Onion Oil for Hair Growth - Grow Your Edges

Have you ever asked someone what can you use to grow your edges and they say Castor Oil? While Castor Oil or Jamaican Black Castor Oil are great, they seem to be the main suggestions. If you have (or haven't) tried them and are still experiencing thin edges, you should give Onion Oil a shot. Not only is it great for your edges, but for your general hair growth as well!
*Keep in mind that you need to drop all of the unhealthy hair habits that caused the thin edges in the first place to see any results. Check out my last post on edges for details.

Let's get into it.

Onions are rich in sulfur and quercetin. Sulfur has antibacterial and anti-fungal  properties which is

"Average" Hair Growth

They say on average, hair grows a half inch a month. 

Well, I don't get the average growth. 

I measured my hair out of curiosity and all around, my hair is about 8 inches. I have been relaxer free for almost 18 months, so I am about 1 inch below the average growth. 

And you know what? That's okay with me. I have very healthy hair care practices and take care of myself. At this point, there's nothing else I can or want to do to increase my growth rate. 

But if your hair is not growing the "average" rate and would like to see an improvement....here are some tips.

Maximizing MY Hair Growth

We all know that the "average" healthy person grows about .5 inches of hair monthly. 

I honestly don't feel like I have been receiving that average growth, especially in the front of my hair. So I decided to enter a challenge. I just joined a "2 inches in 4 months" challenge and wanted to share what I plan on doing to achieve those 2 inches. 

I have various posts on ways to maximizing your growth potential, but lately I haven't been incorporating all these steps myself. It's time that I practice what I preach.

Here's my plan: 

1.) Exercise at LEAST 4x weekly- I am doing this more for health benefits because I have been slacking(majorly!). My goal is to lose at least 5 lbs by December and maintain a healthy active lifestyle for years to come. But I am also hoping to receive accelerated hair growth as well. I know my hair won't go from growing .5 inches to 1 inch a month, but any growth is appreciated. 

2.) Apply my Sulfur Mix to my Scalp 3 weekly-  This is kind of self explanatory. So far, I have been keeping up with my applications. I have done a post on this recently. So, if your interested in my mix, check it out. http://www.6footlonghair.com/2011/11/my-sulfur-oil-mix.html

3.) Increase my Protein Intake- I obviously need protein to fuel my work-outs, but consuming an adequate amount of protein helps stabilize or even increase hair-growth. They say adults should consume at least 30 grams of Protein daily, but I would like to up that to 50-60 grams. I will be incorporating these foods.

4.) Maintain my Vitamin Regimen with the addition of Biotin(again!)- I have been consistently taking MSM and my Multi-Vitamin daily which I am very proud of. But I decided to add Biotin back to my regimen. I am also taking B-Complex to assist in absorbing the Biotin. B-Complex is great for giving you energy and increasing  metabolism, so it helps in more ways than one. 

3 Simple Ways to Boost Your Hair Growth

I know most of you have seen these tips time and time again..... But it doesn't hurt to see them one more time! :-D

1.) Supplements- Let's face it, it's not as easy to receive all the proper vitamins and nutrients through our food as when we were children. Our parents are no longer forcing veggies and fruits down our throats (I know over exaggeration) and it's up to us to get those despite our busy schedules. 

 I know some of you have very healthy diets, but for those who don't, supplements are the next option. If you are deficient in essential vitamins/minerals/nutrients, it will not only effect your health, but also your hair. I first suggest that you go to the Dr. and get your blood checked.(to make sure you don't have an Iron, Vitamin D, etc deficiency). But there are some supplements such as Omega 3,6,9, Biotin, B Complex, MSM and so forth that could aid in hair growth. Do your thorough research before taking any of them and if you don't like to take separate vitamins, get some Hair, Skin and Nail vitamins.

2.) Increase your Water Intake- Water is VERY critical for the production of healthy cells in our bodies. Healthy cells=Healthy hair.  We should be drinking half our body weight in ounces of water per day! If you are taking supplements, more water should be consumed to help absorb them.

Our hair is made up of about 1/4th of water, drinking water will help keep our hair healthy from inside and out.

3.) Protein- Our hair is comprised of protein and a not consuming enough can decrease hair growth and possibly cause hair loss. Adults should consume AT LEAST 30 Grams of protein daily. This can be done through meats, dairy,nuts, fish, etc, or you can drink some protein shakes. If you are afraid of gaining weight...I suggest working out(which you should be doing anyway)

Topical ways to increase hair growth coming up soon.

