Hair Styles | Short, Prom & Celebrity Hairstyles | Hair Care- The Hairstyle Blog

Hair Growth Products Simply Don’t Work

This question is one of the most often asked hair questions that gets asked in the comments of my articles. It appeared yesterday, again on my comment board.

“Hair growth occurs below the scalp”

The bad news is - you can’t buy a hair growth product that will do it for you. There is no data that supports that any topically applied potion, shampoo, conditioner, etc. will accelerate hair growth. Hair grows from a bulb which is nourished by your blood, below your scalp and potions put on the hair simply won’t work as a hair growth enhancer. What is above the scalp is a collection of dead skin cells wrapped in a layer of keratin. Hair growth occurs below the scalp. The hair we see, that which is above the scalp, is dead and it cannot be “fed” anything that will make the hair grow faster.

The nature of your hair is governed not by metabolism, but by genetics. Your body must feed the bulb below the scalp, so hair growth depends upon good nutrition to grow healthy, long and strong. Your genes will also be a determining factor as to how long you can grow your hair. (Crystal Gayle can grow her hair to the floor and probably beyond. Your genes may only allow you to grow your hair to the middle of your back, length is predetermined by the genes.)

Neglecting regular trims is a good way to end up with dry broken, split ends that will migrate up the hair shaft and actually cause you to lose valued growth by breaking off.

So how can you affect how fast you can grow out your hair?

Your body can only spend time and energy growing your hair if you have the proper health and nutrition. Otherwise your body has to expend its energy on more critical areas of need. Your most beautiful, fast growing hair is accomplished through good health, nutrition, exercise and of course, a good hair care routine. A large number of nutritionist’s agree taking a daily multiple vitamin may help in achieving a healthier head of hair, if you are not getting what nutrients you need from your daily diet. Other vitamins and minerals that come up often in regards to growing a healthy head of hair are; B-complex vitamins, especially biotin, PABA, and vitamin E. Your hair is mostly protein. Nutritionists are praising the high-protein/low-carbohydrate diets for good health. The food pyramid has always been a mainstay in a healthy diet.

Not so long ago, women were told brushing their hair 100 times each day would make hair grow faster, longer and make it more luxurious. Not . . . now we know, brushing too vigorously, breaks the hair and causes more damage than good. The benefit that did occur from that ritual was increased circulation in the scalp and distribution of the natural oils from the roots to the ends, a natural conditioning treatment. Try a gentle scalp massage every night, as you watch TV, it will not only help the health of your scalp and hair by stimulating circulation, but it’s a natural way to reduce tensions and stress.

Got a question, war story or comment about this topic? Click on the "Leave Your Comments" link at the very bottom of this article. Some of my best ideas for future articles come from reading reader comments. I'd love to hear from you!

Contact Us

Contacting Barb Quinn

How to Shape Your Eyebrows

Hair Health and Eating Disorders

How can I make my hair grow faster?

Female Hair Loss Treatments

Hair loss tips