Hair Myths Exposed: Part II

Myth #2: I found this new shampoo that will make hair grow longer and faster!

No, you did not. Have you ever seen an advertisement for a shampoo that will make your hair grow longer or faster? Well, it's impossible for any topical product to have an effect on how your hair grows! Hair growth is all about what's happening inside your body. I've got 4 tips on what will actually make your hair grow longer and faster:

1. Eat Right

Healthy food promotes healthy hair. Your diet is so related to having long, healthy hair. Our hair is made of protein, so getting enough protein in your diet is essential for hair growth. Proteins such as chicken and turkey, fish, eggs, soy products, beans, and nuts are good choices if you're wanting your hair to grow. Fats (yes, I said the "F-word") are really good for your hair. But make sure you are eating the right type of fats: Omega 3. Marine and plant oils like salmon, flaxseed oil, sardines, walnuts, and spinach are all very rich in omega 3 fats.

2. Relax

Stress can actually cause your hair to stop growing. When you are under extreme stress, your body can go into something called "survival mode," in which it will only produce things to help you stay alive. You don't need hair to live, so your body may stop producing the proteins needed to grow hair. Exercise is a fantastic stress relief! When you exercise, your body produces endorphins, which is your own natural "happy-chemical." Yoga is the perfect choice for a stress relieving exercise.

3. See a Doctor

There are a host of medical conditions that can stunt hair growth and they're not all that rare. For example, blood count, thyroid conditions and hormonal imbalances can all contribute to stunted hair growth. Normal hair grows 1/2 inch - 5/8 inch per month. If you really feel like your hair isn't growing like it should be, speak with your doctor about what could be causing the problem.

4.Take Your Vitamins

This, in my opinion, is the best and fastest way to get your hair to grow faster. You should be making sure that you are getting Vitamins A, D, E, and K in your normal diet. Those are all vitamins that are necessary for hair growth. On top of those vitamins, I recommend taking a couple supplements that you can find in the vitamin isle of any grocery store. The first one is Biotin. I recommend this to all my clients (especially brides) that are trying to grow their hair long by a certain date. It will dramatically increase your hair growth, and also your nail growth. The second is fish oil pills (beware, they smell terrible). Fish oil pills containing B-complex will speed up the growth of hair follicles. Be careful about taking both supplements at the same time because they both contain vitamin B. As always, consult your doctor before adding any supplements to your diet.

Check back next week for Hair Myths Exposed: Part III, in which I reveal the truth about "Wash, Rinse, Repeat" and how you should actually be washing your hair!