Heredity is one of the primary factors in chest hair growth, but there are a number of home remedies recommended to promote thicker chest hair. Changes in diet, daily hygiene and exercise can all have an impact on the rate of hair growth. Some people recommend massaging oils into the chest for increased growth. It should be noted, however, that none of these techniques have been proved to be effective, and results cannot be guaranteed.
Hair growth is different for every man, with varying rates of growth, density and follicle thickness. This is true even for chest hair. One of the main components in the growth of chest hair is genetics. Some men are predisposed to being hairier, other men will naturally have sparse chest hair, and others might be completely smooth.
Although heredity is a major factor, other elements might contribute to chest hair growth. For example, some people claim that increasing the amount of protein in the diet can increase the growth of chest hair. Hair is made primarily of protein, and a diet made up of 30-40 percent protein is reputed to stimulate hair growth. Advocates also recommend increasing the intake of vitamin E and beta-carotene, either through diet or in supplements, to grow thicker chest hair.
Good circulation also promotes chest hair growth. In addition to providing a host of proven health benefits, regular exercise also might help chest hair to grow. For the best results, cardiovascular exercises should be performed several times a week, with each session lasting a minimum of 20 minutes.
Massage also is recommended to promote circulation and stimulate hair growth. Massaging the chest twice daily is believed to help chest hair grow. Some people suggest that oils used during the massage might also help by nourishing the follicles. Others recommend stimulating chest hair growth by scrubbing the area with a toothbrush — of course, the brush should not be used for teeth as well.
Vigorous scrubbing is recommended from a hygiene standpoint as well. Dead skin and clogged pores can trap follicles and cause ingrown hairs, especially when the hairs also are being shaved. Thorough scrubbing removes obstacles and helps the hairs to grow properly.
For many young men, one other technique might help to address worries and insecurities concerning chest hair: patience. As with facial hair, chest hair will become darker and thicker in time. Many men also find that chest hair simply becomes less important as they mature, and that what was once taken as a sign of manhood no longer matters after manhood has been achieved.
