From the days of Cher’s ultra-long hair to modern-day Kim Kardashian’s hip-grazing platinum locks, long hair has always been something most women yearn for. While some women are blessed with hair that grows quickly and easily, others may find that their hair tends to take months, or even years just to grow a couple of inches.
While hair extensions are always an option for those who desire long hair immediately, it’s always best to learn good hair habits to make your hair grow faster. Read on for tips from the experts on exactly how to make hair grow faster and longer to achieve the long, flowing locks of your dreams. hair implants
9. Long, healthy hair starts with a balanced diet
The health and strength of your hair is directly related to what’s happening inside your body. “Hair grows at different speeds in different people. Times of stress or illness may decrease hair growth and cause noticeable thinning,” explains Jenny Sobera, MD, FAAD, and Board Certified Dermatologist at Village Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama. If you’ve noticed a sudden change in your hair condition, see your doctor to run a blood test to make sure you’re not experiencing any vitamin deficiencies—and that your thyroid glands are functioning properly. “Healthy foods, such as healthy fats rich in Omega-3, fruits, and vegetables contain the vitamins and nutrients needed for healthy hair,” says Dr. Sobera.
8. Sleep on a silk pillowcase
Sleeping on a silk pillowcase is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your hair game, says Dr. Sobera. “The decreased friction from a silk or satin pillowcase can help reduce hair breakage and improve overall hair quality.”
7. Shampoo regularly—but not too much!
There’s a lot of confusion out there about how often you should be washing your hair. Some folks lather up daily, while others go a week (or more!) between shampoos. The truth is, going too long between washings can result in clogged pores and stunted hair growth—but so can over-cleansing, which strips the scalp, causing the hair follicles to produce more sebum to counter the dryness.
Bottom line? How often you need to wash all depends on how much oil your scalp produces, advises the American Academy of Dermatology. You may want to shampoo daily if your scalp is oily, whereas those with dry or color-treated strands may be able to go a little longer. Whatever your schedule, it’s always a good idea to use a clarifying shampoo 1-2 times a month to detoxify your scalp and open the pores.
6. Ditch the dry shampoo
Occasional use of dry shampoo is okay, but it should never become a part of your daily routine, says Lana Grand, celebrity hairstylist and owner of Los Angeles-based salon Petite Mason. “Oil, dirt, and impurities accumulate on the scalp on a daily basis and need to be removed to ensure the scalp and hair follicles remain clear, balanced, and can breath. Dry shampoo can absorb some oil, making hair look cleaner, but it won’t actually remove impurities.”
5. Yes, for longer hair, you should get your hair trimmed regularly
Of course cutting your hair won’t make it grow faster—but regular trims do go a long way in keeping hair healthy, which can help you achieve length. “Once a hair strand splits at the end, the damage will only progress. Left untouched, a split end will continue all the way up the hair shaft, damaging the entire strand beyond repair,” says Grand. “So, even though regular trims won’t make your hair grow faster, they will absolutely help to eliminate the thing that prevents length retention.” If you’re growing your hair, Grand recommends trimming half an inch every two-and-a-half to three months.
4. Don’t use too much heat
Allowing the hair to air dry is always best—especially when you’re trying to grow it out— but if you must heat style, make sure to prep the hair with a protectant and use your tools on the lowest possible. “If styling your hair is a part of your weekly routine, make sure a heat protectant product is one of the first things to touch your hair after washing it,” says Grand. “Heat damage can cause your strands to snap, which just affects the length you worked so hard to grow.”
3. Try taking a hair vitamin
If you don’t get enough nutrition through diet alone (which may be possible if you’re vegan or vegetarian) a supplement could give your hair a boost in the growth department. “Viviscal is my favorite hair growth supplement, and my patients love it, too,” says Dr. Sobera. “It’s a scientifically formulated supplement taken twice daily to promote healthy hair growth from within.”
2. Try using products containing Minoxidil
Minoxidil, the active ingredient in Rogaine, isn’t just for those who have experienced hair loss. They can also be used to help the hair grow longer (and possibly faster). “Minoxidil promotes hair growth by causing more follicles to enter the “growth” (or “anagen”) phase. Researchers believe this is through stimulation and release of growth factors,” says Dr. Sobera. “It’s very effective, but has to be taken consistently to maintain results.”
1. Avoid coloring your hair
You may be tempted to jump on the platinum blonde bandwagon for the summer or darken your locks come fall, but doing so may mean forfeiting your long hair goals thanks to the damage that comes along with chemical processing. If you must dye your hair, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends you stay within three shades of your natural hair color, and they also report that dyeing the hair darker—rather than lighter—generally causes less damage.