Whether your barber took a little more off the top than you’re happy with, you’re hoping to fill in that bald patch around your crown or you’re simply feeling a little nostalgic for your glorious college hair, it’s common to want to speed up your hair growth.
While balding may be a common side effect of aging, there are still a few tricks that you can try to potentially speed up the hair growth process. Healthy habits that may stimulate hair growth include:
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Using hair growth medications like minoxidil or finasteride
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Eating a balanced diet
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Getting a scalp massaging
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Reducing stress
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Checking your medications for side effects
Below, we’ll expand on the points above, as well as discuss the different hair growth cycles and what to expect when it comes to the average speed of hair growth.
How Fast Does Hair Grow in Men?
Let’s cut right to the chase: On average, you can expect your hair to grow right around five inches per year.
However, hair growth varies from person to person and happens in a relatively complex process very uniquely called the hair growth cycle.
Hair grows from the root of the hair follicle. As cells at the root of the hair follicle multiply, the cells begin to form together and harden. These hardened cells are then pushed through the skin, forming a hair strand. As each piece of hair grows, it breaks through the skin and becomes visible on the scalp or body as it reaches its full length.
And although hair growth speed is a very unique experience from person to person, research suggests that hairs usually gain an extra 1.06 centimeters, or 0.42 inches, per month during the anagen phase of the growth cycle.
Three Stages of Hair Growth
Before we get into how you can try to make your hair grow faster, we need to take a top-down 30-thousand-foot view of the hair growth process.
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The anagen phase. The anagen phase, also known as the growth stage, begins as the follicle develops and creates hair fibers. The length of this phase varies, with scalp hairs remaining in an active growth state for several years and body hairs often exiting this phase after several weeks.
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The catagen phase. After the growth phase,, the hair develops into a club hair, with a bulb of keratin forming at the root tip of the hair shaft. This transition period can last several weeks.
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The telogen phase. At this stage, the rate of hair growth is a flat zero. At the end of the telogen phase, old hairs are shed from your scalp and replaced by new strands of hair — a period that’s sometimes referred to as the “exogen” phase. Around 10 to 15 percent of the hair on your scalp is in the telogen phase at any time.
(Related: Do Hair Growth Products Work?)
Factors That Contribute to Hair Growth
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why is my hair not growing?” you’re not alone. We mean, you’re probably literally alone (because you’re talking to yourself lol) but your question is pretty common.
Believe it or not, there’re quite a few things out there that play a role in your hair growth speed. Some of the more dominant ones include:
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Genetics
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Fluctuations in hormones, specifically DHT (dihydrotestosterone)
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Stress
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Low testosterone levels
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Age
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Lack of sufficient nutrition
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Damaged hair follicles
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Certain medications
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Certain medical conditions and diseases
Luckily, because there are so many isolated things that can impact your hair growth speed, there are also plenty of “fixes” you can make in order to give yourself the best possible edge over your natural growth rate.
8 Tips to Make Your Hair Grow Faster
What are you thinking right now? Voodoo? Some secret sauce? An ancient tincture from the times of Babylon? Tips carved into mountain stone by ancient aliens?
It’s none of the above, guys.
While there’s no secret two-month hair growth remedy that’ll guarantee results, ongoing research has unearthed several possible ways to speed up hair growth and promote healthier hair. However, there are some science-backed tips for hair growth:
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Shampoo and condition hair regularly
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Eat a healthy, balanced diet
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Try hair growth supplements
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Massage your scalp
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Get regular haircuts
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Reduce stress
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Check medications
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Avoid harsh chemicals and damaging hair treatments
Grab Some Shampoo, and Conditioner Too
Whether you have long hair, curly hair or something in between, a clean scalp is generally a healthy scalp, and shampoo is your primary weapon in the fight against the buildup of dirt and debris that may affect hair growth.
Okay. Was that last paragraph a little cringe? Maybe. But is it true? Absolutely.
