How to Grow Hair Faster

Free-flowing, butt-touching hair has forever been the dream. But unless you’re Kimmy K, who likes to switch up her hairstyle as much as the British weather, growing long locks can be hard.

Transforming that buzz cut? Forget it. Want to turn bangs into a bob? Nice try. The entire process is a test of patience and chances are you'll run out and go for the chop before any progress has been made.

With that being said, the summer season is fast approaching and pretty braids and up-dos are calling our name, meaning it’s time to get serious about our strands.

In a bid to help you achieve your #hairgoals, we’ve created a fool-proof guide on how to grow hair faster, plus our ultimate guide to hair treatments!

Best Scalp Treatments to Stimulate Hair Growth

Scalp treatments have exploded into the mainstream, with everything from serums, scrubs and fizzing foams taking to the shelves – and with good reason, too. Your scalp is the root of the problem (literally), as a head that’s clogged with dirt, oils and dead skin cells will only slow down the hair-growing process.

Try exfoliating your scalp on a weekly basis if you're looking for longer, stronger and glossier locks – you can thank us later.

Give blonde a break: Best Products for Bleached Hair That Wants to Grow

If you’re a serial bleacher, then listen up. Continuously colouring hair can take its toll on strands and, unfortunately, it's blonde tones that do the most damage.

Bleach blonde is the harshest dye of them all. It dries out hair, wrecks ends and is super hard to maintain. To have a shot at long hair, it might be worth slowing down the amount of times you book in for a full head of highlights.

In the meantime, try out some treatments that are specially designed to revive coloured hair.

Take time from the tools: Best Heat Protection for Preventing Breakage

Okay, so you might feel like your hair resembles a frizzy bird’s nest for the first couple of weeks but if it means you can achieve lusciously long locks in record time, it’s worth it, right?

Going cold turkey on the flat irons, curling tongs and hair dryers can make all the difference as you’re not subjecting your hair to harsh heat, frazzling ends or frying follicles.

Make a start by scaling back on how many times you use hair tools a week, or try to style your hair in alternative, heatless ways. We love a pretty french braid, plaits or ponytail.

If you can’t commit to the no heat tool rule, then always ensure you’re using heat defence prior to styling.

Wave goodbye to wash days: Best Dry Shampoos to Extend Wash Days

It’s good news for the last-minute lazy bods as experts urge that we get familiar with dry shampoo.

That’s right, slathering your hair with shampoo more than twice a week can be a bad idea if you’re trying to gain those extra inches. Even if you have an oily scalp, excessive washing strips the natural oils from your hair, leaving it dry, damaged and harder to grow out.

Make dry shampoo your new best friend and get spritz-happy in between washes.

Lather on the leave-in conditioner: Best Deep Conditioning Treatments for Stronger Hair

Hands up if you’re guilty of whizzing through the conditioner stage of your shower. Don't worry – us too. But conditioning is super important in your hair care routine. Not only does it replenish and restore strands but it also protects and fortifies follicles against damage you may endure throughout the week.

If your hair hasn’t been cooperating lately, then it’s probably crying out for a deep conditioning.

Best Hair Growth Supplements for Thicker, Longer Hair

We know supplements can often come across as a fad but one of the main factors for stunted hair growth is diet.

If you’re not eating enough of the good stuff, your hair won’t grow as quick as you’d like it to. Implementing a couple of supplements into your day could make a world of difference.

Try and opt for those that contain B and C vitamins, biotin, collagen and omega-3 as these supply you with all the nutrition you need for longer, stronger hair. You might even notice an improvement in your skin, which is always a bonus.

Upgrade Your Sleep Routine: Best Silk Pillowcases for Reducing Hair Breakage

Don’t worry, there’s still room to be boujee no matter how hard the hair growing process seems.

As well as protecting your hair from heat damage, you can look after it whilst catching that all-important beauty sleep.

Silk pillowcases trump your regular as they are so much kinder to hair. Not only do they maintain a blow-dry, but they also reduce breakage and split ends. As a result, hair stays looking healthy and has more chance of growing.

Ditch the damaging towels: Best Microfibre Hair Towels to Prevent Split Ends

Drying wet hair with towels can cause more damage than you think. They’re rough, they snag and they cause breakage, which ultimately delays the hair-growing journey. Luckily, there’s a remedy out there to save our strands.

Innovative towels that are specially woven with ultra-fine fibres will soon become your best hair friend. They're much gentler on tresses and cut down drying time by 50%, all whilst restoring strength, smoothness and shine.

FAQs

Why does my hair grow but never seem to get longer?

Hair growth and hair retention are different. Most people grow hair at a normal rate, but breakage, split ends or chemical damage mean length is lost as quickly as it’s gained. If your ends feel thin or snap easily, the issue is usually retention rather than growth speed.

Can scalp health really influence hair growth?

Yes. The scalp houses the follicles, so buildup, inflammation or persistent dryness can affect how well they function. While scalp treatments don’t dramatically speed growth, they can support a healthier environment for stronger strands.

Is it better to trim your hair when trying to grow it?

Trimming doesn’t accelerate growth from the root, but removing split ends prevents them travelling up the shaft and causing breakage. Strategic trims help maintain thickness while still allowing length to build over time.

Does bleaching permanently slow hair growth?

No—bleach affects the hair shaft, not the follicle. However, it weakens strands, which can cause mid-length breakage and create the illusion that growth has stalled. Protein and moisture support are essential for bleached hair.

Can over-conditioning slow hair growth?

Conditioning doesn’t slow growth, but heavy formulas can cause buildup on fine or low-porosity hair. Focus conditioner on mid-lengths and ends while keeping the scalp clean and balanced.

Do hair growth supplements work for everyone?

They’re most effective when there’s a nutritional deficiency. If your diet is already balanced, results may be subtle. Any noticeable improvement typically takes several months.

How often should you wash your hair when trying to grow it?

There’s no universal rule. Washing too often can dry strands, while infrequent washing can lead to scalp buildup. The ideal frequency depends on scalp type, activity level and product use.

Can stress actually affect hair growth?

Yes. Significant stress can push follicles into a resting phase (telogen effluvium), leading to increased shedding. This is usually temporary, and normal growth resumes once balance is restored.

What ingredients should you look for in hair growth products?

Ingredients often associated with scalp support include caffeine (circulation support), peptides (follicle support), biotin and other B vitamins, rosemary extract, and niacinamide for scalp balance. These ingredients help create optimal conditions for healthy growth rather than forcing hair to grow faster.

Is faster hair growth actually possible?

Genetics largely determine growth rate—typically around 1–1.5cm per month. The key is protecting the hair you’re growing so it stays strong enough to reach your length goals.

Implement a couple of these steps into your hair care routine and there's no doubt that you'll soon be looking like a real-life Rapunzel. Want to check out some more handy hair tips? Here's a top-notch guide on How To Get Rid of Split Ends and 10 Ways to Style and Protect Your Natural Hair.