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Maybe you're regretting your new haircut, or trying to grow out your hair for a rapidly approaching event. No matter what your reasons are, there are some practical measures you can take to encourage speedy hair growth. Try enriching hair treatments like a warm oil scalp massage, adjust your hair care routine in a way that avoids putting stress on your hair, and consume nutrients known to help hair growth (like protein and biotin). There are limits on how much hair will grow in a week, but giving your hair a little extra love will maximize hair growth in a short period.
Steps
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Do a warm oil scalp massage. A warm oil scalp massage uses natural oils to improve the health of your scalp and encourage hair growth. Oils like coconut oil , olive oil, jojoba oil, and argan oil can all be used during your scalp massage. Keep in mind warm scalp massages have not been scientifically proven to lead to faster hair growth. [1] X Research source
- Start by warming up the oil in a bowl of hot water. Test the oil before you use it to make sure it is not scalding hot; you want a comfortable temperature that will not damage your scalp or your hair.
- Use your fingertips (not your fingernails) to gently massage your scalp with the warm oil in slow, circular motions. If you have a partner or a friend close by, ask them to help you massage your scalp. Have them massage your scalp with their fingertips for about 3 minutes.
- Then, run the oil through your hair and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Shampoo your hair well, possibly more than once, to remove the oil .
- Do the oil massage on the days when you normally shampoo, so that you do not end up washing your hair more often than usual.
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Make a hair mask. Give your hair some TLC and encourage your hair follicles to grow faster by applying a hair mask once or twice a week. You can make your own natural oil mask or buy over-the-counter hair masks at your local drug store or beauty supply store. [2] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Combine 1 cup (237 ml) of coconut oil with 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) almond oil, macadamia oil, and jojoba oil. Apply the mask to damp hair and leave it in for ten minutes. Then, wash and condition your hair as you normally would.
- To avoid over-washing, use your hair mask on days when you normally shampoo.
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Try a castor oil treatment. Castor oil is known for its beneficial effects on skin and hair. [3] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Using a castor oil hair mask may help your hair to grow faster and healthier. [4] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Start by massaging your scalp with castor oil and allowing the oil to fall into your hair. Wrap your hair and head with a plastic shower cap so the oil stays put. Some of the oil will probably seep out from under the cap, so you may want to spread a towel on your pillow to protect your pillowcase.
- Leave the oil in overnight. The following morning, wash and condition your hair as you usually would, making sure to remove all the oil.
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Apply an apple cider vinegar rinse. Apple cider vinegar can be very effective at removing dirt, grime, and oil buildup in your hair, as well as any residue from your hair styling products. You can use apple cider on the days you do not use shampoo as a natural alternative, or apply it following your regular shampoo and conditioner routine. [5] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Add two tablespoons of vinegar to two cups of water and rinse your hair with this mixture. Though the water may smell strongly of vinegar, this smell will fade.
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Shampoo your hair two to three times during the week. Cutting down on your shampoo routine to two to three times a week will allow the oils in your scalp to penetrate your hair. [6] X Expert Source Patrick Evan
Professional Hair Stylist Expert Interview. 17 January 2019. Your hair can then hydrate and repair itself. [7] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source- If you notice your scalp gets very oily or itchy after shampooing for only two to three times a week, you may want to increase the amount of times you shampoo every week.
- To properly shampoo your hair , only rub it into your scalp, massaging your scalp as you do this, and then let the shampoo run down the strands of your hair as you wash out the shampoo.
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Condition your hair every time you shower. Unlike shampoo, it’s important that you always use conditioner on your hair when you get it wet in the shower. Conditioner can help to replace the lipids and proteins in your hair shafts and allow your hair to grow longer and healthier.
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Cold rinse your hair at the end of a shower. Rinsing your hair with cool water at the end of a hot shower can help to seal the cuticle and give your hair more durability when you style it. [8] X Research source
- It is especially important to cold rinse after conditioning. The cold water will seal the hair cuticles and lock in moisture from the conditioner.
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Avoid wrapping your wet hair in a towel. Though you may be in the habit of wrapping and twisting your hair in a towel once you get out of the shower, doing this can cause breakage and put stress on the strands of your hair. Wet hair is particularly fragile, so substitute the post-shower towel wrap with a gentle pat down using a dry towel. [9] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
- If you like to wrap your hair in a towel, you can try using thin towels and soft microfiber towels. These towels are made of a material that is gentle on your hair and dries it well without breakage.
