Hair Care

Try these Powerful Home Remedies to Faster Hair Growth

Sep 23, 2018
Try these Powerful Home Remedies to Faster Hair Growth

Every woman, young or old, loves their hair and desires thick, long, and lustrous hair. Hair condition plays a deciding role in styling the face and looks. Everyone tries to achieve luscious hair that has enough shine, length, and strength. Unfortunately, hair fall, hair loss, and impaired hair growth are common problems that many people suffer from.

There can be several factors behind hair loss, such as environmental effects, aging, hectic lifestyles, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalance, pollution, genetic factors and adulterated hair care products. There are about 100,000 strands of hair on your scalp. It is considered very normal to lose 50 to 100 strands a day. But when you start losing more than that, you should take some action to stop it from progressing to baldness or bald spots.

If you want an effective, safe, and easy solution for your hair growth problems this article can help you make many ingredients to treat hair loss at home.

Home Remedies For Hair Growth

  1. Biotin
  2. Vitamins
  3. Best Oils
  4. Folic Acid
  5. Onion Juice
  6. Apple Cider Vinegar
  7. Aloe Vera Gel
  8. Honey
  9. Teas
  10. Rice Water
  11. Henna
  12. Cayenne Pepper
  13. Egg Mask
  14. Ginger
  15. Horsetail Extract
  16. Guava Leaves
  17. Turmeric
  18. Coffee
  19. Curry Leaf
  20. Bee Pollen
  21. Amla Powder
  22. Chia Seeds
  23. Mustard Powder
  24. Yogurt
  25. Raw Shea Butter
  26. Hibiscus
  27. Brewers Yeast
  28. Moringa
  29. Wheatgrass
  30. Potato Juice
  31. Rosewater
  32. Ginseng Herb
  33. Carrots
  34. Coconut Milk
  35. Blackstrap Molasses
  36. Saw Palmetto
  37. Baking Soda
  38. Fish Oil
  39. Protein Powder
  40. Inversion Method

Facilitate Healthy Hair Growth With These Remedies
1. Biotin For Hair Growth

1. Biotin For Hair Growth

You Will Need

  • 2-3 biotin tablets
  • Olive oil OR coconut oil

What You Have To Do

  1. Crush the tablets and mix the powder with the oil.
  2. Massage the scalp with this mixture and leave it on overnight.
  3. Rinse your hair as usual in the morning.
  4. Apart from topical usage, take these supplements as recommended on the bottle for your age group.

How Often You Should Do This
Biotin hair pack can be applied twice a week.

Why This Works
Biotin is a water-soluble B-vitamin found in green leafy vegetables. Its deficiency can cause hair loss and hair fall. Using these supplements will help to renew the hair follicles, making your hair fuller and healthier (1).

2. Vitamins For Hair Growth
While biotin is a type of vitamin that plays a functional role in hair growth, there are other vitamins that can help improve the overall health of your hair. Vitamin E is one such key vitamin that acts as an antioxidant and helps to reduce the oxidative stress on your scalp. This greatly affects hair growth, and this was proven by a study published in the Tropical Life Sciences Research journal (2). Another vitamin that is useful is vitamin C. It removes the dead cells build-up from the scalp and unclogs the hair follicles. This can improve hair growth as well (3). Vitamin C tablets can be added to a carrier oil and used to massage the scalp. Internal supplements of both these vitamins also help.

3. Best Oils For Hair Growth
(a) Coconut Oil For Hair Growth

(a) Coconut Oil For Hair Growth

You Will Need
Virgin coconut oil

What You Have To Do

  1. Warm up the oil and gently massage it all over your scalp.
  2. Keep it on overnight and wash your hair the next morning.


How Often You Should Do This
You can apply coconut oil every time you wash your hair. Twice a week is recommended.

Why This Works
This hair growth remedy is one of the best natural conditioners for hair. Coconut oil is rich in potassium and keeps your scalp healthy, promotes the growth of new hair, and repairs damaged hair. It also reduces dandruff, hair breakage, and hair loss. Coconut oil is also used as a preconditioning hair treatment for damaged hair (4, 5).

(b) Vitamin E Oil For Hair Growth
You Will Need
7-8 vitamin E capsules

What You Have To Do

  1. Prick open the capsules carefully and transfer the oil present inside to a small bowl.
  2. Massage this oil into your scalp.
  3. Leave it on overnight.
  4. Wash with a mild shampoo the next day for soft and smooth hair.

How Often You Should Do This
Apply this oil twice a week.

Why This Works
Vitamin E has been used as a home remedy for hair growth since ages. Vitamin E oil is rich in antioxidants and helps to fight the free radicals. It increases oxygen in the body and enhances blood circulation in the scalp. Regular massage with essential oils promotes hair growth and reduces hair fall and split ends. This makes your hair softer and smoother (6).