Taking the time to properly shampoo and condition your hair can protect your scalp from dandruff while also fighting off free radicals, or reactive molecules that may be involved in premature hair loss.
Be sure to avoid shampoos with harsh chemicals and instead opt for one that’s formulated specifically to promote the growth of stronger, thicker hair.
Also, don’t forget the conditioner, y’all!
Conditioning not only enhances the way your natural hair looks and feels — it also promotes strong hair by providing additional resistance against static electricity and UV radiation.
Eat Hair-Friendly Foods
The things we eat play such large roles in how we look and how we feel, so of course it’s not shocking that the food you eat can also help give your hair the fuel it needs to grow as fast as possible.
Deficiencies of certain nutrients may contribute to some forms of hair shedding, such as telogen effluvium.
Adding foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamin E and other essential nutrients can do wonders for maintaining your mane.
That sounds a little AP Chemistry, but finding proper sources for all these things really only involves paying attention to some of your basic food pyramid items:
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Eggs
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Salmon, mackerel and other fatty fish
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Avocados
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Spinach
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Beef and lamb
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Almonds and other nuts
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Beans and soybeans
If you want a good place to start cutting back on certain foods, it’s generally best to limit highly processed foods and foods that contain large amounts of salt, sugar or saturated fats.
Try Hair Growth Supplements
While there are a lot of hair treatments, hair masks and hair oils on the market, it’s essential to do your research and use products that are backed by actual scientific research.
If you want to consume specific nutrients that are linked to hair growth, consider adding hair loss supplements to your daily routine. These once-a-days are packed with essential vitamins that support healthier hair, making them the perfect addition to your daily health regimen.
One of the most popular hair growth supplements is biotin — a vital B vitamin for the hair growth process.
Although biotin itself isn’t linked to improved hair growth, research suggests that biotin may help keep your hair and nails looking and growing their best — especially if you’re one of the rare people out there with a biotin deficiency.
Even if you’re not biotin-deficient, if you’d like to make sure your hair has all the nutrients it needs for good growth, adding a biotin supplement — *cough cough* maybe something like our Biotin Gummy Vitamins — to your hair care routine may be a good idea.
(Related: 9 Causes of Hair Thinning In Men)
Give Scalp Massage a Try
We know, we know… Of all the items on this list, “scalp massage” probably sounds like the most far-fetched. But believe it or not, research indicates a good ol’ fashioned scalp massage can lead to hair growth.
While we’re not 100 percent sure how or why scalp massages work, it’s suspected that when you give the ol’ noggin a thorough fondling, you directly stimulate the dermal papilla cells, which can lead to increased hair thickness.
In a survey conducted by Dermatology and Therapy in 2019, researchers found that 68.9 percent of the 327 participants who attempted SSM (standardized scalp massages) reported hair loss stabilization or regrowth after completing a daily massage of 11 to 20 minutes each day for 6.6 to 7.4 months.
The researchers found that stretching the skin on the scalp with massage techniques produced changes in gene expression that may play a role in thickening hair cuticles and promoting healthy growth.
Get Regular Trims
No, it’s not opposite day. Even though a regular trip to the barber for a proper shape-up may not make your hair grow faster, it does offer a number of other benefits.
Hair is prone to breakage, which is why getting it trimmed regularly can help remove split ends and other signs of aging, and keep your otherwise manly mane looking its best.
Depending on the hairstyle you’re rocking, most stylists recommend getting a haircut every month or two to maintain your hair’s shape and keep any signs of damage in check.
Eliminate Stress
If you’re experiencing an alarming amount of hair in your shower drain or on your clothes, stress and anxiety may be to blame.
Telogen Effluvium
Stress is one of the main triggers for a form of temporary hair loss called telogen effluvium, which is a scalp condition that causes hair roots to be pushed prematurely into the resting stage, leading to rapid hair loss.
