How Fast Does Hair Grow?

If you’ve ever had a bad haircut, it’s likely you found yourself on Google searching, “How fast does hair grow?” While the average hair growth rate varies from person to person, you can’t expect your hair to grow longer overnight. It’s easy to become impatient with the idea of waiting months for your shorter strands to grow, and it may even leave you wondering whether you can make your hair grow faster. 

The slow process may feel like hair purgatory, but there are some ways to support healthy hair growth. Below, we’re sharing what to know about hair growth, how much additional length you should expect to see per month, and tips on upgrading your haircare routine to promote long, healthy-looking hair.

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 how many inches your hair can grow each month is right around a half 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, how long it takes for hair to grow remains the same.

Can You Make Hair Grow Faster?

If you’re wondering how to make hair grow faster, you’ll need to manage your expectations. Generally speaking, it's not possible to make hair grow significantly faster—the rate at which your hair grows is determined primarily by genetics. However, there are haircare routine upgrades you can make to keep your hair healthy and ensure your hair looks and feels its best during the grow-out process. 

While it’s not likely that topical haircare products like shampoos, conditioners, hair oils, or serums will increase your rate of hair growth, the right routine may help minimize the breakage that makes it appear as if your hair isn’t growing. 

How To Grow Out Your Hair: 3 Tips to Try

While the answer to the question “What makes hair grow faster?” is, unfortunately, nothing, that doesn’t mean you’re totally out of luck if you’re looking to grow out your strands. The below habits won’t speed up how quickly hair grows from your scalp, but they may help to address any damage hindering your long hair goals. 

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 a great pick for those growing out their hair. It contains a 17% repair concentrate with protein and helps smooth, nourish, and strengthen damaged 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 and healthy-looking, consider swapping out your regular shampoo and conditioner for a bond-strengthening system. The L’Oréal Paris EverPure Bond Strengthening Pre-Shampoo Treatment, 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 work together to reinforce weak hair bonds and strengthen the hair from the inside out. When used as a system, you’ll enjoy smoother, stronger hair and a reduction in breakage over time. 

3. Use heat protectant

If you style your hair with heat tools, it’s essential to use a heat protectant prior to styling. Heat protectants help shield 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’ll appear (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 for 48 HR Frizz Control is a must-have in your hair styling arsenal. The nourishing formula provides long-lasting frizz control and helps protect hair from temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit without any weigh-down. Use it prior to blow-drying your hair for smooth, shiny-looking strands.

Does Hair Growth Oil Work?

Some research suggests that natural oils, such as peppermint oil and castor oil, can help hydrate the scalp and potentially encourage hair growth. However, the effects are minor. A 2014 study published in Toxicological Research found that topical peppermint oil may help stimulate blood floor to the hair follicles and promote hair growth in mice. Another study, this one published in the International Journal of Trichology, shared that castor oil and fenugreek oil are used among some populations to moisturize and strengthen the hair and scalp and promote hair growth. However, evidence showing the efficacy of oils for hair growth is limited.

Do Vitamins and Supplements Make Hair Grow Faster?

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 health, per the Cleveland Clinic. Of course, taking proper care of your hair by using a hair care system for your hair type and staying away from frequent heat styling and bleach sessions is the best way to promote strong, healthy-looking hair.

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. This treatment is designed for those with hair loss and only works as long as you continue using it. Studies show that Minoxidil can help to enhance hair growth, primarily with oral supplements and high-dosage topicals. However, it’s best to consult with your dermatologist to see if this is the right treatment for you. 

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 average hair growth of six inches per year is just that—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 who studies the hair and scalp) who can give your hair and scalp a proper assessment. They may also be able to provide personalized advice on how long it takes hair to grow based on your habits, hair type, and lifestyle.

Next Up: How Often Should You Cut Your Hair?

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris