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Hair

How to Grow Your Hair Faster, According to Dermatologists and Hairstylists

 

From regular trims to OTC supplements, here's what experts recommend.

Whether you’re actively dealing with hair loss or interested in preventive care, knowing how to grow your hair faster is never a bad idea—especially since lengthy locks are usually the result of living a healthy lifestyle. “Your overall health plays a significant role in the condition of your hair,” Michelle Henry, MD, board-certified dermatologist in New York City, tells Glamour. “Stay hydrated, manage stress levels through relaxation techniques or exercise, and get adequate sleep.”

As for ways to specifically maintain healthy hair? According to Michele Green, MD, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City, there are great hair growth products and topical treatments such as hair-strengthening shampoo and conditioner, prescription medications, hair oils and serums, and in-office procedures like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections that can help.

That said, there is no over-the-counter substitute for a healthy hair care regimen, which often includes putting bad hair care habits to bed.

“While procedures, serums, and vitamins are all effective treatment options, changing your hair routine can promote hair growth,” Dr. Green explains, adding that many parts of our daily hair routines can cause physical damage to the hair and prevent growth and retention. Don't know what those are? Keep reading for 10 ways to perfect your hair care routine and experts’ top tips for how to grow your hair faster, and you'll be feeling like Rapunzel in no time.

How to grow your hair faster, at a glance

1. Use products with growth-promoting and thickening ingredients.

When shopping for hair care products, Dr. Henry suggests looking for shampoos, conditioners, leave-in conditioners, hair masks, and serums that contain ingredients such as biotin, keratin, and probiotics (or karmatin, which is a plant-powered version of keratin).

“These can help strengthen hair strands, reduce breakage, and improve overall hair health, creating a good foundation for hair to grow from,” she says. “Additionally, topical products containing minoxidil, an FDA-approved over-the-counter drug, have been shown to promote hair growth by prolonging the growth phase of the hair cycle.” Some of the most popular products with minoxidil include Rogaine and Nioxin.

“Saw palmetto has been shown to increase hair growth in men experiencing androgenetic alopecia by stopping male androgen hormones from converting into DHT, and ashwagandha and rosemary oil contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may protect the scalp from environmental stressors, such as pollution, and reduce inflammation around the follicles,” she says. “Additionally, there is some evidence that rosemary oil may promote hair growth by blocking DHT production.”

Another way to ensure hair growth is to promote hair and scalp health, says celebrity hairstylist Marc Mena, so you’ll want to stock up on scalp-protecting products that contain the above ingredients as well. “Scalp oils promote a healthy scalp, and a healthy scalp means healthy hair,” he says, pointing to Better Not Younger’s hair patches as one of his favorite pro-scalp products for hair loss.

The same goes for incorporating robust hair-repair, hydration, and thickening hair products into your routine, as it ensures your hair recovers from damage and stays its healthiest.

“R+Co has an amazing leave-in called Dallas that has biotin in its formula to leave your hair feeling luscious and full. And Kevin Murphy makes a great hair care regime called Thick Again,” Cabbot says of her favorite product for thicker hair. “This product is a must-do; you can easily target specific areas, and my clients swear by this. Any of these treatments would be great for someone ng to bring their hair back to life.”

2. Practice proper hair care hygiene.

Damaged hair isn’t going to grow any faster, so be sure to treat it as gently as possible. This includes showering with cooler water, opting for micro-fiber towels, using heat styling tools and blow drying on lower temperatures, using the right brushes, and more.

Use the right hair brush.

“Treat tresses with TLC; be patient when detangling, and use the right tool,” Bronwen Robinson, senior stylist at New York City’s Suite Caroline Salon, tells Glamour. “For example, use a natural-bristle brush when brushing out dry hair and a wet brush or wide-tooth comb when detangling wet hair.” Some of Glamour’s favorites for the job are Tangle Teezer’s Ultimate Detangler and Dae Vegan Detangle + Style Brush.

Be gentle while brushing.

How you brush and style is important too. “I can’t express it enough: Start by combing out the ends, not the roots, when removing tangles,” Robinson adds. “This is such an effective way to avoid snapping and breaking strands of hair which can contribute to split ends and frizz.” And split ends certainly won’t make your hair grow any faster. "Patience will pay off!” she asserts.

