Long and strong hair is every girl’s dream. And so we do all things we can do to make our hair grow longer and stronger – including sleeping overnight with oil on hair and using hair products that claim to promote hair growth. In between all these experiments, we also go for regular trims. At least, that’s what people tell us that trimming your hair makes it grow faster.
From hairdressers to grandma and relatives – it’s what everybody preaches. So, is it really true? Does trimming your hair actually make it grow faster? Let’s find out.
The basics of hair growth
On average, human hair grows half an inch per month, 6 inches longer in a year. But this rate of growth is also affected by genetics, nutrition and lifestyle habits.
These lifestyle habits include:
Anxiety and stress
Stress and anxiety can affect your hair health and your hair growth cycle. Stress can impact your cortisol levels which can cause hair loss and slow down hair growth.
Heating tools
Consider heating tools to be like a hair fryer. They burn down your hair. Don’t fall for marketing gimmicks that tell you that a particular heating tool inflicts less damage on hair. Refrain from using heating tools frequently. If there need be, always use a heat protectant.
Tight ponytails
Tight ponytails create pressure on the hair strands, making them weaker and vulnerable. Opt for loose hairstyles – even when you sleep.
Poor diet
Your hair needs vitamins and minerals to grow. Unfortunately, your hair receives the vitamins from your diet at the end, if there are any left. Ensure you are eating an adequate amount of protein. Protein is an essential vitamin for hair growth.
Chemical treatments
Chemical treatments contain harmful toxins that can cause hair loss and affect the hair growth cycle. Refrain from taking these treatments and go for natural remedies instead.
Inactivity
Blood circulation is important for the transportation of nutrients to the scalp. Physical inactivity negatively impacts this blood flow, affecting the nutrition supply.
So, does trimming your hair make it grow any faster?
The short answer is NO. Trimming your hair doesn’t make it grow any faster. Hair grows from the roots, not from the ends. So, cutting the ends won’t make a difference to your hair growth cycle. However, getting rid of split ends will prevent the hair length from further damage. Frizz and dead ends won’t travel way up.
So, what does really make your hair grow faster?
The rate of hair growth strictly depends on genetics. Diet also plays a major role, but it won’t make hair grow super fast. You must keep your expectations in check.
Nevertheless, you can always follow tips that can promote hair growth and speed up the growth cycle moderately.
Daily scalp massages
Scalp massages increase blood flow to the scalp. Increased blood flow means increased supply of nutrients to the scalp, which promotes hair growth.
Use herbal remedies
Herbal remedies provide a boost of nutrients to the scalp. You may consider using rosemary or rice water as they are known to speed up hair growth. If you’re planning to proceed with this, spray rosemary or rice water on the scalp and massage your scalp for at least 5 minutes. A scalp massage + the nutrients contained in rosemary and rice water can provide additional benefits.
Exercise
Exercise increases blood circulation and oxygen supply to the blood cells and your hair follicles, which may lead to faster hair growth.
Eat more protein
Protein is the building block of muscles and hair. Hence, it is the most important nutrient required for hair growth. Aim to eat at least 1gm of protein per Kg of weight. For instance, if you weigh 70 kg, you must have 70gm of protein every day.
Closing thoughts
While trimming your ends won’t magically accelerate hair growth, it plays a vital role in maintaining healthy locks. By removing split ends, you prevent breakage that travels up the hair shaft, ultimately leading to fuller and healthier-looking hair with the potential to reach its full growth potential. Remember, a healthy scalp and a balanced diet are key factors in promoting optimal hair growth. So, trim regularly, nourish your scalp, and enjoy the journey to your hair goals!
