Solutions To Common Hair Problems

Problem: Why is my hair so lifeless and dull?
Solution: Your hair may be coated by product buildup or mineral deposits from hard water. Try using a clarifying shampoo once a week or make your own vinegar rinse. The acidic vinegar will remove residue and close the cuticle, giving your hair back its shine. Then, be sure to rinse, rinse, and rinse some more to make sure your hair is truly clean. If you suspect you have hard water, do a final rinse with filtered water. Or, better yet, invest in a water softener.

Problem: Why is my hair a frizzy mess?
Solution: Your hair may be frizzy because it’s over-porous. First, test your hair for porosity. If your hair is too porous it means that the cuticle is damaged, allowing too much water into and out of the cortex. This causes the hair shaft to swell up in humid weather but be unable to hold onto the moisture in normal weather. The result is unruly, frizzy hair.

To get your hair back into good condition, apply a series of deep conditioners. Look for products containing Proteins, Dimethicone, and Panthenol. These ingredients help fill in the cuticle gaps, making hair stronger and less porous.

Also treat your hair as gently as possible. If you color or perm, switch to temporary processes. And be especially careful with your hair when it’s wet and most vulnerable to damage. You should notice a change in condition very quickly.

Problem: Why does my hair fall out when I brush or shampoo?
Solution: Hair that comes out in the shower or in your hair brush was at the end of its growth cycle and ready to fall out anyway. Shampooing and brushing doesn’t cause your hair to fall out; they just help loosen the hair from where they’re stuck, either in the rest of your hair or on your scalp. It’s perfectly normal to lose up to 100 hairs each day - all hairs that have reached the end of their growth cycle. If you suspect your hair is truly falling out and you can see patches of scalp or bald areas, be sure to see a dermatologist as soon as possible.

Problem: Why does my hair get so tangled that I can’t get a comb through it?
Solution: Tangles happen when your cuticles are lifted and lock together with other hairs. In shorter hair, you can simply get a hair cut to remove the damaged portions that cause the cuticles to catch on each other. Longer hair doesn’t have that option and must rely on gentle care to prevent further damage. When detangling, be very careful with wet hair that’s weaker and can snap. Use products containing Dimethicone when you detangle to allow your smooth, wide-tooth comb to glide more easily. You can do your best to prevent tangles by reducing friction as much as possible.

Problem: Why can’t I seem to grow my hair past my shoulders?
Solution: Unless your diet is severely deficient in nutrients, your problem may have less to do with your hair’s growth than with breakage. Check your hair’s elasticity and follow those tips for improving the health of your cortex. Also reduce as much friction as you can to help your hair get past the breaking point. Conditioning is key, so massage a leave-in conditioner containing Panthenol into your scalp to moisturize from the inside out. 

If you still think the problem is originating with your hair growth, you may want to have a physical to make sure you aren’t deficient in any vitamins or minerals. You can also practice scalp massage to increase circulation to the hair shaft.

Problem: Why won’t my hair take a perm?
Solution: Your hair may be more resistent to taking chemicals because of the strength of your hair’s disulphide bonds. Chemical processes must first break the bonds before going to work on your hair. You may have more bonds to break, which requires stronger chemicals.

Problem: Why do I have shorter hairs around my part and hairline?
Solution: Shorter hairs at your part or hair line are a sure sign of breakage. The breakage may have been caused by a chemical process, rough handling, or by wearing hairstyles that put too much tension on the hair and scalp.

Problem: Why can’t I control my staticky hair in the winter?
Solution: Staticky hair results from a combination of dry air and friction. Try reducing the amount of friction on your hair by wearing a silk scarf instead of a hat outdoors in the winter. Install a humidifier in your home and carry a small bottle of leave-in conditioner with you to smooth through your hair while traveling. The combination of extra moisture and less friction should help solve your static woes.

Problem: I’m about to undergo chemotherapy. Is it possible to prevent hair loss during treatment?
Solution: Chemotherapy drugs are hard on hair because they target rapidly growing cells in the body. These include cancer cells as well as cells responsible for hair growth. Some newer forms of chemo are considere “smart drugs” that target only cancer cells. In addition,  some cancer patients who take at least 1000 IU of Vitamin E daily several weeks before chemotherapy have been shown to lose less hair. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor before trying any potential hair-saving remedies before or during chemotherapy.

Problem: My hair is thinning. Can herbs like Dong Quai or Saw Palmetto cure baldness?
Solution: Dong Quai contains phytoestrogens that have been known to stabilize and even reverse genetic hair loss. Scientists believe phytoestrogens work by blocking androgen-receptor sites and reducing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. (Androgens are produced by the male sex organs and are a major factor in inherited baldness.) Saw Palmetto’s active compounds - free fatty acids and phytosterols - are also thought to reduce the effects of DHT by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase that contributes to androgenetic alopecia.

Problem: I want to visit a qualified hair specialist to take a look at my hair. How can I find one?
Solution: A professional trichologist is a certified hair and scalp specialist. He or she can help treat problems and recommend how to grow the healthiest hair possible. To find one in your area, visit The Trichological Society's web site.

Unfortunately, Trichology isn’t as widely practiced in the United States as it is in the U.K., Australia, and Asia. If you can’t find a certified practitioner in your area, it is possible to find a dermatologist who specializes in hair and scalp problems.

Elasticity and Hair Health

One of the most important properties of healthy hair is its elasticity. Healthy hair will always “spring back” to its original shape after being stretched. In fact, healthy wet hair can be stretched by up to 30% without breaking.

If your hair won’t take a curl or breaks off at the scalp when you brush or style it, you probably have poor elasticity.

To test your hair’s elasticity, pluck a single hair from your head and gently stretch it. The hair should stretch by about one-third, then bounce back to its original shape. If it doesn’t stretch, bounce back, or simply breaks off, you have poor elasticity.

Poor elasticity is caused by damage to the keratin fibers in the cortex. (Remember that the cortex is the center part of the hair responsible for hair’s strength and elasticity).

The damage is usually caused by too many chemical treatments like bleaching, coloring and perming; excessive heat from blow dryers and hot irons; and exposure to UV rays – either from the sun or tanning beds.

If your hair has poor elasticity, do not perm, straighten, color or bleach it. Your hair can’t handle any chemical treatment at this point and will probably break off or turn into a frazzled mess. If you have a salon appointment and are worried about your hair’s elasticity, ask the stylist to give you his or her opinion. An ethical stylist would never perform a chemical service on hair in poor shape. Instead of processing your hair, sign up for a series of deep conditioning treatments.

This will increase the moisture content of your hair and strengthen it for future chemical processing. You and your stylist can work together to determine when your hair is ready.

