Healthy hair is a symbol of vitality and beauty. It not only enhances our appearance but also boosts our confidence. However, many of us struggle with common hair issues such as thinning, breakage, and slow growth. These problems can be frustrating and can significantly impact one's self-esteem.
While countless commercial products are promising miraculous hair transformations, many people are turning to natural hair care products as an alternative. These are products that are made from natural nutrients that can nourish your scalp, strengthen hair follicles, and promote healthy hair growth.
In this article, we'll explore the top 7 natural nutrients you should look out for when selecting hair care products to help you achieve thicker, longer, and more lustrous hair.
Understanding Hair Growth and Thickness
Before we dive into the specifics of hair growth-boosting nutrients, you must understand the basics of hair growth.
The Hair Growth Cycle
Hair growth occurs in three main phases:
- Anagen: The growth phase when hair actively grows.
- Catagen: The transitional phase where hair growth slows down, and the hair follicle shrinks.
- Telogen: The resting phase during which hair growth stops, and the old hair is shed to make way for new growth.
The length of each of these phases varies from person to person, but generally, the anagen phase is the longest. Also, factors like genetics, age, and overall health influence the hair growth cycle.
Factors Affecting Hair Thickness
Hair thickness, on the other hand, is determined by the number and size of hair follicles. Several factors can influence hair thickness, some of which include:
- Genetics: Hair thickness is largely inherited.
- Hormonal imbalances: Hormones play a significant role in hair growth and thickness.
- Nutrition: A balanced diet provides essential nutrients for healthy hair growth.
- Hair care practices: Excessive heat styling, harsh chemicals, and tight hairstyles can damage hair and affect thickness.
- Underlying health conditions: Certain medical conditions can lead to hair thinning or loss.
By understanding these factors, you can better appreciate the importance of a holistic approach to hair care and have a realistic expectation from the hair care products you use.
Top 7 nutrients for Hair Growth and Thickness
- Biotin
Role in Keratin Production:
- Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, plays a crucial role in the production of keratin, a protein that makes up the structure of hair, skin, and nails.
Foods Rich in Biotin:
- Eggs, nuts, seeds, salmon, sweet potatoes, and avocados are excellent dietary sources of biotin.
- Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce oxidative stress and improve scalp health and having a healthy scalp is essential for hair growth.
Sources of Vitamin E includes Sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach, and avocados are rich in vitamin E.
Vitamin E helps create a healthy environment for hair growth by enhancing blood circulation to the scalp and balancing oil production.
- Rosemary Oil
Stimulates Blood Circulation:
- Rosemary oil improves blood circulation to the scalp, ensuring hair follicles receive essential nutrients for growth. Research has shown that rosemary oil is as effective as minoxidil, a common hair growth treatment, in improving hair thickness and growth.
- Castor Oil
Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties and helps nourish the scalp.
It acts as a natural humectant, which means it helps lock in moisture, preventing scalp dryness and flakiness.
Studies also show that castor oil can help strengthen hair strands, reduce breakage, and promote thicker hair growth.
- Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil promotes hair growth by extending the anagen phase, where active hair growth occurs.
Studies have shown that peppermint oil can significantly increase hair growth compared to placebo treatments.
- Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe and calm an irritated scalp. Thereby facillitating the hair growth
The enzymes in aloe vera can also help break down dead skin cells on the scalp, reducing dandruff.
Promotes Hair Growth:
- Aloe vera improves blood circulation to the scalp and provides essential nutrients, promoting healthy hair growth.
7. Amla
Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is packed with essential nutrients, including vitamin C, antioxidants, flavonoids, and minerals, all of which contribute to its effectiveness in promoting hair growth and thickness.
The high vitamin C content in amla helps boost collagen production, which strengthens the hair follicles and promotes hair growth.
Amla also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help maintain a healthy scalp, preventing dandruff and other scalp issues that can impede hair growth.
There are also research that show that amla has antioxidant properties that help prevent premature greying of hair and maintain the natural hair colour and shine of your hair.
How To Effectively Use Hair Growth Nutrients for Hair Growth and Thickness
It is a common practice for people to apply natural ingredients directly to their hair, following the popular DIY approach that is displayed on social media.
However, while this may look simple and intuitive, it often comes with several downsides like inconsistent results, allergies, messy appearance etc.
On the other hand, when these nutrients are carefully combined to make hair care products they allow you derive the maximum benefits and results from their usage. This is because proper formulation enhances the penetration and efficacy of all ingredients.
Conclusion
Incorporating nourishing nutrients into your diet and hair care products is the best way to provide your hair with the essential nutrients it needs to thrive. From boosting hair growth to enhancing thickness and shine, natural remedies offer a gentle yet effective approach to achieving your hair goals.
That's why at African Naturalistas, we offer a range of hair care products that leverage the power of oils, herbs, and natural elements to create a personalized hair care regimen tailored just for you.
Our products are expertly formulated to target specific hair care needs, whether it's promoting hair growth, regrowing receding hairlines, or alleviating scalp itching. Whatever your hair concern may be, we have the perfect product to provide the solution you need.
Click the link below to check out our store or send a DM on Instagram for guided recommendations for hair care products you need.
If you found this post helpful, do well to share with your friends and loved ones that would like to grow healthy hair.