Whether you have long straight strands or kinky coily hair, our tresses are unique and help shape our general appearance. So when you start to lose strands, it’s normal to wonder how to make your hair grow faster.
While there is no magic pill for regrowing hair, there are plenty of ways to make hair grow faster naturally, and treatment options to help slow down hair loss. From nourishing your body with a well-balanced diet to incorporating new products and even in-office treatments, we’re sharing tips to aid in your hair growth journey.
In general, it is important to remember that what works for one person may not work for another. With all hair treatments, it takes time to see improvement. Ahead, dermatologists explain how to speed up hair growth, and the best treatments to try.
How can I make my hair grow faster?
Although there are methods to promote hair growth, there is no magical solution to rapidly speed up the process. But there are a variety of treatments and lifestyle adjustments that can help. Here are a few tips to strengthen strands and boost hair growth.
Try an in-office treatment
Popular treatments that are available to help your hair grow faster include procedures like platelet-rich plasma, according to Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., board-certified dermatologist in NYC. Results may vary depending on your hair type. Azadeh Shirazi, M.D., board-certified dermatologist, says, “Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) uses growth factors to keep the hairs in the growing cycle longer.”
Eat a nutritious diet
Your diet may wield the power to transform your hair from lackluster to lustrous. “A healthy diet can improve mental and physical health, which can impact hair growth,” explains Brendan Camp, M.D., F.A.A.D., double-board certified dermatologist. So what types of foods should you eat? Dr. Camp recommends anything that has anti-inflammatory effects and is good for hair growth. “This includes unprocessed foods with no added sugar such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish, olive oil, nuts, and low-fat dairy,” Dr. Camp says.
Avoid certain chemicals
While it’s tempting to experiment with different hair treatments, it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with hair processing. “Chemical treatments, hair coloring, and excessive heat can affect the health of scalp skin and hair follicles, and impact hair growth,” explains Dr. Camp.
Consider a medicated solution
“Artificial stimulation with medicated solutions like Rogaine can also help revitalize hairs in the resting cycle, stimulating them to enter the growing cycle,” says Dr. Shirazi
How can I speed up hair growth?
Your hair may not grow overnight but there are steps you can take towards new strands. Here are a few recommendations for a speedy process:
Avoid certain hairstyles
Traction alopecia, as Dr. Camp states, represents hair loss as a result of sustained tension on the follicle. Styling your hair daily can affect hair health. Dr. Camp recommends avoiding hairstyles that put tension on the root of the hair follicle, such as a tightly pulled-back bun or high ponytail. Leaving your hair down or in protective styles may help lessen the tension.
Add vitamins
“Our hair is a reflection of our overall health. Although hair growth rate is genetic, it’s influenced by our healthiness,” Dr. Shirazi states. The best vitamins for hair growth, Dr. Shirazi says, include vitamins B, vitamin D, zinc, and biotin which can be found in various hair vitamins.
Swap shampoos
How you wash your hair and what products you use can play a role in hair growth. As Dr. Garshick explains, using a volumizing shampoo can help to improve the appearance of the hair that is there while waiting for more to grow. Many of these shampoos contain proteins that help to make the hair appear fuller and thicker.
It’s important to read and check the ingredients in your products when shopping for hair growth products. “Avoid heavy conditioners,” Dr. Garshick urges, “Be sure to only condition the ends of the hair as too much conditioning near the roots of the hair can weigh the hair down.”
How can I make hair grow fast naturally?
Understanding your hair’s needs is the first step towards creating a routine that best suits your strands. Here are some things you can do now to aid the hair growth process:
Massage your scalp
“Consider scalp massage,” Dr. Camp suggests. “Manually or with a scalp massaging tool, to stimulate increased blood flow and improve relaxation. Massage may improve oxygen flow to hair follicles and can limit oxidative stress.”
Stop smoking
“Smoking is associated with the production of free oxygen radicals, which are unstable oxygen molecules that can damage cellular structures and potentially impede hair growth,” Dr. Camp says.
Avoid excessive heat
Using intensive heat, as Dr. Camp states, while styling or drying hair can lead to hair damage and breakage. You can use other techniques like air drying your hair. The effects of using hot tools on hair aren’t great, Dr. Camp notes—they can dry and damage hair shafts. In addition, it can trigger the formation of air bubbles in them, making strands more fragile.
Be patient
