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!

Hair Myths Exposed: Part I

Myth #1: You need to switch shampoos often or your hair will get used to it, so it won't work anymore.

Not quite. While it is a good idea to occasionally change your shampoo, it's not because your hair is building up some sort of  tolerance to your Paul Mitchell. There are three different scenarios in which you would actually need to change your shampoo.

 

1. Seasonal Changes

During the summer, when the air is hot and humid, your scalp can become more oily than normal. So look for a shampoo with a volumizing effect that can control the excess oil. During winter time, when we are exposed to lots of dry, artificial heat, look for a more hydrating shampoo option.

Try Sebastian's Volupt in the Summer and Redken's Clear Moisture in the Winter.

2. Dietary Changes

What you eat has a dramatic effect on your hair. People who do not get their recommended dose of fatty acids and vitamins everyday typically have dry and broken hair. In this situation, you wouldn't need to change your shampoo, but do add a 5 minute hair mask, like Moroccan Oil, once a week into your beauty regiment. This will revitalize the humectants in your hair.

"Foods for Healthy Hair" is a great list of foods that will help your hair look beautiful.

3. Aging

Just like the rest of our body, hair becomes weak or brittle with age. As you get older you may find that you will need a shampoo formula that has a higher content of reparative proteins, like soy milk, that will mend your weak strands.

Try Paul Mitchel's Super Strong Daily Shampoo, not just for aging hair but also for damaged hair.

Tip: When it comes to shampoo, you get what you pay for. If you opt to buy a less expensive shampoo, like Pantene, you will not save money. Shampoo's are all relatively very similar, the reason certain brands are less expensive than others has to do with the amount of preservatives used. In a less expensive brand there will be a lot of preservatives, which cause build up on your hair. You will find yourself washing your hair more often and having to use more shampoo for each wash, thus, not saving money. I recommend Sebastian products. They are typically middle of the road as far as price and I've been using them for years with no complaints.

Sebastian

Check back next week for my Hair Myths Exposed: Part II in which I reveal what will actually make your hair grow faster and what won't!