6 Secrets to Growing Healthy Hair That Few Know About

When you’re on a journey to grow thicker, longer, and healthier hair, the process can seem like a never-ending chore. On average, hair grows about 0.5 inches per month. That corresponds to approximately 6 inches of hair growth every year. But oftentimes, that growth feels minimal, especially when most people lose between 50 and 100 hairs each day.

The Bright Side team went on a quest to answer the million-dollar question of how to maximize hair growth and thickness potential.

1. Use onion juice.

One can say that onions are a basic key ingredient in every kitchen, but they may also help you get the hair of your dreams. While there is not enough research to say whether onion juice promotes hair growth for sure, a few studies have shown that it may be worth adding to your hair care routine. For starters, the Journal of Dermatology believes that applying onion juice to the scalp may aid in hair regrowth. Also, one study shows that people with alopecia areata who apply onion juice twice daily to their scalps notice hair growth after 2 weeks.

2. Massage your scalp.

One of the many ways to speed up the growth process and get your hair longer in no time is massaging your scalp. The purpose of this hack is to stretch the cells of the hair follicles and trigger them to produce thicker, individual hairs. According to a 2019 study, nearly 69% of participants reported that their alopecia had improved thanks to this free and easy practice.

3. Use rosemary oil.

If you desire thick strands, then you most likely seek products and ingredients that are beneficial for their overall health. The issue is that there are endless products, and keeping up with hair care trends can be overwhelming and even harmful. One of the trends that are science-backed is rosemary oil. In fact, a 2015 study found that rosemary essential oil was just as effective as minoxidil (a medication used to cure thinning hair).

4. Experiment with “no poo.”

While some elements, such as genetics, are beyond your control, there are a few things you can switch and tweak. One of these practices that many people swear by is ditching the shampoo. It may sound counterintuitive, but shampoo may be an unnecessary hygiene product since it only dates back to 1930. Also, standard shampoos damage the hair by removing the healthy natural oils produced by the scalp.

5. Consider investing in a water filter.

Even if you apply all the oils and treatments in the world, oftentimes, there’s a hidden factor that can jeopardize our hair care journey: water. Shower water can contain harsh chemicals, such as chloride and minerals, including calcium, mercury, magnesium, and nickel. It can also contain sand and other pollutants that can irritate your scalp and cause drying and hair fall-out due to breakage. Pick a good shower filter to eliminate a high amount of chlorine, minerals, and other particles found in your shower water.

6. Gently detangle your hair.

You should first untangle your hair before styling it. Detangling hair at night guarantees that it stays tangle-free while sleeping and makes styling easier in the morning. To ensure a breakage-free experience, take your time, work in small sections, moisturize your hair, use a wide-tooth wooden comb, and start at the ends before working your way to the top.

In your opinion, what is the ideal hair length? What is a practice that sabotages most people’s hair-growth journeys?