The activation of dormant hair follicles depends on factors like hormonal changes, nutrient availability, blood flow to the scalp, and mechanical stimulation. For instance, massaging the scalp can increase blood flow, potentially activating dormant follicles.
When it comes to hair growth, minoxidil is one of the most well-known and scientifically-proven treatments. It's a topical solution that works by improving blood circulation in the scalp and stimulating hair follicles, encouraging hair regrowth.
Corticosteroids, a type of anti-inflammatory drug, can be injected directly into the scalp to reduce scalp inflammation. This prevents further damage to your hair follicles. A 2022 study showed that corticosteroid injections are generally effective at stimulating hair growth in people with alopecia areata.
In addition to kickstarting your follicles through targeted scalp massages, certain topical hair-care products like serums and scalp cleansers can help prompt your follicles to get back to work. They contain ingredients that, when applied directly to your scalp, work to stimulate and nourish your follicles.
Facial hair growth is primarily driven by hormones and genetics. Testosterone and its derivative, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), are critical for stimulating beard follicles. However, the speed, density, and thickness of growth are largely inherited.
A hair loss medication may be the solution to your dying hair follicles. There are several types of options available. First, there is minoxidil, a type of topical treatment you can purchase over the counter. This one works by stimulating blood flow to the scalp, which can help revive dying follicles.
Essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, rosemary, cedarwood, lemongrass, thyme, clary sage, tea tree, ylang ylang and horsetail plant oil have already been proven in various degrees to improve hair regrowth and slow down hair loss.
Vitamin D.
Vitamin D is essential for creating the cells that develop into hair follicles. It also supports healthy bones and your immune system. If you have hair loss and low vitamin D levels, your doctor may recommend vitamin D supplements.
Fertility drugs include: Clomiphene citrate. Taken by mouth, this drug stimulates ovulation by causing the pituitary gland to release more follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which stimulate the growth of an ovarian follicle containing an egg.
Luckily, there are a lot of simple ways you can open up your roots. Change up your hair care routine with a different shampoo. Try homemade products, made from natural ingredients like lemon juice, baking soda, and apple cider vinegar. Tweaking your lifestyle can also bolster your hair health and open your roots.
Additionally, both Ruggeri and Hill mention that ACV can support hair growth by removing product buildup, especially from commonly used items like dry shampoo. “ACV unblocks follicles in the scalp so that strands have freedom to thrive,” Ruggeri says.
Penetrating and Sealing Oils
These oils are great for pre-poos and hot oil treatments because they won't leave a film on your hair (since they actually penetrate it). Some examples of Penetrating oils are: Coconut, Red Palm, Avocado, Olive and Argan.
Stem cell niches. The unique ability of the HF to self‐regenerate cyclically relies on different stem cell populations, located in distinct follicular niches, which coordinate or provide the necessary cellular material for the continuous turnover and replacement of differentiated cells.
Massaging, essential oils, cold showers and all the above methods help increase blood flow to your scalp. While you do these, also figure out and stick to a healthy hair care routine, consisting of basics like washing, conditioning and protecting your hair from heat.
Foods packed with protein such as chicken breast, fish, greek yogurt and eggs, can help promote healthier hair because hair follicles are mostly made up of protein. Vitamins and minerals such as iron, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin E and vitamin D can also make a difference.
There's no supplement proven to make hair grow faster. But if you're short on certain nutrients, it can affect your hair. Low iron causes anemia, which can trigger hair loss. Vitamins B and D factor big in healthy hair.