And styling.

You should also practice caution when it comes to how you wear your hair. “This includes wearing too-tight hairstyles and friction-causing hairbands," says Dr. Green. “Too-tight hairstyles ponytails can pull at and damage your follicles, so consider switching up hairstyles regularly.” Translation? Loosen your hairstyles like ponytails and braids, and be sure to use soft hair ties that do not cause friction along the hair shaft.

Use microfiber towels.

Experts advise swapping out your terrycloth towels for microfiber as well, since the former is rough on longer hair and can result in additional damage and breakage. “I don’t use terrycloth towels for hair; I always use special microfiber towels that are made especially for hair,” Mena says.

Turn down the shower temp.

Of course, proper hair care hygiene starts in the shower, too: Washing hair with very hot water isn’t great for your hair, skin, or hair color longevity, “This is a major no-no, especially when you have color-treated hair,” says New York City hairstylist Dan Williams. Adds Mena, “Hot water burns your scalp and hair, and causes dryness and damage. I mean, you wouldn't put your hands in boiling hot water, would you? Why would you do it with your hair?”

Minimize heat styling.

“Excessive heat styling on high temps, especially daily, will not only make your hair dry and brittle but can also reduce color longevity by burning off color—especially if you’re highlighted and glossed,” says hairstylist and L’Oréal Professionnel global ambassador Min Kim. A good rule of thumb is to not exceed the 325°-to-350° range on heat tools, as any higher will be damaging to your hair.

If you love styling your hair, your best bet is to swap out your hot tools for gentler options like the Dyson AirWrap or Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System. And, of course, always use heat protectant.

Sleep with a silk pillowcase or bonnet.

Finally, be sure to get adequate beauty rest…for your hair. “If your hair is fragile or compromised, dry the whole head and sleep on a silk or satin pillow to reduce breakage,” says Kim. Williams says the same, as silk helps prevent damage and frizz from forming overnight. “People prone to frizzy hair should always sleep with silk pillowcases or use silk bonnets,” he says. “It’s a game changer.”

3. Get frequent hair trims.

Frequent trims may feel counterintuitive when the goal is long hair, but Raven Hurtado, a hairstylist at Chicago’s Maxine Salon, says it’s a must for promoting faster hair growth. “Getting rid of dry split ends allows hair to grow healthy and long and maintains the hairstyle,” she says.

“While procedures, serums, and vitamins are all effective treatment options, changing your hair routine can promote hair growth,” Dr. Green says. Sometimes hair growth is simply a matter of taking better care of your hair—which, of course, includes those dreaded regular trims.

“Heat styling, using straightening or curling irons, breaks down the bonds in your hair, leading to decreased moisture. Try opting for no-heat styles or, if you need to use heat, use a heat protectant that can stand the temperature you are using,” Dr. Green says—and the same goes for harsh treatments like using bleach. “Using chemicals, dyes, and relaxers on your hair can damage the hair and cause breakage. Avoid these processes, use them less frequently, or use semipermanent dyes over permanent ones.” Translation? Let your hair air-dry every now and then, and dye it less frequently too.

Bye-bye, breakage.

4. Try scalp therapy and massage.

Every expert interviewed pointed to scalp therapy as one of their top tips for hair growth. “Scalp care is hair care that begins with health care,” says certified trichologist and colorist Bridgette Hill.

“Simply put, our hair formation and growth begin below the skin; by the time the hair protrudes from the hair follicle, it is has already been formed,” Hill explains. “Proper scalp care keeps the muscles of the scalp firing and keeps the connective tissues loose so that blood flows easily to the roots of the hair bulb and increases nutrients to the follicle, which helps minimize shedding and loss. Scalp health is the tissue and cell component of hair health.”

One easy form of proper scalp care? Stimulation and massage. “Massage with oils or a hair mask that stimulates the scalp, like peppermint, tea tree, and citrus-based oils. They’ll not only enhance circulation, which is exactly what you want to do, but can also decongest the scalp,” she says, adding that her go-to preshampoo oil treatment is Rene Furterer Head Spa Complexe 5 Stimulating Plant Concentrate.

