Hair Growth - Important Ingredients for Growing Healthy Hair
The market for hair care items such as shampoos, conditioners, styling products and treatments claiming to enhance growth is oversaturated. It can be overwhelming to find the right product for your curly hair needs. When browsing new hair products to use on your beautiful locks, be on the lookout for any combination of the natural ingredients below. The more natural ingredients in your hair products, the better it will be for your overall hair health. When you are growing your hair, it is important to not only look for increases in length but make certain that your hair is truly healthy in all aspects including its texture and shine. Below, we have compiled a list of some of the most effective all-natural sources that will not only assist you in lengthening your hair but do so in a way that keeps your hair feeling and looking its best.
12 Ingredients To Look For in Your Hair Care Products
Avocados
This fruit is often touted as a super food for a reason. It houses a number of nutrients and minerals that are beneficial to your hair. It is believed that avocados were regularly used in Ancient Egypt for hair growth and health and that has expanded to modern-day use. Avocado's fatty components and nutrients are vital for promoting shine and overall hair health while also preventing breakage and excessive hair loss.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has long been considered a great natural source for healthy hair for removing buildup and promoting growth. However, it is important to understand that the use of coconut oil as a standalone treatment may not be for every hair type. While individuals with fine to medium hair will often have success using coconut oil, people with coarse and dry natural strands could cause more harm than good.
Shea Butter
When it comes to sealing in moisture and offering protection for your hair, Shea butter is one of the best natural ingredients for the job. This widely-used nut butter is an important ingredient in some of the highest quality hair products available. It helps protect your hair from heating elements while also working to reduce frizz and improve the conditions of your scalp allowing for healthy hair growth.
Castor Oil
Castor oil is used in a variety of hair products and as a standalone treatment to stimulate hair growth through its use on the scalp. Its properties are attributed to protecting hair follicles, which in turn allow healthy hair to avoid breakage and damage. However, it is notable that castor oil may not be the best option for all hair types and situations. Individuals suffering from dandruff may unintentionally make the issues worse with continued castor oil use.
Kukui Nut
This relatively unknown powerhouse is a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants that moisturizes hair and in turn, stimulates its growth. Derived from the Hawaiian Candlenut tree, this oil is used in high-quality hair and scalp products to protect hair from harsh environmental factors and promote growth due to its high level of fatty and amino acids.
Essential Oils
When we think of essential oils, we often link their use to aromatherapy or massage, however, there are several essential oils that can be used as part of a healthy hair care routine or included in various hair treatment and styling products.
Peppermint
The use of peppermint oil on your scalp will cause an instantaneous reaction. Awakening not just your sense of smell but also the nerve receptors within your scalp. This activation within your scalp will in turn stimulate your hair follicles which can lead to faster hair growth.
Lavender
Lavender oil possesses not only antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, but is also effective in the reduction of stress through its use. When used on the scalp and hair, lavender can contribute to hair growth and overall hair health.
Tea Tree
Tea tree is a powerful essential oil that has many health and wellness applications such as scalp clarification and cleansing, that helps to promote healthy hair growth. When used as an ingredient in a hair care product, it can be easily integrated into your hair routine, however, use caution when using tea tree oil directly on your scalp. Tea tree oil can be harmful if used beyond the recommended dosage and users should take great care to ensure they are using this essential oil safely.
Aloe Vera
In its oil or gel form, Aloe Vera is used as part of hair products and as a massage treatment to help activate hair growth, reduce the effects of hair loss, and repair damaged hair. It acts as a clearing agent, unblocking clogged hair follicles and conditioning your hair.
Olive Oil
This oil has a rich and longstanding history in its use in beauty products around the globe. The effects of olive oil on your hair are noticeable almost immediately, adding shine, strength, and volume. Its moisture-rich properties make it an appealing ingredient in many hair care products, and a budget-friendly standalone option to give your hair a revitalizing and simple treatment.
Ginseng
While drinking ginseng tea can help you relieve stress and promote digestion, it also has surprising benefits in hair care application. It works to strengthen and grow hair follicles, as well as preventing breakage and hair thinning. Making it an attractive and effective ingredient for many hair care products.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar is often touted as a cure-all remedy used in a variety of health applications, and its use for healthy and vibrant hair is no different. Apple Cider Vinegar can be used to protect your scalp from bacteria and buildup leading to dryness and dandruff, by balancing the pH levels within your hair follicles. It is recommended for use by many dermatologists for individuals dealing with some of the most common hair ailments, and can be used by all hair types and textures making it an effective all-natural ingredient used in many hair-related products.
Tips for Promoting Healthy Hair Growth
There are many ingredients and products that can bring your hair back to life and help you grow your locks as long as you desire. In addition to using the highest quality products with all-natural and non-toxic ingredients, there are some additional steps you can take to keep your hair healthy and primed for growth.
Use Gentle Heating and Straightening Tools
Investing in a high-end hair straightener and dryer will ensure your hair remains strong and healthy. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures will wreak havoc on your hair leading to damage that can be difficult or near-impossible to repair. Consider a tool such as the RevAir, to style and heat your hair safely.
Eat a Balanced & Healthy Diet
What you put into your body can be more important and effective than what you use on it. Eating a healthy and balanced diet with nutritious options can promote healthy hair from within, and help your hair grow longer and faster.
Routinely Massage Your Scalp
Ask your partner to give you a relaxing scalp massage, or head to a professional for the full spa experience. Scalp massages work not only to relieve tension and stress, but also to stimulate your hair follicles leading to better hair growth.
Periodically Trim Your Hair
It may sound counterproductive, but periodic hair trims of dead and split ends help keep your hair looking and feeling healthy, as well as giving your hair the boost it needs to grow back stronger and longer. Schedule a trim every 3 months to ensure you are keeping your hair at its best throughout the year.
Take Your Vitamins
Just like your diet can give your hair a boost, so can taking your vitamins with the nutrients and minerals you may not be able to consume consistently through your food. Look for stimulating hair growth ingredients such as biotin, horsetail extract, keratin, and collagen to get an additional internal boost along with your favorite hair care products.
Steer Clear of Harsh Chemicals And Focus on Nature To Help you Grow Your Hair
Stick to all-natural, non-toxic ingredients to keep your hair healthy and looking great. Do not resort to harsh chemicals promising fast results that may change your hair's natural state and do more damage than good in the long run. Always look at the ingredients in your hair care products carefully and make certain the products you choose are using high-quality ingredients from natural sources to assist in the healthy growth of your hair.
