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Long hair is a great, classic, and versatile look. Getting super long hair isn't always doable and depends on the length of your hair growth cycle, which has 3 phases: growing, resting, and shedding. If you have a short growth phase, you may not be able to grow your hair longer than 6–12 inches (15–30 cm). With a little care, however, you can encourage your hair to grow longer. Seek out salon-quality products to strengthen your hair and make small tweaks to your eating and exercise routine to promote hair growth. With a little time and elbow grease, you can have the beautiful, long hair you desire.
Steps
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Brush your hair gently. Use a brush with natural boar bristles. Brush your hair from the tips and move upward to de-tangle your dry hair. Work out tangles slowly and never tear or pull at your hair when brushing. [1] X Research source
- If you have it on hand, apply some kind of hair protectant prior to brushing to minimize split ends.
- Don't brush wet hair, or you may cause hair strands to break.
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Massage your scalp daily. Use the tips of your fingers to make gentle, circular motions to give your scalp a soothing massage. This increases blood flow to the scalp, resulting in hair follicles growing faster. [2] X Research source
- A good time to do a scalp massage is in the shower while you are shampooing your hair.
- If you are working with dry hair, apply a few drops of hair oil to your scalp to prevent too much tugging on your hair.
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Shampoo only one or two times a week. Shampooing every day can dry out your hair, which can slow down hair growth. Shampooing once or twice a week should be adequate to keep your hair clean. On other days, simply rinse your hair with water and then apply conditioner. If your hair feels dirty during the week, use a dry shampoo instead of shampooing your hair when it's wet. [3] X Expert Source Jenny Tran
Professional Hair Stylist Expert Interview. 19 May 2020. -
Condition your hair each time you shampoo it. Conditioner replenishes oils and moisture lost during the shampooing process. Never neglect applying a quality conditioner to your hair the days you shampoo. It's vital to replenish your hair to keep it strong, which promotes growth. [4] X Expert Source Jenny Tran
Professional Hair Stylist Expert Interview. 19 May 2020.- In addition to your normal conditioning, try doing a deep conditioning treatment
or hair mask once a week. This will add extra shine and strength to your hair. [5]
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Expert Source
Jenny Tran
Professional Hair Stylist Expert Interview. 19 May 2020.
- In addition to your normal conditioning, try doing a deep conditioning treatment
or hair mask once a week. This will add extra shine and strength to your hair. [5]
X
Expert Source
Jenny Tran
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Rotate the placement of your ponytail . If you pull your hair back daily, do not place your ponytail in the same spot each day. This can wear down the strands, slowing the growth of your hair. Pull your hair back in a slightly different spot each day by shifting it up or down on your head. [6] X Research source
- To prevent breakage, only use cloth-covered elastic bands and scrunchies. Don't use a rubber band.
- Avoid putting your hair up while it is still wet.
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Dry your hair with a microfiber cloth instead of a towel. Using a towel to dry your hair causes breakage as your hair gets caught in the towel's woven strands. Instead, use a microfiber cloth specifically designed for drying hair or even an old T-shirt. This minimizes breakage and split ends. [7] X Research source
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Trim your hair half an inch every two to three months. Neglecting the tips of your hair for too long will cause split ends. These can ride up towards the roots of your hair, causing damage and slowing growth. Periodically trimming your hair will actually help it grow faster. [8] X Expert Source Jenny Tran
Professional Hair Stylist Expert Interview. 19 May 2020. -
Use a silk pillowcase. Pillowcases made from cotton or linen, although they may feel soft, are rough enough to grab strands of hair and cause breakage. Switch to a silk pillowcase. It will stop unwanted friction while you sleep. [9] X Research source
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Apply a hydrating hair mask once a week. Stop by a salon or a local beauty supply store and invest in a hydrating hair mask. Apply the mask onto the ends of your hair, and work it up your hair towards the roots. Leave the mask in for the required time period and then rinse it out. This will keep your hair strong and hydrated, encouraging growth. [10] X Research source
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Apply a heat protectant when blow drying or straightening your hair. Heat can cause serious damage to hair if you don't take proper precautions. A quality heat protectant should be applied all over your hair prior to blow drying or straightening. You should also limit heat treatments in general as this helps hair grow faster. [11] X Research source
- Heat treat your hair for special occasions only. For example, skip the heat treatment until a date night or night out with friends.
