30 Natural Tips to Help You Grow Your Hair

1. Shampoo less

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If you shampoo your hair a lot and you’re struggling to grow it, take note! How often you shampoo your hair really does impact your hair’s health; if you’re doing it only two to three times a week, you’ll allow natural oils to penetrate your hair, which will help it hydrate and repair itself. If you’re doing it more than this, then you’ll find it harder to strengthen your hair enough to grow it.

2. Avoid bleach

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One fail-safe way to grow your hair is to lay off the bleach for a while. If you’re going from darker shades to light tones, you’ll end up damaging your hair cuticles. And when hair cuticles get damaged, those pesky split ends start to multiply. The fewer chemical treatments, the more your hair will grow.

3. Stop heat styling so often

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One of the golden rules of hair growth is to reduce your heat styling sprees. That means banishing those straighteners and curling irons! If you really want to keep styling your hair, make sure you’re using heat protection sprays, which will reduce the risk of damage to your hair. It’s also worth decreasing the temperature of your styling tools too.

4. Regularly brush your hair

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Brushing your hair every night before bed may seem like too much when you’re sleepy, but it’s actually a great way to keep your hair and scalp in top check. Starting at the scalp, use a big bristle brush to distribute your scalp’s oils evenly onto your hair. This helps it stay naturally moisturized, and can lead to increased circulation in the scalp.

5. Keep your showers cool

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Hot showers are notoriously bad for your skin, as the temperature can dry it out. The same applies to your hair and scalp too, so make sure you’re turning your shower onto a cooler setting when cleansing. Massage your fingers carefully and thoroughly into your scalp to de-gunk and boost your circulation.

6. Detangle before shampooing

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As hair is VERY susceptible to damage when wet, it’s a really good idea to brush your hair before you jump in the shower. This is because water exposure stretches the hair’s shaft, which causes the outer layer to lift and swell. If you then add stress from brushing, the hair is then more likely to break. If you really need to detangle your wet hair, be sure to apply a leave-in conditioner first.

7. Get regular trims

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This might seem counterproductive, but giving your hair a regular trim is a great way to get rid of those split ends. And split ends can make your hair lose length, as well as smoothness and shine. Getting rid of the breakage will then give the appearance that your hair is growing faster, and keeps your hair strong and healthy.

8. Take multivitamins

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There are plenty of multivitamins on the market, but you ideally want to go for one that’s formulated and labeled for “hair, skin and nails”. They contain important vitamins like biotin and C and B that can support hair health. But it’s obviously good to check in with a doctor or medical professional before you start taking them.

9. Make a DIY hair mask

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Sure, you can buy a deep conditioner or mask from the supermarket. But it’s much more satisfying when you make your own! Avocado, honey and olive oil are all great for dry and damaged hair, as they contain omega-3 acids that will strengthen and add shine. Cinnamon and coconut oil are also great for hair growth.

10. Stop dieting

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If you’re following a strict diet plan, you won’t be getting enough resources and nutrients for hair growth, as this is a pretty low priority. Research has shown that compared to other bodily functions, hair growth is halted quickly when your body is placed under stress due to restrictive dieting. And even when you get back to a healthier diet, it can still take a while for your hair to stop shedding. You’ve been warned!

11. Up your protein intake

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While we’re on the subject of food – it can be helpful to up your protein intake, as it’s pretty well known for boosting hair growth. Foods like fish, beans, whole grains and nuts are great for this, and can stop your hair from breaking and shedding as easily. Try to aim for around 50g of protein or more each day.

12. Get creative with essential oils

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There’s been a lot of studies on essential oils over the years- and there are some promising results. One study found that regular use of pumpkin seed oil increased hair regrowth in participants with female pattern baldness when used regularly. Meanwhile, other research has shown that rosemary oil can actually be as effective as minoxidil (the ingredient found in Rogaine) at boosting hair growth.

13. Give yourself a scalp massage

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A scalp massage can relieve stress and help you relax- and it can help you grow your hair too! While studies are still being carried out, the early signs are positive. After 24 weeks, researchers found that the people involved in the study had thicker hair at the end of the study than at the start of it. Scalp massages help dilate blood vessels in the scalp, which seems to strengthen the hair.

14. Avoid harsh dyes

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Just like bleach, permanent dyes contain powerful chemicals that can dry (and then break) our hair. So if you want to grow it, it’s a good idea to lay off them for a little while. Permanent dyes can end up removing the natural fatty acids in our hair, which causes more damage over time than semi-permanent dyes.

15. Add antioxidants to your scalp

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A few Reddit users have used antioxidants to get rid of flaky scalps, but they’re also great for hair growth too. Clinical studies have found that women who used a shampoo or leave-in scalp treatment containing the antioxidant piroctone olamine had hugely increased hair amounts, as well as improved scalp conditions.