How Chemical Processes Damage Hair

All chemical processes damage hair in one way or another. The trick is to balance the desired result with as little damage as possible.

Permanent wave and chemical straighteners (or “relaxers”) work by breaking the hair’s disulphide bonds. (These bonds are responsible for much of our hair’s strength and can only be broken with very strong chemicals.) The hair is either curled or straightened into its new shape, then the chemical bonds are allowed to reform into their new positions.

There is inevitably some lifting of the cuticle and weakening of the cortex during this process.

When using bleach or hair dye, the chemicals must penetrate the hair shaft and alter the cortex. The hair follicle in the scalp is not affected, as evidenced by the dark “roots” that grow in after a few weeks. 

Repeated chemical treatments that are too strong, too quick in succession or applied improperly can cause excessive damage that wears away the cuticle and causes the hair to break. The good news is that chemical processes can’t cause you to lose your hair because they don’t penetrate the scalp. Only a severe burn caused by the chemicals can actually kill hair follicles and stop future growth.

To keep your hair healthy and properly elastic, you must keep the cortex in good shape.

Here’s how:

• Make an effort to use less heat (blow dryers, straightening irons, etc.) and fewer chemicals on your hair.
• Increase the moisture content of your hair by using products with Panthenol (also called Vitamin B5 and Pantothenic Acid), the only nutrient proved to penetrate the hair shaft and strengthen the cortex.
• Make sure you get enough sulphur in your diet through foods such as garlic, onions and eggs. The main protein in the hair’s cortex is sulphur-rich keratin; too little sulphur weakens the hair and causes it to react poorly to cosmetic treatments. One form of sulphur is called MSM (methylsulfonylmethane).

Three Steps To Healthy Long Hair

First, some facts. Your hair's growth rate is related to the following factors: your age, diet, genetics, hormonal status, blood circulation, stress level, infections, medication, climate, exposure to hair chemicals, and hairdressing techniques.

One dermatological theory says that increased hair loss, thinning, and a short growth cycle are partially due to the body's inability to provide the scalp with the nutrients required for the proper hair growth. The follicles become prematurely dormant and growth shuts down. But, once the follicles start to receive the necessary stimulus and nutrients, new hair may start to grow again faster, longer, and healthier. With that in mind, here are three important steps to growing long healthy hair:

1. Proper Nutrition and Illness Prevention through Food and Supplements

2. Stress Reduction through Aromatherapy and Massage

3. Gentle care of your growing hair

Step One: Proper Nutrition and Illness Prevention

The best way to provide hair follicles with the nutrients they need for active growth is through the bloodstream. In fact, the hair is such a good indicator of the health of the rest of your body that nutritionists can tell whether you're deficient in particular vitamins and minerals just by analyzing a snip of hair. There are certain foods you can eat and supplements you can take to promote optimal hair growth. Let's start with one of the top nutrients needed for healthy, strong hair: Essential Fatty Acids.

Flax Seed Oil is an Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acid (EFA). EFA's include Linoleic Acid (LA) and Alpha Linolenic Acid (LNA). Doctors around the world recognize EFA's as essential nutrients for human health. The problem is that EFA's aren't made in our bodies, so we have to eat them or take them as supplements.

Linoleic Acid is considered the most important EFA. It is a necessity for hair health and growth. Without it, humans suffer from hair loss and dry scaly scalp and skin. Veterinarians are known to recommend LA to improve animals' coats. The richest source of Linoleic Acid is flax seed oil - a must for anyone wanting to grow gorgeous long hair. Flax is a seed that can be eaten raw, used as an oil, and taken in capsule form. Nutritionist Dr. Andrew Weil recommends eating whole flax seeds sprinkled on food in his book, Eight Weeks to Optimum Health.

In addition to flax seed oil, nutritionists recommend the following vitamins and minerals to bolster the EFA's positive effects: Vitamins A, B3, B6, C, E, and the minerals Magnesium and Zinc.

Other supplements necessary for healthy long hair:

Evening Primrose Oil is a good source of Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), an EFA essential for cell metabolism and growth. This oil, also found in capsule form, aids hair growth and restoration. Other outstanding sources of GLA are Borage Oil and Black Current Oil.

Silica provides collagen essential for luxurious hair growth.

Lecithin is used by every living cell in our bodies. It helps purify your system and aids in the absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K.

Choline and Inositol are important for hair metabolism.

Calcium is important for actively growing hair follicle cells.

Vitamin E is an excellent antioxidant particularly good for preventing the oxidization of Vitamins A & C, maintains cell membranes and general health of the blood.

Zinc keeps hair follicles from atrophying.

Copper ensures hair pigment.

Manganese and Iron are essential for follicle growth.

Iodine is essential for optimum hair growth.

Niacin has been known to restore hair pigmentation when taken over a long period of time.

Biotin has been called "the hair vitamin" because of its growth benefits.

Hair Growth Vitamins and Minerals in The Food You Eat

The quality of your hair reflects in part the adequacy of your diet. Regular well-rounded meals are best for you and your hair. Iron deficiency due to inadequate consumption of red meat or heavy menstrual bleeding in women, could cause hair loss. So can crash diets and eating disorders.

Vitamin E Sources: polyunsaturated oils and margarines, green veggies, almonds, sunflower seeds, whole grains, eggs, liver, oatmeal.

Fatty Acid Sources: fish (especially salmon and tuna) and vegetables.

Beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A and helps promote healthy skin, hair and nails. It's found in green and yellow vegetables and fruits.

Vitamin A Sources: liver, kidneys, eggs, milk, yellow & green fruit & vegetables (carrots, spinach, apricots, peaches, broccoli, asparagus, yams).

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Sources: whole-grain and enriched cereals, pork, beef, lamb, nuts, and legumes.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) Sources: green veggies, blackstrap molasses, brewer's yeast, liver, nuts, whole grains.

Niacin Sources: liver, meat, fish, poultry, peanuts, and enriched cereals. Restores hair pigmentation when taken over a long period of time.

Vitamin B6 Sources: liver, beef, lamb, pork, salmon, whole-grain cereals, lima beans, carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, green leafy veggies, bananas, avocados.

Vitamin B12 Sources: liver, kidneys, fish, eggs, milk, milk products.

Folic Acid: Dark green leafy veggies, liver, kidneys, milk and milk products, salmon, tuna, dates, whole grains.

Protein is extremely important to proper hair growth. A diet too low in protein can cause thinning hair or a retardation in the growth cycle. Nutritionists recommend brewer's yeast, calves liver, dairy products, fish, eggs, beans, yogurt, and tofu as excellent protein sources.

*Remember, it's never a good idea to drastically change your diet without first checking with your doctor.

