How Fast Does Hair Grow?

If you feel like your hair never grows, you may be wondering how fast does hair grow. We’ve been there —  questioning if your hair will ever grow out after experiencing a bad haircut or simply getting tired of sporting short hair. It’s very easy to become impatient with the idea of waiting months for your strands to grow, and it may even lead you to search for ways to make your hair grow faster.

The growth process may feel like hair purgatory, but there are some ways to accelerate your growth. Below, we’re sharing what to know about hair growth, how much additional length you should expect to see per month and tips to upgrade your hair care routine to promote hair growth.

How Much Does Hair Grow in a Month? 

Believe it or not, hair grows relatively fast. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the hair on your head grows about six inches a year, meaning each month your hair grows approximately half an inch. Of course, this is an average and everyone will differ slightly. 

Remember that what the growth looks like is dependent on your hair type. If you have curly hair, half an inch of growth will likely appear much less noticeable than half an inch of growth on straight hair due to its texture. But curl or no curl, the average growth is the same.

Can You Speed Up Hair Growth? 

You might want to know if it’s actually possible to make your hair grow faster. The truth is that there’s a lot of debate in the medical community about whether or not you can truly make your hair grow faster. 

While it’s not likely that topical hair care products like shampoos, conditioners, hair oils and serums will increase your rate of hair growth, there are hair care routine upgrades you can make to keep your hair healthy and ensure your hair looks and feels its best during the grow-out process. 

1. Give Your Strands a Deep Conditioning Treatment

If you’re trying to grow out your hair and you’re skipping out on regular trims, it’s possible that your ends are looking dull or damaged. In order to give your hair the nourishment it needs and the shine to make it look and feel healthy, add a conditioning hair mask into your routine. 

The L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm Rinse-Out Mask is great because it’s formulated with almond oil (which softens the hair) and a repairing concentrate with protein to nourish and strengthen the hair. Plus, it’s an easy-to-use treatment that works its magic in as little as three minutes. 

2. Switch to a Bond Strengthening System 

To keep your hair strong, swap out your regular shampoo and conditioner for a bond strengthening system like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Bond Strengthening Pre-Shampoo Treatment, the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Bond Repair Shampoo with Citric Acid and the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Bond Repair Conditioner with Citric Acid. 

Each product works to strengthen the hair from the inside out by reinforcing weak hair bonds that can result from heat styling or bleaching. Apply the pre-shampoo treatment on damp hair, leave it on for five to ten minutes and rinse. Follow up with the shampoo and conditioner. 

3. Use Heat Protectant 

If you style your hair with heat tools, it’s essential to use heat protectant prior to styling. Heat protectant shields your strands from heat damage that can often lead to hair breakage, split ends and dryness. Remember, the less damaged your strands are, the healthier and shinier they look, and the less often you’ll feel the need to run to the salon for a trim. 

The L’Oréal Paris EverPureSulfate-Free Weightless Blow Dry Primer, Heat Protectant is a must-have for your hair care arsenal because it protects the hair from up to 450 degrees of heat.

Does Hair Growth Oil Work?

Hair oils are highly talked about on social media for the way some can boost hair growth, but do they actually work? According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, peppermint oil can promote hair growth thanks to menthol which can easily penetrate the skin and stimulate blood flow. In another study, the NCBI also touts castor oil and fenugreek oil for not just hair growth but promoted moisturization and anti-inflammatory properties that can strengthen the hair and scalp. 

Do Vitamins and Supplements Make Hair Grow Faster?

If you’re wondering how you can make your hair grow faster, there are a number of different things you can do to speed up the process. The first thing is taking proper care of your hair, which includes using a hair care system for your hair type and staying away from frequent heat styling and bleach sessions. According to the Cleveland Clinic, oral supplements like B vitamins, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D and zinc can help to ensure you’re getting all the proper nutrients for healthy hair growth. Biotin can also improve hair and nail growth, per the Cleveland Clinic. 

Does Minoxidil Work for Hair Growth? 

Minoxidil is an FDA-approved over-the-counter treatment that works to enhance hair growth. It primarily comes in the form of supplements or as a topical solution that is applied to the scalp. According to the NCBI, studies show that Minoxidil can help to enhance hair growth, primarily with oral supplements and high-dosage topicals. 

What to Do If You Feel Like Your Hair Isn’t Growing 

If you’re noticing less than average or no hair growth, the first thing to do is assess whether or not you may be experiencing hair loss. According to the Cleveland Clinic, most people lose between 50 and 100 hairs per day as part of normal hair shedding. 

If you’re losing more than that, or aren’t seeing any regrowth, it could be a sign of alopecia. The Cleveland Clinic also explains that a stressful event like recently giving birth or going through menopause and wearing very tight hairstyles can be common causes of temporary hair loss. 

It’s also important to remember that the six inches of hair growth per year that the average person experiences is just that 一 an average. You might have no hair loss issue at all, and simply have a slower rate of hair growth. If you’re concerned about hair loss or slow regrowth, it’s best to see a board-certified dermatologist or licensed trichologist (a qualified hair loss specialist that studies the hair and scalp)who can give your hair and scalp a proper assessment. 

Next: 15 Ways to Give Thin Hair Volume and Body

Photographer: Chaunte Vaughn, Associate Creative Director: Melissa San Vicente-Landestoy, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Associate Creative Producer: Becca Solovay, Associate Content Director: Shalwah Evans, Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson, Hair Stylist: Akihisa Yamaguchi, Wardrobe Stylist: Alexis Badiyi, Digital Tech: Erik Dalzen, Photo Assistant: Sam Kang, Model: Alexandra Van Zant