5 Ways to Improve Hair Naturally

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5 Ways to Improve Hair Naturally
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Now that I’ve been pregnant several times and had the wonderful thick hair that accompanies pregnancy and seen it thin again after birth, I started searching for and testing ways to naturally promote hair growth.

Of course, some of the post-pregnancy shed is entirely hormonal and somewhat inevitable, but I’ve found some tips that seem to help promote hair growth and improved follicle strength. I also wonder if these tips help baby’s hair growth in utero, as my kids have all come with a LOT of hair, especially my 4-year-old (her hair is in the picture above and she was three when taken!) Her hair has always been naturally thick, curly and easy to work with. In fact, she was born with almost two inches and I’ve now cut off over 16 inches of her still waist-length hair!

It is also important to remember that the condition of the hair and skin can be a good indication of the state of the body on the inside, so it is important address the body as a whole to improve hair and skin for the long term.

Either way, these natural tips are also good for the body in other ways, so there isn’t much to lose. Have you ever done anything to help improve hair growth? Please share your tips below!

1. Consume Enough Protein

Protein is essential for hair growth, so consuming enough protein can make sure that the body has the necessary building blocks for hair. Complete sources of protein like meats and fish are the most beneficial for hair growth and many meats also contain iron, which is another essential aspect of proper hair growth.

Foods like meats, fish, eggs, and especially bone broths (see below) are excellent for hair growth. These foods also contain necessary fats that help promote healthy hormones (see below) and healthy hair!

2. Get The Vitamins!

Some vitamins help promote hair growth- most notably: Vitamin C and Biotin. The body needs Vitamin C to produce collagen, which is necessary for healthy hair and skin. Vitamin C also helps with iron absorption, which promotes hair growth (plus it is an immune booster!). Since the body can’t manufacture Vitamin C , it is one vitamin that must be obtained from food or supplements. Foods like citrus, broccoli and spinach all contain Vitamin C.

Biotin (and other b-vitamins) can also promote faster and stronger hair growth, and it is also good for the skin. Biotin is a water soluble B-Vitamin that is also used in proper digestion of fats and sugars. Eggs, nuts, berries, fish and some vegetables all provide Biotin, though in small amounts, so sometimes a supplement can be helpful.

3. Up the Gelatin

I’ve posted before about the many benefits of Gelatin, including its support of healthy hair, skin and nails. Gelatin is one thing I make sure to consume daily in some form, either in bone broth or gelatin powder (or both). From a previous post:

Gelatin is largely composed of the amino acids glycine and proline, which many people don’t consume in adequate amounts as they are found in the bones, fibrous tissues and organs of animals and as a population, we don’t consume these parts as much anymore. These amino acids are needed not only for proper skin, hair and nail growth, but for optimal immune function and weight regulation!

Glycine, which makes up about 1/3 of the amino acids in gelatin powder is anti-inflammatory and evidence is finding that it can help speed wound healing. Glycine in gelatin can also help improve sleep ease and quality.”

Here are some of my favorite ways to incorporate Gelatin.

4. Balance the Hormones

“When it comes to health, hormones and gut bacteria have a much bigger effect than many people realize. In fact, these two factors can destroy health even if everything else (diet, supplements, etc) is optimized. Conversely, fixing hormones and gut bacteria can do a lot to boost health, even if not all the other factors are optimal. In fact, there are even studies about using certain hormone reactions to heal brain trauma.”

Hormones are often a major cause of hair loss or poor hair growth and unfortunately, there can be many causes of hormone imbalance. This is also the reason for hair loss after pregnancy. Of course, some steps can be taken to improve hair while working to balance hormones, and these are my top tips for balancing hormones naturally.

Stress and lack of sleep are two major contributors to hormone imbalance and here are some suggestions for optimizing those.

5. Use the Right Products

Natural ways to help hair grow fasterThough the major causes of poor hair quality and growth are internal, external treatments can help improve existing hair and prevent breakage.

From castor oil to gelatin I have tried many DIY hair treatments, most of which I really like! Here’s where I wrote about some of my favorites:

I’ve also found that many natural hair products can actually cause problems with hair! Conventional shampoos and products have problems of their own (like being linked to cancer), but natural ones are often not pH balanced correctly for hair and strip important natural oils.

After many years of dreaming, researching, and creating recipes, I can finally share my own personal care products brand, Wellnesse! I formulated our shampoo to protect and nourish hair with natural ingredients that really work. I recommend the Cleansing Shampoo for all hair types or the Smoothing Shampoo for wavy or curly hair.

Another option is a natural clay-based shampoo like this one. I’ve tried it myself and had great results. They don’t lather like traditional shampoos but get my hair clean, nourish my scalp, and are pH balanced for hair.

Experiment and see what works for you!

How do you keep your hair healthy? Share your tips below!

These tips help improve hair quality and hair growth using natural ingredients, vitamins, and nutrients that support hair growth from the inside out.

Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

125 responses to “5 Ways to Improve Hair Naturally”

  1. Doris Avatar

    Sodium laureth/laurel sulfates are skin irritating emulsifiers. Ammonium laureth/laurel sulfates do not irritate the skin. Dishwashing detergents do not list there ingredients. You must call their 800 numbers to find the ones that are gentle to skin. Most skin products lists are on the container. Love,

  2. Clair Avatar

    I like using Maple Holistics in my hair, I find it does a good job.

  3. Brittany Avatar
    Brittany

    What is your thoughts on the Monat hair care line? I partnered with this company for a vegan, naturally based, non-toxic product to use for me and my kids. I want to educate myself before talking about it. I would love your thoughts, opinions?

  4. Nancy H. Avatar
    Nancy H.

    Please help. My hair has always been my pride and joy. I figured since it is pretty damn healthy, it could deal with some bleach damage. And I figured the master stylist who did all the color-corrections would know how much would be too much. I was wrong, and now I want to burst into tears every time I look at my hair or touch it. I just don’t know what to do. My hair has also NEVER been shorter than this and it breaks and falls out. What should I do to regrow hair?

  5. Kenny Avatar

    This would probably work but I’ve just been using Biotin Shampoo. Really this stuff has worked very well. I had really thick hair but during the summer it goes frail. This shampoo did wonders for that because of the formula they use and the vitamins inside it. I highly recommend checking it out.

    I also read that folks also had great results for using it on their face, for growing out even beards. 🙂

  6. Jennie Avatar

    I have struggled with my hair for a long time now. I am quickly approaching my 40s and I have bad hair quality. Recently, I have also noticed that my hair has stopped growing as it used to. A few years ago I went to the salon on a monthly basis. Now, it takes me almost two months before I even need to cut my hair! I am desperate and I really need help right now. Hair is one of the most important parts of a woman and I don’t want to give up on this one. I went to the doctors but they didn’t found anything wrong with me. The exams I took showed that I am healthy and there’s no reason for this to even happen to me. Please, I really need hair advice urgently!!!!!!!!!!!!

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