Hair is one of the fastest growing tissues in the human body, second only to bone marrow. And yet, the struggle is real for most people who are trying to get that extra length in a short period of time. Whether you’re facing a horrible haircut, on a mission to donate some locks, or simply going for a new layered look, growing out your hair is no easy task. As Jim Morrison so eloquently put it, “some of the worst mistakes in my life were haircuts.”

While the average amount of hair growth amounts to approximately .3-.5 mm per day, .5 inches per month, and 6 inches per year, there are many ways to speed up the process and get you longer, stronger hair in no time.

Why wait? Whip up an egg mask and watch the magic happen. Rich in protein, iron, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium, eggs are a great natural remedy to strengthening hair. Whisk two tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil with two egg yolks and apply the mixture onto your scalp for 15 to 20 minutes. Be sure to wash it out with cold water. Another alternative mask calls for a colorful concoction consisting of an egg, one cup of milk, two tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, and the juice from half a lemon. Soak hair for 20 to 30 minutes, and then apply shampoo.

Dry Scalp Massages feel fantastic, and they are great for your hair follicles. Massaging your scalp promotes hair growth by releasing blood flow to the hair follicles. Use your fingertips to put pressure against your scalp, starting from the back of your neck and moving upward.

Check out a myriad of essential oils that specifically target hair growth. A fantastic means of stimulating hair growth, natural oils such as lavender oil, thyme, olive oil, Jamaican black castor oil, rosemary oil, vitamin E oil, and tea tree oil are great selections to use when applying hair treatments.

Not only do these oils encourage your hair to grow faster, but also prevent breakage, dryness, and dandruff. The anti-fungal and antibacterial benefits of castor oil make it one of our top picks, as it aids in preventing infections that prevent hair growth. Rich in nutrients, it also retains moisture within the hair shaft.

Seek out sanctifying supplements, such as Biotin. This super vitamin does wonders for the body by aiding in healthy hair and nail growth and prevents against major breakage. The naturally occurring supplement can be found in beans, egg yolks, fish, legumes, meat, dairy products, nuts, and whole grains. Other great options are Vitamin B and Omega-3.

Channel your inner Rapunzel with Shikakai Powder. Shikakai, a tree that grows in India, is the source of an age old remedy that has been used to stimulate hair growth for centuries. The natural conditioner consists of a series of essential vitamins including A, C, D, E, and K, as well as antioxidants. Simply mix the powder with water and apply as a substitute for shampoo.

Featured Image by IISuperwomanII