Though we’re all aware that length isn’t everything, the pursuit of longer hair can be an all too familiar one. Whether your last trip to the hairdresser saw you lose a few inches more than desired or you’ve been trying to attain waist-length locks for what seems like forever, it’s important to remember that hair growth is, by nature, a gradual process.
Though your strands – on average – grow at a rate of two and a half centimetres per month, there are some under the radar ways you can help nature along and promote faster hair growth through the use of strategic brushing, supplementation, diet, and lifestyle. And as for all the products touting dramatic ‘overnight hair growth’? Give them a miss; unfortunately, there’s no quick fix for this one.
A crucial element to note is that healthier hair results in longer hair, with much of the dialogue on how to make your hair grow faster centered on improving hair health and quality. With that in mind, here’s everything you need to know about speeding up hair growth.
1. Massage your scalp
Good scalp health is key to healthier hair and healthier hair is essential for longer, stronger hair; you see where this is going. Scalp massage promotes blood circulation which helps oxygen and other nutrients reach your scalp faster and can encourage regular cell turnover on the scalp while invigorating the roots of the hair. Plus, stimulating the scalp can help prevent thinning and hair loss. Either massage your scalp using your fingers or try a dedicated scalp massager in the shower for a truly relaxing experience.
2. Use a scalp scrub
Continuing on the importance of scalp health, it’s essential to keep your scalp clean. A buildup of oil, hair product, fungus, and bacteria on the scalp can clog hair follicles and inhibit hair growth. Using a weekly or fortnightly scalp scrub works to eliminate dead skin cells and excess sebum, and remove buildup that weighs your hair down.
3. Supplement strategically
Nourish your hair from the inside out with the inclusion of some strategic supplements. Collagen and biotin can work wonders for improving hair quality, as both contain key essential amino acids found in keratin, the protein hair is composed of. Other important vitamins and nutrients to consider are vitamins A, Bs, C, D, and E, as well as zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. We particularly like the Grown Alchemist Hair Complex which contains biotin, silica, and vitamin B2 which work to promote keratin production, hair repair, and hair growth.
4. Treat yourself to a hair mask
Part of helping your hair grow faster entails protecting the locks you already have. Treat dry, damaged hair to a nourishing hair mask; the best hair masks work to seal the protective layer of your hair, preventing moisture and nutrients from escaping and reducing breakage. Use a weekly overall hair mask like the Moroccanoil Restorative Hair Mask or Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3 Treatment. Alternatively, if your main concern is split ends, opt for a dedicated treatment like the Davroe Ends Repair Leave In Treatment or Split Ends Therapy Balm.
5. Turn down the heat
Heat styling like straightening and curling works by breaking down the hydrogen bonds in your hair to restructure and restyle your hair pattern, with excessive use of heat tools contributing to decreased moisture content and increased breakage. Limit heat use to once or twice a week and work with your natural hair texture on other days. For those times when you do opt for heat styling, ensure you use a dedicated heat protectant to prevent damage. Our favourites include the Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray, Oribe Invisible Defense Universal Protection Spray, and Davroe Thermaprotect.
6. Don’t skip your trim
Not to be dismissed as a common old wives’ tale, getting regular trims does actually help your hair grow faster. While hair growth begins at the roots rather than the ends, untrimmed split ends can cause the breakage to travel upwards, resulting in the strand snapping or becoming damaged. Trimming split ends helps reduce breakage, which in turn helps promote healthier, longer hair.
Words by AR Staff
Feature image courtesy of Corey Tenold
