Natural Ways to Increase Hair Growth

There are many reasons why both men and women experience hair loss. Thinning hair can be attributed to genetics, hormonal imbalances, medications and nutritional deficiencies. Many people staring at a head of thinning hair in the mirror are desperate for a solution, but are reluctant to turn to surgery or drugs to get the job done. Luckily, there are natural ways to increase hair growth from the inside that are available to everyone.

Reduce Stress

• Stress is known as "the silent killer," and it is no less harmful to healthy hair growth than it is to the rest of your body. Allowing stress to affect you releases certain hormones and chemicals inside your body that can inhibit hair growth. Using effective stress-management tools, like meditation and relaxation techniques, will make your hair, and the rest of your life, a lot easier to manage.

Get More Sleep

• Your body is designed to need between seven and nine hours of uninterrupted sleep per night to function properly. When you continually deprive yourself of sleep, negative consequences will follow, including the possibility of thinning hair. If you have trouble sleeping, try initiating a sleep routine or trigger that signals your body that it is time to sleep. The ability to shut your mind off at bedtime is key to getting a good sleep each night.

Eat More Protein

• Your hair is made of protein, so it stands to reason that consuming more protein will contribute to healthier hair. It is the most important hair nutrient, and can be found in lean meats, eggs, liver, brewer's yeast, beans, cottage cheese and tofu. Consuming smoothies made with high-quality whey protein is another way to boost your intake.

Eat More Iron

• Iron is the second most important hair nutrient, and many people, especially women, are deficient. Foods like liver; whole grains; eggs; dates; raisins; and dark-green, leafy vegetables will increase the amount of iron in your body and increase your hair growth.

Consume More Zinc

• Zinc is a mineral vital to healthy hair growth. Foods, such as oysters and whole grains, contain high amounts of zinc. If you feel you don't get enough through diet alone, zinc supplements will help.

Take Biotin

• Biotin is a B vitamin that promotes hair growth. It is also known as the "H" vitamin because of its importance to a healthy head of hair. If you are deficient in biotin, it can result in hair loss. You can find biotin in eggs and liver, but it is important to supplement it because getting the amount you need from food alone is not possible.