How to Grow Your Hair Out Long

Have you always dreamed of long, luscious locks? Are you trying to change your look from a pixie cut to a longer hairstyle? Growing out your hair can be frustrating, especially if your hair tends to grow slowly. Most people’s hair grows about 1 ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) a month, but you can make sure your hair grows as quickly as possible by following a few simple steps and cutting down on bad hair habits!

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Making Changes to Your Hair Care Routine

  1. 1
    Cut down on your use of hot styling tools. While they may make your hair look good for a few hours, hot styling tools like hair dryers, hair straighteners, and hair curlers can weaken your hair and hinder hair growth. Try to reduce your use of these tools or cut them out of your hair care routine. Do minimal hair styling, with minimal hair products, so your hair can stay healthy and grow out. [1]
    • If you decide to use hot styling tools, set them to a low heat setting, no higher than 325 degrees Fahrenheit, and apply a heat protectant spray, gel, or cream before you use the tool on your hair. This will help to protect your hair from drying out and breaking off.
  2. 2
    Leave your hair down whenever possible. Pulling your hair back into a ponytail or a tight updo can lead to breakage and damaged strands. Rather than using clips, pins, and hair ties in your hair, go for a more relaxed look. Let your hair flow long and over time, it will grow out long and healthy. [2]
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  3. 3
    Use shampoo only two to three times a week. Reduce your shampoo use to only two to three times a week so you do not dry out or overwash your hair. [3] This will allow your hair to stay strong and healthy, leading to better long term growth. [4]
    • If your scalp gets oily or itchy due to underwashing, you can increase the amount of times you shampoo during the week. Alternatively, you can use dry shampoo to clean your scalp and hair in between washings.
    • When you shampoo your hair, you should massage the shampoo into your scalp and try not to rub your hair with the shampoo.
    • To keep your hair healthy, you should focus on conditioning your hair every time you shower. Conditioner is great for strengthen your hair, as it replaces the lipids and proteins in your hair shafts. You can also use a conditioning treatment to give your hair an extra boost, such as a treatment that contains natural ingredients to encourage hair growth and soothe your scalp. Rinse out your conditioner using cold water, which seals the cuticle.
  4. 4
    Pat your hair dry after a shower. Avoid wrapping your wet hair tightly in a towel as doing this can cause breakage and put stress on the strands of your hair. Instead, use a dry towel to pat your hair so you do not tear, pull, or rip at your wet hair. [5]
    • If you can’t break your towel wrapping habit, use thin towels and soft microfiber towels. These towels are made of material that is light on your hair and soaks up the water in your hair without damaging it.
  5. 5
    Get your hair trimmed once split ends appear. [6] Though it may seem like the wrong move when you are trying to grow out your hair, getting your hair trimmed once you develop split ends can actually encourage hair growth. Split ends start as dry, brittle parts of your hair and if they are not trimmed, can work their way up the strands of your hair. If you leave your split ends for too long, when you do go to your hairdresser, she may be forced to trim a significant amount of length off you hair to get rid of the split ends. [7]
    • Make sure you see your hairdresser every 10 to 12 weeks for a trim. Schedule appointments ahead with your hairdresser so your hair stays healthy and free of split ends.
    • If your hair grows quickly and you have very damaged ends, then you may want to get trims every 6 to 8 weeks.
  6. 6
    Switch to silk pillowcases. Though it may seem luxurious, sleeping on silk pillowcases can actually encourage hair growth. Pillowcases made of cotton or linen can pull and tug at your hair, leading to breakage when you move around while sleeping. The soft, slick texture of silk will not create any unwanted friction, keeping your hair smooth, long, and knot-free. [8]
    • Alternatively, you can sleep with a silk scarf wrapped around your hair.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Applying Hair Treatments

  1. 1
    Use a hair mask. [9] Encourage your hair to grow long by applying a hair mask once or twice a week. Make your own natural oil mask or purchase over-the-counter hair masks at your local drug store. [10]
    • To make a hair mask at home, combine 1 cup coconut oil with 1 tablespoon macadamia oil, almond oil, and jojoba oil. Massage the mask into damp hair and let it sit for ten minutes. Then, shampoo and condition your hair to remove the mask.
  2. 2
    Do a castor oil treatment. Castor oil is a natural substance that can encourage hair growth. [11] Applying a castor oil hair mask can lead to hair that grows longer and healthier.
    • Begin by massaging your scalp with 1 cup of castor oil. Allow the oil to fall from your scalp onto the strands of your hair. Once your scalp and hair are covered, use a plastic shower cap on your head to keep the oil in place. Spread a towel on your pillowcase before you go to sleep so you do not get oil all over your pillow.
    • Let the oil sit on your scalp and hair overnight. Wash and condition your hair the following morning to remove the oil.
  3. 3
    Apply a hot oil scalp massage. A hot oil massage can help to breakdown any oil or dirt on your scalp and stimulate hair growth from the roots of your hair. Use natural oils like coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, and argan oil. [12]
    • Heat the oil by placing the bottle or tube in a bowl of warm water. Make sure you test the oil before you apply it to make sure it isn't too hot. It should be at a comfortable temperature that is not burning to the touch and will not damage your scalp or your hair.
    • Use your fingers to gently massage your scalp with the warm oil in slow, circular motions. You can do this after you have taken a shower. You can also ask a friend or partner to massage your scalp for you. Make sure you massage the oil in your scalp for fifteen to twenty minutes.
    • After fifteen to twenty minutes, shampoo your hair well to remove the oil. To limit shampooing, it's a good idea to do your oil treatment on the same days you already plan to wash your hair.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Making Changes to Your Diet and Habits