Step 2: Stress Reduction through Aromatherapy and Massage

Stress is one of the biggest reasons people are unable to achieve optimal hair growth. When we get tense, the layer of muscle covering the skull tightens up. This is why we get headaches when we're stressed out.

This same tightening restricts the blood supply to the hair follicles. The follicles become undernourished and affect the condition of the hair and the growth cycle. Stress can also lead to oily scalp and hair, and dandruff flare ups.

Hair expert Philip Kingsley says stress causes an overproduction of sebum which leads to oiliness and dandruff. Kingsley also says that stress can cause your hair to turn white or gray because your body becomes depleted in B vitamins, which are necessary for hair pigment.

"Laboratory tests with black rats have shown that feeding them a diet deficient in the B vitamins turned their hair white," reports Kingsley in his The Complete Hair Book (Grove Press).

"On reintroducing vitamin B, the hair regained its color. . . What's so fascinating about all this," says Kingsley, "is that personal stress demands more B vitamins because the body used more of them up. In fact, the B vitamins have become known as the 'nerve vitamins.' So, it wouldn't seem unreasonable to conclude from that that stress could be the underlying cause."

Dermatologist Dr. Irwin Lubowe concurs with Kingsley's stress theory. He cites extreme wartime cases where hair turns white when stress cuts off the melanin produced by the hair's cortex. Dr. Lubowe has treated stress-induced whitened hair by prescribing pantothenate and PABA, while Kingsley prescribes B vitamins in the form of brewer's yeast and defatted liver extract.

In extreme cases, stress can lead to complete temporary hair loss known as alopecia areata. Alopecia causes the scalp to become inflamed at a microscopic level which leads to patchy hair loss. Italian researchers have found that stress lowers the alopecia patients' white blood cell levels which leaves them vulnerable to the condition.

One of the best ways to relax and stimulate blood flow to the scalp is through scalp massage. This promotes hair growth by increasing scalp circulation and nourishment to your hair follicles, which in turn improves the overall condition of your hair. Self massage while shampooing is perhaps the easiest way to increase circulation in your scalp. Simply move the scalp around as much as possible as you shampoo. You can also give yourself a scalp massage on dry hair with the following steps:

1. Use your fingers to make small circles all over your scalp. Start at your forehead and work back over your whole head.

2. Run your fingers through your hair and stroke your scalp.

3. Gently pull sections of your hair until you feel a tug on your scalp.

4. Release and repeat, concentrating on "pulling out" the stress.

Some high-priced spas perform a treatment called "shirodhara" where warm oil is poured over the forehead to soothe the mind by calming the central nervous system. The oil is then gently massaged into the hair. You can also look into Craniosacral Therapy, a head massage used to treat chronic pain, migraine headaches, TMJ and a range of other conditions.

Scalp Health and Hair Growth Through Aromatherapy

A normal scalp has between 24 and 40 layers of dead cells which are constantly moving up to the surface where they are shed. The cycle for each layer takes 28 days.

Scalp massage encourages blood circulation in the scalp and will help alleviate tension that can contribute to hair loss. Some massage oils help moisturize and stimulate the scalp by removing and preventing the build up of dead skin cells.

Adding essential oils to your scalp massage is one of the best ways available to encourage relaxation and stimulate hair growth. This is because essential oils have the ability to penetrate the skin and reach the subcutaneous tissues responsible for youthful, healthy scalp and skin.

Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

Essential oils have been used for thousands of years to remedy a variety of health problems, including hair loss and slow growth. There are approximately 400 essential oils distilled today with approximately 100 used in aromatherapy. The oils are extracted from a variety of plan parts, including the flowers, leaves, wood, resin, and twigs. They have a molecular structure similar to those found in actual human hormones, which is why they provide actual stimulation when applied directly to the skin and scalp.

Aromatherapy uses essential oils to treat and prevent maladies. It works because our olfactory function leads directly to the brain where chemical reactions take place. In addition, essential oils are able to penetrate the skin and travel to the bloodstream where their chemical components produce their desired effects. They are also eliminated quickly, and leave the body between four and six hours after absorption.

Essential oils stimulate the body's own natural healing processes and alleviates tension and stress. Dr. Susan Schiffman, a professor of medical psychology at Duke University, concluded that smell can promote relaxation better than visualization techniques.

Aromatherapy and Hair Growth

An exciting study in the Archives of Dermatology (1998; 134:1349-1352) even finds that aromatherapy can safely and effectively treat temporary hair loss due to alopecia areata and promote new growth. The study was performed by Scottish researchers who had half of their patients massage thyme, rosemary, lavender, and cedarwood essential oils onto their scalps each day. The other patients massaged in "carrier" oils jojoba and grapeseed oil.

After seven months of treatment, 44% of the patients using the essential oils showed significant improvement in hair growth. The group using carrier oils showed just 15% improvement. In addition, the aromatherapy caused no significant side effects. Researchers concluded that not only did the aromatherapy work, it was also far safer than traditional alopecia treatments including conventional steroids. Following is a list of essential oils used throughout the ages to stimulate hair growth.

1. Borage: Prevents scalp conditions and eczema.

2. Cedarwood: Strengthens the hair shaft. Excellent treatment for dandruff and/or oily scalp. Also used to treat nervous and stress-related conditions. Used in haircare, skincare, massage, diffusers, and as perfume.

3. Clary Sage: Alleviates stress-related conditions including high blood pressure, depression, and anxiety. It can produce a state of euphoria and has been used as an aphrodisiac. Promotes estrogen balance in the membrane tissue around the hair follicle. Used to treat dandruff.

4. Geranium: Alleviates oily scalp and inflammations.

5. Jasmine: Acts as an anti-depressant, analgesic, and reputed aphrodisiac. Often used to treat problems with the nervous system such as anxiety and stress. An excellent scalp and skin tonic.

6. Juniper: Used as a hair loss treatment because it stimulates circulation and detoxifies the body.

7. Lavender: Encourages scalp circulation and promotes hair growth. Prevents headaches and hypertension.

8. Neroli (Orange Blossom): Excellent moisturizer for scalp and skin. Soothes nervous tension. Also used as an aphrodisiac.

9. Palmarosa: Helps balance production of sebum. Very beneficial for both extremely dry and oily scalps. Stimulates new cell growth, regulates oil production, moisturizes, and speeds healing.

10. Rosewood: Used for general scalp and skin care. Alleviates depression, stress, and dermatitis.

11. Sandalwood: Relieves depression and nervous tension. Heals dry & chapped skin. Plays an important part in Ayurveda, the Indian system of healing.

12. Tea Tree: Stimulates scalp circulation. Strong antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, fungicidal properties.

