Having healthy, long locks is the desire of many women. Unfortunately, this can take some time and will not happen overnight. Hair grows at the rate of 1/2 inch per month, or 6 total inches each year. While there isn't really anything that can be done to speed up hair growth, there is a lot you can do to prevent damage to your hair. This is your best bet for growing your hair longer at the fastest speed possible.
Step 1
Get a haircut to remove any existing damage. While this may seem counterintuitive, damaged and broken hair moves up the strands and will thwart your efforts. Get regular trims to cut off any damaged or split ends.
Step 2
Wash and condition your hair with a high-quality salon product. Talk to your stylist about what is recommended for your personal hair type. Although these products cost a bit more, they're worth the money because they don't contain many of the ingredients, such as silicon or ammonium laurel sulfate, that can promote hair damage. Also, wash hair in the coolest water possible to protect the hair shaft and follicles.
Step 3
Limit the damage caused to hair by styling. Gently comb the knots from your hair and don't overbrush, which can damage individual strands. When possible, allow your hair to air-dry. If you must use a blow-dryer, wait until your hair is mostly dry before beginning. Don't use flat irons or crimpers unless necessary, and avoid curling irons and hot rollers when possible. Use a product that will protect your hair from heat when you do use any of these styling tools.
Step 4
Avoid styling your hair in tight hairstyles, such as ponytails or tight braids, whenever possible. These can pull out or damage strands of hair and have even been known to cause bald patches. Instead, consider a looser style, held with ponytail holders or clips that are made to be safe for hair, that won't break or pull out strands of hair.
Step 5
Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Mayo Clinic experts state that eating nutritious meals helps to ensure that your hair is getting nourishment as well. Avoid eating foods that are high in sugar or fat. Eliminate smoking, caffeine and carbonated drinks. Include healthy proteins, such as fish, tofu, eggs, beans and yogurt, and plenty of fruits and vegetables as a part of your daily diet.
Step 6
Take a multivitamin every day. Zinc and biotin in particular are two nutrients that help to strengthen hair as it grows out. Don't spend a lot of money on expensive "hair-growing" vitamins. Taking a basic daily vitamin (even a children's chewable) provides a sufficient amount of nutrients for the desired results.
Step 7
Take time for resting and relaxing. Having too much stress can stunt the growth of your hair. Participate in meditation or relaxation exercises to help reduce excess stress and improve hair-growing potential. Also, getting enough sleep at night--seven to nine hours--has been shown to help hair grow at its fastest.
Things You'll Need
- High-quality shampoo and conditioner
- Multivitamins
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