(c) Rosemary Oil For Hair Growth

(c) Rosemary Oil For Hair Growth

You Will Need

  • 1 teaspoon rosemary oil
  • 2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil

What You Have To Do

  1. Mix rosemary and coconut oils in a bowl and apply the mixture on your scalp and hair.
  2. Keep it on overnight and wash it off the next morning.
  3. You can also apply rosemary oil by mixing it with your shampoo or conditioner.

How Often You Should Do This
You can apply the oil twice a week for best results.

Why This Works
Rosemary oil is prepared from the distillation of the rosemary herb. The oil increases cell division and expands the blood vessels, thus stimulating blood circulation. It increases hair growth and also acts as a hair tonic (7).

(d) Argan Oil For Hair Growth
You Will Need
Argan oil

What You Have To Do

  1. Massage this oil on your scalp and hair ends.
  2. Wait for an hour or so and then rinse it off.

You can also leave it on overnight.

How Often You Should Do This
Repeat these steps once or twice a week for silky, smooth, and glossy hair.

Why This Works
Argan oil is a revolutionary gift of nature and is called 'liquid gold' because of the magic it works on thinning hair. It improves hair quality by moisturizing the hair follicles and enhancing hair growth. It repairs the damaged hair and also balances out the natural oil production by the scalp (8, 9).

(e) Sage Oil For Hair Growth

(e) Sage Oil For Hair Growth

You Will Need

  • 1 teaspoon sage oil
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil OR olive oil

What You Have To Do

  1. Mix sage oil and coconut oil (or olive oil) in a bowl and apply it to your scalp and hair.
  2. Keep it on overnight and wash it off the next morning.

How Often You Should Do This
Apply the oil twice a week for best results.

Why This Works
Sage oil is used for a host of health benefits. It contains antioxidants that have proven to be excellent promoters of hair growth (10).

(f) Lavender Oil For Hair Growth
You Will Need

  • 3-4 drops lavender oil
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil OR olive oil
  • Shower cap

What You Have To Do

  1. Prepare a mixture by adding the lavender oil to the carrier oil of your choice.
  2. Apply this to your scalp and wrap your hair with a shower cap.
  3. Leave it on for an hour.
  4. Wash and rinse your hair and scalp thoroughly.

How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this twice a week.

Why This Works
Lavender oil is known as the beauty oil and is widely used for curing alopecia and hair loss (11). Apart from boosting hair growth, it also reduces sleeplessness and stress (12).

(g) Jojoba Oil For Hair Growth

(g) Jojoba Oil For Hair Growth

You Will Need

  • 1 teaspoon jojoba oil
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil OR olive oil

What You Have To Do

  1. Mix jojoba oil and coconut oil (or olive oil) in a bowl and apply the blend to your scalp and hair.
  2. Keep it on overnight and wash your hair the next morning.

How Often You Should Do This
You can apply the oil twice a week for the best results.

Why This Works
Jojoba oil is known for its moisturizing and hydrating properties. It stimulates hair growth by improving blood circulation and moisturizing the hair follicles. It also repairs dry and damaged hair (13).

(h) Flaxseed Oil For Hair Growth
You Will Need

  • 1 teaspoon flaxseed oil
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil OR olive oil

What You Have To Do

  1. Mix the oils and apply the blend on your scalp and hair.
  2. Leave it on overnight.
  3. Rinse your hair the next morning.

How Often You Should Do This
You can apply the oil twice a week for best results.

Why This Works
Flaxseeds are a rich source of essential fatty acids that help to transform dry, damaged, and brittle hair into healthy and shiny hair. The omega-3 fatty acids in this oil promote healthy hair growth (14).

(i) Olive Oil For Hair Growth

You Will Need

  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • A towel
  • Hot water

What You Have To Do

  1. Warm up the oil and massage your scalp with it.
  2. Soak the towel in hot water and wring out the excess.
  3. Wrap this around your hair and head for 15-20 minutes.
  4. Rinse your hair as usual after this.

How Often You Should Do This
Do this hot towel oil treatment once every 4-5 days.

Why This Works
Olive oil helps in preventing as well as curing hair loss. It stimulates the growth of new hair. Regular use of olive oil prevents the formation of DTH hormone and facilitates hair growth. It also acts as a natural conditioner by making your hair soft and silky. The antioxidants present in this oil also stimulate hair growth (15).

(j) Castor Oil For Hair Growth
You Will Need

  • Castor oil
  • Warm towel

What You Have To Do

  1. Warm up castor oil.
  2. Apply it on a clean scalp. Massage it well.
  3. Wrap your hair in a warm, moist towel and keep it on for 20 minutes.
  4. As the oil is very sticky, you can add a little lemon juice to it to make it a little easy to apply. This addition will also eradicate dandruff problems on your scalp.

