Can We Make Hair Grow Faster?

Shannon,

I had a hairdresser once tell me that biotin (one of the b-vitamins) helps hair and nails grow faster. Some hair products contain biotin, but it's unclear how much effect it actually has when it's applied topically. Supplements for biotin are in the 2 mg to 3 mg range -- you don't need very much of it (the RDA is just 300 mcg).

Here's a short article about biotin, where it explains how it works and some natural ways to get more into your diet:

http://ezinearticles.com/?Hair-Loss:-Biotin-is-Food-for-Your-Hair&id=126771

I have naturally blonde hair and it is also fine. Are you sure your hair is thin? Usually blondes like us have a lot of hair, but each strand is fine and delicate.
Ironically, hi lites give my hair more texture and body as the bleach "messes" up the cuticle and give a fuller appearance.
A shorter style may make the hair appear much fuller and healthier too. Long hair drags down and may give a lank appearance. My hair right now is longer than is best. Have you thought of maybe a bob? With your shape face, it would look really chique and cool. Maybe even bangs??
Check out these styles.

http://beauty.about.com/od/shorthairstyles/ss/bobcuts.htm

I end up with a bob every few years!!
My hairdresses swears on some hi lites or colour just for depth and texture. And if it works on me, it'll work on anyone!!!!
I think that hair texture is hereditary but your hair stylist is an artist and sometimes a miracle worker and maybe you could have a tete a tete with him or her??? No pun intended!
Long hair doesn't have to be the only option....I just saw Rene Zelwegger with the cutest bob which I am seriously considering!
A couple of years ago, I even got a bob and had my hair coloured red! Have a look, if you are curious.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1288654&l=81377&id=733939526

Thanks for this information!

Right now I already follow these suggestions:

-Avoiding coloring, bleaching, permanents, and hair relaxers
-Do not excessively towel dry my hair
-Do not wear braids or hair extensions
-Usually only wear a ponytail at the gym and not in a very tight hold
-Use holding products only once per month or so
-I use conditioner
-And, I'm not often in the sun because I work in an office building during the day all week

I will try the leave-in conditioner you recommended.

I would also be interested to know what vitamins help with hair loss since maybe this would help make my hair thicker. Thin hair is a curse most natural blondes are left with.

Thank you!

I just found this on the AAD (American Academy of Dermatology) site:

Dermatology Insights is an educational publication for the public that provides medical information on skin, hair and nail conditions. Each of these publications can be viewed online (pdf).

hope this helps!

I have heard of different folk remedies, everything from eating more protein, eating more healthy fats/oils, etc, but have not heard of anything that can actually change the growth rate of hair. There are some herbs to help hair loss, but I have not read any research that actually demonstrates any herbs that help scalp hair grow faster (however, I'm sure many claim to do so). Plus, I assume you only want the hair on top of your head to grow, while the rest of your body hair (even the hair on your arms) to not grow---not sure if there is a product, lifestyle change or other chemical that can increase the rate of hair growth on just one part of your body without affecting other parts!?

According to emedicine.com, "scalp hair grows at an average rate of 0.4 mm/day (approximately 0.5 in/month)." Do you feel that your hair grows much slower than this?

I have listed some Healthy Hair Strategies from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), as you mentioned your hair is also brittle and breaks easily:
- Avoid vigorously towel drying hair, and just use the towel to gently dab and absorb the water from your hair
- Only brush or comb hair when it is dry; when it is wet, brushing/combing can stretch the strands causing them to break.
- Reduce the use of "long-lasting hold" products (combing your hair afterward can cause hair to break)
- Dermatologists recommend that brushing be kept to a minimum to limit breakage
- Avoid coloring, bleaching, permanents, and hair relaxers, as they all damage the hair and can cause dry, brittle strands
- Avoid tight braids, ponytails, and hair extensions, as they can damage hair
- Avoid excessive exposure to the sun, which can cause hair to become weak, dry, rough, faded, and brittle
- To protect your hair from discoloration dermatologists recommend using a leave-in conditioner containing zinc oxide and wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
- Use conditioner (after shampoo or before and after swimming) can increase shine, decrease static electricity, improve strength, and offer some protection from harmful UV rays.

How many of these dermatologist's suggested strategies do you use?