13. Ylang Ylang: Used to alleviate a variety of hair and skin complaints. In Victorian times, the oil was used in Macassar oil - a hair treatment. Also acts as an anti-depressant.

Step 3: Take Gentle Care of your Growing Hair

Now that we've discussed what it takes to grow healthy, long hair, it's time to discuss how to pamper the hair you already have to ensure it's in top condition.

As we discussed before, hair is technically "dead" -- But that doesn't mean you can treat it poorly or simply ignore it. Dr. George Michael, a world-renowned long hair care expert, said long hair needed to be treated like "fine, old lace."

That's because the longer your hair is, the older it is and the gentler the care it requires.

There are ways to smooth the scales on the hair shaft to make it appear shiny and healthy. There are also ways to properly hydrate your hair and fill in the damaged gaps to make it appear thick and bouncy. It all depends on what you put on your hair and how you treat it.

Shampoo

Shampoo comes from the Hindu word champo, which means "to massage" or "to knead". The main function of shampoo is to remove the sebum that the scalp naturally secretes, as well as to remove conditioning and styling products.

A safe shampoo for any kind of hair should have a pH of 4.5-5.5. pH levels indicates how acidic or alkaline shampoos are. If shampoos are too alkaline (high pH), it can cause the hair shaft to swell and damage the cuticle. If it's more acid (low pH) it can tighten the cuticle, helping the hair to feel softer and look shinier. Unaltered hair has a pH of 5.5.

All shampoos contain water combined with a detergent or soap, thickeners, detanglers, fragrance, and preservatives. One ingredient to watch out for is Sodium Lauryl Sulfite, a harsh detergent. This chemical is different from Sodium Laureth Sulfite, which is somewhat gentler to the hair.

Some people claim that using the same shampoo every day can lead to "buildup". You can tell you have buildup if your hair seems flatter and less lively than usual. If this happens to your hair, switch to a non-creamy shampoo for about a week. "Clarifying" and "Detoxifying" shampoos can be harsh and drying on long hair, so you may not want to use them for an extended period of time.

Shampooing Tips For Long Hair

1. Begin with a pre-wash conditioner such as Jojoba Oil or a heavy cream conditioner. Leave on for 20-30 minutes if possible.

2. Make sure the shower water is tepid, not hot.

3. Spread a capful of shampoo between the palms of your hands before working into your scalp.

4. Work shampoo into your scalp before wetting hair with warm -- not hot -- water.

5. Use the pads of your fingertips -- not your nails.

6. There's no need to shampoo the length of hair below your chin. If you must wash your ends, squeeze shampoo through, then rinse.

7. To prevent tangles, don't pile hair on top of head when washing.

8. Only lather up once unless your scalp is extra oily.

9. Rinse hair thoroughly, making sure to get out all remnants of suds.

Conditioners

Conditioners coat the hair shaft with ingredients that temporarily close areas of the cuticle and seal in needed moisture. They also protect against heat and environmental damage - until washed out. Most salon and drugstore conditioners primarily contain water and emollients (oils). The more oils, the more "intensive" the conditioner is. Watch out for lanolin and mineral oil, which are hard to wash out and can leave the hair looking greasy and limp.

Botanicals: Naturally derived oils and water extracts of plants that replace manufactured additives.

Emollients: Vegetable oils such as jojoba, sweet almond, borage, avocado, and olive.

Sun Protection: We use aloe as a natural sun blocking agent.

Vegetable Glycerin: One of the best water-binding agents.

Fatty acids: Lubricants and emollients that give the product and the hair a soft velvety feel and keep water in the hair to prevent dehydration in dry climates. We use flax seed oil.

Vegetable Oils: Leave a protective barrier that prevents dehydration. Also extremely emollient, providing good water-binding ability. We use jojoba, sweet almond, borage, avocado, and olive oils.

Vitamin E: May prevent free radical damage to scalp.

Panthenol: (Derivative of Vitamin B Complex Factor). Excellent penetration in to the hair shaft. Gives hair a more substantial smoother feel, keeps moisture in, improves movement, and imparts luster. Panthenol (vitamin B5 derivative) The only vitamin shown to have the capability to penetrate the hair shaft, panthenol works like most other conditioning ingredients, helping to boost hair's luster and moisture-retaining abilities.

Soy Protein: Plant proteins are attracted to the hair much the same way collagen is, with the same positive results. Plant protein can also help bind water to the hair.

Conditioning Tips For Long Hair

1. Thoroughly rinse all shampoo from hair.

2. Spread about a capful of conditioner between your palms (the amount will depend on the length of your hair).

3. Apply to the hair from chin-length down.

4. Use a wide-tooth comb to carefully distribute the conditioner evenly.

5. Leave on for two to 10 minutes.

6. Rinse conditioner out thoroughly.

7. Do a final cold water rinse to seal the hair's cuticle.

8. Squeeze length of hair to remove excess water.

9. Wrap hair in towel or hair shammy for quicker drying. Don't wrap like a turban -- this can cause tangles. Instead, drape the towel over your head like a nun's habit.

10. Use a wide-tooth comb to remove tangles. Never brush wet hair or it could break off!

11. For detangling and extra protection from heat and the elements, apply a leave-in conditioner to the ends of your hair.

12. Let your hair dry naturally if possible. If you must use a blow dryer, blow the air down the shafts.

A final word about treating your long hair gently. Be careful to avoid hair accessories with sharp edges or sticky elastic. These can actually tear or sever your long hair, which would make all the steps you've taken to grow it a big waste of time. Treat your hair gently from the inside out and you'll be rewarded with gorgeous long locks for life.

Ten Superfoods For Healthier, Faster Growing Hair

Good nutrition is extremely important for healthy hair and it's one of the first things you should work on if you're experiencing hair loss, excessive damage or slow growth. One of the best eating plans for hair - one rich in protein, essential fatty acids and anti-oxidants - was actually put together by a skin doctor to stave off wrinkles.

Dr. Nicholas Perricone's book, The Perricone Promise: Look Younger, Live Longer in Three Easy Steps (Warner Books, 2004), outlines the foods you should include and those you should avoid if you want great skin. The program will also greatly improve the condition of your hair, especially if poor nutrition is contributing to your hair woes.

The One Nutrient You Can’t Do Without if you want Healthy, Shining Hair

Essential Fatty Acids (or EFAs) are vital for healthy hair growth. In fact, EFAs have even been found to block the enzyme that creates DHT, a follicle-damaging androgen that causes hair loss.

Dr. Perricone, a certified dermatologist, is an expert at using EFAs to keep wrinkles at bay. He's considered the father of fish oil because he was one of the first serious proponents of fish oil supplements as well as wild salmon for supplying the body with much-needed essential fatty acids necessary for supple skin and healthy hair growth.