How Often You Should Do This
You can apply the oil twice a week for best results.

Why This Works
Castor oil is one of the most beneficial oils that can make your hair grow faster, stronger, and lustrous. It is claimed to be the best natural treatment for hair growth. It boosts hair growth while reducing possible bald patches. It also moisturizes the hair and reduces split ends (16).

(k) Almond Oil For Hair Growth

(k) Almond Oil For Hair Growth

You Will Need
Almond oil

What You Have To Do

  1. Gently massage the scalp with the almond oil.
  2. It is best to leave the oil on overnight and rinse your hair in the morning.

How Often You Should Do This
Apply almond oil twice a week.

Why This Works
Being an emollient, it restores the moisture balance of the scalp and the hair. It combats dryness, itchiness, and any other irritation that may be present on the scalp that affects hair growth. It can also strengthen your hair and make it shiny and luscious (17).

NOTE
Various essential oils can be added to carrier oils like coconut oil, almond oil, and olive oil to promote hair growth. Some of the best essential oils for this purpose are peppermint oil, tea tree oil, black seed oil, neem oil, pumpkin seed oil, grapeseed oil, avocado oil, eucalyptus oil, walnut oil, lemongrass oil, and onion oil. Essential oils are full of antioxidants and also contain pore cleansing agents - both these properties can improve hair growth.

4. Folic Acid For Hair Growth
Folic acid is also known as vitamin B9. Folic acid supplements are often recommended to improve hair growth and treat hair fall. It plays an important role in the formation and function of red blood cells in the body. These cells are responsible for transporting various nutrients, enzymes, and hormones to different parts of the body, including the scalp and hair (18, 19). Supplements can be taken for this on a daily basis to help in hair growth.

5. Onion Juice For Hair Growth

5. Onion Juice For Hair Growth

You Will Need

  • 2 red onions or shallots
  • Cotton ball

What You Have To Do

  1. Peel the onions or shallots and chop them into pieces.
  2. Blend the pieces and squeeze out their juice.
  3. Apply the juice on your scalp carefully with the cotton and keep it on for 15 minutes.
  4. Finally, rinse off with a mild shampoo.

How Often You Should Do This
You can apply onion juice on your scalp once a week to obtain the desired results.

Why This Works
Onion juice is rich in sulfur that boosts collagen production in the tissues and helps in the regrowth of hair (20). It is one of the oldest and the most efficient home remedies for hair growth.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar For Hair Growth
You Will Need

  • 75 ml apple cider vinegar
  • 1 liter water

What You Have To Do

  1. Wash your hair thoroughly with shampoo.
  2. Mix ACV with water.
  3. After washing your hair, use a cup of this solution as the final rinse.
  4. You can store it for further use or make smaller batches.

How Often You Should Do This
You can rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar solution every time you wash your hair.

Why This Works
Apple cider vinegar gently cleanses the scalp, maintains the pH balance of the hair, and accelerates hair growth (21).

7. Aloe Vera Gel For Hair Growth

7. Aloe Vera Gel For Hair Growth

You Will Need
An aloe leaf

What You Have To Do

  1. Cut the leaf open and extract the gel present inside.
  2. Apply this gel on your scalp and hair.
  3. Let it sit for an hour. Rinse your hair with a mild shampoo.

How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this 2-3 times in a week.

Why This Works
The proteolytic enzymes found in aloe vera gel remove the dead cell build-up from your scalp and also stimulate your hair follicles. Aloe vera is packed with nutrients that improve hair growth and texture and hydrate your hair and scalp (22, 23).

8. Honey For Hair Growth
You Will Need

  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons shampoo

What You Have To Do
Mix the honey with your shampoo and rinse your hair as usual.

How Often You Should Do This
Do this twice a week.

Why This Works
The nourishing and hydrating properties of honey strengthen the hair follicles as well as the hair strands. Honey also contains antioxidants that can help eliminate the free radicals that are damaging your scalp (24).

9. Teas For Hair Growth

9. Teas For Hair Growth

You Will Need

  • 1 green tea bag
  • 2 cups hot water

What You Have To Do

  1. Soak the tea bags in hot water for 7-8 minutes.
  2. Apply warm green tea all over your scalp.
  3. Leave it on for an hour.
  4. Rinse off with cold water.

How Often You Should Do This
You can apply this to your hair every time you wash it.