Laurabeth Cabbot, a Los Angeles hairstylist, also points to scalp stimulation as her number one tip for hair growth. “Scalp stimulation therapy is a great way to stimulate your hair follicle,” she says. “You can find certain specialists that are specifically trained in scalp stimulation treatments such as scalp acupuncture, because sometimes even natural remedies can help.” If you’d rather DIY, there are plenty of at-home scalp-stimulating massagers, though my personal favorites are Rizos Curls' Scalp Massage Brush and Dae Vegan Detangle + Style Brush.

Mena concurs. “Anything that helps manipulate the scalp helps promote hair growth,” he says. This can even includes brushes and how you use them. “I always tell my clients to brush their scalp with a boar-bristle brush,” Mena says, citing the famous Mason Pearson brush as his favorite for the job. “Just part your hair, section it, and comb the scalp. This manipulates the scalp, helps to produce your natural oils, and it can help make your hair grow.”

Dr. Henry echoes that a healthy scalp is essential for optimal hair growth. “Regular scalp massages with gentle pressure can help stimulate blood circulation to the hair follicles,” she says. “And this increased blood flow brings more nutrients and oxygen to the hair roots, promoting healthy hair growth.” This is important even if you’re using scalp serums and oils, she adds: “They will be most effective in conjunction with a multitargeting supplement or other treatment.”

5. Increase your protein intake.

Eating enough protein is no joke when it comes to growing long and healthy hair. "Protein intake helps the body to create keratin, collagen, and elastin,” Amber Ingram, RD, CSO, LD, a registered dietitian at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, tells Glamour. "Thus, adequate protein intake maintains the health of our hair and skin, because protein is integral for building and repairing cells and tissue in the body.”

In fact, if you don't get enough in your diet, "you may notice dry or inelastic skin, brittle hair, or hair loss,” she adds. Such is especially important if you've recently experienced weight loss.

Not sure how much protein need? According to the AMCR Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMCR), protein requirements can range from 10% to 35% of total daily calories, meaning that active individuals or those desiring to build muscle may need up to 1.2 to 1.7 grams per kilogram of body weight per day.

One easy way to increase your daily intake is to incorporate protein powder into your diet, such as in your morning coffee. Some of Glamour's favorite protein powders include Orgain Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder and Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides.

Protein is essential for healthy hair, skin, and nails—plus boosting energy and muscle mass.

6. Try dietary supplements.

Dr. Green and Dr. Henry also point to hair supplements as excellent way to provide nutrients that support hair growth. “Nutrafol is a popular physician-formulated and clinically tested dietary supplement formulated with ingredients that target hair health from within,” says Dr. Henry. “It typically includes a blend of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and botanical extracts. These nutrients can help address underlying factors that might contribute to hair thinning and promote a conducive environment for hair growth.”

Further, Nutrafol’s ingredients like biotin, saw palmetto, marine collagen, and horsetail extract are believed to support hair follicles, improve circulation, and provide essential nutrients for hair vitality.

Another option, which both Dr. Green and Mena recommend, are Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements. “Nutrafol is formulated with saw palmetto, ashwagandha, natural ingredients, and a propriety blend created to address causes of hair health such as hormones and nutrition,” says Dr. Green. “And Viviscal supplements contain proprietary and essential vitamins, such as B vitamins, biotin, and vitamin C, that are proven to thicken hair and increase growth.”

While hair growth supplements can be helpful, it’s still advised to have regular checkups with your health care provider to ensure you’re not deficient in other vitamins and minerals, and if you are, to treat them accordingly.

“Normal hair growth requires adequate amounts of vitamins in a diet. Any long-term reduction in certain nutrients or minerals to the hair follicle may disturb the hair cycle,” says Hill. “It is essential to identify any vitamin deficiencies, trace mineral deficiencies, current supplements, and prescription medication intake and current medical history.”

7. Maintain a healthy lifestyle.

“Your overall health plays a significant role in the condition of your hair,” says Dr. Henry. “Ensure you’re maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and lean protein," which includes lots of Omega-3 fatty acids.

"Stay hydrated, manage chronic stress levels through relaxation techniques or exercise, and get adequate sleep. These factors contribute to your body’s ability to support hair growth.” Hill concurs, and reiterates the importance of regular checkups with your medical professional to ensure you’re the healthiest you can be.

