all hair types How Long Does It Take for Hair to Grow?

If you’re trying to grow out your hair, you might be wondering how fast hair typically grows. We’ve been there 一 questioning whether our hair will ever grow out after experiencing a bad haircut or getting tired of sporting short hair. It’s easy to become impatient with the idea of waiting months for your strands to grow — often leading to an endless search for ways to grow your hair faster. 

Even though it can feel like hair purgatory, there are some ways to accelerate your growth. We’re sharing what to know about hair growth, how much additional length you should see per month, and tips on how to upgrade your hair care routine to take the guesswork out of your hair growth journey. 

How Long 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 be much less noticeable than half an inch of growth on straight hair due to its texture. But curl or no curl, the average 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 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 it’s 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 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 just three to five minutes.  

2. Switch To A Bond Strengthening System 

To keep your hair strong, swap your regular shampoo and conditioner for a bond strengthening system like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Strengthening Color Care Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Strengthening Color Care Conditioner. 

Each product works to strengthen the hair from the inside out by reinforcing weak hair bonds that can result from heat styling or bleaching. In just six uses the hair fiber is made stronger, plus, it’s safe on color-treated hair. 

3. Use Heat Protectant 

If you style your hair with heat tools often, it’s essential that you use heat protectant prior to styling. Heat protectant shields your hair from breakage and split ends that can occur as a result of excess heat. The less damaged your strands, 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 heat damage of up to 450 degrees, allowing you to salvage every inch. When you’re trying to grow your hair long, every inch counts.

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 recently giving birth, going through menopause and wearing very tight hairstyles can be causes of hair loss. There are many other factors that can also contribute to temporary and permanent 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 who can give you a proper assessment. 

Next: 6 Tips for Repairing Over-Processed Hair

Edited by: Shannon Stubbs, Photography: 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