You Can Actually Make Your Hair Grow Faster—MDs Explain How

Fact checked by Isaac Winter

Key Takeaways

• Hair typically grows about half an inch per month, but factors like genetics, stress, diet, and haircare habits can significantly influence growth and overall hair health.

• To support healthy hair growth, avoid harsh chemicals and damaging practices, nourish your scalp with clarifying treatments and gentle products, and keep your hair moisturized.

• Consistent trims, scalp massages, and a nutrient-rich diet—along with professional support for persistent issues—can all help your hair grow stronger and longer over time.

It may be hard to believe, but in this era of quick tans and nearly-instant-drying nail polish, there's still no easy way to grow hair faster (extensions aside) than your genetics allow. Trim and brush all you want, but your hair prefers to take its time.

So, how fast does hair grow, exactly? Here, hair experts explain how hair grows and how to promote healthy hair growth—including conditions that affect your hair and things to avoid.

Meet the Experts

• William Yates, MD, FACS, board-certified hair loss surgeon based in Chicago

• Francesca Fusco, MD, board-certified dermatologist in New York City

• Penny James, IAT, trichologist and founder of Penny James Salon Trichology Center

• Cheryl T. Bergamy, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Contents Hair Care

• Alan Bauman, MD, hair transplant surgeon in Boca Raton, Florida

How Fast Does Hair Grow Normally?

On average, each hair strand grows about a half-inch each month. But hair doesn't grow like that nonstop; it grows in cycles. "Fortunately for many, hair is in the growth phase over 80 percent of the time, meaning the opportunity is there," says William Yates, MD, FACS.

At any given moment, about 90 percent of hair follicles are in the anagen (growing) phase. The rest of the follicles are in either the catagen (transitioning) or telogen (resting) phase. For some lucky individuals, the growing phase lasts as long as seven years; for others, it's as little as two.

At the end of the growth stage, the strand falls out, and its follicle remains dormant and hairless for about three months. After that, a sprig of hair finally sprouts, and the hair growth process starts again. "If your hair never gets past your shoulders, chances are, you have a shorter anagen cycle than others do," says dermatologist Francesca Fusco, MD.

What Affects Hair Growth?

If you come from a family full of Rapunzel-like locks but yours are not, the problem may be external. Here are some factors that can slow down hair growth (and ways to counteract them).

Alcohol and Sulfates

Yates suggests avoiding alcohol-based hair products that can dry out hair and cause breakage. Look at product labels and their ingredient lists before purchasing.

"Similarly, sulfates used to create the sudsing in shampoos can cause drying and strip color-processed hair. Phthalates are chemical substances that can be added to shampoos and conditioners to soften the formula but have been shown to damage the kidney, liver, lungs, and reproductive organs," Yates adds.

Extensions

Over time, extensions (both the types that are glued in and those sewn into tight braids) can pull on follicles, injuring them and slowing hair growth. Consider temporary clip-in pieces for a longer look if your hair breaks easily.

Bleaching and Coloring Hair

Peroxide, ammonia, and other oxidizers used to lift hair cuticles and remove pigment may also allow natural moisture to escape, leaving strands brittle. In fact, permanent hair dyes can remove the natural cuticle lipids in each strand of hair, causing permanent lasting damage.

To minimize the impact, consider choosing a hair color that's closer to your own natural color to minimize the amount of bleach needed to maintain your new shade. And care for your colored hair by conditioning at least three times per week to keep it healthy and help your hair grow faster.

Related: 8 Things You Should Never Do When Dyeing Your Hair at Home

Stress

Anxiety increases your level of the stress hormone cortisol. This can cause nerve cells to release chemicals that, in the case of chronic stress (which affects eating and sleeping habits), may shift follicles from the growth phase to the resting phase.

Medications

Certain drugs, such as some contraceptives and medications for thyroid or cholesterol conditions, can compromise hair growth. "Some antidepressants, such as Zoloft, may shorten the anagen phase," says Alan Bauman, MD. See your doctor for alternatives that may not impact hair.

Medical Conditions

In addition to stress and medications, various medical conditions can impair hair growth. Diseases and health conditions such as alopecia, thyroid conditions, and nutritional deficiencies can cause hair loss or slow down the growing process. Additionally, autoimmune diseases (like lupus), pregnancy, and hormonal changes can impact your hair.

How to Help Your Hair Grow Hair Faster

Hair grows faster when it's healthy. From how to choose products that promote healthy hair follicles to external factors that could be affecting your hair growth, experts offer their top tips for taking your locks to greater (healthier, stronger, shinier) lengths.

Deep Clean the Scalp With Clarifying Shampoo

Hair looks more voluminous when follicles are not blocked by dirt, dead skin cells, and product buildup. Once a week, treat your scalp to a clarifying shampoo that also moisturizes. With your scalp wet, trichologist Penny James suggests it can also be helpful to integrate a topical solution into your haircare routine.

