Some children are blessed with thick, healthy hair, whilst others have very scanty hair well into their toddler years. By and large, toddlers with little hair are perfectly healthy; on the other hand, continual baldness indicates an underlying disorder which needs to be investigated. A health care provider / pediatrician needs to assess a child who is experiencing unrelenting hair loss or no hair growth.
- Some children are genetically inclined to slower hair growth. Genes and heredity play an important part.
- Most children have two ‘crops’ of hair. Occasionally, the second crop may not arrive quickly.
- Infections cause hair loss and poor hair growth in children. Tinea capitis, a fungal infection can cause a child to lose hair. Likewise, severe cases of seborrhea or cradle cap, bacterial infection also contribute to hair loss.
- Alopecia Areata, an autoimmune disorder causes children to lose hair in circular patches; and can ultimately cause complete baldness. Alopecia areata cannot be treated; however, the hair may re-grow in about 1 year.
- Traction Alopecia is a common cause of reduced hair growth and hair loss in toddlers, especially in girls.Too much of styling of the hair causes a toddler’s hair to fall out, resulting in poor hair growth.
- Nutritional deficiencies trigger poor hair growth in children. Deficiencies of protein, vitamin B, zinc and vitamin A are important factors.
Home Remedies To Grow Children’s Hair Faster
- Make sure you give your child an adequate, well-balanced, wholesome diet. Ensure that you give him ample vitamins and minerals – vitamins A, C and E, and calcium, iron and zinc, which protect the hair from environmental damage, and vitamin B complex, which encourage healthy hair growth and damage repair. Protein is very vital for good hair growth, so make sure that the recommended amount is consumed daily. Essential fatty acids also maximize hair health, prevent hair loss and encourage good growth.
- Apple cider vinegar is an excellent home remedy to promote hair growth. Rinse the hair with apple cider vinegar before shampooing the hair. It contains a host of essential vitamins, balances the pH of the scalp and gets rid of dead skin from the hair follicles which may be preventing new hair growth. Mix 1 cup pure apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water. Massage into the scalp for 2 to 3 minutes. Rinse hair with shampoo. Do this twice a week for quick results.
- Gelatin is a wonder remedy too. Gelatin is an exceptional protein which helps the hair grow thick and fast. Mix a packet of gelatin into your shampoo and use every time you wash your hair.
- Confer with your health care provider and start B complex, biotin, vitamin A and protein supplement every day. These will prevent hair loss lubricate the hair follicles and support fast growth.
- Massaging the scalp daily strengthen the hair roots, stimulates latent hair follicles and consequently promotes good hair growth. You can use coconut oil, olive oil or avocado oil to massage the scalp as well as the hair. Leave overnight; wash off in the morning.
- Hair packs and conditioners are beneficial too. Blend together an egg, 3 spoons of olive oil, honey, a little yogurt and a few drops lime juice. Massage this in to the scalp; it protects the hair, conditions it and stimulates new hair growth.