How to grow your hair longer? 4 proven ways that accelerate hair growth (2024)

Shifa Khan Updated: 5 Jul 2023, 14:47 pm IST

The process of hair growth seems to take ages, especially if you’re trying to grow them out after a bad haircut! On average, your hair grows 6 inches in a year. But, it makes no difference to the hair since we lose more hair strands too! From trying home remedies to expensive salon visits to improve hair health, we have been wondering how to grow them longer. Especially, when your hair just stalled its growth.

Anyone who seems to have a fast hair growth is just because their hair has thicker texture and grows in higher density. When your hair becomes thicker and denser, it will look longer too. Hair growth takes time, even in the best and healthiest of people. Improving hair health and promoting growth really requires a multi-factor approach.

To know more about expert-backed ways to speed up hair growth, HealthShots spoke to Dr Monica Kapoor, a Celebrity Cosmetologist & Director at FLAWLESS Cosmetic clinics.

Here’s how to grow hair longer and stronger

1. Massage your scalp

Massaging the scalp can improve the blood circulation in the head and stimulate the activity of the hair follicles. When more of the follicles become active, you can grow more hair and thus the hair looks longer. “Massaging the hair with a good hot oil every week ensures that the hair is healthy and there are no more hair strands lying on the floor or brush. Try using coconut, olive or lavender oil so as to bring that beautiful luster to the hair and help your hair grow,” says Dr Kapoor.

2. Trim frequently to grow hair faster

To keep your hair healthy, it is best to get regular trims. Just a basic trim to get rid of split ends and eliminate breakage. Split ends leave the hair thinner and lead to loss of length, shine and volume. They also affect the smoothness of the hair. Regular trimming of hair every eight to ten weeks ensures fast hair growth. Due to excessive dirt and sun, the end of the hair usually gets damaged and rough, inducing split ends. When you regularly trim the hair, those split ends get cut off, leaving your hair to breathe and grow without any hurdle.

3. Take omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A and C

Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties. They prevent inflammation of the hair follicles, which is a common cause of hair loss. Omega-3 fats also protect the cells in the body and keep the scalp healthy. To reap the benefits of omega-3 fats, eat fatty fish such as salmon, herring, or anchovies twice a week. Proteins are the essential building blocks of hair. Eating enough protein is important to maintaining a high replacement rate of hair.

Otherwise, you will begin losing hair faster than it is replaced, making hair loss more noticeable. Vitamin C helps your hair stay moisturized and protects it from breakage. Its antioxidant property also protects the hair from damage caused by free radicals. “Both vitamins A and C are responsible for protecting and repairing bodily tissues, including hair tissues.” says Dr Kapoor.

4. Use conditioner more often than shampoo

The ends of the hair are thinner and damaged when compared to the root end connecting to the scalp. This is because the lower end doesn’t get nourished well. Conditioning after every hair wash helps seal the cuticle at the end and prevents the hair from further damage. This makes the hair healthier; and healthier hair grows faster.

Many of us shampoo our hair when we shower, thinking that washing away dirt is good for our hair. But shampoo also takes away the natural oils on our head which is essential to keep the hair soft. Hair becomes drier and weaker. So, limit the use of shampoo to no more than twice a week. Use a conditioner whenever you wash your hair. Conditioner helps to repair the damaged particles in the hair and keep it strong.

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