"For more volume and density, my go-to is Virtue Flourish Density Booster, which is a drug-free alternative perfect for anyone who has not yet seen a trichologist to determine why their hair is falling out," James says. "It is packed with peptides, along with other nutrients for nourishing the scalp and hair, and the spray lightly coats the surface area without leaving any buildup behind."

Choose a Proper Shampoo

One of the easiest ways to streamline your hair growth is to make your shampoo work for you. For example, try a hair-thickening shampoo to address density concerns. (Remember not to over-shampoo your hair; find how often you should wash your hair according to your hair type and texture.)

Yates says to avoid products and fads that seem too good to be true and allow three to four months after starting a new regimen before you see any change in hair growth. And when reviewing product labels, look for ingredients that are known nourishers.

"Pumpkin seed oil, yucca root, and saw palmetto are my favorite ingredients for promoting hair growth. Pumpkin seed oil extract and saw palmetto have been shown to help stop hair loss and regrow hair. They block the action of 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT)—the culprit of pattern baldness [in people assigned male at birth].

Yucca root, a gentle and natural ingredient popular in Native American culture, has high concentrations of saponins (create a suds effect without sulfates) and is a natural anti-inflammatory, which helps with itchy scalps in addition to promoting hair growth."

William Yates, MD, FACS, board-certified hair loss surgeon

Remember to Condition

Even if you're using a great shampoo for damaged hair, if you're not using a conditioner every time you wash your hair, you're not doing it right. Dry hair hinders growth by increasing the chances of breakage, so it's important to moisturize your strands to restore growth proteins into hair follicles. Look for conditioners with hydrating formulas that include growth vitamins such as zinc and biotin.

According to James, it's best to avoid heavy formulas, especially when it comes to conditioners. "The use of a lightweight conditioner helps smooth the cuticle that has been swollen while shampooing," notes James. "Additionally, there is always a difference in the pH in shampoos and conditioners, so you also want to stay in the range of 3.5-5.5. Anything over pH7 and your cuticle will overexpand."

Use a Leave-In Conditioner

Consider adding a leave-in conditioner to your hair routine after the regular wash and condition process. Leave-in conditioners are not rinsed out and a good-quality one will help protect your hair and heal it from styling damage.

The extra moisture and protection promote healthier, longer locks. Look for hydrating ingredients (coconut oil, shea butter, and argan oil are good) and formulas without alcohol.

Baby Your Hair

Heat styling tools, brushing and fussing with wet hair, and even sleeping on a cotton pillowcase can all lead to damage, breakage, and split ends. Try to reduce stress on your hair by using heat protectant products when you're drying and styling, being gentle with wet hair, and investing in a silk or satin pillowcase to minimize friction while you sleep.

Related: 6 Common Hair Styling Mistakes That Are Damaging Your Strands, According to Pros

Get a Trim

It may seem intuitive to skip snips when trying to elongate your strands, but celebrity hairstylist Cheryl T. Bergamy cautions it can have adverse effects. "Getting a trim every six to eight weeks prevents split ends and damage, making ends stronger and leading to faster growth," Bergamy explains. "I recommend trimming 1 to 2 inches at each appointment to avoid fraying ends and keep hair healthy."

Tip

Invest in a good hair brush for your hair type to promote faster hair growth.

Massage Your Scalp

There have been several studies that point to the benefits of scalp massage for increasing blood flow to your scalp and enhancing hair growth, including for people suffering from hair loss due to chemotherapy. You can use special head massager tools, or just use your hands to rub and pinch your scalp to help you increase blood flow.

Tips

A head massage can also help you relax and reduce stress—which can aid in hair growth, too.

Related: What Is a Scalp Detox—and Why Hair Experts Say You Should Be Doing One

Try a Caffeine-Infused Hair Product

Just as caffeine can boost your get-up-and-go, it may also help encourage hair growth. In a review of studies, caffeine-infused hair products were as effective as other drug-based treatments in encouraging new hair growth, so they may be worth a shot for trying to grow your hair.

Adjust Your Diet

Diet can easily take the backseat when it comes to hair growth, but James says some important amino acid forms shouldn't be ignored. Adding more of these foods to your diet for increased nutrients can help hair.

"The big ones for keeping hair stronger and fuller while growing in the hair cycle are proline (avocados, beans, broccoli, and soybeans), lysine (salmon, cod, nuts, and broccoli), and cystine (keratin-rich foods including pork, whole grains, chicken, and fish)," notes James.

See a Professional

Last, but certainly not least, if you're experiencing excessive hair loss or shedding, experts recommend seeing a trichologist, dermatologist, or physician who can help. "Look for one that specializes in hair loss so they can properly assess your condition and recommend the best plan of action," advises Yates. "There are certain diseases that are associated with hair loss and can be corrected. Having a hair transplant can also be a good solution for a certain subset of patients."

Related: How to Make Hair Grow Thicker Naturally

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