Hair Growth Cycle

I'm surprised I haven't posted this on my blog yet. I think it's because I see this in so many different blogs/forums and I figure you all do too.
I decided to post this just because I think this is information everyone should have.
All information was taken from: http://www.follicle.com/hair-structure-life-cycle.html


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Hair Stucture

Hair is composed of strong structural protein called keratin. This is the same kind of protein that makes up the nails and the outer layer of skin.



Each strand of hair consists of three layers.
An innermost layer or medulla which is only present in large thick hairs.

The middle layer known as the cortex. The cortex provides strength and both the color and the texture of hair.

The outermost layer is known as the cuticle. The cuticle is thin and colorless and serves as a protector of the cortex.

Structure of the hair root
Below the surface of the skin is the hair root, which is enclosed within a hair follicle. At the base of the hair follicle is the dermal papilla. The dermal papilla is feed by the bloodstream which carries nourishment to produce new hair. The dermal papilla is a structure very important to hairgrowth because it contains receptors for male hormones and androgens. Androgens regulate hairgrowth and in scalp hair Androgens may cause the hair follicle to get progressively smaller and the hairs to become finer in individuals who are genetically predisposed to this type of hair loss.

The Hair Growth Cycle


Hair follicles grow in repeated cycles. One cycle can be broken down into three phases.

Anagen - Growth Phase
Catagen - Transitional phase
Telogen - Resting Phase

Each hair passes through the phases independent of the neighboring hairs.

Anagen Phase - Growth Phase
Approximately 85% of all hairs are in the growing phase at any one time. The Anagen phase or growth phase can vary from two to six years. Hair grows approximately 10cm per year and any individual hair is unlikely to grow more than one meter long.

Catagen Phase - transitional phase
At the end of the Anagen phase the hairs enters into a Catagen phase which lasts about one or two weeks, during the Catagen phase the hair follicle shrinks to about 1/6 of the normal length. The lower part is destroyed and the dermal papilla breaks away to rest below.

Telogen Phase - resting phase
The resting phase follows the catagen phase and normally lasts about 5-6 weeks. During this time the hair does not grow but stays attached to the follicle while the dermal papilla stays in a resting phase below. Approximately 10-15 percent of all hairs are in this phase at an one time.


At the end of the Telogen phase the hair follicle re-enters the Anagen phase. The dermal papilla and the base of the follicle join together again and a new hair begins to form. If the old hair has not already been shed the new hair pushes the old one out and the growth cycle starts all over again

My New Growth/Scalp Mix

I am now 10 weeks post relaxer and this is the point when my new growth really starts to come in.
To avoid any type of breakage, I have to make sure I keep my new-growth very moisturized along with the rest of my hair, but I pay extra attention to my demarcation line.

For the last 2.5 months, I have been using an Aloe Vera Mix which was originally made as a "growth aid", but now it's a perfect solution to keep my new growth moisturized as well. I use this mix at least once a day, usually in the morning and I would just finger part my hair and spray. This will definitely be a staple in my regimen.

I put my mix in a 4 oz spray bottle to avoid any type of dripping when sprayed on my scalp/new growth and it consists of:

Up to Pink Line: Castor Oil
Up to Black Line: 99.9% Aloe Vera Juice
Above Black Line: 8 drops of Rosemary Oil  and 10 Drops of Eucalyptus Oil (if pregnant please consult with a physician before using any type of essential oil)

I shake before every use.

I haven't written about castor oil, so see below for a little bit of the benefits. For the Aloe Vera, Eucalyptus and Rosemary Oil benefits, feel free to click on the links I placed above.

Castor Oil prevents hair loss and regenerates hair

The anti-bacterial and anti-fungicidal properties of Ricinoleic Acid in castor oil protects the scalp and hair from infections which can cause hair loss. The Omega-9 fatty acids in castor oil also nourish the hair and prevent the scalp from drying.

Rubbing castor oil on your scalp and the roots of your hair will regenerate new hair growth within months. This will also thicken thinning hair

http://skinverse.com/castor-oils-many-uses-for-beautiful-skin-and-hair.html

Protein and Hair Growth

Protein is very important for hair growth. Because hair is protein, consuming an adequate amount of protein will result in improved hair growth(if you feel like your hair is not growing at it's maximum potential). I read up and found that adults should consume no less than 30 Grams of Protein a day, 50 Grams is ideal.

Here is an example of my breakfast and lunch schedule to make sure I get enough protein. For dinner, I usually have some sort of chicken or fish, so I am guaranteed to receive at least 10 grams of protein for dinner.

