Hey Jamie!
So can you really make your hair grow faster? I’m dying to grow mine out a few inches but it feels like it’s going to take FOREVER. Is there anything I can do to make it grow faster?
Thanks,
“K”
Hi K!
As someone who has been victim to more than one bad hair cut, I feel your pain. Oddly enough, even though my hair is thin, it actually does grow pretty fast (I know, I’m one of the lucky ones). However, over the years I’ve picked up quite a few tricks that will not only make your hair grow faster, but also healthier.
Here’s what I always recommend…just remember that hair typically only grows about 1/4 of an inch to 1/2 an inch max per month, so don’t freak out if you don’t see major results right away.
Reader Question: How Do I Make My Hair Grow Faster? (I’ve got 5 tricks)
Get your scalp in check
Think about it. If your scalp is clogged, how can your hair follicles easily grow through your skin, right? I’m a big proponent of scalp exfoliation (a big post on that soon), but at the very least make sure you’re using a good cleansing shampoo once a week at the bare minimum. You need to make sure that your scalp’s pH is healthy and that you don’t have any issues with dandruff or psoriasis that may be halting growth.
Get more hair trims
I know it seems counterintuitive but, trust me, I’ve seen my hair grow a LOT faster when I actually take the time to get the split ends cut off. You should get regular trims every 3-4 months and just tell the stylist “hey, seriously, I’m trying to grow my hair out so take as little off as possible.” They’ll get it.
Avoid hair extensions
Don’t get me wrong, I loooooved having hair extensions but, ya, while they make your hair look longer/fuller while you have them in, once you take them out you will likely see some damage. Stick to clip-in extensions while you’re growing your natural hair out if you’re feeling the urge.
Take supplements
Back when my hair was supppper thin I started taking Viviscal and saw really, really good results. Not only did my hair grow faster, but it also grew in thicker than it had before and I was 100% sold on this stuff. Since then, a slew of vitamins and gummies have sprung up; I’ve tried a TON, but my favorites are Sugar Bear Hair and HUM Hair Sweet Hair. Honestly, I didn’t take either for long enough to see the full results but, at the very least, they both taste DELICIOUS and contain ingredients that are good for you just in general.
Eat hair-boosting foods
When I was first concerned about my hair being thin, Dr. Perrault (an amazing trichologist I saw in Beverly Hills- seriously, he’s the BEST), told me I MUST increase my protein intake. I don’t eat red meat or pork, so he suggested just making sure I have protein with every meal. I used to be really bad about just eating carbs or trying to be “healthy” by eating vegetarian, with out the proper bean or nut intake. Foods like fish, beans, nuts and whole grains are great for a quick boost of protein. I also really love eggs! Hard boiled eggs (Trader Joe’s sells them pre-hard boiled and I’m into it because, yes, I am that lazy). On that note, there are tons of other foods that are good for your hair/its growth. StyleCaster did a great round up here.
Good luck, K!
xo,
Jamie
