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I’ve long been interested in finding new ways to stimulate hair growth. The funny thing about hair is that it seems to grow fastest in places you didn’t ask for it (that’s you; toes, pits and bits). But, as for how to grow hair faster when it comes to our heads, um, why the glacial pace?
If you’re facing post-trim regret, or your hair splits and flakes as soon as it hits your shoulders, you may be after something that can accelerate the length, fast. The problem is too many brands over-promise on miracle cures that cost a ton of money, then under-deliver.
“There are definitely effective treatments that help to encourage hair growth,” says Anabel Kingsley, top trichologist and brand president at Philip Kingsley. “However, I would not use the term ‘miracle’. Any treatment or regime will take time; you can expect to see results at a minimum of 6 weeks, but more noticeable changes to hair growth occur from the three-month mark of starting something new.”
So if you’ve got the time and patience on your hands to start your hair growth journey, this article is a great place to start.
We spoke to the country’s leading hair experts to discover what really works, and the best ways to speed up hair growth once and for all.
1. Supplements and vitamins
“Vitamin hair supplements shouldn’t be a substitute for a varied diet,” says Clarke. “But if you’re still struggling to get all the nutrients you need, supplements can help those with an unbalanced regime,” he says.Look for protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B12, vitamin D, Omega 3 and the best biotin supplements. “B12 is especially important for vegans, as B12 is only found naturally in animal products,” says Kingsley. But it’s best to consult with a doctor and take a blood test before taking any supplements.
2. Scalp scrubs and regular shampooing
“Hair grows best from a healthy scalp,” says Kingsley, so it’s important to cleanse it regularly.” “Shampooing gets rid of the dirt and debris on the scalp, which includes pollution, sweat and old skin cells,” agrees Sey.To make the most of it, really massage in a best shampoo for thinning hair. “Scalp massage is good for blood circulation which brings oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicle and takes toxins away,” says Clarke.Your scalp is still skin (just like on your face), so it’s important to remember to treat it as such. It’s a good idea to use an exfoliating scalp scrub once a week “to keep your scalp supple and to remove dead skin cells,” says Kingsley. Both exfoliating and cleansing will help to remove any blockages (like dead skin cells or product build-up) from impeding your hair from growing.
3. Natural scalp-friendly ingredients
It’s worth noting that natural doesn’t necessarily mean better, but there are some natural ingredients that are really worth the hype. Aloe vera can soothe scalps and moisturise strands while balancing sebum, charcoal can absorb excess oils, kelp and olive oil are gentle and nourishing and honey is antibacterial. We also have to shout-out Klorane’s Anti-Pollution Shampoo which contains detoxifying aquatic mint, which is said to promote better blood flow to the scalp.And we couldn’t not mention rosemary hair oil. The natural ingredient has been blowing up on TikTok thanks to its holy grail growth abilities, according to some users. In fact, one study comparing rosemary oil to minoxidil (a popular hair regrowth treatment) showed that after six months both groups had seen significant increases in hair growth. However, the group that was treated with rosemary oil had more hair growth than the minoxidil group.
4. Masks and conditioners
“Hair masks for hair growth help to strengthen your hair, reducing breakage – which can improve the thickness of your mid-lengths and ends. If your ends are breaking, your hair simply won’t be able to grow as long as it otherwise could. Hair masks also plump your hair shaft with moisture, giving strands the appearance of more body,” says Kingsley.It improves the look and condition, too. “Shampooing lifts the surface cuticle of the hair shaft so conditioner is essential for smoothing this down and protecting the hair shaft,” says Clarke. Using a good conditioner will help you restore moisture and also help give the hair a lovely look and feel – in some cases it may make it more manageable,” adds Sey.
5. Protection from heat styling
“If you are wedded to your styling tools you definitely need to use the best heat protectant sprays,” says Carson. “In my opinion today’s powerful hairdryers are set on high temperatures that are too hot,” he adds.In order to reduce the damage, don’t hold your dryer too close to your hair. “Hold it approximately 30 centimetres away,” says Kingsley. “Opt for a medium or low heat setting, and turn your dryer off as soon as your hair is just dry.”Dyson’s update to the Supersonic hairdryer, the Nural, taps up an invisible infrared beam that measures the distance between the machine and your hair, then changes the heat accordingly, reducing airflow and temperature as it nears your head. You’ll know where you’re at thanks to a light that changes colour (from red, to orange, then yellow) as the temperature decreases.