How to Grow Your Hair Out Long

Co-authored by Courtney Foster

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
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]
X
Research source}
- 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
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]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
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]
X
Expert Source

Courtney Foster
Licensed Cosmetologist
Expert Interview. 9 December 2019.} This will allow your hair to stay strong and healthy, leading to better long term growth.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- 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
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]
X
Research source}
- 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
Get your hair trimmed once split ends appear.^{[6]
X
Expert Source

Courtney Foster
Licensed Cosmetologist
Expert Interview. 9 December 2019.} 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]
X
Research source}
- 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
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]
X
Research source}
- Alternatively, you can sleep with a silk scarf wrapped around your hair.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Applying Hair Treatments

1
Use a hair mask.^{[9]
X
Expert Source

Courtney Foster
Licensed Cosmetologist
Expert Interview. 9 December 2019.} 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]
X
Research source}
- 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
Do a castor oil treatment. Castor oil is a natural substance that can encourage hair growth.^{[11]
X
Research source} Applying a castor oil hair mask can lead to hair that grows longer and healthier.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- 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
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.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- 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.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Making Changes to Your Diet and Habits

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.^{[14]
X
Research source}
- 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.^{[15]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
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.^{[16]
X
Research source}
- 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.
3
Focus on stress relieving activities like yoga and meditation.^{[17]
X
Expert Source

Courtney Foster
Licensed Cosmetologist
Expert Interview. 9 December 2019.} 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.^{[18]
X
Research source}

Expert Q&A
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow

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

Support wikiHow by unlocking this 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.
Question

What helps grow natural hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this 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.
Question

How can I speed up hair growth?

Arthur Sebastian
Professional Hair Stylist
Arthur Sebastian is the Owner of Arthur Sebastian Hair Salon in San Francisco, California. Arthur has worked as a hair stylist for over 20 years and received his Cosmetology License in 1998. He believes that the true work of a successful hair stylist comes from passion and a love for hairdressing.

Arthur Sebastian

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this 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.