16. When using a towel, blot your hair instead of rubbing it

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If you’ve just got out of the shower, it can be tempting to rub your hair down with a towel. But this can actually break your hair, as it’s much more sensitive when wet. Instead, try to carefully blot your hair with a towel, as this is much more gentle on your locks. Start at the crown of the head and work your way down.

17. Get your full eight hours of sleep

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You heard us right; if you want to grow your hair, it’s really important that you get your beauty sleep. Not sleeping enough actually decreases your body’s production of melatonin, which is the hormone that plays a vital part in regulating hair growth. It’s also helpful to sleep on a silk pillow if you can, as it’s less damaging to your hair.

18. Beat the stress

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It’s well-documented that chronic stress can lead to hair loss. It can sometimes cause your hair follicles to go into a “resting” phase, so they don’t grow new strands and shed instead. We know that stress can be hard to beat when we have so many things to do these days, but exercise, meditation and journaling are great places to start.

19. Let your hair dry naturally

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While it’s good to take a break from the straighteners and curling irons, it’s even better if you can avoid the blow dryer too. Like other heat styling tools, blow dryers aren’t exactly great for your hair, as it can quickly dry out and snap. If you DO need to blow dry your hair, make sure you’ve got some high-quality heat protection spray on the go.

20. Eat foods high in zinc

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If you’re getting impatient with your hair growth, it can be a good idea to increase the amount of hair-strengthening nutrients in your diet. Zinc is great for this, as it contains biotin and folate. You can find zinc in tons of foods like leafy veggies, nuts and seeds such as pecans and almonds, and even chocolate!

21. Use a brush with natural bristles

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If you want to start growing your hair, try brushing it with a paddle brush that has natural bristles. Natural bristles generally cause less friction, which can then limit the number of everyday damages to the hair. Over time, this should help strengthen your hair and promote growth. You can thank us later…

22. Increase your iron intake

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Another great nutrient to add to your diet is iron. Iron is a key ingredient in a lot of hair growth supplements, as it produces hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells. Iron helps carry oxygen to your body’s cells to promote growth and repair, including the cells that help with hair growth. You can find iron in foods like red meat, beans, broccoli, whole grains and shellfish.

23. Try keratin supplements

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While results aren’t guaranteed, some studies have shown that keratin supplements may help treat hair loss. One study found that these supplements can increase hair diameter, however, more research is needed. There are plenty of options on the market, but it’s a good idea to speak to your doctor before you start taking them.

24. Make use of egg yolks

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We’ve covered a couple of DIY hair masks already, but this one is even more simple! If your hair keeps breaking before it passes your shoulders, mix two eggs together a dilute with half a cup of water. Apply and leave for half an hour before rinsing off. Hey presto- strong, shiny hair that should grow in better condition.

25. Check your meds

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If you’re taking a lot of medication, it’s a good idea to check through your pills to see if they contain ingredients that can cause hair loss. Commonly prescribed drugs that can cause hair loss include antihypertensives (blood pressure); cholesterol or statins; hormone replacements like thyroid, birth control, testosterone; and certain antidepressants.

26. Stop smoking

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Hair breakage might not be the first thing you think of when you consider the side effects of smoking, but it really can affect the growth of your hair. Smoking actually restricts blood flow to the scalp and follicles, which then restricts the vital oxygen and nutrients that your hair and scalp need. Plus, the toxins from cigarettes can actually get into your hair follicles, which can cause a LOT of problems further down the line.

27. Focus on healthy fats

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Instead of spending money on expensive conditioners, try bringing some healthy fats into your diet. Healthy fats like omega-3 are essential, as we’re our bodies aren’t able to produce them on their own. Try foods like salmon, cheese and chia seeds, and they’ll get to work on your hair follicles, giving you a shiny, strong glow.

28. Get some Vitamin D

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If food like salmon isn’t really up your street, focus on upping your vitamin D instead. Vitamin D is amazing at stimulating old and new hair follicles, which is perfect if you’re struggling to get your hair past a certain length. You can find Vitamin D in food in red meat, egg yolks and fortified foods like certain cereals and spreads.

29. Use soft hair ties

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Hair growth is all about reducing stressors- and one BIG everyday one is hair ties. If your ties or scrunchies are too tight, they can cause major friction and pulling, which can lead to strands of your hair snapping. Switch to soft ties to reduce this friction, and mix up your hairstyles so you’re not putting the same pressure on your scalp every day.

30. Stop playing with your hair

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Want to grow your hair properly? Stop playing with it! It’s something that many of us can do absent-mindedly, but playing with your hair can cause a lot of damage, which limits your hair’s chances of growing. It’s a habit that can be hard to break, but when you’ve got long, shiny locks, you’ll thank us. Maybe.

31. Give Your Hair A Regular Trim

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Many people who are trying to grow their hair out will avoid the salon for as long as possible. It makes sense, because you’re trying to grow your hair and not cut it, right? Giving the ends a small trim can help you to have more healthy looking hair, though, and get rid of split ends that break your hair. It can at the very least look like your hair is growing faster when you don’t have split ends!

