How to Grow Hair Faster in Men

So your barber cut a little more hair than you wanted, or maybe you're looking to fill that bald patch at the base of your scalp, or maybe you're just nostalgic for your glorious college hair — whatever the reason, you'd like to know how to make hair grow faster for men.

The first thing you should know is that your hair grows approximately six inches per year, which equates to approximately half an inch of hair growth per month. While everyone's hair grows differently, you should keep your growth goals within or near this range.

Now that your expectations have been managed, there are some practices you can follow to promote healthy hair and long-term growth. These include dietary changes, refined hair care practices, and specific additions that can promote hair growth.

1. Eat the Right Foods

You are what you eat, and your hair is no exception. Although it may not appear to be related, the hair on your head may be heavily influenced by what you eat.

Iron and other nutrients are essential for the health of your hair. When your body's supply of this mineral runs low, you may notice more hair falling out in the shower and around the house.

This is because iron plays an important role in hair growth. While the exact mechanism by which iron affects hair is unknown, iron has been identified as a key component of the genes that comprise the hair follicle.

Others include zinc, whose lack in your diet can cause hair loss, as well as fatty acids and other minerals like selenium, copper, magnesium, and calcium, which may improve hair growth.

2. Use An OTC Treatment Like Minoxidil

According to research, by widening blood vessels in the scalp, Minoxidil 5% solution can potentially stop and even reverse hair loss in some cases. As a result, the hair follicles receive more oxygen and nutrients, increasing blood flow. In this way, they can grow thick strands of hair.

3. Try a Scalp Massage

We'll take any excuse to indulge, but scalp massages have been shown to benefit hair thickness in addition to being very relaxing.

One possible mechanism is that it increases blood flow to the scalp, allowing for greater access to oxygen and nutrients required for hair health.

Another possible link is its effect on dermal papilla cells. These cells can be found at the base of hair follicles and help to regulate hair growth.

Massages are thought to directly stimulate dermal papilla cells, which can lead to increased hair thickness.

4. Use Antioxidants

Even if you wish it weren't, your hair will age along with the rest of your body. This is why grey hair and thinning hair become more noticeable as you get older.

One of the ways these changes manifest in the hair is through oxidative stress, which is damage to the body caused by free radicals.

Antioxidants such as vitamin C can aid in collagen production, while tocotrienols can strengthen the hair and promote hair growth.

5. Use Finasteride

If your hair isn't growing because of male pattern hair loss, you'll appreciate what this medication has to offer. Finasteride works by inhibiting the production of a hormone that causes hair loss.

However, before you can obtain this medication, you must first obtain a doctor's prescription. Once that's taken care of, a single tablet of finasteride taken every day may help to increase your chances of hair growth.

Over to You

While genetics influence hair growth, there are several other factors at work. Although there is no magic formula to grow hair instantly, you can take steps to improve the health and growth of your hair.

A nutritious diet rich in essential proteins and nutrients is essential. Certain hair care products and treatments may promote hair growth. Heat treatments and chemical processing can also be reduced.

If you're worried about hair loss or having trouble growing your hair, see a doctor to find out why.

References

Kazuya Murata, April 2012; Promotion of Hair Growth by Rosmarinus officinalis Leaf Extract - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.4712

Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D, Can stress cause hair loss? - https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/expert-answers/stress-and-hair-loss/faq-20057820

Androgenetic alopecia - https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/androgenetic-alopecia/