Trichotillomania
Another cause of stress-induced hair loss is a condition called trichotillomania, also known as hair-pulling disorder. Men who suffer from this condition tend to repeatedly pull out their own hair until hair loss or thinning occurs.
While this obsessive-compulsive disorder may not be directly caused by stress, it is often triggered by stressful situations.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is a form of autoimmune hair loss that occurs when the immune system attacks your hair follicles. This typically results in patchy or thinning hair loss.
While this form of hair loss is an autoimmune disease,, research shows it can also be triggered by emotional or physical stress.
Check Your Medications
If you want to learn how to help hair grow stronger and healthier, start by checking your current medications.
Common medications that can cause temporary hair loss include anticoagulants (blood thinners), anticonvulsants and antihypertensives. Medications like anabolic steroids, that increase testosterone, can lead to permanent damage.
Watch What Goes Into Your Hair
If you’re researching “how to make hair grow faster in men,” allow us to answer some of the question for you: avoid things that can damage your hair or slow down growth. Like, duh, man.
Harmful substances or hair care practices that can cause damage include:
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Bleach
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Hair coloring
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Blow dryers or other heat styling tools
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Chlorine (like the stuff from your swimming pool)
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Tight hairstyles such as braids or dreads
Learning How to Grow Hair Faster with Medication
If you’re noticing your hair growth slowing drastically, we have some potentially bummer news. You might be experiencing the first signs of male pattern baldness. While healthy hair habits and avoiding stress may promote optimal hair growth, they realistically won’t do much to aid in your fight against baldness.
Luckily, if you’re starting to notice a receding hairline, bald patch near your crown or other signs of male pattern hair loss, there are two of FDA-approved, science-backed medications out there that can help you keep the hair you have, while also helping you even grow some of it back — the Pancho and Lefty of hair care, minoxidil and finasteride.
Using Minoxidil
Applying minoxidil for hair growth is simple and effective. While its definitive mechanism of action is still unknown, researchers generally believe it works by moving resting hairs into the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle and by stimulating blood circulation to the scalp and hair follicles.
Most men who use minoxidil report significant improvements. In one study, more than 84 percent of men who used minoxidil reported that it was effective at promoting hair growth over the course of one year.
Using Finasteride
Finasteride is a prescription hair loss medication that works by stopping the body from creating dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an androgen hormone that causes male pattern baldness by binding to receptors in the scalp and “miniaturizing” your hair follicles.
In one study, men affected by pattern hair loss showed significant improvements in hair growth after taking finasteride for one year, with even bigger improvements in hair growth after a second year of treatment.
The Bottom Line on Making Your Hair Grow Faster
On the surface, trying to get your hair to grow faster than it’s supposed to probably sounds like an impossible feat. That’s fair. The reality, however, is that there are actually plenty of things you can do to give your hair the best chance to grow as quickly as possible.
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It already grows pretty fast. Your hair naturally grows by just over five inches per year, although this growth may look slightly different depending on your hair type.
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You can help it grow even faster. You can support this growth by using the techniques listed above, from maintaining a balanced, nutritious diet to setting aside a few minutes every now and then to wash your hair or give your scalp a massage.
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If you’re balding, start treating it. You can also promote growth and prevent thinning by using proven hair loss medications, such as minoxidil and finasteride.
This article originally appeared on Hims.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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The Do’s & Dont’s of Taking Metformin for Weight Loss
We get it — no one enjoys taking medications. It’s just another thing to tackle on your neverending to-do list.
If you’ve been prescribed metformin, it may be because you have prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, weight gain issues caused by antipsychotic medication or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Also sold under the brand names Glucophage®, Fortamet®, Riomet® and Glumetza®, it’s one of the most common drugs prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes. But metformin isn’t without its side effects.
Though the side effects can be a bummer, a key strategy for mitigating them is timing. In other words, taking metformin at the right time of day can help curb unwanted effects.
Wondering what the best time of day to take metformin is to reduce side effects? It really depends.
