If you are in your 30s or older and have started noticing that your hair is thinning and is more prone to breaking and splitting, you may want to find some effective ways to return it to its former glory.
There are lots of different methods that reportedly promote hair growth, and we will be going over the most popular ones to see just how effective they are. In the end, we will give you a more permanent solution that can solve most of your problems.
Did you know?
Hair loss affects millions globally—and it’s rising. In 2024 alone, ISHRS members treated an average of 498 non-surgical and 156 surgical patients per physician for hair restoration, highlighting a growing demand for effective solutions to hair thinning and baldness.
Nutrition and Diet for Healthy Hair
The first thing you can do to make your hair grow faster is to ensure you are leading a healthy lifestyle. You don’t need to overthink it or spend lots of money—you just need to know what to focus on. In general, you need a diet high in protein, around 1.6 grams per kg of bodyweight, lower in fats, 0.8 to 1.2 grams per kg, focused mostly on healthy fats or omega-3 fatty acids.
Aim for 400–800 grams of total fruit and vegetables, preferably leafy greens and berries, and try to include plenty of different options throughout the week.
Topical Treatments and Ingredients
A proven method to prevent hair loss, especially if you have the beginnings of male or female pattern baldness, is Minoxidil.
It is applied directly to the hair and scalp and works by promoting blood flow to hair follicles and making the growth stage longer. It typically takes 4–8 weeks to show results, and a common side effect is the appearance of skin rashes, sometimes even acne or inflammation.
For issues like alopecia areata, doctors recommend corticosteroid creams or injections, but Minoxidil can also help.
Essential Oils and Natural Remedies
There are also plenty of natural options that can strengthen the follicles and even slow down hair loss. Here is a quick look at the benefits and possible downsides of the most common natural cures:
Remedy / Oil | Pros | Cons |
Rosemary Oil | – Increases blood circulation to the scalp – DHT-blocking properties – Shown to match minoxidil in studies | – Must be diluted with a carrier oil – May cause scalp irritation in sensitive individuals |
Peppermint Oil | – Stimulates blood flow – Increases follicle depth | – Can be too intense undiluted – May cause a tingling or burning sensation |
Castor Oil | – Moisturizes scalp – Reduces breakage and shedding | – Very thick – Can cause buildup if not washed out properly |
Fenugreek Oil | – Strengthens hair follicles – Reduces shedding | – Smell may be unpleasant to some |
Hibiscus | – Stimulates dormant follicles – Adds shine and volume | – Needs to be prepared as a paste or infused oil – Results may take time |
Scalp Health and Stimulation
You also need to make sure that your scalp is in good shape, and you can start by protecting it from the sun but wearing hats during the hottest months. UV radiation can also damage and dry out the hair shaft, so it pays to be safe.
Another important point is to wash your hair regularly and use exfoliating products around once a week, which will help remove dead skin and prevent clogging and oil buildup. There is also scalp massaging, which improves circulation and gets more oxygen-rich blood into the area.
Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
Stress is the number one cause of a host of chronic health issues, and thinning hair or excessive shedding is right at the top of that list.
Finding ways to relax and getting enough quality sleep are super important ways to stimulate hair growth, but you should also pay attention to changes in heat and humidity in different seasons and use the appropriate moisturizing or protective conditioners.
Hair Care Practices That Support Growth
There are several habits and approaches to regular maintenance that can damage your hair. For one, brushing too aggressively or wearing tight braids, buns, and ponytails can weaken the follicles.
Heated styling is also quite destructive, so try to avoid curling irons or straighteners as much as you can and use a heat shield when blow-drying. Regular trims also help prevent breakage and split ends.
Supplements for Hair Growth
As long as you have a healthy diet, you shouldn’t worry about this, but if not, focus on supplements containing vitamins B7 (Biotin), D, E, and C, as well as Iron and Zinc. There are also some indications that collagen and Saw Palmetto can help to an extent. The latter is potentially an effective DHT blocker that may slow down hair loss in androgenetic alopecia.
Permanent Solutions: Hair Transplant
As you can see, you have several relatively effective ways to improve the overall health of your hair and give it the best chance to grow out strong. However, if you have a genetic predisposition to balding or the damage is too great to be repaired with the methods we mentioned, you need a more direct approach.
Getting a hair transplant in Istanbul can fully restore a more youthful hairline and add thickness and volume. The success rates are astonishing, 95% to 98%, and the modern procedures are minimally invasive, while offering great long-term results.
FAQs
How Fast Does Hair Typically Grow?
The average healthy hair growth is around six inches or 15 cm per year, although a lot of people can expect even higher numbers, depending on their genetics. Improving your overall health and using some of the tips we’ve mentioned can definitely get you better results.
Can Certain Hairstyles Help?
Some styles can keep your hair from breaking and help preserve its length, or prevent split ends that have to be cut more frequently. These include protective options like loose buns and braids that keep the hair up, and potentially using hats.
What Should I Avoid for Better Hair Growth?
The main problem is frequent restyling, curling, or straightening with heat, as all these create a lot of damage. Also, stay away from permanent dyes and be careful when detangling and brushing. In general, anything that introduces strong chemicals, lots of heat, and puts too much tension on your hair is a bad choice.