At one point or another, our beauty resolutions have included treating our hair more nicely with the hopes of encouraging it to grow. There are a handful of habits, like drinking water and using supplements, that can reportedly make this happen over time, but we’re all guilty of pining after anything that will give us instant results… or something close to it.
YouTube and Reddit are constantly populated with what we can only describe as weirdly effective hacks you would probably have to think over before taking the plunge. Most involve products that you would use in other parts of your life, so in that lies some familiarity, but we’d still encourage researching each one if you’re interesting in trying it. Ahead are nine unusual hair growth methods the internet can’t seem to stop talking about.
Vicks VapoRub as an edge stimulator
This topical gel is our go-to for congestion or a bad cough, but according to thousands of YouTubers, it also stimulates hair follicles, thus leading to growth. It’s also recommended that you massage the scalp after applying it to promote further stimulation. Experts have yet to cosign this method, but word of mouth says the results are legit.
Inversion method
Many believe this method, which is basically a fancy way to say “hang your head upside down,” also promotes inches of hair growth. It is believed that positioning yourself in this manner a few times a day encourages an increased blood flow to the head, which in turn helps the hair follicle to reach its maximum potential for growth.
More:Offbeat Beauty Hacks to Cop From Makeup Artists
Shaving off edges
Are you convinced your thinning edges are past the point of no return? If you’re completely fed up, start over and shave them. According to many beauty vloggers, this is a time-consuming but ultimately effective way to create a healthy environment where your strands can grow back longer and stronger than ever.
Placenta
It’s also believed that parts of placenta — the organ that connects a growing baby to its mother’s womb —can also help your hair grow longer. And if you don’t have direct access to it, brands are now infusing it directly into their products so you don’t have to jump through hoops to get it.
More: 9 Supplements That Can Transform Your Skin & Hair
Wearing a shower cap to bed
If you’ve ever gotten a deep condition at the hair salon, then you’re already familiar with the benefits of heat on freshly washed strands. Well, if you don’t have time for an appointment with a professional, some bloggers recommend simply sleeping with your shower cap on to trap the heat inside your strands and ultimately leave you with stronger strands that can grow more quickly.
Monistat 7
According to Essence, many women say the antifungal cream’s active ingredient, miconazole nitrate, stimulates hair follicles so they can grow at a faster rate. Most women are mixing the cream with an oil and using it as a nightly treatment before bed.
Cayenne pepper
Although there are now products infused with this spicy kitchen ingredient, it is believed mixing it in its purest form with an oil is the secret to lengthening your strands. The tingling sensation you’ll feel is said to encourage increased blood flow to the roots of hair follicles. But if you have sensitive skin, this probably isn’t the best option.
More:Smoothie Recipes That Directly Benefit Your Skin & Hair
Scalp massages
Although we rarely turn down a body massage, our scalp usually flies under the radar. Like all the products we’ve mentioned thus far, simply rubbing your head a couple of times a day also promotes blood circulation and ultimately more active hair follicles.
Baking soda as shampoo
Besides removing product buildup, it is also believed this cleanser’s antibacterial properties are so strong it promotes hair growth relatively quickly as compared to its all-natural counterparts. Keep in mind that it’s also been tied to hair loss, so even if you don’t have sensitive skin, consult with a dermatologist before switching out your go-to shampoo.
Originally posted on StyleCaster.
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