How to grow hair fast? 9 tested and approved tips for achieving longer hair

You’re not alone if you’ve ever typed “How to grow hair fast?” into a search bar. At some point, nearly everyone I know—including myself—has dreamt of having longer hair. Unfortunately, there isn’t a single, simple trick that can deliver the lustrous mane of your fantasies. If there were, I would definitely share it with you.

That said, plenty of effective remedies can help stimulate hair growth. Combined with techniques that prevent breakage and promote strong strands, they can help you achieve the hair of your dreams, or other’s dreams. Here are nine tips to apply to your hair routine if you want to grow longer.

Get a trim

It may seem counterintuitive, but getting regular haircuts can actually help your hair grow longer. The general recommendation is to trim the ends every two to three months to maintain healthy hair and remove dry, split ends. If split ends are not removed, they can continue to break further up the strand. Communicate with your hairdresser about your goal of growing out your hair so they can take that into account when cutting.

Choose the right shampoo

Not all shampoos are equal. Choosing the right one for your hair type is essential because it will allow you to wash your hair properly and maintain optimum health. Too aggressive a shampoo can strip hair of its moisture and lead to long-term damage.

Using the wrong shampoo for your hair type can also cause buildup or irritation to the scalp, clogging the hair follicles and slowing growth. If you’re unsure which shampoo is right for you, opt for a moisturising and gentle formula. If you want to be very sure about it, look for a pH-balanced, sulfate-free formula with nourishing ingredients like amino acids, ceramides, or botanical extracts.

Scalp care

We often focus a lot on skincare but we tend to overlook the importance of caring for our scalp. If the scalp is healthy, clean and hydrated, it will have better blood circulation and bring more nutrients to the hair follicles. This leads to stronger hair that grows more quickly.

This is where a scalp scrub and a scalp massager come in handy. Use them once to twice a week to cleanse, exfoliate, and stimulate blood circulation to the scalp. Use a scalp scrub before shampooing to exfoliate dead skin cells and unclog hair follicles, and a scalp massager while shampooing to enhance blood circulation and distribute the product more effectively. Of course, as is the case with any product, avoid overuse.

Stimulate the roots

Speaking of stimulation, scrubs and massage brushes are not the only way to get it done; scalp serums are excellent for promoting circulation and growth while also strengthening the hair. In addition to stimulating the roots, hair serums nourish the strands for long, healthy hair. Look for ingredients like minoxidil, rosemary oil, and biotin as each offers varying degrees of effectiveness in promoting hair growth.

Towel dry carefully

Rubbing your hair too vigorously with a towel can harm its beauty. This aggressive drying technique weakens the fragile wet strands, leading to breakage. It can also pull hair out from the roots and open the cuticles, making strands more porous and, as a result, frizzier. Instead of rubbing hair, gently use a soft 100% cotton or microfiber towel to remove excess water.

Brush correctly

The saying that you should brush your hair 100 strokes before bedtime is outdated. In fact, brushing your hair excessively from root to tip can be harmful and lead to increased hair loss. So, how to grow hair fast if you’ve been attacking it with aggressive bristles? Develop a routine that includes using a special brush to massage your scalp and stimulate the hair roots. Additionally, be sure to choose the right brush that suits your hair type for brushing the lengths of your hair.

Avoid heat

Heat from blow dryers and straighteners is known to damage hair, so it’s best to avoid using hot styling tools if you want to grow your hair out. If you must use heat styling, be sure to apply a heat protectant to help preserve the health of your hair.

Sleep with silk

A silk pillowcase can be a saviour for those looking to pamper their hair and promote growth. Resting your head on a light, soft fabric not only allows your hair to look shinier (because it is not subjected to rubbing), but it also promotes scalp health by improving air flow around your head.

Eat well and supplement often

Supporting hair growth largely depends on maintaining proper nutrition. Aim to follow a “hair diet” that includes plenty of protein, healthy fats, vitamins and antioxidants. Then, you can fill in the dietary gaps with supplements. When selecting hair supplements, be sure to read the labels carefully. Look for the following key nutrients that aid in promoting hair growth: