TWO ingredients commonly used for cooking are among the little-known hacks for stimulating hair growth, according to an expert.
She shared must-try tips for longer, thicker, tresses without pricey salon treatments.
Nicole Petty is a hair expert at Milk + Blush, a hair extension company with celebrity clients including Kim Kardashian, Karlie Kloss, and the Jenners.
Speaking to The U.S. Sun, she shared advice for nurturing locks.
Petty said rosemary has “high antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties.”
This makes it a great natural ingredient for “growing, cleansing, and conditioning” hair.
“The ursolic acid in the rosemary works by strengthening circulation in the scalp to allow more oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles,” she said.
“If you fancy your hand at creating your own solution, fill a jar with rosemary sprigs and olive oil and leave to rest for a few hours before carefully massaging onto the scalp.
“For best results, dilute with a carrier oil such as jojoba or shampoo to limit potential discomfort or irritation on sensitive skin, and add a sprig of lavender for extra fragrance.”
She said ginger is also “rich in antioxidants” and has antiseptic properties.
She recommended using it to banish dandruff and scalp irritation, while also improving blood circulation around the scalp to stimulate hair follicles.
She said the vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids in ginger can “strengthen” locks as well as provide long-term protection.
“You can create your own ginger hair mask by grating fresh ginger, pressing the juice from it, and mixing in some coconut oil before applying it to your scalp,” she said.
“Massage it in using your fingertips for three minutes and leave it to sit for another 20 minutes before rinsing and washing your hair.”
Petty said regular exercise can also be beneficial for hair growth as when your heart beats faster it increases blood flow and circulation.
“In turn, this results in more nutrients and oxygen reaching your scalp, which hair needs to grow,” she said.
“Plus, with the increased levels of cortisol in your system, the serotonin your body releases when you exercise is the best medicine you need to combat stress.
“A simple run or a relaxing yoga session can both do the trick and get your blood flowing.”
Petty said the “overuse of certain products,” combined with home dye kits and overwashing can damage hair
“Harsh chemicals found in dyes and bleaching kits can kill melanin and destroy the hair follicles,” she said.
“Plus, overwashing can cause strands to become brittle and break during combing.
“It can also damage the follicles if the natural oils are constantly washed away.”
Sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, propylene glycol, imidazolidinyl urea, and sodium chloride are among the ingredients in haircare she recommends avoiding.
Omega-3 found in fish oil, provides essential proteins and nutrients to hair follicles.
Nicole Petty
“Instead, look for products containing essential oils like rosemary or tea tree that help boost hair growth,” she said.
“And to avoid hair dye reactions, it’s best to visit a professional for color changing services, who will offer a consultation and perform a patch test.”
Petty said it’s important to have a nutritious diet as the foods you eat impact the growth, strength, and volume of your hair.
“To ensure maximum hair health and prevent hair loss, consume plenty of protein and iron-rich foods such as red meat, spinach, and pumpkin seeds,” she said.
“Hair follicles are mostly made up of a protein called keratin, so when an adequate amount of protein is consumed, the hair produces higher levels of keratin, enabling the hair to repair and grow.
“In addition, by consuming biotin-rich foods such as organ meats, egg yolk, nuts, bananas, cauliflower, and mushrooms you can improve your body’s keratin infrastructure.”
She said Omege-3, vitamins A, C, and E are equally important to consume regularly.
“Omega-3 found in fish oil, provides essential proteins and nutrients to hair follicles, prevents follicle inflammation, and promotes scalp circulation,” she said.
“Vitamin A is found in foods such as sweet potatoes, carrots, milk, eggs, and yogurt.
“It is a necessity for hair cell growth and is needed to allow hair to stay moisturized.
“Vitamin C, found in strawberries, peppers, guavas, and citrus fruits is needed to make collagen, prevent hair from aging, and help the body absorb iron.
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“Vitamin E is found in sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach, and avocados.
“It is an antioxidant that can help prevent oxidative stress and boost hair growth.
“As well as maintaining a healthy, balanced diet to prevent hair loss, it’s also important to drink plenty of water, as a lack of it stops cell reproduction.
“You should aim for 8 cups a day to maintain healthy hair.”
Petty said making juices daily from the fruits and vegetables mentioned is an easy way to get the nutrients necessary for healthy hair.
“By filling your body with the essential nutrients, you can encourage strong regrowth and prevent future hair loss or weakness,” she said.