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Choose shampoos with natural ingredients. Always check the ingredient label before buying a shampoo. Shampoos that minimize use of chemicals and are stocked with natural products are the best option for your hair. [12] X Research source
- Avoid shampoos with the ingredients sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate, as they're generally bad for your hair. You should also look out for ingredients like parabens, fragrances, benzoyl alcohol, and sodium benzoate. [13] X Research source
- In general, opt for a shampoo with a small amount of ingredients. Look for natural ingredients, such as oils and foods, over chemical additives.
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Use leave-in conditioner . Leave-in conditioners lock in moisture and keep your hair protected all day. Even when you use a regular conditioner, apply a leave-in conditioner afterwards to protect your hair from breakage. [14] X Research source
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Do a deep protein conditioning treatment once a month. You can book a protein conditioning treatment at a local salon or buy a kit yourself. Deep protein treatments involve deep conditioning your hair with a mask with added protein. This strengthens your hair and promote growth. [15] X Research source
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Use essential oils before bed. To apply essential oils, gently massage them into your scalp. Essential oils that are good for hair include lavender, rosemary, thyme, grapeseed, palm oil, Moroccan oil, and argan oil. [16] X Research source
- It is dangerous to apply essential oils directly to the scalp. Use a carrier oil, such as olive oil, to dilute essential oils. Only use a few drops of any essential oil in a tablespoon or two of a carrier oil.
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Eat healthy . Healthy eating gives your hair the nourishment it needs to grow. Foods that help with hair growth include salmon, walnuts, spinach, blueberries, sweet potatoes, and greek yogurt. [17] X Research source
- In addition to eating healthy foods, work on cutting back on unhealthy foods such as processed foods, sweets, and junk food.
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Hydrate yourself. Strive to drink water with every meal, carry a water bottle with you throughout the day, and stop by water fountains whenever you see them. Avoid drinking other beverages, like juice or soda, with meals. The more water you drink, the faster your hair will grow. [18] X Research source
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Minimize your stress . High stress levels harm your overall health. This can result in slower hair growth, or even hair loss. [19] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Find ways to reduce stress in your life.
- Try stress reduction techniques such as yoga, deep breathing, and meditation. You can join a class or find guided routines online.
- Try taking up an exercise routine. Endorphins can help you manage stress and have additional health benefits.
- Reach out to others when you're feeling stressed. Venting to friends and family members can help reduce your overall stress levels.
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Take a daily biotin supplement. Biotin is a supplement that greatly increases the growth of proteins in your hair and nails. You can purchase biotin supplements in health food stores or drug stores. Taken on a daily basis, your hair will grow in faster and stronger. [20] X Research source
- Always talk to your doctor before introducing any new supplements into your diet.
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Take your vitamins . Most of the vitamins necessary for healthy hair come in the fruits and vegetables you eat each day. To get an extra punch from these vitamins, take a bit extra on a daily basis. Choose a multivitamin, or try taking supplements for vitamins A, B2, and E which all benefit hair growth.
- Talk to your doctor before introducing vitamins into your diet.
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What Can I Do To Encourage My Hair To Grow Thicker And Longer Naturally?
Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow fast does hair grow?Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.Hair grows about 1/2 inch per month. This rate increases slightly in the summer and decreases slightly in the winter.
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QuestionWhat oil makes your hair grow faster?Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.Argan, coconut, and olive oil are just a few of the types of oils that benefit your hair. Keeping the strands smooth and hydrated reduces the chance of breakage, making it easier to attain more length.
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QuestionHow can I increase my hair growth?Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.You can take biotin supplements to strengthen and elongate the hair follicles, which maximizes growth. Scalp massage is also effective at encouraging growth.
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Tips
- Use a wide tooth comb than a brush because brushes will tear out knots and is less likely to damage your hair.Thanks
- Do not use rubber bands to secure braiding as this pulls on the hair and adds tension making hair strands snap while you take them out.Thanks
- Try to get baby shampoo as it is more natural and gentle.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- Embrace the scrunchies! These little bits of 90's nostalgia are perfect for securing hair for sleep without pulling the strands too tightly or causing hair loss. Securing hair before bed also prevents you from developing tangles while you toss and turn in your sleep.
