Loss and inform you on How to Grow Your Hair Faster and Avoid Hair Loss.