Kind of an annoying answer, right? Don’t worry — we’ll cover how to determine when to take metformin, the best way to avoid side effects and how to stick with a schedule. Let’s get into it.
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It’s super important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on how to take your version of metformin. The rule of thumb is to start low and adjust slowly.
Everyone’s reactions to the medication are different, so there’s no fixed dose for people with diabetes.
How do you decide when to take metformin each day? First, you’ll need to know which type of metformin you’re prescribed and what your daily dosage is.
Dosages vary, as metformin treatment is based on the effectiveness of the medication and your tolerance — how much metformin your body can handle without side effects.
Metformin medication comes in immediate-release tablets, extended-release tablets and liquid form. Each has different requirements in terms of when and how to take it:
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Regular metformin tablets are taken with meals two or three times a day.
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The extended-release metformin tablet is typically taken once a day with your evening meal.
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Liquid metformin is typically taken with meals once or twice a day.
Here are the recommended methods for your starting dose:
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Take 500 milligrams (mg) orally once a day or 850 milligrams once a day with meals.
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Increase the dose in increments of 500 milligrams weekly or 850 milligrams every one to two weeks, up to a maximum dose of 2,550 milligrams per day, taken in divided doses.
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Doses above 2,000 milligrams may be better tolerated when given three times a day with meals.
The gist is always to take your metformin with food and aim to take your medications at the same time each day to keep yourself on a routine. Avoid taking it on an empty stomach, as you might end up with an upset stomach.
As always, if you ever have questions about your prescription, please let your healthcare provider know. Never make assumptions about a medication, especially a new one. Remember, you didn’t go to that appointment and pay the copay for nothing.
(Related: Metformin for Weight Loss)
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All medications come with an instruction manual and FDA disclaimers, but who’s reading those? If you accidentally tossed your information packet in the trash, it’s okay — we’ll guide you through taking metformin.
As mentioned above, you should always take your metformin medication with food. Doing this can help limit stomach or bowel problems, commonly occurring within the first few weeks of treatment.
Depending on your health, your healthcare provider may provide a personalized diet plan to help you manage diabetes.
Here are the dos and don’ts for taking metformin tablets:
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Don’t chew or crush the tablets. Unless instructed by a healthcare professional, don’t chew or crush your tablets, as this can release all the medicine at once, thus increasing your risk of gastrointestinal side effects.
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Don’t split the tablet. Unless your healthcare provider tells you to do so, don’t split the tablet.
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Do swallow the whole tablet. Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water, to wash down the tablet.
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Do take your medication at the same time each day. Make it a habit to take your metformin medicine at the same time each day.
Here are the steps for taking the liquid form of metformin:
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Measure the liquid. You can use a marked measuring spoon, a medicine cup or an oral syringe. Avoid using a teaspoon from your kitchen, as it may not hold the proper amount of liquid.
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Use your dosing cup. You’ll need this to measure the mixed extended-release oral suspension.
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As noted, timing your metformin dosage is crucial for mitigating the risk — and overall severity — of side effects. But what are those side effects, exactly?
For metformin, the most common side effects are diarrhea, nausea and upset stomach.
In rare instances, metformin may lead to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This may happen if you’re not eating enough food, are drinking alcohol or are taking other medications to lower blood sugar.
A more severe but uncommon side effect of taking metformin is lactic acidosis. The condition occurs when there’s a buildup of lactic acid in the bloodstream. Lactic acid is produced when your oxygen levels become low in areas of the body where metabolism occurs or in response to sympathetic overactivity.
Metformin is one of many medications that can cause lactic acidosis. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include nausea, vomiting and weakness. Fortunately, the risk of lactic acidosis is a rare side effect of metformin.
If you experience serious side effects, seek medical advice immediately. Things can worsen quickly if you don’t get medical help.
If you have any questions or concerns about taking metformin, reach out to your healthcare provider.