Why This Works
Green tea is rich in antioxidants that prevent hair loss and boost hair growth (25). Many other herbal teas possess similar properties and can be used just like green tea to rinse your hair. Tea rinses have been tested and tried by many people for hair growth, and the results have been positive. Some of the other teas that you can use are bamboo tea, nettle tea, sage tea, or even regular black tea. Just steep the tea bag or a tablespoon of the dried herb in hot water and use it as described above.

10. Rice Water For Hair Growth
You Will Need

  • ½ cup rice (any variety)
  • 2 cups water

What You Have To Do

  1. Soak the rice in water for 15 minutes.
  2. Strain the rice and pour the water obtained over your scalp and hair.
  3. Massage your scalp for a few minutes and then rinse your hair.
  4. Use a mild shampoo, if required.

How Often You Should Do This
Use this water twice a week.

Why This Works
The benefits of rice water for the skin and hair were a well-kept secret of the Asian countries. It contains vitamins E, K, and B6 and proteins that nourish the scalp and hair. This can, in turn, improve hair growth and make your hair voluminous (26).

11. Henna For Hair Growth

11. Henna For Hair Growth

You Will Need

  • 1 cup dry henna
  • 1/2 cup yogurt

What You Have To Do

  1. Make a pack by mixing the dry henna powder with yogurt.
  2. Apply it all over your hair from the roots to tips.
  3. Leave the pack on until it dries completely.
  4. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo.

How Often You Should Do This
Apply the henna pack once in a month.

Why This Works
Henna acts as a natural conditioner and transforms dull and dry hair into smooth and shiny hair. It adds color as well. It promotes hair growth by strengthening the roots of your hair (27).

12. Cayenne Pepper For Hair Growth
You Will Need

  • 1 teaspoon pepper powder
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil

What You Have To Do

  1. Mix pepper powder and olive oil.
  2. Apply the mixture on your scalp, especially on the areas where the hair thinning is more prominent.
  3. Leave it on for 10 minutes.
  4. Wash with cold water.

How Often You Should Do This
Do this once or twice a month.

Why This Works
Cayenne pepper stimulates hair growth and prevents thinning of hair. The presence of capsaicin makes cayenne pepper ideal for promoting hair growth. This ingredient, when applied on the scalp, causes the nerves to activate and increase the blood flow to the scalp. This results in increased absorption of nutrients and better hair growth (28).

13. Egg Mask For Hair Growth

13. Egg Mask For Hair Growth

You Will Need

  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey

What You Have To Do

  1. Take the egg in a bowl and add the olive oil and honey to it.
  2. Mix well to form a smooth paste.
  3. Apply it to your hair and scalp carefully. Leave it on for 20 minutes.
  4. Rinse with shampoo and cold water to remove it.

How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this once a week for long and shiny hair.

Why This Works
Egg is rich in proteins, sulfur, zinc, iron, selenium, phosphorus, and iodine. The high protein content makes eggs one of the best ingredients that promote hair growth. The natural fats present in eggs moisturize and nourish the hair follicles and hair strands. The vitamins A, E, and D reduce hair fall, improve hair texture, and give your hair a lustrous shine (29).

14. Ginger For Hair Growth
You Will Need
Ginger root

What You Have To Do

  1. Peel and grate the ginger.
  2. Rub this on those areas on your scalp where the hair growth is scanty. Leave it on for 30 minutes.
  3. Rinse your hair as usual.

How Often You Should Do This
Do this twice a week.

Why This Works
Ginger improves blood circulation in the scalp. As a result of this, the scalp health is optimized, and hair growth increases. It also protects the hair and hair follicles with the oils and enzymes it contains (30).

15. Horsetail Extract For Hair Growth

15. Horsetail Extract For Hair Growth

You Will Need

  • 1/4 cup horsetail herb
  • 1 cup hot water

What You Have To Do

  1. Pour the hot water over the herb and let it steep for an hour.
  2. Strain and rinse your hair with this water.
  3. You can also add the herb to coconut oil or olive oil and use it to massage your hair the night before washing your hair.

How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this every time you wash your hair.

Why This Works
Horsetail has been shown to reduce hair fall and improve hair growth in women with thinning hair in a study conducted in the United States in 2012 (31).

16. Guava Leaves For Hair Growth
You Will Need

  • A handful of guava leaves
  • 1 liter water
  • Shampoo
  • Lukewarm water

What You Have To Do

  1. Boil the guava leaves for 20 minutes and strain the liquid.
  2. Rinse your hair with shampoo and let it dry naturally.
  3. Once it is almost dry, apply the guava leaf water on the scalp and hair.
  4. Massage the scalp for a few minutes and leave the solution on your hair for 2-3 hours.
  5. Rinse out the solution using lukewarm water.

How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this once every week.

