Renowned dermatologists, expert hairstylists, skincare professionals, and our dedicated Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab experts have compiled a list of effective tips and home treatments that can help you grow your hair quickly and healthily.

Proven Strategies to Accelerate Hair Growth and Enhance Strength

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1. Schedule Regular Trims for Healthy Hair Growth.

It might seem counterintuitive, but regular trims are essential for achieving long, healthy hair. Celebrity hairstylist Michael Dueas from Los Angeles explains that while haircuts don’t actually accelerate hair growth, they effectively remove split ends that can lead to further damage. By eliminating breakage, your hair will appear to grow faster. Split ends can cause your hair to lose not just length but also its shine, volume, and overall smoothness, making regular trims a crucial part of your hair care routine.

2. Nourish Your Hair with a Balanced Diet.

The health of your hair is influenced not only by the products you use but also significantly by your diet. According to dermatologist Francesca Fusco, M.D., it’s crucial to “feed” your hair from the inside out to support robust hair growth. So, what are the best foods for promoting faster hair growth? Focus on incorporating protein-rich foods such as meats, fish, beans, nuts, and whole grains. These foods provide the essential building blocks that form the structure of your hair. Even if you’re not fond of meat, it’s important to ensure you consume enough protein, as inadequate intake can lead to increased hair shedding in women.

Avoid trendy “cleanses” for several reasons. Dueas warns that cleansing can strip your body of vital nutrients, leading to slower hair growth and dull, lifeless locks even after a brief cleanse. Nourishing your body with the right foods is fundamental to supporting your hair’s health and growth.

3. Integrate Hair-Strengthening Vitamins into Your Daily Routine.

If your diet lacks sufficient nutrients, a supplement can be a game-changer. Dr. Fusco recommends looking for a multivitamin that’s specifically formulated for hair, skin, and nails. These supplements typically contain critical vitamins such as biotin, vitamin C, and various B vitamins that promote healthy hair growth. Stefani Sassos, the deputy director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, suggests additional vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for hair:

Vitamins A and C
Iron, zinc, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids

4. Hydrate Your Hair and Reduce Shampoo Frequency.

The frequency of shampooing significantly impacts your hair’s health. “Shampooing your hair only two to three times a week allows your natural oils to penetrate your hair, providing hydration and enabling it to repair itself,” advises celebrity hairstylist Ken Paves. If you desire thicker, fuller hair, choose a shampoo labeled with terms like “volumizing” or “thickening.”

Experts at the GH Beauty Lab also recommend regularly using a deep conditioner, hair mask, or detangler to prevent damage while detangling your strands. Apply a weekly hair mask from roots to tips, whether it’s a store-bought option or a homemade one. Liana Zingarino, a freelance stylist in New York City, suggests using masks with cinnamon to boost blood circulation, which can promote stronger, longer hair.

5. Steer Clear of Bleach for Healthier Hair.

While platinum hair can be stunning, the transition from a darker shade to light blonde can hinder your ability to achieve long hair. Elizabeth Hiserodt, a senior colorist at Cutler Salon in New York City, explains that bleaching damages the hair cuticle, leading to increased breakage and split ends. The fewer chemical treatments you use, the better your hair can grow and thrive.

6. Minimize Heat Styling to Protect Your Hair.

“Avoid over-styling your hair,” advises Paves. To prevent damage, lower the temperature of your styling tools and always apply a heat protectant to safeguard your strands from heat-related harm.

7. Brush Your Hair Regularly for Optimal Health.

While it might be tempting to skip brushing your hair at the end of a long day, doing so can significantly benefit the health of both your hair and scalp. “Starting at the scalp, use a boar bristle brush to evenly distribute your scalp’s natural oils throughout your hair, keeping it moisturized,” suggests celebrity stylist and colorist Kate O’Connor, based in West Hollywood, California. This simple nightly ritual can enhance circulation, promoting a healthier scalp.

8. Maintain Cool Shower Temperatures and Focus on Scalp Health.

Hot showers can dry out your skin and damage your hair. Paves recommends lowering the temperature of the water when washing, with a focus on your scalp. While shampooing, gently massage the area with your fingertips to thoroughly cleanse and stimulate blood flow.

9. Protect Your Hair from Physical Damage.

It’s best to detangle your hair before showering, as wet hair is more vulnerable to breakage. “When hair is wet, it swells and stretches, causing the outer layer to lift, which can lead to breakage when brushed,” explains senior chemist Sabina Wizemann of the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab.

If you must detangle damp hair, follow these guidelines: Wizemann recommends applying a top-rated leave-in conditioner from roots to ends and using a gentle wide-tooth comb or detangling brush to minimize friction. Start from the ends and work your way up in small sections to protect your hair.

10. Enhance Your Hair Health with a Silk Pillowcase.

Improve your hair health overnight by simply switching to a silk pillowcase. According to Dr. Jesleen Ahluwalia, M.D., assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai in New York City, “Silk is gentler on hair and helps prevent tangles and breakage.” With less breakage, your hair will have the potential to grow longer. The Good Housekeeping Institute even conducted a thorough study to identify the best silk pillowcases available on the market.

Consider utilizing minoxidil.
April Franzino, the GH beauty director, recommends purchasing a bottle of Women’s Rogaine. With consistent use according to the instructions, the active ingredient minoxidil has been shown to help reduce hair loss and promote hair regrowth. For targeted treatment, try Hers 2% Minoxidil Topical Solution, using the dropper applicator to focus on specific problem areas.

It’s important to note that claims regarding hair growth from shampoos “have yet to be scientifically proven,” cautions Jeni Thomas, Ph.D., principal scientist at Proctor & Gamble Beauty, so remain critical of products that make such promises.

When to Seek Professional Advice for Hair Loss

Your hair’s poor growth or loss may stem from underlying issues. The Cleveland Clinic states that over 50% of women will experience visible hair loss, not accounting for those with naturally fine or sparse hair. Dermatologist Joyce Davis, M.D., in New York City, notes that hair that is naturally fine or sparse can often be genetic. Common types of hair loss include patchy genetic thinning and telogen effluvium (TE), which is all-over shedding caused by hormonal changes or medical conditions such as thyroid issues or autoimmune diseases.

When TE is addressed, hair typically regrows; consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis. The previously mentioned over-the-counter minoxidil has been shown to encourage hair growth with ongoing use in cases of androgenic hair loss. Dr. Davis also mentions that PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy promotes hair growth by injecting growth factors from your blood into the scalp. Speak with a dermatologist to see if this treatment is right for you.

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