(Related: Weight Loss Medication: Are They Effective?)
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Now that you know a bit more about metformin dosing, side effects and the recommendations for taking it, we’ve got a few tips for you.
As mentioned, the best time to take metformin really depends on your unique needs and how you react to the medication. The one constant here is that you should take it with food and water. So, working backward, the best time to take metformin is based on when you eat.
Here are some tips and considerations to keep in mind:
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If you’re not a breakfast person, taking metformin in the morning might not be a great option. Think about what time you typically have your first meal and take your pill after that.
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Alternatively, if you usually skip lunch or eat light dinners, taking metformin in the morning after breakfast could work best.
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Stomach and bowel issues can be metformin side effects, especially when you’re first starting out. If you work from home and are close to a bathroom, you may be fine taking your meds at any time. However, if you have a long morning commute or work at an office, you might want to take metformin at night when you’re home, at least for the first month or so.
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If you’re struggling to remember to take your meds, try stacking this habit onto another one. For example, leave your pills next to something you use or do each day, like your toothbrush or coffee maker. Do you feed your pet at the same time every day? Take your metformin at that time, too.
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It’s not the end of the world if you forget to take your daily metformin dose. Just don’t make it a habit, okay?
If you miss one dose of metformin, try to take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s close to the time of your next dose, just skip the missed dose and continue taking it according to your normal schedule. You should never take two doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten dose.
Keep in mind, the purpose of taking metformin is to regulate your blood glucose levels. So if you miss too many doses, hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels) may occur.
If it’s difficult to remember when to take metformin, set an alarm to remind yourself. You can also ask your healthcare provider for tips on remembering to take your medication.
As easy as it can be to forget a dose of metformin here and there, there’s a maximum daily dose, so it’s possible to take too much metformin.
Metformin overdose can include hypoglycemia and the following symptoms:
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Abnormally fast or slow heartbeat
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Decreased appetite
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Deep, rapid breathing
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Dizziness
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General discomfort
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Extreme tiredness
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Feeling cold
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Flushing of the skin
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Vomiting
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Nausea
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Stomach pain
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Lightheadedness
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Muscle pain
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Shortness of breath
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Weakness
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, please contact the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222 or call emergency services.
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Life gets busy, and it can be easy to forget to take your prescription drugs. Remembering all the instructions on dosage and timing can be another hurdle.
Still, it’s crucial to understand what you’re taking so you don’t have to deal with those nasty side effects. Here’s a quick recap:
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Metformin is a first-line medication for type 2 diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes take metformin to help control high blood sugar levels. Diabetes can cause many health issues, including sexual health challenges like erectile dysfunction (ED). Besides type 2 diabetes management, metformin has been shown to help non-diabetic people lose weight. The medication isn’t prescribed for type 1 diabetes.
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The best time to take metformin depends on the medication type and dosage. Some people take metformin once, twice or even three times a day, depending on the type of metformin (tablet or liquid) and how many milligrams they’re prescribed.
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Always take metformin with food and water. It’s recommended to take metformin after eating food and wash it down with fluids, such as water.
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Don’t alter the tablets. Unless instructed by a healthcare professional, never crush, chew or split the tablets, as this can alter the effectiveness of the medicine in your body. You’ll want to store them at room temperature too.
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Prepare for potential side effects. Taking metformin may cause unpleasant side effects like diarrhea, nausea, upset stomach and, in rare cases, lactic acidosis.
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Don’t double up on metformin if you miss a dose. Instead, just skip the missed dose and take the next dose at your regular time.
Interested in learning more about how certain medical conditions and medications cause weight loss? Here’s a look at the connection between weight loss and depression and whether antidepressants lead to weight loss.
If you’re looking to learn more about weight loss treatments, our telehealth services can connect you with a licensed healthcare provider who can answer your questions and offer medical guidance.
This article originally appeared on Forhers.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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Featured Image Credit: master1305/Istockphoto.