Why This Works
Guava leaves contain compounds that possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These can repair the damaged hair follicles and improve hair growth. Guava leaves are also antimicrobial and can treat scalp infections that may be hindering your hair growth (32).

17. Turmeric For Hair Growth

17. Turmeric For Hair Growth

You Will Need

  • 3-4 tablespoons turmeric powder
  • 1 cup raw milk
  • 2 tablespoons honey

What You Have To Do

  1. Thoroughly mix the turmeric powder and honey in the milk.
  2. Apply this as a scalp and hair pack.
  3. Let it sit for 30 minutes. Wash it off using shampoo and tepid water.

How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this once or twice a week.

Why This Works
Curcumin, the key ingredient found in turmeric, exerts multiple beneficial effects on the scalp and hair. It treats scalp infections and heals damaged skin cells and hair follicles. It is an antioxidant, an antiseptic, and an anti-inflammatory compound (33).

18. Coffee For Hair Growth
You Will Need

  • 7-8 tablespoons coffee grounds
  • 2 cups water
  • Shower cap
  • Shampoo
  • Warm water

What You Have To Do

  1. Brew fresh coffee using the proportions mentioned above.
  2. Let the coffee cool down. In the meantime, rinse your hair with shampoo.
  3. Wring out the excess water and then carefully pour the cold coffee on your scalp and hair.
  4. Massage the scalp for a minute or two and cover your hair with a shower cap.
  5. Wash your hair with warm water after 20-30 minutes.
  6. Let your hair dry naturally.

How Often You Should Do This
Do this once a week for best results.

Why This Works
Coffee contains caffeine that works at the molecular and cellular levels to improve hair growth. It enhances the production of factors that regulate hair growth and improves it (34). Alopecia patients also use caffeine for hair growth because of its high potency.

Caution
Coffee can stain your hair, making it perfect for people with darker hair. For people with lighter hair, like blonde hair, it is best to opt for other remedies for hair growth.

19. Curry Leaf For Hair Growth

19. Curry Leaf For Hair Growth

You Will Need

  • A handful of fresh curry leaves
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil

What You Have To Do

  1. Add the curry leaves to the oil and heat this up until the leaves form a black residue. Be careful while doing so because leaves tend to splutter.
  2. Once the black residue has formed, remove the oil from the flame.
  3. Let it cool down. Strain the oil.
  4. Apply this to the scalp and hair and massage the scalp for a couple of minutes.
  5. Keep it on for an hour and then rinse your hair as usual.
  6. Store the unused oil in an airtight bottle.

How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this twice a week to notice results.

Why This Works
Curry leaves promote hair growth and prevent premature graying. They are rich in phosphorus, iron, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C (35).

20. Bee Pollen For Hair Growth
You Will Need
Bee pollen supplement

What You Have To Do
Take the supplement as directed by the manufacturer.

How Often You Should Do This
Daily intake of these supplements is often recommended.

Why This Works
Bee pollen is rich in protein, minerals, vitamins, and a plethora of other nutrients that can improve hair growth (36).

Caution
You may or may not be allergic to bee pollen. If you notice any allergic reactions or symptoms, stop taking the supplement immediately.

21. Amla Powder For Hair Growth

21. Amla Powder For Hair Growth

You Will Need

  • 2 teaspoons amla powder or amla juice
  • 2 teaspoons lime juice

What You Have To Do

  1. Mix amla powder or juice and lime juice.
  2. Apply this mixture on your scalp and let it dry for some time.
  3. Rinse your hair well with warm water.

How Often You Should Do This
You can apply amla to your hair once in a month.

Why This Works
Amla is a powerhouse of antioxidants and vitamin C. It promotes healthy hair growth and also improves the pigmentation of hair (37, 38).

22. Chia Seeds For Hair Growth
You Will Need

  • 1 teaspoon chia seeds
  • 1/4 cup almond milk OR coconut milk

What You Have To Do

  1. Soak the chia seeds in the milk for 10 minutes.
  2. Apply this on your scalp and let it sit for 10 minutes.
  3. Rinse it off with a mild shampoo.
  4. You can soak a teaspoon of chia seeds in a glass of water for 10 minutes and then consume them. You can also add them to your daily smoothie.

How Often You Should Do This
Apply the chia seed hair mask once in every 10-12 days.

Why This Works
Soaked chia seeds have a gel-like consistency that hydrates your scalp and hair. They contain omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation and keep the scalp and hair healthy. Chia seeds are also rich in antioxidants that can promote circulation and hair growth (39).