These “good fats” are called Essential Fatty Acids because your body can’t manufacture them. Therefore, it’s essential that you get them from food or supplements. A deficiency in EFAs shows up as slow hair growth, excessively dry hair, and even hair loss.Foods such as wild salmon, tuna, trout, mackerel, sardines, olive oil, nuts, seeds and avocado are all rich in EFAs and should be part of any healthy hair diet.

Ten Superfoods For Hair Growth

In addition to eating EFA-rich foods, Dr. Perricone recommends the following "Ten Superfoods:"

1. Acai: Dr. Perricone calls this Brazilian berry "one of the most nutritious and powerful foods in the world." Acai contains antioxidants, healthy fats, dietary fiber, phytosterols, amino acids and minerals, all of which are vital to healthy hair growth.

2. The Allium Family: This family of foods includes garlic, onions, leeks,

scallions, shallots and chives. They contain flavonoids that help the body

eliminate toxins and carcinogens. These foods are also rich in Sulfur, a mineral

that’s found in high concentrations in the hair, skin and nails. Sulfur, often known

as the “beauty mineral,” keeps hair shiny and strong.

3. Barley: Dr. Perricone recommends this low-glycemic grain for its high fiber

content. It's also a good source of Niacin, the B vitamin important for healthy hair

growth. Niacin helps improve circulation to the scalp, which can kick-starrt slow

hair growth.

4. Green Grasses: Wheat and barley grasses, blue-green algae, spirulina

and chlorella are recommended for their EFA content as well as their ability to

clear the body of toxins.

5. Buckwheat: Dr. Perricone says Buckwheat is even "better than grains"

because it contains more vitamins and minerals, healthier fats, more fiber

and flavonoids for circulatory health. Better circulation means more nutrients

are getting to the growing hair follicle.

6. Beans & Lentils: Dr. Perricone calls beans (kidney, black, navy, pinto),chickpeas, soybeans, dried peas and lentils "an anti-aging dietary necessity."

Without this rich source of protein, hair follicles can shift into a resting phase.

7. Hot Peppers: Hot peppers contain capsaicin, which has "anti-inflammatory,

analgesic, anti-cancer, heart-healthy effects." Capsaicin can help create ahealthy scalp with a plentiful supply of nutrient-rich circulation.

8. Nuts & Seeds: Nuts and seeds contain a plentiful supply of protein, fats,

vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals that are essential for reducing the

visible signs of aging, including thin, dry, lifeless hair.

9. Sprouts: The highly nutritious result of a seed as it starts growing into a

vegetable, Dr. Perricone says sprouts (mung bean, alfalfa, radish and onion) are

a concentrated source of living enzymes necessary for a healthy, youthful body,

including hair and skin.

10. Yogurt & Kefir: These probiotic milk products are believed responsible for

the longevity of the peoples of the Caucasus Mountains of southern Russia.

Yogurt & Kefir help maintain a healthy digestive system, which ensures anadequate supply of nutients to the body. If your body isn’t getting what it needs, your hair will be the first to suffer.

Foods to Avoid for the Sake of Your Hair

You’ve probably heard it before, but it bears repeating. If you want a healthy body, healthy skin and healthy hair, you need to cut down on your fat intake, especially animal fat. Animal fats lead to too much cholesterol in the system. An excess of cholesterol can actually raise testosterone levels and cause slow growing hair and even baldness. For the healthiest hair, your best bet is to eat smaller portions of lean meats.

An Excellent Way to Start Growing Healthy Hair

If you're interested in jump-starting your nutritional recovery for healthy hair, I recommend trying Dr. Perricone's "Three-Day Nutritional Face-lift." It's chockfull of protein, EFAs and anti-oxidants and will indoctrinate you into a new way of eating that's both delicious as well as great for your hair. You can find it here:

Remember that it takes approximately three months for any dietary changes to show up in your hair growth, so be patient and enjoy the benefits to your skin and overall health as your hair's condition begins to improve.

http://www.drperricone.com/3-day-diet.html

Longhairlovers Psychology

from Healthy Hair Secrets Revealed (2005)

by Jennifer Bowers Bahney

The term "long hair" means different things to different people. If you currently have a pixie cut, you may be think that someone with hair to the shoulders has "long hair."

At Longhairlovers, we consider long hair to be shoulder length and longer. We don't advocate that everyone grow their hair to their knees. Not everyone should and not everyone can.

There is a school of thought that says, "Let it grow -- the longer the better!" For some people, this philosophy works just fine. Women such as Diane Witt and Crystal Gayle are world-famouse for their extra-long hair. But I'll be the first to admit that extremely long hair can be unattractive if it's not well-cared for. That's why I advocate healthy long hair -- hair that looks stunning, not straggly. Before you can really begin your long-hair journey, however, you need the right mindset, or what I call Longhairlovers Psychology.

Commitment

The first step to growing healthy long hair is to make a commitment. So often when we go through life changes, we get the urge to cut off our hair for a fresh start, only to be disappointed with the outcome. We all know many women -- including ourselves -- who have cut their hair for a new job, before starting college, or after a divorce. There's nothing wrong with getting a hair cut, but make sure you're getting it for the right reasons. A hair cut won't change your life; it will just make you look different. Whatever you do, don't act on impulse. That means that before you submit yourself to the shears, ask yourself how you want to look in six months or a year from now. If the honest answer is, "I want to have beautiful, long hair," skip the hair cut in favor of a conditioning treatment.

Support

The best way to stay committed to your hair growth goals is to find a friend or support group that will be with you every step of the way. Start a long hair club at work or school where you can swap tips and hold a "measure in" to record your growth at the beginning of each month. Or join a social media group such as the Longhairlovers fan page on Facebook and Twitter. We all have weak moments when we need help getting motivated. That's why friendly support is so important.

Acceptance

Before you grow your hair long, you need to make peace with your hair type. Learn to love your curly, straight or wavy hair and work with its natural texture. Constant perming, straightening, and coloring can irreversibly damage hair, which will then have to be cut off.

Maintenance

I used to think that as soon as you decided to grow your hair long, you should stay as far away from scissors as possible. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Letting your hair grow wild will only cause split ends to travel up the hair shaft, making your hair look damaged and your ends uneven. There's no truth to the tale that cutting hair will make it grow faster, but regular maintenance trims and treatments will keep it shiny and swinging, and you'll be less likely to cut it all off in a fit of bad-hair-day frustration.

Hair maintenance can include highlights or color as long as you use gentle products and techniques. For people with hair past mid-back, I always recommend that they have a salon professional color their hair. Long hair is older and more porous, and may absorb color unevenly. It can be difficult to get it right yourself unless you really know what you're doing.

