We’ve all been told to drink eight glasses of water every day to keep our bodies healthy — if there’s an absolute truth in this world, this is it. After all, every part of the human body needs water to function properly and grow optimally, and the hair is no exception. New rumors even say that drinking water could help hair grow faster. But is that true?
Although drinking enough water is known to have essential benefits for the hair, there’s no scientific proof that suggests a direct link between drinking water and faster hair growth. However, that doesn’t mean water doesn’t play an important role in the hair growth process, just that no specific research was undergone on this matter. But if we link all the pieces together and evaluate every benefit water has on hair, we can understand how drinking water actually makes hair grow faster.
Benefits of drinking water for hair
It’s known that water is an essential factor that keeps hair healthy, no matter if it’s short hair, long, or curly. Exactly like a plant needs water to grow, so does hair. Studies revealed that hair contains about 30% water. Thus, drinking water hydrates and replenishes the hair from within and helps the scalp maintain a favorable environment for hair growth.
Besides, water is an essential energy source for the cells that produce new hair because it increases the amount of oxygen in the blood. Human cells need oxygen to fuel body functions, including those responsible for hair growth. By drinking sufficient water, you also increase the power of the cells to transport nutrients where needed: to your hair follicles. This is because water contributes to better blood flow, which delivers minerals and nutrients used by hair follicles to build the hair shaft. Hence, drinking water helps hair follicles receive more oxygen, vitamins, and minerals required to make hair grow stronger and healthier.
So yes, drinking water is mandatory to improve hair quality and make sure your hair gets all the nutrients every day.
What happens to your hair if you don’t drink enough water
On the flip side, not drinking enough water may lead to dehydration which means your body won’t have enough fluids to carry out its normal functions that stimulate hair growth.
Dehydration may also lead to low blood flow, where cells don’t have enough energy to transport nutrients and oxygen to the hair. Without oxygen, hair follicles weaken and stop producing hair, leading to dull, dry, and thin brittles that break easily. Although it’s unlikely, dehydration may also lead to hair loss in time. As your body constantly loses fluids through natural processes, you have to make up for the loss by drinking enough water so your hair can grow normally.
Does drinking water help hair growth?
There are a lot of contradictions on whether drinking water does help hair grow faster. Despite the lack of evidence, drinking the recommended amount of water per day is necessary for healthy hair growth. By drinking enough water, you keep your hair follicles hydrated, which prevents further breakage and helps hair grow stronger and thicker. Besides, water acts as a fuel for hair cells, which boosts their capacity to transport more vitamins and nutrients to follicles. That’s very important, considering that hair follicles need plenty of nutrients to grow hair at a normal rate.
How much water should you drink per day to help your hair grow faster?
The rule of thumb is that women should drink about 11 cups (2.7 liters) of water per day, while men can go up to 15 (3.7 liters) to support hair’s health. By drinking between 10 to 12 glasses of water per day, you give your body the fuel necessary to undergo the hair growth process. This amount of water is enough to support and boost the hair follicles. However, drinking enough water won’t necessarily make your hair grow faster, but it will thicken the strands and make them less prone to breakage.
Is mineral water better for hair growth than tap water?
Unlike tap water, mineral water contains higher quantities of minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and sodium required for natural hair growth. So drinking mineral water instead of tap water will supply hair follicles with more nutrients, which helps hair grow faster.
Does drinking beer also improve hair growth?
Drinking beer was actually shown to strengthen the hair, increase blood circulation in the scalp and help the hair growth process. A study published by the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture suggests that beer is a significant source of dietary silicon, a mineral that studies found can lower the rate of hair loss and increase thickness. Now don’t get wasted by drinking beer in an attempt to help your hair grow. Limit yourself to a maximum of one beer per day.
