Long hair can be absolutely stunning, but achieving those flowing locks takes some serious commitment.
You could opt for hair extensions, but growing your hair out naturally is the more economical—and rewarding—route.
However, it requires a healthy dose of patience and persistence, two qualities that can sometimes be in short supply.
If you’re determined to trade in your short cut for luscious, long hair that grazes your back, especially during this time of self-isolation, there are a few strategies to help speed up the process.
First, brace yourself for a waiting game—hair only grows about half an inch per month, and that’s under ideal conditions. So, while you’re waiting, here are 15 tips to help maximize your hair’s growth potential.
How to Grow Your Hair Faster and Longer
- Don’t Fear the Scissors
It might seem counterintuitive, but regular trims are essential for healthy hair growth. Trimming gets rid of split ends and damage that could hinder your hair’s progress. Aim for a trim every eight weeks or so, but keep it light—ask your stylist for a dusting (a tiny trim) or learn to do it yourself with some hair scissors and a YouTube tutorial.
Diane Home Cut Kit – $13 at Amazon
Fromm Explore 5.75” Shear – $37 at Amazon
Hair Cutting Scissors Shears Kit – $20 at Amazon
- Be Picky About Your Shampoo
To encourage growth, treat your hair with care, especially when it’s wet and fragile. Opt for a gentle, natural shampoo that’s free of harsh ingredients like SLS, parabens, and silicones (often labeled as “dimethicone”). These can clog your hair follicles and sabotage your growth efforts.
Rahua Classic Shampoo – $36 at Amazon
- Give Your Hair a Break
After scrutinizing product labels, think about giving your hair some time off from frequent shampooing. That squeaky-clean feeling might seem satisfying, but it could mean you’re stripping your scalp and hair of their natural oils. This can result in dryness, brittleness, and breakage, leaving you wondering why your hair hasn’t grown any longer.
Jolie The Filtered Showerhead – $165 Buy at Amazon
Hai Smart Showerhead – $199 Buy at Amazon
Kohler Aquifer Shower Filter – $49 at Amazon
- Condition Religiously
A good leave-in conditioner, a luxurious hair mask, or even just an upgrade to your usual conditioner can make a big difference. Conditioning helps to strengthen the hair shaft, improve elasticity, and reduce breakage, which means more length retention.
Sachajuan Leave In Conditioner – $39 at Amazon
Davines Love Smoothing Conditioner – $38 at Amazon
- Stop Doing That Towel Thing
Wrapping your hair in a towel might feel satisfying, but it can cause breakage, especially on wet hair. Instead, switch to a microfiber towel for gentle blotting, or even try drying with a cotton T-shirt. Air drying is another great option if you’re really serious about minimizing damage.
Hicober Microfiber Hair Towel – $15 at Amazon
- Brush Gently and Sparingly
When it comes to brushing, less is more. Stick to a gentle brush with rounded, plastic bristles and always start from the ends, working your way up to avoid breakage. The goal is to detangle without pulling or damaging your hair.
Drybar Super Lemon Drop – $20 at Amazon
Pattern Shower Brush – $17 at Amazon
- Give Your Hair Some Space
The less you manipulate your hair, the better it can grow. Cut down on heat styling, chemical treatments, and even sun exposure. Let your hair be as natural as possible to help it thrive. - Embrace Low Ponytails
You don’t have to forgo styling altogether, but opt for low-tension hairstyles like a low ponytail. High ponytails can stress your hair, leading to breakage. And be sure to use gentle hair ties like silk scrunchies to minimize damage.
Slip Silk Skinnie Scrunchies – $39 at Amazon
- Sleep on Silk
Switching to a silk pillowcase can reduce tangles and breakage while you sleep. Plus, silk feels luxurious and is also great for your skin.
ZimaSilk 100% Mulberry-Silk Pillowcase – $24 Buy at Amazon
Kitsch Satin Pillowcase – From $19 at Amazon
- De-Stress Your Life
Stress can wreak havoc on your hair growth. When your body is under stress, it prioritizes vital organs over hair growth. Try to relax with aromatherapy, journaling, or exercise to keep your stress levels in check.
Vitruvi Stone Diffuser – From $123 at Amazon
Solana Yoga Mat – $40 at Amazon
- Massage Your Scalp
Scalp massages are not just relaxing—they can also support hair growth by reducing stress. Use gentle, circular motions or invest in a scalp massager to turn this into a soothing ritual.
Briogeo Scalp Revival Stimulating Therapy Massager – $18 at Amazon
Maxsoft Hair Scalp Massager Shampoo Brush – From $10 at Amazon
- Treat Your Scalp Like Your Skin
Your scalp deserves the same care as your face. Incorporate gentle exfoliants like salicylic acid and nourishing ingredients like green tea and rosemary into your routine to keep your scalp healthy and your hair growing strong.
Sunday Riley Clean Rinse Clarifying Scalp Serum with Niacinamide – $48 at Amazon
- Consider Supplements, But Don’t Rely on Them
While hair-growth supplements and gummies might help if you have a nutritional deficiency, they’re not a cure-all. A balanced diet is crucial for hair health.
Hum Nutrition Hair Strong Gummies – $26 at Amazon
OLLY Heavenly Hair Gummy Supplement – $23 at Amazon
- Eat for Hair Growth
A diet rich in iron, B vitamins, protein, and zinc can support hair growth. Foods like nuts, eggs, leafy greens, and salmon are excellent choices to nourish your hair from the inside out. - Address Any Underlying Issues
If your hair isn’t growing despite your best efforts, it could be due to factors like hormonal imbalances or hair loss conditions. Look for signs like increased shedding or thinning, and consider consulting a professional to explore targeted treatments.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to achieving those long, beautiful locks you’ve been dreaming of!