Highlights are a good option for long hair because touch-ups usually only involve the roots. This means hair that has already been highlighted will not have to be touched again, which cuts down on dryness and breakage.

Patience

Growing long hair takes plenty of patience -- it's not something that can be accomplished over night. As a general rule, hair grows 1/2 inch per month. That means that most people's hair will grow 6 inches per year no matter what miracle products they use. Instead of spending your money on magical claims, take the time to learn the truth about hair growth and care.

Investment

Growing and maintaining healthy long hair takes an investment of time and money. During the months or even years it takes to reach your desired length, you'll want to invest in gentle, top quality products that work best for you. You'll also want to be more careful when heading to a salon by telling the stylist exactly what you want done and how much you want taken off. And, instead of spending your money on monthly hair cuts, you'll want to pamper yourself with salon or at-home scalp massages, dusting trims, and deep conditioning treatments.

Your investment of time and money will pay off in a glorious head of hair!

Moon Maintenance Plan

By Susan Larsen


Women will go to great lengths to have beautifully healthy hair. One very powerful system to achieve just that is the Moon Maintenance Plan. Guaranteed to be a great addition to your beauty arsenal. With this simple technique, you coordinate your hair-care activity with the most auspicious moon phase and moon sign to achieve the hair goals that have eluded you in the past.


The Moon Maintenance Plan for your hair is based on principles and secrets passed down by lunar planters and astrologers. In this cosmic plan, you’ll learn when to cut hair for faster growth; when to condition hair to avoid dryness; and when to chemically process hair for the best results. Both the moon phase and moon sign have an effect on the success of our hair activities. Let’s begin by taking a look at the moon phases.


Moon Phase:


It’s no secret the moon pulls the tides but what is lesser known is the moon’s subtle effect on the growth of all living things…plants and animals. Lunar gardening and lunar agriculture, in particular, are such time-honored and proven practices that, since the 1st century A.D., gardeners and farmers, sensitive to the effects of the moon, planted their crops during favorable times to achieve maximum growth and yield. Their thinking was, if the moon could have such a magnificent effect on the ocean, then plants, composed of a good deal of water, must at least be affected to some degree.


For humans, water accounts for 60-80% of our body weight. If there is credence to the notion that the moon effects all bodies of water then it will certainly have her say in the cycles of our lives, not to mention our hair. While it’s true the hair shaft is dead material and almost entirely protein, the moon does have an effect on hair since the hair follicles are made of epithelial tissue that is comprised mainly of Hydrogen and Oxygen, the two elements that combine to form water.


One suitable explanation for the subtle effect is that during the phase when the moon increases in light (the waxing moon) fluids are drawn upwards as in growth. When the moon decreases in light (the waning moon) fluids flow to the roots. If you planted during a new moon, the growth energy available would increase the success and hardiness of a seedling. If, however, you planted after the full moon, energy for new seeds would decline. Enough about farming, what about the moon phases’ effect on hair?

When we barely see the moon in the sky, it is in the new moon phase. From here it increases in size or waxes until it reaches the crest or peak of the cycle—the full moon. If you wish to speed up the process of growing your hair, then get it cut during the new moon to full moon phase. The full moon begins to decrease in size or wanes until it ends up as a new moon or new phase once again. If you want to slow your hair’s growth, cut it from the full moon to the new moon phase. Each phase is approximately 14 days in length giving you plenty of time to cut.


Moon Sign:

Lunar planters intimately knew the moon sign best suited for an activity. We can borrow there wisdom and use it to give our hair the best chance of happiness. Water signs such as Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces are the best moon signs for cutting hair for faster growth and thickness. Earth signs, Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn are the next best fertile signs. Virgo is the last choice of the six signs because it was best suited for the harvest. Fire and air signs, Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, and Aquarius are generally infertile and dry and should be avoided when cutting hair for growth and thickness. Deep condition during these times.

As the moon moves through the 12 signs in a month, we are met with 12 different energies. If you know the moon sign coming up you can take advantage of its energy by coordinating a style, cut, color to match the quality associated with those few days. For example, planning a mysterious look works better when the moon is in passionate Scorpio than it would when the moon is in conservative Capricorn. Up-dos are better scheduled when the moon is in Taurus, Libra, because these are linked to Venus, the planet of beauty and fragrance.

Observe the following moon signs below, learn them well, and undertake the activity at the appropriate time for maximum success and effect. You’ll be well on your way to having fewer bad hair days than ever before.

The Moon in Aries tends to be dry and barren. As the first sign of the zodiac, Aries dynamically pushes head first into activities so this Moon is best used for short, sporty styles that can be created quickly with no fuss or muss. If you’ve always wanted the convenience of a bob, get a cut during this moon. Since Aries is a fire sign with drying energy, chemically processing hair is not favored. Instead, moisturize and condition heavily. Cutting hair during this time will cause slow growth and dryer hair. Since Aries rules Mars and has dominion over the head and metal, be especially careful with scissors if you choose to have your haircut.

The Moon in Taurus is very productive and moist. When the Moon moves through the sign of Taurus, be assured that people are out to satisfy the senses. Soft, romantic, alluring styles are best planned for under this Moon if you want to melt your man’s heart. Wispy styles that fall delicately around your face are especially attractive now. If you want your hair to grow quickly and thickly, get your hair cut or trimmed during this moon. Chemically processing your hair is favored since there is moist growth energy. This is a fantastic moon to color your hair in earthy tones, especially ash blondes and browns. Taurus moons are best for kicking back and relaxing too. However, don’t be so inert that you forget to spend the time making your locks look sexy.

The Moon in Gemini is barren and dry. Gemini, an air sign, is far too fickle a Moon for drastic decisions to be made. One minute you’ll want radical, the next you’ll want romantic. After the deed is done, you may regret the hasty decision you made. Like Libra, wait this moon phase out. Look through magazines, have a hair consultation, chat with friends about trends but do no get your haircut. Gemini Moons are great for research so pick up a copy of your favorite hairstyling magazine. If however, you need a deep conditioning, go ahead. If you must color your hair, go “temporary” instead of “permanent.”

The Moon in Cancer is a fruitful and moist sign. It is considered the most productive of all the signs and most frequently used for planting, seeding and irrigation. As the premier water sign, Cancer is the best sign to get your hair cut for growth and thickness. Avoid radical styling moves such as severe colors or kinky perms. Cancer is a sign better suited to traditional styles that make mom and dad proud. Even if you do not need a cut but want the long, luxurious locks that knock men off their seats, consider a trim to enhance your hair’s growing ability. A soft look that frames your face will have your guy curling up in you arms. Because there is abundant moist energy available, all chemical processes will take well. This is a great time for coloring or highlighting your hair golden blonde.