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Brush your hair before bed. Over-brushing your hair every day can actually be bad for your hair and lead to poor growth. Instead, use a boar bristle brush a few times through your hair before bed. This will help to distribute the oils in your scalp onto your hair so it stays moisturized, naturally. [10] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
- Start at your scalp and use even strokes to go through each section of your hair at least once.
- Brushing once a day before bed can also increase circulation on your scalp, which can improve its health and encourage hair growth. Though brushing your hair is not scientifically proven to lead to faster hair growth, it can help to improve the overall health of your hair.
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Avoid hot styling tools. One of the most common ways you can damage your hair and hinder its ability to grow is to use hot styling tools like hair dryers, hair straighteners, and hair curlers. Try to cut back on your use of them or cut them out of your hair care routine completely. Go for more natural looking locks so you do not get in the way of healthy hair growth. [11] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
- If you do use hot styling tools, you should use them on a low heat setting and use a heat protectant gel, cream, or spray to avoid damaging your hair.
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Get your hair trimmed. While it may seem counterintuitive, getting your hair trimmed can actually help it grow faster and healthier. Trimming your hair regularly will prevent split ends from working their way up the strands of your hair, which will reduce the need to get your hair cut. Split ends can cause your hair to break off high up on the strand, leading to shorter hair and more trips to your stylist. [12] X Research source
- Your hairdresser should trim ⅛ of an inch (3 mm) off your hair every 6 to 8 weeks to prevent the development of damaging split ends. Try to schedule consistent appointments with your hairdresser so your hair stays healthy and free of split ends.
- How often you need to get a trim will depend on how fast your hair grows and how damaged the ends are.
EXPERT TIPHair StylistYan Kandkhorov is a Hair Stylist and Owner of K&S Salon, a hair salon based in New York City's Meatpacking District. Yan has over 20 years of experience in the hair industry, is best known for paving the way for iconic hair trends in the industry, and has operated his salon since 2017. His hair salon has been voted one of the Best Hair Salons in New York City in 2019 by Expertise. Yan and K&S Salon has collaborated with leading fashion magazines and celebrities such as Marie Clair USA, Lucy Magazine, and Resident Magazine.Our Expert Agrees: Your hair generally grows 1/2 inch every month, so if you just trim a little every 3 months or so, your hair will still be growing faster than you cut it. However, getting regular trims will prevent the ends from splitting, so your hair will stay healthier as it grows.
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Take hair-boosting supplements. A multivitamin that is formulated to improve your hair may be a good option if your diet is not supplying enough hair boosting nutrition. Look for vitamins labeled “for hair,” such as biotin tablets, which contain key vitamins like biotin, vitamin C, and vitamin B that support hair health. [13] X Expert Source Patrick Evan
Professional Hair Stylist Expert Interview. 17 January 2019. These supplements can help your hair grow faster and healthier. [14] X Research source- Before you take any supplements, you should speak with your doctor to ensure you are taking the proper dosage and the supplements will not interact negatively with any medications you are currently on.
- Biotin and other hair-growth vitamins may work differently or cause different side effects for different people.
- Look for supplements that have been tested by third party verifiers, such as USP, NSF, or Consumer Lab.
EXPERT TIPHair StylistYan Kandkhorov is a Hair Stylist and Owner of K&S Salon, a hair salon based in New York City's Meatpacking District. Yan has over 20 years of experience in the hair industry, is best known for paving the way for iconic hair trends in the industry, and has operated his salon since 2017. His hair salon has been voted one of the Best Hair Salons in New York City in 2019 by Expertise. Yan and K&S Salon has collaborated with leading fashion magazines and celebrities such as Marie Clair USA, Lucy Magazine, and Resident Magazine.Our Expert Agrees: One of the best things you can do to make your hair grow faster is to take vitamins. In particular, look for vitamins that come in liquid gel caps or gummies to get the nutrients your body needs to help your hair grow.