Mena agrees, adding that in his experience, anything that you can take to help with anxiety or stress can help your hair grow. “So meditation, believe it or not, can help make your hair grow, because the first thing in our body that reacts to stress is our hair,” he says. “That’s why people always say, ‘I’m really stressed out, I'm losing a lot of hair.’ Stress always shows in your hair first.” Mena recommends focusing on getting vitamin D by going in the sun and exercising frequently.

One way to combine all of the above and hair-growth-promoting ingredients? Taking supplements with ashwagandha, which has been shown to reduce stress, support healthy cortisol, and enhance sleep quality, and has anti-inflammatory properties that may protect the scalp from environmental stressors and reduces inflammation around the follicles, according to Dr. Green.

8. Try prescription treatment.

“If you’re experiencing severe hair loss or are concerned about your hair’s growth rate, consider consulting a dermatologist,” says Dr. Henry. “They can assess your specific situation, identify any underlying issues, and recommend personalized solutions, which may include prescription medications, injections, or other advanced treatments.”

While topical minoxidil, commonly known as Rogaine, is an FDA-approved over-the-counter topical treatment for those seeking to promote hair growth, prescription medications might work better for you. “Oral medications are available to aid in hair growth through a prescription by a dermatologist,” Dr. Green adds. “Finasteride, commonly known as Propecia, is an FDA-approved drug that prevents the conversion of testosterone to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which shrinks hair follicles and eventually leads to hair loss and baldness. Finasteride slows hair loss and promotes new growth by lowering DHT levels in the body.”

Minoxidil also comes as an oral medication and can be an excellent alternative for those who experience unpleasant side effects from topical minoxidil, she says. “Oral minoxidil likely works like topical minoxidil in promoting circulation to supply oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles,” Dr. Green says. “Although research is beginning to demonstrate that oral minoxidil is a safe and effective treatment, it is essential to consult your dermatologist to see if this medication is proper for you.”

Another option is spironolactone, which is an FDA-approved drug for women experiencing hair thinning or loss due to hormone imbalances (it’s also used as a treatment for acne). “Sprinolocatone decreases the production of male sex hormones, leading to reduced DHT and testosterone levels,” Dr. Green says.

I’ll never brush, wash, or dry my hair the same way again.

9. Consider in-office procedures.

Non-prescription options include the HydraFacial Keravive Scalp Treatment, which Dr. Green describes as a one-of-a-kind process that uses vortex technology to promote scalp circulation and healthy skin. “First, the treatment extracts impurities, dirt, and dead skin cells from the scalp while stimulating circulation and delivering oxygen and essential nutrients to the scalp,” she says. “The next step of the treatment is to replenish the scalp with the HydraFacial Peptide Complex Solution, which is rich in hyaluronic acid and antioxidants. The last step requires using the HydraFacial Keravive Complex Spray daily to nourish the scalp and follicles for long-lasting results.”

One of the most popular treatments however are platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. “PRP is rich in growth factors and proteins that stimulate tissue healing and regeneration in inactive hair follicles,” says Dr. Green. “The process starts by drawing a blood sample and spinning it down to separate the PRP from other blood components. The PRP is then directly injected into the scalp. This procedure has minimal to no downtime, and individuals typically complete a series of injections with semiannual maintenance afterward to maintain the best results.”

10. Be consistent (and patient).

“Remember that achieving noticeable improvements in hair growth takes time and consistency,” Dr. Henry emphasizes. “Results can vary from person to person, and it’s important to approach any treatment with realistic expectations.” She also reiterates the importance of consulting a health care professional before starting any new supplements or treatments.

“When trying to grow hair long and healthy, it doesn’t happen overnight,” agrees Hurtado. “You have to be patient to see results. It can take about two to three months to notice hair growth and then let everything work.”

Finally, Dr. Green says that the best way to make your hair grow is to listen to it. “It’s easy to get sucked into the latest trending products and hair routines, but no two individual’s hair is the same,” she says. “Those with dry hair may want to use gentle shampoos less frequently and focus on moisturizing hair products, while those with oily hair may want to use exfoliating shampoos more regularly. Choosing products and routines for your specific hair is vital in promoting healthy hair and growth.”