How to Grow Your Hair Faster, According to Hairstylists and Dermatologists
Further, Nutrafol’s ingredients like biotin, saw palmetto, marine collagen, and horsetail extract are believed to support hair follicles, improve circulation, and provide essential nutrients for hair vitality.
Another option, which both Dr. Green and Mena recommend, are Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements. “Nutrafol is formulated with saw palmetto, ashwagandha, natural ingredients, and a propriety blend created to address causes of hair health such as hormones and nutrition,” says Dr. Green. “And Viviscal supplements contain proprietary and essential vitamins, such as B vitamins, biotin, and vitamin C, that are proven to thicken hair and increase growth.”
Nutrafol Women Hair Growth Supplement
Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements
While hair growth supplements can be helpful, it’s still advised to have regular checkups with your health care provider to ensure you’re not deficient in other vitamins and minerals, and if you are, to treat them accordingly.
“Normal hair growth requires adequate amounts of vitamins in a diet. Any long-term reduction in certain nutrients or minerals to the hair follicle may disturb the hair cycle,” says Hill. “It is essential to identify any vitamin deficiencies, trace mineral deficiencies, current supplements, and prescription medication intake and current medical history.”
Frequent haircuts & good hair care habits
Cutting your hair may feel counterintuitive, but Raven Hurtado, a hairstylist at Chicago’s Maxine Salon, says it’s a must for promoting hair growth. “Getting rid of dry split ends allows hair to grow healthy and long and maintains the hairstyle,” she says.
“While procedures, serums, and vitamins are all effective treatment options, changing your hair routine can promote hair growth,” Dr. Green says. Sometimes hair growth is simply a matter of taking better care of your hair—which, of course, includes those dreaded regular trims.
“Heat styling, using straightening or curling irons, breaks down the bonds in your hair, leading to decreased moisture. Try opting for no-heat styles or, if you need to use heat, use a heat protectant that can stand the temperature you are using,” Dr. Green says—and the same goes for harsh treatments like using bleach. “Using chemicals, dyes, and relaxers on your hair can damage the hair and cause breakage. Avoid these processes, use them less frequently, or use semipermanent dyes over permanent ones.” Translation? Let your hair air-dry every now and then, and dye it less frequently too.
Being gentle with your hair
Damaged hair isn’t going to grow any faster, so be sure to treat it as gently as possible. “Treat tresses with TLC; be patient when detangling, and use the right tool,” Bronwen Robinson, senior stylist at New York City’s Suite Caroline Salon, tells Glamour. “For example, use a natural-bristle brush when brushing out dry hair and a wet brush or wide-tooth comb when detangling wet hair.” One of Glamour’s favorites for the job is Tangle Teezer’s Ultimate Detangler.
How you brush is important too. “I can’t express it enough: Start by combing out the ends, not the roots, when removing tangles,” Robinson adds. “This is such an effective way to avoid snapping and breaking strands of hair which can contribute to split ends and frizz.” And split ends certainly won’t make your hair grow any faster. "Patience will pay off!” she asserts.
