How to Grow Your Hair in a Week

Co-authored by Patrick Evan

Last Updated: February 17, 2023 References Approved

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.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Hair Treatments

1
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]
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- 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.
2
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]
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- 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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3
Try a castor oil treatment. Castor oil is known for its beneficial effects on skin and hair.^{[3]
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Research source} Using a castor oil hair mask may help your hair to grow faster and healthier.^{[4]
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- 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.
4
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]
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- 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.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Adjusting Your Hair Care Routine

1
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]
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Expert Source

Patrick Evan
Professional Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 17 January 2019.} Your hair can then hydrate and repair itself.^{[7]
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- 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.
2
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.
3
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]
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- It is especially important to cold rinse after conditioning. The cold water will seal the hair cuticles and lock in moisture from the conditioner.
4
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]
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- 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.
5
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]
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- 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.
6
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]
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- 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.
7
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]
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- 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 TIP

Yan Kandkhorov
Hair Stylist
Yan 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.

Yan Kandkhorov
Hair Stylist

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.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Adjusting Your Diet and Habits

1
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]
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Expert Source

Patrick Evan
Professional Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 17 January 2019.} These supplements can help your hair grow faster and healthier.^{[14]
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- 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 TIP

Yan Kandkhorov
Hair Stylist
Yan 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.

Yan Kandkhorov
Hair Stylist

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.
2
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]
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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]
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- 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]
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  Trustworthy Source
  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
3
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.^{[18]
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- 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.

Expert Q&A

Question

Can I apply castor oil as a daily moisturizer?

Ashley Adams
Professional Hair Stylist
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.

Ashley Adams

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Yes, castor oil can be applied as a daily moisturizer, and does not have to be shampooed out after each use.
Question

How can I grow my hair at least ten inches in about a month?

Ashley Adams
Professional Hair Stylist
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.

Ashley Adams

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

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.
Question

Does washing my hair with eggs make it grow quickly overnight if I have thick 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

No. There is nothing that you can wash your hair with that will cause an overnight growth spurt.