- When you're washing your hair, keep the conditioner in for as long as you can. Make rinsing the conditioner out of your hair the last thing you do in the shower, after you've washed the rest of your body. This will make your hair super moisturized and healthy!
- Try to stay away from styling with heat (curling irons, straighteners), as this can cause damage and breakage and can slow down your hair growth. If you absolutely cannot seem to stay away from heat, use heat protectant every time!
- Don't wrap your hair in a towel as soon as you step out of the shower. Hair is most fragile when it's wet, so twisting and throwing the towel on top of your head can cause breakage.
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References
- ↑ http://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/hair/advice/g5463/5-ways-to-grow-long-hair-fast/?slide=2
- ↑ http://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/hair/how-to/a90/grow-your-hair-faster/
- ↑ Jenny Tran. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 19 May 2020.
- ↑ Jenny Tran. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 19 May 2020.
- ↑ Jenny Tran. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 19 May 2020.
- ↑ http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/advice/a36065/tricks-for-growing-your-hair-really-really-long/
- ↑ http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/advice/a36065/tricks-for-growing-your-hair-really-really-long/
- ↑ Jenny Tran. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 19 May 2020.
- ↑ http://hair.allwomenstalk.com/natural-remedies-to-make-your-hair-grow-faster/28/
- ↑ http://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/hair/advice/g5463/5-ways-to-grow-long-hair-fast/?slide=1
- ↑ http://www.vixendaily.com/beauty/secrets-for-growing-your-hair-really-long/5/
- ↑ http://howdoesshe.com/how-to-grow-long-hair/
- ↑ https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/safe-product-guides/shampoo/
- ↑ http://howdoesshe.com/how-to-grow-long-hair/
- ↑ http://howdoesshe.com/how-to-grow-long-hair/
- ↑ http://howdoesshe.com/how-to-grow-long-hair/
- ↑ http://howdoesshe.com/how-to-grow-long-hair/
- ↑ http://howdoesshe.com/how-to-grow-long-hair/
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/expert-answers/stress-and-hair-loss/faq-20057820
- ↑ http://howdoesshe.com/how-to-grow-long-hair/
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To grow your hair super long, massage your scalp daily by using your fingers to make gentle, circular motions to stimulate hair follicles. Also, only shampoo and condition 3 times per week to avoid drying your hair out. Additionally, apply a hydrating mask once a week to add moisture to your hair, and use a deep protein conditioning treatment once a month to promote new growth. You can also keep your hair healthy by brushing it gently with a boar's hair brush to avoid any breakage or damage. For more tips from our Beauty reviewer, including how to use essential oils to promote hair growth, keep reading!
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Reader Success Stories
- "I am a man and I had the dream to grow my hair super long. Now, I have super long hair thanks to this article. I can style it the way I want and it feels good. I usually parted my hair into two parts before styling. It looks good on me. I went to the salon to better my hair and it even grew longer after the protein treatment. My friends who are girls, style my hair and do very girly hairstyles. It is not fun but I have to bear with it now that i have super long hair. Thanks!" ..." more
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"I am a man and I had the dream to grow my hair super long. Now, I have super long hair thanks to this article. I can style it the way I want and it feels good. I usually parted my hair into two parts before styling. It looks good on me. I went to the salon to better my hair and it even grew longer after the protein treatment. My friends who are girls, style my hair and do very girly hairstyles. It is not fun but I have to bear with it now that i have super long hair. Thanks!"
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"I have had a lot of split ends. I didn't cut it for a year. The splits ends went up the shaft and then I eventually cut off 2 inches of my hair. Still there are split ends remaining, so I need to prevent heat tools and use different types of oils."
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"Encouraging information. How to actually trim your hair correctly with twists. Also the information including how to use things like apple cider vinegar and egg whites was very helpful. Thank you!"
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"This helped me on the way of informing me reasons why my hair may slow down its growth. At the same time, it has given me tips on what to do to have my hair healthy and neglect-free."
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"All of this was very, very helpful. I am going to make a mix of ingredients from these lists to help grow my hair out longer and faster. Thanks for the awesome tips and methods. :)"
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