If this is you - Help! - I need to my hair to grow faster - fear not! There are ways to get your hair to grow faster - thicker, stronger and shinier, too! There are several "best techniques" for improving hair growth, while resisting damage, breaking and dullness.

If you are among millions who suffer from slow growing hair or just want to maximize its growth rate, a number of proven options are available.

Why is my hair growing slow?

While genetics plays an important role in hair loss, thinning or slowed growth, most often the causes are related to environmental issues, hair products or diet.

Hair is comprised of proteins. Proteins are built with amino acids. If the body isn't processing the proper amount of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, follicle bulb development, the length of the growth stage (anagen phase), and overall health of follicles may be restricted.

Likewise, using products that harm or damage your hair can take healthy, vibrant locks, and turn them into a dried, fragile and brittle mess - much like a wheat field that hasn't gotten fertilizer or water. Though there is a temptation to use less expensive products (especially in this economy), cheap shampoo and conditioner is often cheap for a reason - because less expensive ingredients are used. As a result, follicles and scalp can potentially be harmed.

Also, the environment has an affect. Constant and repeated exposure to the UV rays from the sun doesn't help; nor does exposure to dirt, grime, pollutants, and smoke. These factors can increase free-radical damage that slowly, but assuredly, destroy cells and keep the follicles from growing as fast as possible.

How do I get faster growing hair?

• Supplement your diet - Using hair nutrition vitamins that provide a balance and supplement of vitamins, amino acids and minerals is one of the surest "quick responses" to get you hair back on the "fast track". Vitamins such as B-12, E, C, and D help increase strength making the follicle shaft stronger and healthier. This leads to fast growing cycles. Amino acids help the bulb and root to develop healthier making hair shinier, silkier and resistant to breaking.
• Use shampoos and conditioners that have healthy ingredients - Parabens (preservatives) and the harsher surfactants with sulfates (sodium laurel sulfate - SLS) can harm and strip hairs of natural oils that protect and coat the follicle. These oils help cleanse the scalp of dirt and bacteria, plus the provide nutrition and elasticity to the shaft and cuticle. Look for shampoos that have Omega 3's, emu oil, and jojoba oil.
• Keep your hair clean - While there is plenty of debate as to how often to shampoo, for most folks shampooing daily is OK provided your hair is not naturally dry and if you use a shampoo with natural-based ingredients. Not shampooing can lead to several issues that can inhibit fast growth - bacteria, product build-up, dandruff, scalp inflammation, and fungus. All of these can promote not only slow growth, but more severe cases can result in shedding, hair loss, and thinning for both men and women.
• Finally, look for other signs of trouble - While the first three are your typical culprits, other factors such as stress, hormones, scalp diseases, and DHT can be slowing your growth as well. If you suspect any of these, get a microscopic hair analysis done. These will generally provide in-depth analysis and causes you might be able to fight.

If you want your hair to grow faster, take some good hair vitamins and be good to your locks! Good Luck!