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Eat foods that are high in protein. Increasing your protein intake will promote healthy hair growth and ensure you do not start to shed or lose your hair. Make sure your diet is a balance of meat, fish, beans, nuts, and whole grains. [15] X Expert Source Patrick Evan
Professional Hair Stylist Expert Interview. 17 January 2019. If you are vegetarian, ensure you get enough protein through soy based foods, beans, nuts, and grains. [16] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source- If you would like to follow a high protein diet, it’s important that you choose your protein sources wisely. Avoid processed meats or full-fat dairy products, as these can lead to other health issues.
- Make sure you are also getting enough healthy carbs in your diet that are high in fiber and full of nutrients, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. [17] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Try the “inversion” method. The “inversion” method is when you invert your head so it is below your heart, stimulating blood flow that can then encourage hair growth. Lay on your bed and allow your head to dangle off the edge of the bed so your neck is supported on the edge of your bed. You should try to remain in this position for 4 to 5 minutes a day. Though there is no scientific proof that this method works, it is a harmless method you can try to encourage hair growth.
- You can also do yoga poses like downward dog, shoulder stand, or head stand. The idea is that your head is below your heart, leading to blood flow to your head.
- You can massage your scalp with coconut oil before you invert for 4 minutes a day to encourage hair growth.
- You may also want to measure the length of your hair at the beginning of the week so you can chart your progress.
- Come out of the inversion slowly so you do not feel faint or dizzy. At the end of the week, measure your hair again and note how long your hair has grown in just one week.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionCan I apply castor oil as a daily moisturizer?Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.Yes, castor oil can be applied as a daily moisturizer, and does not have to be shampooed out after each use.
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QuestionHow can I grow my hair at least ten inches in about a month?Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.This would be impossible considering that hair only grows about half an inch per month on average. Depending on how fast your hair grows, it would take about 2 years to see an additional 10 inches in length.
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QuestionDoes washing my hair with eggs make it grow quickly overnight if I have thick hair?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.No. There is nothing that you can wash your hair with that will cause an overnight growth spurt.
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Tips
- On average, hair grows about .5 inches (1.3 cm) in a month. Even with these methods, you will probably only see a very small amount of growth (just a fraction of an inch, or a few millimeters) over the course of a single week.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2017/january/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23204-keratin
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9231528/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5596646/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/exploring-the-health-benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar/
- ↑ Patrick Evan. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 17 January 2019.
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-dirty-truth-about-washing-your-hair/
- ↑ https://www.uclahealth.org/news/6-cold-shower-benefits-consider
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/insider/stop-damage
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/hair/habits-that-damage-hair
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/insider/stop-damage/prevent-hair-damage-weave-extensions
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/hair.html
- ↑ Patrick Evan. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 17 January 2019.
- ↑ https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2020/february/the-truth-about-supplements
- ↑ Patrick Evan. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 17 January 2019.
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/choosing-healthy-protein.htm
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/15416-carbohydrates
- Videos provided by Brittany Marie
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To kickstart hair growth, give your strands some TLC with a warm oil massage or moisturizing hair mask. Cut shampooing down to 2-3 times per week, since shampoo can strip your hair of moisture and slow down growth. Always follow up with a hydrating conditioner and avoid wrapping your hair in a towel afterward, since this can cause damage. Avoid heat styling tools and consider taking a supplement that contains vitamins like biotin, vitamin C, and vitamin B to support hair growth. To learn more from our Cosmetologist co-author, like how to make a hair mask or do an oil treatment, keep reading!
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Reader Success Stories
- "I did it for a week and it worked. I read this article every day."
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"I did it for a week and it worked. I read this article every day."
"I had always short and thin hair so one day I was just checking on Google for making hair growth faster and I saw this article.I came to it and followed all the steps and seriously, to be very very honest, my hair is not short now I saw my hair growth!"
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"What I did was mix equal proportions of coconut oil, castor oil and olive oil. Then I would start at the roots then spread the mixture to the ends of my hair. Leave it in overnight, then wash out in the morning. It's best to do this once a week."
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"Relieved my anxiety about my way too short, unflattering haircut. At least I am eating healthy and now have something to try to help it. Also to be able to see a closer light at the end of the of the tunnel. ''This too shall pass!" :)"
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"I finally found something that works! All I use is the coconut oil and the inverse method, and it works like a charm. I have thick hair, and it is hard for me to grow my hair because I dye it a lot. This was very helpful."
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