This is part 2 of my previous post about natural hair myths! I couldn’t just leave you hanging with just myths, without replacing them with some truth.
Now before we get into these hair growth methods I'd like to mention that in no way, am I saying that any of these methods are the only way to promote growth or that your way of promoting healthy hair growth is wrong. If you are growing healthy natural hair right now, by all means, please continue. Feel free to share any methods that are helping you. For those of you who are interested in new methods or simply curious let’s dive in!
INVERSION:
The inversion method is one of the more familiar methods you’ve probably heard of. This method is said to help grow an extra 1-2inches in a month. There has not been any studies to prove this however those who swear by it say the results speak for themselves.
How:
This method is similar to a scalp massage but there’s a twist! What you want to do is massage your scalp, upside down. You read that right! Before you think this is impossible, there are a few ways you can do this. I like to lay on my back across my bed with my head over the edge. There are some who prefer to sit comfortably and place their head between their legs. You can even combine it with your favorite essential oils.
It’s recommended that you do it for 5min each day, for one week, once a month. That’s one week on and 3 weeks off. The idea is to increase blood circulation to the scalp. Proper blood circulation means your hair follicles are receiving the proper nutrients to encourage growth. Personally, I find it extremely relaxing.
Before you run off to try it there are a few reasons why this may not be the best method for you. According to Healthline.com, this method isn’t recommended for individuals who are pregnant, have back pain, a detached retina, an ear infection, heart disease or high blood pressure. If you have questions pertaining to your medical condition and/or medications, please contact your physician.
CAFFIENE
Where are all my coffee, tea & soda drinkers at? I’m 100 % team coffee! However, this will have you rethinking the purpose of caffeine all together. Don’t worry I’m not suggesting that you drink more coffee but there is proof according to the International Journal of Dermatology, that hair follicles stimulated by caffeine can enable hair to grow faster. It doesn’t just work for coffee either! It has been said that tea rinses (caffeinated) are beneficial as well!
The way to incorporate this into your regimen is to perform a rinse after shampooing and before deep conditioning. Simply make your coffee or tea (if you are caffeine sensitive) and let it cool. Place it into an applicator bottle and voila!
Since the effects of caffeine can be drying, I’d recommend doing it every other wash day until you see desired results. There is no hard rule on how long this should be done or which brand of tea or coffee to use. Just try to be aware of how your hair is responding and avoid using this method long-term.
Onion Juice
I must admit, this took me by surprise! Up until now, I had only heard of one person using onion juice as a hair rinse. What I didn’t know was that onion juice contains anti-bacterial properties that fight potential scalp infections, keeping the scalp follicles healthy. They also contain an antioxidant called flavonoids, that are known to protect the body from free radicals. Lastly, it is the dietary sulfur in onions that is said to increase the growing phase of the hair and is needed to produce proteins and enzymes in the body. There was even a small study published in the Journal of Dermatology, linking the application of onion juice to the scalp and hair regrowth in some people.
To extract the juice, you can do it one of two ways:
1. Peeled, chopped small, and squeezed or juiced.
2. Peeled and blended into a paste. Place the paste into a cheesecloth and then squeeze the juice out.
I must also mention that there is commercially prepared onion juice and onion liquid extract available as well. After you have the juice you can then place the juice inside of your favorite shampoo or mix it with essential oils before applying it to your scalp and rinsing to reduce the odor.
It is recommended that you do not use onion juice on your scalp if you are allergic. It's best to do a patch test on a small portion of your skin before applying to your whole scalp.
Before you give onion juice a try, remember, some people may see growth results with consistent use while others may not.
Geranium Oil
Among the essential oils that help stimulate growth such as peppermint, rosemary, lavender and coconut oil, there is geranium oil. Geranium is a type of flower that contains antibacterial properties, balances the scalps pH, and helps remove dandruff. A few drops in a carrier oil or your favorite shampoo or conditioner will help deliver all the growth properties directly to the scalp. As with any new product, a skin patch test before applying it to your entire scalp is strongly recommended.
There are many techniques that stimulate hair growth. Whenever you introduce a new technique or method to your regimen remember that results will vary from one person to another. You also want to make sure you are consistent enough to benefit from the results.
What are some other uncommon ways to promote hair growth? Have you tried any of these? Please comment below! I would love to hear from you!
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