23. Mustard Powder For Hair Growth

23. Mustard Powder For Hair Growth

You Will Need

  • 1 tablespoon mustard powder
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/4 cup warm water

What You Have To Do

  1. Mix the mustard powder and sugar with warm water.
  2. Apply this on your scalp.
  3. Leave the hair mask on for 15-60 minutes.
  4. Rinse it off thoroughly using a mild shampoo.
  5. For dry hair, add a tablespoon of any carrier oil of your choice to this mask. For oily hair and dandruff, add a tablespoon of lemon juice. You can also add an egg to this hair mask for all hair types.

How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this once every week.

Why This Works
Mustard enhances circulation and reduces swelling of the hair follicles, thus restoring healthy hair growth (40).

24. Yogurt For Hair Growth
You Will Need

  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • Shower cap

What You Have To Do

  1. Segment your hair and apply yogurt on the entire scalp. You can also apply it on the hair strands.
  2. Tie your hair up carefully and cover your head with the shower cap. Yogurt can start to drip on your clothes, and the shower cap will help you prevent that.
  3. Keep the yogurt mask on for 30 minutes. Then, rinse your hair with shampoo.

How Often You Should Do This
Do this once a week.

Why This Works
The acids present in yogurt can exfoliate your scalp and unclog the hair follicles. They can also restore the pH balance of the scalp. If any fungal or bacterial infections are present, they will also be taken care of. Yogurt's fat content nourishes and hydrates the scalp and hair (41). These effects will definitely improve hair growth.

25. Raw Shea Butter For Hair Growth

25. Raw Shea Butter For Hair Growth

You Will Need
Raw shea butter

What You Have To Do

  1. Warm up some shea butter to liquify it.
  2. Apply this on the scalp and hair and leave it on for 30 minutes.
  3. Rinse your hair as usual.
  4. Cocoa butter can also be used similarly for hair growth.

How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this once every week.

Why This Works
Being a wonderful source of vitamin A, vitamin E, and healthy fats, shea butter can moisturize and nourish your scalp and reverse cell damage due to oxidative stress (42). This treats dryness, reduces hair breakage, and improves hair growth.

26. Hibiscus For Hair Growth
You Will Need

  • 2 hibiscus flowers
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil OR sesame oil

What You Have To Do

  1. Wash the flowers with plain water.
  2. Make a paste of hibiscus flowers with coconut oil or sesame oil.
  3. Apply it on your hair evenly and leave it on for half an hour.
  4. Rinse with a mild shampoo.
  5. Hibiscus leaves can also be used for hair growth. Simply replace the flowers in the above process with 3-4 leaves.

How Often You Should Do This
You can apply this to your hair every time you wash it.

Why This Works
Hibiscus is truly said to be the 'flower of hair care'. This flower is used in herbal medicine for curing dandruff and enhancing hair growth. Its radical scavenging properties, vitamin C content, and emollient properties are responsible for these effects (43).

27. Brewer's Yeast For Hair Growth

27. Brewer's Yeast For Hair Growth

You Will Need

  • 4 tablespoons brewer's yeast
  • 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
  • Warm water

What You Have To Do

  1. To the brewer's yeast powder, add olive oil and some warm water to get a thick paste.
  2. Apply this as a mask on the scalp. Let it sit for an hour.
  3. Wash it off with shampoo.

How Often You Should Do This
Apply this once in every 10 days.

Why This Works
This hair pack deeply nourishes your scalp and hair. Brewer's yeast is rich in vitamin B complex that can enhance hair growth (44).

28. Moringa For Hair Growth
You Will Need
Moringa oil

What You Have To Do

  1. Massage the scalp with this oil and leave it on overnight.
  2. Rinse your hair as usual in the morning.
  3. How Often You Should Do This
  4. Oil your hair with this herbal oil once every week.

Why This Works
Native to the African and Asian countries, the oil from the moringa tree is gaining popularity for its benefits for hair health. It nourishes the scalp, fights dandruff, and reduces split ends, thus aiding hair growth and making your hair healthier (45, 46).

29. Wheatgrass For Hair Growth

29. Wheatgrass For Hair Growth

You Will Need
½ cup wheatgrass juice

What You Have To Do

  1. Apply the juice on your scalp and leave it on for 20 minutes.
  2. Rinse with shampoo.

How Often You Should Do This
Do this once a week.

Why This Works
The chlorophyll present in wheatgrass can treat scalp infections like dandruff and also improve cell regrowth. This can, in turn, restore hair growth (47).

30. Potato Juice For Hair Growth
You Will Need
1 potato

What You Have To Do

  1. Peel the potato and extract its juice by blending the potato slices.
  2. Apply this juice on your scalp and leave it on for 15 minutes.
  3. Wash your hair using a mild shampoo.

How Often You Should Do This
Apply potato juice to your hair every time you wash it.