The Moon in Leo is the most barren and driest of all signs since it’s naturally ruled by the burning sun. Deep conditioning treatments are a must during this time. If going out on the town, choose a sensational hair-do that grabs people’s attention since a Leo Moon loves the spotlight. A Leo moon may not be a good moon to attempt chemically processing your hair but it is excellent if you want to increase thickness. Leo people tend to have hair like the luxurious mane of a lion. Temporary colors are acceptable especially if they are in gold or copper tones. During this moon, closet entertainers come out of the woodwork making it a festive time for parties. A beautiful sweeping up-do is just the style to get noticed by that special someone. Rrrr! I hear the call of the wild.

The Moon in Virgo, although slightly moist, is the only barren earth sign. Virgo is the premiere sign of the harvest so only cut hair during this moon if you want to go from a longer style to a practical and conservative shorter style. Extremely thick hair should be thinned out. Radical changes should be avoided. Research flattering styles. Coloring is acceptable if the shade leans toward earthy tones, especially chestnut. Virgo moons bring the clean freak out in all of us so opt for shampoos that rid the hair of excessive product build-up. Virgo also rules over health so determine what vitamins, minerals and supplements weshould take for our inner-beauty regime. B-Complex and Silica are especially good for our hair’s health.

The Moon in Libra is a semi-fertile and moist sign. Lunar Planters used this sign to plant vines and flowers, appropriate since Libra rules over beauty. It’s no surprise, then, that perms, colors and styles have a better chance of success during this moon although working with a style you already have is better. Libra is about perfection so use this moon to discover what style looks best on you. Cutting is acceptable but avoid radical styling. This is a favorable time for romantic and sensuous soft styles. Libra is a very sociable moon so match your hair to the occasion with a stunning up-do. Libra can easily see the pros and cons of any situation so it’s unlikely you’ll feel like making a big decision during this moon anyway.

The Moon in Scorpio is a very fruitful and moist and almost as productive as Cancer. For Hair Maintenance, cut hair if you need it to grow quickly. With so much moist energy, chemically processing enjoys greater success. Scorpio moons are passionate and dramatic so choose sexy, provocative, daring styles now. If you’ve wanted a dramatically different color and style that what you’re currently sporting, this is the moon to do it. Dark brown or black add to your intrigue. Severe styles are even met with success if attempted under this moon. Part of Scorpio’s sexiness is their mystery so think “seduction” during the Scorpio Moon.

The Moon in Sagittarius is barren and dry and fiery. Perms, colors and any chemical processes should be avoided during this moon since the fire quality will leave hair dry and brittle. Instead, choose deep conditioning treatments. Sagittarius Moons are good for sports activities and exploring so if you want short, sassy, easy to style hair, have it cut during this moon. Cutting now will also slow growth. Sagittarius in medical astrology rules the process of detoxifying the body, so now is a good time to take a critical look at your diet. Greasy, fatty foods will reek havoc in the body and ultimately manifest as lifeless, unmanageable hair. If you have dry and brittle hair, use a deep conditioning treatment.

The Moon in Capricorn is productive, earthy and feminine, a bit drier than Taurus but still good for cutting hair if you want faster growth. Capricorn moons are laced with assertive, career-advancing energy so avoid styles that are radical and take attention away from your hard work. If, however, you want a very conservative, yet sensuous look, choose this moon for cuts and colors. Since people are more concerned about their status and career during this moon, don’t attempt styles and cuts that make a statement about your individuality. If you are planning to highlight your hair avoid brassy reds or golds. Ash blonde or brown is more preferred. If cutting your hair, don’t stray from your current style. Cut for maintenance only. You’ll make a great impression at work if you choose classic, styles. Avoid trends.

The Moon in Pisces is watery and feminine and one of the most fertile signs so expect increased growth and thickness if you cut your hair during this moon. In fact, almost any hair goal can be achieved with success. Chemically processing your hair is favorable since so much moist energy is available. A Pisces moon is meant for reflecting on your connection to other people and the cosmos so use this time for intimate, serious, and inspirational conversations with the opposite sex. There’s a passionate quality to this moon that sets the stage for romantic encounters. Don’t let this moon pass you by without trying a superbly romantic, soft style. Deep auburn and chestnut colors enhance an amorous moment.

The Moon in Aquarius is another barren and dry sign not suited for increasing growth or thickness. Definitely avoid chemically treating your hair since Aquarius is an air sign known for the unexpected. With so much drying air-like energy, processing will leave your hair dry. If however, you would like to flaunt your individuality with a trendy cut, this is a super moon to do so. Be aware, though, that your hair may not grow as quickly as you’d like when you tire of it. For a brief 2 ½ days, people want to revolutionize the world by trying new and exciting things so if you’re itching to be unique, add a temporary blue streak to your hair or crimp your hair.

To sum up the Moon Maintenance Plan:
Coordinating your hair activity with the appropriate moon phase and sign will have you working with the cycles instead of against. Since certain activities are better suited to certain times, take advantage of the energy that will make the task flow easier.

If you choose to grow your hair long, cut hair during the first phase of the moon when the light is increasing. To further enhance the growth of your hair, cut it when the moon is in Cancer, Taurus, Scorpio, Capricorn, or Pisces. To increase thickness, cut during these times but also during the Leo moon. If you hate cutting your hair every 4-6 weeks then choose the second phase of the moon when it is decreasing in light. Cutting when the moon is in a fire or air sign like Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, and Aquarius, also prevents excessive growth.

Creating elegant, romantic, and decorative styles work better when the moon is in Taurus, Libra, or Pisces—signs that are naturally ruled by the goddess of love and beauty, Venus.

Moon Madness

For thousands of years, people have looked to the planets and stars for guidance. Queen
Elizabeth I consulted an astrologer when determining the best date for her coronation, while average folk planned their everyday activities around astral projections. These included farming, starting a business, and even cutting hair to promote growth.

“Cutting by the phases of the moon” is an astrological practice that continues to this day. Hair care experts like Anthony Morrocco and Dr. George Michael believe in the moon's effect on hair growth and promote the information to their clients.

In his book, George Michael's Secrets For Beautiful Hair (Doubleday, 1981), Dr. Michael wrote:

“The moon has a magnetic influence on hair just as it does on the tides. During the first quarter of the moon, a person on earth has an extremely opposite electrical pull to the moon itself.. Electric static goes through the body, through the hair, and becomes immersed into the atmosphere. The hair actually serves as a conductor of electricity, and breakage and splitting are minimized.”