Breakfast-
2 Boiled Eggs- about 12 grams of protein
Cheese( I looove Cheese. Like really love)- 6 grams of protein
Banana- 1 gram of protein


Lunch
Tuna Fish Sandwich - 15 Grams of Protein
Turkey Sandwich- 8 Grams of Protein
or Ham and Cheese Sandwich- 11-14 grams or Protein

Sometimes I would have pizza or fried chicken(I know, not healthy), but I am bringing my lunches to work now because it's getting cold out and I hate leaving the building.

Snack-
Peanuts or Almonds of some sort- 6-8 grams of Protein



Common protein rich foods can include:
Milk
Soy Milk
Eggs
Cheese
Yogurt
Peanut Butter
Lean Meats, Fish, and Poultry
Beans, Tofu, Lentils, and other Legumes
Grains, including bread and pasta
Nuts and Seeds
 
 
Some ideas for high protein foods that can combine more than one protein rich food, such as a cheeseburger, which includes meat, cheese, and a bun, include:

Tuna Fish Sandwich
Cheeseburger
Cheese Pizza
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
Macaroni and Cheese
Grilled Cheese Sandwich

http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/whattoeat/a/highproteinfood.htm

The Wonderful Benefits of Aloe Vera for Hair

I have been using Aloe Vera Gel for a number of purposes:

Hair Gel
To Shave- Sometimes
Soothing of Relaxer Burn
In my Mix for Braid Spray/as a Moisturizer
As a facial moisturizer in the winter when my skin gets really dry

just to name a few





But never did I think to use Aloe Vera Gel or the Juice as a leave-in...
And boy oh boy was I missing out. Remember how I said I was dealing with extreme tangles and knots..well I tried 2 things to help fix that issue

1. Wash my hair in Sections/Braids
2. Used an Aloe Vera Gel Mix as a leave-in which included:

• Distilled Water
• Aloe Vera Gel
• Castor Oil

My hair has never felt so soft!
I went out and purchased a gallon of Aloe Vera Juice from Walmart...called Fruit of the Earth and I will be using the Juice instead of the Gel in my mixes for now on. Not only will I use it for my leave-in's but I will use it to restore moisture in my hair at night(on non wash days).

2 More things about Aloe Vera Juice which have me excited to use it

• Many reviews of how it slowed down shedding drastically
• Restores the PH level back in relaxed hair

 To read more about the benefits of Aloe Vera see below

Scalp Massages

Remember the Vibrating Scalp Massager that I purchased online a lil' while ago?
See post here: Vibrating Scalp Massager

Well, it kind of died on me haha. I used to carry it in my purse, without a case or anything and use it on my way to work..or on my way home and now it no longer works :-(. Guess I got my monies worth. haha
Well now I'm going to massge my scalp kind of the old fashion way.

I use this now:

Product Features:
Stimulates the scalp
Creates the unltimate relaxing experience
Promotes hair growth
Fits in the plam of your hand
 
They sell this for like 89 Cents at CVS, Walgreens but I got mine at Sally Beauty Supply.
I massage my scalp probably every other day for about 5 minutes.
 
Reminder on the benefits:
Benefits-One of the most beneficial aspects of a scalp massage is that is will increase the circulation in the scalp area. This will help the hair follicles become receptive to the nutrients and oxygen they need for maximum health.


Effects-By increasing blood flow to the hair follicle, hair is less likely to go into the resting phase prematurely. After hair goes into the resting phase, it is shed so that new hair can begin to take its place. But if hair prematurely enters the resting phase, there could be an abundance of hair being shed at one time, which will give the appearance of thinning hair.

Exercising and Hair Growth

One of the main reasons why I am working out more is because I want to remain healthy for a looooong time. In other words, I want to live a long life(catch me when I'm 115 j/k). Another reason is because I am on a mission to get a 4 pack by my birthday(2.8) and get more defined legs. If I can get a body like Ciara, that would be an added bonus...haha..

Who knew that exercising also helped with Hair Growth!
Now that's my motivation to keep me in the gym!
There are many articles on why exercising is good for hair growth, you can do a quick search on google. But here's a little excerpt I got from beaty.makeuptips.com


People understand that exercise is more than just moving up and down and running a mile it does things for your heart and other parts of your body. More people are starting to find out the benefits it has for the scalp and growing hair. One of the things that has been learned for the longest time is usually the main reason behind no hair growth is because something is usually blocking it. Blood flow has been found to be one of those problems. Exercise helps release this block area and release new nutrients that could start new hair growth. This is why more people are turning to exercise to help their hair loss and finding some very good results with it.
 Combine the exercise with a good balance diet and you may just have a recipe for good long term hair growth. You never really know until you give it a try.