How Fast Does Hair Grow?

If you've ever made a big chop to your hair, you might recall the wondering of how long, exactly, it'll take for your hair to grow back. Below, you'll find everything you need to know about how fast hair grows and how to maintain healthy hair growth for long, luscious locks in no time.

How Fast Does Hair Really Grow?

First of all, it's important to note that everyone's hair growth rate will vary due to many factors—think genes, hormone levels, age, and more. That being said, there is an average rate of hair growth for humans. "Although it may be hard to believe, most people's hair grows at the rate of half an inch per month," explains Shab Reslan, a trichologist (an expert specializing in hair and scalp health) at HairClub. "This means you will grow about six inches over an entire year." Because it's not very much, it's important to take the best care of your ends every step of the way to keep every little bit of it if you're trying to grow or maintain your hair.

What Might Be Preventing Someone From Growing Longer, Stronger Hair?

If your hair is weaker and more brittle compared to previous years, then it's safe to assume that there might be an imbalance or deficiency in your body, resulting in malnourished hair, according to Reslan. "Reasons behind such effects include hormonal and thyroid imbalances, medications, diet, and inflammation from stress," she says. "It's important to look at your hair in a holistic manner, meaning a full 360 perspective involving your health, wellbeing, and daily hair routine."

How to Reduce Damage and Help Grow Healthy Hair

There is no easy and fast way to make hair grow faster, but there are best practices to follow that can help you grow healthier hair. Healthy hair grows faster than damaged hair.

To grow healthy hair, there are several tips to improve the hair's condition and make it stronger, according to these expert tips:

• Hydrate dry, brittle hair by using conditioner, including deep conditioners, masks, and hair oils. Hydrated hair is less prone to breakage.
• Heat can wreak havoc on hair when used on a regular basis. Start by using cooler water when washing your hair, which helps seal the cuticles. For day-to-day styling, apply a heat protectant when using hair tools, try styling techniques that use the cool setting, embrace air drying your hair, and be cautious with over-processing hair techniques, like going platinum blonde.
• Maintain a healthy scalp by removing build-up and stimulating the roots. Once a week, clean your roots with a scalp scrub and massage your scalp to stimulate circulation and growth. Build-up from hair products can clog your hair follicles, keeping hair from growing at its optimal rate.
• Prevent split ends by getting regular trims, which stop damage from moving up your hair shaft.

How to Heal Hair From Within

Other healthy hair basics include eating a balanced, healthy diet.

"Diets should contain protein, fruits, vegetables, grains, and an appropriate amount of fat," cites the Trichological Society in a report on hair health and nutrition. "Deficiency will typically show in the hair."

For healthy hair from the inside out, The Institute of Trichologists recommends having a balanced breakfast every day, staying hydrated, reducing sodium intake, consuming enough lean protein, getting enough iron and vitamin C, and eating a varied diet, by not eating the same meal every day, your body can absorb a wide range of nutrients.

Trichologist-Approved Hair Growth Products

With so many hair growth products on the market, it is difficult to discern which pick is best for your hair. "I suggest a regimen that includes the right shampoo, conditioner, and topical treatment," says Reslan. "I recommend the EXT Stimul8 Shampoo and Conditioner set, as well as the EXT Acceler8 Booster. This trifecta will ensure that you're cleansing the scalp sufficiently in order for the topical to penetrate post-shower, plus conditioning your ends to help protect and strengthen your hair."