  1. 1
    Pack your diet with foods that are high in protein. Boosting your protein intake can help to promote healthy hair growth and prevent any hair shedding or hair loss due to diet. Your diet should have a balance of meat, fish, beans, nuts, and whole grains. If you do not eat meat, make sure you get enough protein through soy based foods, as well as beans, nuts, and grains. [13]
    • The key to an effective high protein diet is to choose your protein sources wisely. Cut out processed meats or full fat dairy products, as these are not healthy sources of protein. Include a high amount of healthy carbs in your diet, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. [14]
  2. 2
    Integrate hair-boosting supplements into your diet. Certain multivitamins and supplements, such as Biotin and Viviscal, are known to promote hair growth. These products contain vitamin C and vitamin B, which are key vitamins for hair growth. [15]
    • Talk to your doctor before you take any supplements to check that you are taking the proper dosage and that the supplements will not conflict with any medications you are currently on.
    • Vitamins like biotin can work differently on people, and some people even experience side effects.
    Jen Atkin, Celebrity Hairstylist

    Supplements can help nourish your hair. "Supplements address common hair and scalp issues like oily scalp, dry hair, and thinning hair with blends of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids."

  3. 3
    Focus on stress relieving activities like yoga and meditation. [16] Pulling your hair out when you’re stressed isn’t just a turn of phrase; stress can affect your cortisol levels and lead to reduced hair growth. Lower your cortisol levels by doing stress relieving activities like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises. This will lead to a more peaceful life and a fuller, longer head of hair. [17]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How should I take care of my hair while I'm growing it out?
    Courtney Foster
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Courtney Foster is a Licensed Cosmetologist, Certified Hair Loss Practitioner, and Cosmetology Educator based out of New York City. Courtney runs Courtney Foster Beauty, LLC and her work has been featured on The Wendy Williams Show, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, and in East/West Magazine. She received her Cosmetology License from the State of New York after training at the Empire Beauty School - Manhattan.
    Courtney Foster
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Check your hair frequently for split ends and have them trimmed as soon as you can. Otherwise, they could split the entire strand and make your hair weak.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 9
  • Question
    What helps grow natural hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    If your hair frequently gets oily, you are probably over-washing it or using products that are too heavy. Try to cut back to shampooing every 2-3 days and apply conditioner and shine products only to the ends of your hair.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 6
  • Question
    How can I speed up hair growth?
    Arthur Sebastian
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Arthur Sebastian is a Professional Hair Stylist based in San Francisco, California. He is the Owner of Arthur Sebastian Hair Salon, a studio offering Hair Styling, Color & Brazilian Blowout services. Arthur has 30 years of experience styling hair. His career began with apprenticeships at Wayne’s Beauty College in Santa Cruz, California Miss Marty’s School of Beauty in San Francisco, California. After receiving his Cosmetology License in 1998, he rented his first station at Wack Shack Hair Salon in San Francisco, going on to hold positions at Posh Hair Salon, Acabello Hair Salon, and Red Union Salon before opening his own studio. With over 500 online customer reviews, Arthur Sebastian Hair Salon has a 5 star average rating on Yelp and 4.9 average review on Google.
    Arthur Sebastian
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Though you can't really make your hair grow faster, you can prevent breakage to help encourage healthy growth. To prevent breakage, you should consider getting adequate trims as you grow out your hair. Trimming your hair adequately and consistently can actually help the hair grow a little bit longer, as it prevents the hair from getting to that split end stage. You can also try using hot tools less and getting some deeper conditioning done by a professional or even by yourself.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/a34377/how-to-grow-hair-faster-tips/
      2. ↑ https://www.theknot.com/content/how-to-grow-your-hair-long
      3. ↑ Courtney Foster. Licensed Cosmetologist. Expert Interview. 9 December 2019.
      4. ↑ https://www.gq.com/story/how-to-long-hair-for-men
      5. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/advice/a36065/tricks-for-growing-your-hair-really-really-long/
      6. ↑ Courtney Foster. Licensed Cosmetologist. Expert Interview. 9 December 2019.
      7. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/hair/hair-care/how-to-grow-out-your-hair
      8. ↑ https://www.theknot.com/content/how-to-grow-your-hair-long
      9. ↑ Courtney Foster. Licensed Cosmetologist. Expert Interview. 9 December 2019.
      1. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/advice/a36065/tricks-for-growing-your-hair-really-really-long/
      2. ↑ https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/seed-and-nut/health-benefits-of-castor-seed-oil.html
      3. ↑ https://www.theknot.com/content/how-to-grow-your-hair-long
      4. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/a34377/how-to-grow-hair-faster-tips/
      5. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/high-protein-diets/faq-20058207
      6. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/hair/hair-care/how-to-grow-out-your-hair/
      7. ↑ Courtney Foster. Licensed Cosmetologist. Expert Interview. 9 December 2019.
      8. ↑ https://www.buzzfeed.com/augustafalletta/heres-what-you-actually-need-to-know-about-growing-out-your#.dkkxxW3JWN

      About this article

      Article Summary X

      If you’re already trimming your hair every 8-10 weeks, the next best way to grow your hair out is to stop using hair dryers, straighteners, or curlers, and leave your hair down whenever possible. Avoid shampooing your hair more than 3 times a week, and pat your hair dry instead of wrapping it in a towel. Try taking biotin supplements to maximize hair growth. For more advice from our reviewer, including how to make dietary changes that will boost hair growth, read on!

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        Nov 29, 2017

        "This helped me a lot, today I accidentally cut it way too short and it's like a bob cut which made me cry ..." more
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