Why This Works
Most people are not familiar with the hair growth properties of potato juice. Potato is rich in vitamins A, B, and C. These are essential for healthy and strong hair (48). This remedy can be used even if you are suffering from alopecia i.e. thinning of hair.

31. Rose Water For Hair Growth

31. Rose Water For Hair Growth

You Will Need

  • 1 cup rose water
  • 6-8 drops jojoba oil
  • 1 vitamin E capsule

What You Have To Do

  1. Open the vitamin E capsule and transfer the oil present inside to the cup of rose water.
  2. Add jojoba oil to this and mix well.
  3. Apply this mixture on the scalp and hair. Leave it on for half an hour.
  4. Rinse your hair with a shampoo.

How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this once a week.

Why This Works
This remedy will condition your scalp and hair. It will also make your hair shiny and smell lovely (49).

32. Ginseng Herb For Hair Growth
You Will Need

  • 1 tablespoon red ginseng herb extract
  • 1 cup olive oil OR coconut oil

What You Have To Do

  1. Dilute the ginseng liquid extract in either olive oil or coconut oil.
  2. Apply some of this oil on your scalp and hair and massage the scalp for a few minutes.
  3. Rinse out the oil with shampoo after leaving it on for 30 minutes.

How Often You Should Do This
Do this once a week.

Why This Works
Ginseng is a Chinese herb for hair growth. Various experiments have proved the efficacy of this herb in improving hair growth by promoting the growth of the hair keratinocytes and suppression of enzymes/hormones that impair hair growth (50).

33. Carrots For Hair Growth

33. Carrots For Hair Growth

You Will Need
1 medium sized carrot

What You Have To Do

  1. Grate the carrot and apply it on the scalp.
  2. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then wash your hair with shampoo.

How Often You Should Do This
Do this once or twice a week.

Why This Works
Carrots contain a wide range of vitamins (C, K, E, B1, B2, and B6) and minerals (potassium, manganese, molybdenum, and phosphorus). They also contain carotenoids that act as antioxidants. All of these revitalize the hair follicles and make your hair longer and thicker (51). Apart from the topical application, add carrots to your diet in the form of juices or simply eat them raw.

34. Coconut Milk For Hair Growth
You Will Need
1/4 - 1/2 cup coconut milk

What You Have To Do

  1. Buy some organic coconut milk and apply it on the scalp.
  2. Keep it on overnight.
  3. Rinse with cold water the next day.

How Often You Should Do This
Apply coconut milk to your hair every time you wash it.

Why This Works
Coconut milk is rich in proteins, iron, and other essential nutrients that promote hair growth and prevent breakage (52).

35. Blackstrap Molasses For Hair Growth

35. Blackstrap Molasses For Hair Growth

You Will Need
1/4 cup blackstrap molasses

What You Have To Do

  1. Apply this viscous liquid from the roots to the tips of your hair.
  2. Leave it on for half an hour.
  3. Rinse your hair as usual.

How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this once a week.

Why This Works
Blackstrap molasses are rich in nutrients like B vitamins, iron, potassium, and calcium. These nutrients promote scalp health and hair growth. This hair pack will also deeply condition your hair (53, 54).

36. Saw Palmetto For Hair Growth
You Will Need

  • 6-8 drops saw palmetto oil
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

What You Have To Do

  1. Mix both the oils and lightly warm up the oil blend.
  2. Massage your scalp with this blend for 15 minutes.
  3. Leave it on for 30 minutes. Rinse it off with a mild shampoo.

How Often You Should Do This
Do this once a week before you wash your hair.

Why This Works
This herb reduces the levels of the enzymes that can cause hair loss and hair fall. Once these levels go down, your hair growth will come back to normal (55).

37. Baking Soda For Hair Growth

37. Baking Soda For Hair Growth

You Will Need

  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • 6 tablespoons water
  • A small squeeze bottle

What You Have To Do

  1. Mix the baking soda with water in the bottle and squirt this on the scalp.
  2. Massage your roots and spread the baking soda solution further down your hair length.
  3. Leave it on for 10 minutes. Rinse your hair with tepid water.

How Often You Should Do This
Use the baking soda rinse once in every 10-12 days.

Why This Works
Baking soda can remove the excess product and chlorine build-up from your scalp and hair (56). Such build-up usually clogs your pores and stunts hair growth. Massaging with this versatile powder can also exfoliate your scalp, get rid of the dead skin cells, and improve blood circulation to the scalp (57). As baking soda is antifungal, it will also treat any fungal infections that may be present (58).