New Age publishers Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd. puts out a Moon Sign Book each year with instructions on using the moon's phases. In their 2006 edition, Llewellyn states, “Time and experience have proved that anything started when the Moon is weak by sign and aspect is unlikely to prosper.” This includes hair growth, according to Llewellyn:

"For faster growth, cut hair when the Moon is increasing in Cancer or Pisces. To make hair grow thicker, cut when the Moon is full in the signs of Taurus, Cancer, or Leo.”

Llewellyn also says the moon affects the outcome of chemical processes:
“Permanents, straightening, and hair coloring will take well if the Moon is in Taurus or Leo and trine or sextile Venus. Avoid hair treatments if Mars is marked as square or in opposition, especially if heat is to be used. . .”

Is there any truth to the theory that the moon affects our body systems including hair growth? Scientists and scholars are divided.

A psychiatrist named Dr. Arnold L. Lieber published a book in 1978 called The Lunar Effect: Biological Tides and Human Emotions. (The book was revised in 1996 and is titled How The Moon Affects You.) Lieber's book centers around what he calls his “biological tides theory,” which states that the moon is responsible for causing tides in all bodies of water. Since the human body is 80% water, the moon's pull affects us as well.

Another learned individual, Marilyn vos Savant, agrees that the moon affects the human body just as it controls the ocean tides. Savant is considered to have the highest I.Q. on record and writes a magazine column, Ask Marilyn, in which she wrote,
“There are tides everywhere on Earth, including not just oceans and lakes but also the ground we stand on and the atmosphere we breathe. If you stood long enough, there would even be tides in your tummy.” (Parade Magazine, Jan. 8, 1995).

But many in the scientific community consider these theories to be “bad physics.” In his paper, Myths About Gravity and Tides, physicist Mikolaj Sawicki states,
“. . .tidal effects on small bodies of water the size of a reader's tummy. . .is negligible and therefore impossible to observe.” Sawicki even provides physics calculations to prove his point.

On his Web site, Skepdic.com, Sacramento City College Professor Robert Todd Carroll states, “The fact that the human body is mostly water largely contributes to the notion that the moon should have a powerful effect on the human body. . . It is claimed by many that the earth and the human body both are 80% water. This is false. Eighty percent of the surface of the earth is water. Furthermore, the moon only affects unbounded bodies of water, while the water in the human body is bounded.”

Psychology professor James Rotton of Florida International University, cites a scientific article about the moon's effects to disprove the “biological tides” theory:
“In a cogent review that appeared in the Spring 1979 Skeptical Inquirer, astronomer George O. Abell pointed out that the moon's gravitational pull was less than the weight of a mosquito. Two of my colleagues, Roger Culver and Roger Ianna, subsequently showed that the moon's 'pull' was less than that of a wall of a building six inches away.”

Rotton was part of a research team including professors Ivan Kelly and Roger Culver who published a paper about the moon in 1996. They examined more than 100 studies on lunar effects and concluded that there was no correlation between moon phases and psychiatric or physiologic changes in the human body.

Unfortunately, no one has published a study specifically on the moon's possible effect on hair growth. If you believe the studies that say the moon does not affect our physiology, then you probably don't believe that it helps or hinders hair growth. However, if you believe that further study is needed to prove or disprove the theory, you may well decide to follow the phases of the moon in your quest for healthy hair.

For the best dates to care for your hair according to the moon's phases, visit www.morroccomethod.com

Hair Growth Facts

Kevin McElwee is a junior research immunologist/dermatologist who completed his Ph.D. doctorate on the pathogenesis of alopecia areata in Scotland. He currently works in Marburg, Germany, and continues his research into alopecia areata, along with basic hair biology. Kevin shared the following answers to some common questions about long hair.

What is the maximum length to which hair can grow?

If you do not cut your hair then you can grow it quite long, but there is an upper limit to the maximum length that you can grow your scalp hair.

We need to draw on three aspects of hair biology research to define the maximum length that scalp can grow to. There are various papers that examine the time duration for scalp hair follicles are actively producing a hair fiber. The most frequently quoted time period is 1,000 days, but this figure is a rough approximation.

The time duration of anagen growth, plus knowing what length of hair fiber a scalp hair follicle can produce per day, will enable a calculation of the average maximum length that scalp hair can grow to. Perhaps to complete the calculation you may need to know the density of hair follicles on the scalp.

Research on humans suggest that active hair fiber growth production from scalp hair follicles may last from 500 to 1800 days. In normal haired individuals about 80% of hair follicles are in a growth phase with the remaining 20% in a regression or resting phase. Hair follicle density on the scalp is 200-300/cm square, that is about 100,000 to 150,000 hairs total. The scalp hair fiber growth rate is between 0.3 to 0.35mm a day. For the most part, the studies were done with male volunteers, but a few other studies indicate similar results for women too.
If you put it all together in a calculation, the research would suggest that the maximum length scalp hair can grow to is between 20 and 60 centimeters and the sum total length of hair produced each year is about 9 km! However, from (vintage photos) you can see that some people are able to grow their hair much longer. The upper limit to scalp hair length is determined by our genes. Some people have genes for short hair, others grow hair much longer.

Why does human hair on the head grow so long while hair on the rest of the body will grow to a specific length and stop?

The answer is probably rooted in the evolutionary origins of humans. Our ancestors were considerably hairier than ourselves and certainly our nearest primate ancestors the orangutans have a good crop of hair all over their bodies. There is a disease of that involves total body hypertrichosis called congenital hypertrichosis lanuginosa where hair follicles seem to revert to their ancestral terminal hair state. Individuals with this condition have inherited and genetic mutation and this disease can be passed from parent to child. It is very rare and only occurs in a few families around the world. However, it would seem that we are only one genetic step away from our ancestors in terms of having extensive body hair growth.

Clearly there are advantages to having hair on some regions of our body. Eyebrows protect the eyes from sweat and sun glare. Eyelashes protect the eyes by sweeping away dust and debris. Nasal hairs trap dust before reaching the lungs. These sites of terminal hair growth have probably been maintained to keep these advantages.

Scalp hair does give us one advantage of trapping heat. One third of our heat loss is through our scalps so terminal head hair does have a practical action. However, this does not explain why it should grow so long.

There are two hypotheses based on evolution to explain long head hair.

1) Many animals have "manes" as sexual attractant signals or to increase their apparent size during sexual contests. Some feel this was a factor in human evolution. Cotton top tamarins may be an example with their extensive, white, billowing hair that frames their small face. Mature male gorillas develop a gray "silver back" appearance that reflects their status in the group.

2) It has also been suggested that through human evolution infants needed something to hold onto while being carried by the mother. Long head hair would serve such a function. Note there is no real evidence in support of any hypothesis.
Be sure to visit Kevin's site, Keratin.com