38. Fish Oil For Hair Growth
Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that perform multiple functions when it comes to healing skin issues. Your scalp is an extension of your skin. When this skin is distressed, it affects your hair growth. When fish oil supplements are taken, this stress is taken away by the anti-inflammatory activity of the omega-3 fats. These fatty acids also ensure the healthy development of the skin's various layers and also their hydration and nourishment (59, 60). Take fish oil supplements on a daily basis for healthy skin and hair growth. You can take cod liver oil supplements instead of the fish oil ones as they also contain the same omega-3 fatty acids (61).

Caution
These supplements may not be recommended for people with asthma or pregnant women. If you are pregnant or have any health issues, consult your doctor before adding these supplements to your diet.

39. Protein Powder For Hair Growth

39. Protein Powder For Hair Growth

Healthy hair growth is possible only if your diet contains enough amount of proteins in it. If, for some reason, your protein intake is low, opt for a protein powder that can supply your body (and hair) with the protein and other nutrients that it requires. Purchase a protein powder with natural ingredients and drink it as directed on the bottle.

40. Inversion Method For Hair Growth
You Will Need
Hair oil of your choice

What You Have To Do

  1. Warm up some hair oil and apply it on the scalp and hair strands. You could use any oil like coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, etc.
  2. Massage your scalp for five minutes. Bend forward so that your head is facing your chest and your hair is falling over your head towards the floor.
  3. Stay in this position for 4-5 minutes. Try deep breathing while in this position to calm your mind.
  4. Then, very gently, bring your head back to its normal position. Do not use sudden movements to do this.

How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this every time you oil your hair.

Why This Works
While massaging with the oil itself can stimulate circulation to your scalp, it is believed that inverting your head stimulates the blood circulation further. Many people have seen great results in their hair growth by using this remedy, and some have seen none. You can give a try and see how it works for you.

Caution
Do not do this if you have neck, spinal, ear, or eye related issues. Pregnant women and people with heart disease and low/high blood pressure should also not try this.

Yoga For Hair Growth
Yoga can stimulate your scalp by improving blood and oxygen flow in the body. This results in enough nutrients reaching the hair follicles and rejuvenating them, having an automatic effect on the growth cycle of the hair. Yoga can also help to regulate the body's hormones that affect hair growth and hair loss. Some yoga poses (asanas) that are recommended for hair growth are:

  • Adho Mukha Svanasana
  • Uttanasana
  • Sasankasana
  • Vajrasana

Juicing For Hair Growth
Just like proteins, your body also needs enough amounts of vitamins and minerals to restore and improve hair growth. Use a combination of your favorite fruits and vegetables to come up with a delicious juice cocktail for your hair. Here are a few juicing recipes for hair growth:

  1. Half a cucumber with five carrots and an apple/a tomato
  2. One apple, one carrot, and three to four strawberries
  3. Two guavas with two kiwis

Blend the ingredients and relish the deliciousness. For a detailed diet recommendation for hair growth, see the next section.

Diet For Hair Growth
It is important to make a few dietary modifications to stimulate the process of hair growth and prevent hair loss. First and foremost, these are the foods to avoid for healthy hair growth:

  • Junk and processed food
  • Aerated drinks
  • Swordfish, mackerel, and tuna (as they can contain mercury)
  • Sugary food like donuts, desserts, pastries, etc.
  • Starch items like white bread, white pasta, and croissants
  • Alcohol

Include vitamin and mineral-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains, carbohydrates, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein-rich foods in your diet. These are rich in phytonutrients that are beneficial for hair growth.

Below are the lists of some foods you can include in your daily diet for better hair.

Foods For Hair Growth
(i) Protein-Rich Foods
Our hair is made of a special protein called keratin. Try to include eggs, chicken, tofu, soybean, kidney beans, and other similar foods in your diet. These are the richest source of proteins for hair. They promote the growth of new hair and make your hair shiny and smooth.

(ii) Vitamin A
Vitamin A is beneficial for hair growth. Mango, papaya, orange, prunes, and carrots are a few foods that have a high content of vitamin A.

(iii) Vitamin B
Vitamin B stimulates the production of hemoglobin in our blood that acts as the oxygen carrier. This increases blood circulation in the scalp. Include potato, banana, chicken, oatmeal, fish, and beans in your diet.

(iv) Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps in collagen production and fights the free radicals in the skin. Do not forget to include lots of fruits like amla, oranges, kiwis, and guavas in your daily diet.

(v) Vitamin E
The scalp capillary function is stimulated by the intake of vitamin E in your diet. It increases blood circulation and promotes hair growth. Cereals, sunflower oil, soybean oil, tofu, etc. contain good amounts of vitamin E. You must try and include as much of these foods in your diet as you can.

(vi) Green Vegetables
Try to include lots of dark green vegetables in your diet. These contain iron that is essential for hair growth.

Make these changes to your diet at the earliest, not just for healthy, long hair but also for a healthy body.