32. Use Hair Extensions

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Okay, this one might seem like cheating, but why not? If you need to give the illusion that your hair is long and it’s not growing fast enough for you, there are plenty of great and natural hair extension options out there for you that won’t damage your hair, and you can even find some made from real hair.

33. Plan Your Meals

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Planning your meals throughout the week and writing a grocery list is the only way you’re going to make sure that you’re getting all that hair-boosting goodness into your diet that we’ve talked about. Meal planning means you can think about what you need to eat everyday on your plate to help your hair grow at its best rate.

34. Add The Right Vitamins To Your Morning Routine

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Supplements can really help you to get the things you need in your diet if you’re a really fussy eater or maybe meal planning just isn’t working out for you. Maybe there are even certain foods you can’t eat because of allergies or other health conditions. Key vitamins taken in the morning can help to boost your hair (and day).

35. Don’t Neglect Your Scalp Care!

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We get it – you’re thinking about how you can make your hair longer and shinier, so that means hair and not scalp. But your scalp should be a key focus – that’s where your hair is growing from, after all! Scalp care in your routine should include gentle scalp massages with your fingers when you’re shampooing, as well as getting warm (not hot) water on there.

36. Do What You Can Against Physical Damage

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You need to protect your hair from physical damage as much as the methods you’re taken at home to care for it. Get the right tools for the job for your hair type, like the right detangling comb for after you’ve come out of the shower, and also be careful of trapping your hair in things like your coat, scarf, doors, windows.. you know.

37. Switch To A Silk Pillowcase

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You might have already heard about the wonders this can do for the skin on your face, but have you thought about the benefits for your hair, too? If you’re sleeping on a silk pillowcase, the material will go easy on your hair during the night, so it’ll help to avoid tangles and extra breakages that can be avoided.

38. Try A Bit Of Minoxidil Specifically

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Don’t waste anymore time trying to find products that have this in it, or similar products – just go for the actual thing and try it out. Minoxidil is available in bottles to buy, and it’s an FDA-approved product that could help to stop hair loss in women – and not to mention promote new hair growth at the same time!

39. Talk To Your Doctor

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If you feel like you’ve tried everything and you’re still having problems with hair growth, hair health or even hair loss, it might be time to book an appointment with your doctor just to check that nothing else is going on. There’s no point trying all these products and ideas if you need to treat a different root cause.

40. Understand How Fast Hair Grows

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Hair naturally grows slower that you might think, and it’s always an agonising wait. But the more you know about the rate that hair actually grows, the better you’ll be at taking care of your hair and knowing when to expect results without being frustrated. Apparently hair grows at a rate of around 0.35 millimeters per day (that’s around 6 inches per year).

41. Talk To Your Hair Stylist

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There’s nothing wrong with getting a professional opinion! And if you have a stylist you see regular who knows your hair, they might be able to recommend what you can do better – or maybe even what you’re doing wrong that could be damaging your hair and preventing its healthy growth. So maybe you could book a refresher trim and ask at the same time.

42. Try Switching To Your Natural Color

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If you’ve spent your life dying your hair from box color or maybe even just updates at the salon, maybe it’s time to accept your natural shade – or even embrace the gray. The more you color your hair – especially with non-organic box dyes – the more damaging chemicals you’re exposing your hair to.

43. Wear Your Hair Down As Much As You Can

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Sometimes this can’t be prevented, like if you have a hospitality job that requires you to wear it tied back. But if you’re spending 24/7 with your hair in a tight band – and especially if you’re wearing your hair tightly tied all through the night – you might be risking extra breakages and damage. So try to wear your hair down a bit more.

44. Try A Hair Mask

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Why not try a hair mask treatment instead, in between shampoos? This could help to strengthen your hair, or you could shop around for a hair mask that’s more tailored for what you’re looking for. You don’t need to use a hair mask every day, but you could use one every once in a while and see if it helps.

45. Always Use Conditioner

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If you’ve only been doing a quick shampoo this whole time, then it’s time to get the conditioner in, STAT! Conditioner is there to keep your hair untangled, soft and hydrated, and it definitely needs to be used alongside shampoo unless you have a very specific reason you can’t use conditioner! This will help your help be in its best condition.

46. Avoid Any Damaging Treatments

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Don’t go browsing the new chemical treatment menu at your local salon any time soon, or invest in a new heat product for your hair – avoid anything that might damage it any way, new or old! Whether it’s heat, chemicals or other ingredients, be sure to be careful with whatever you’re using and limit damage.

47. Cover Your Hair Up In The Rain

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Always be prepared for the rain with a hood or umbrella. If you’re washing your hair and then getting your hair wet, it’s only more likely you’re going to use extra heat on re-drying it when you get home, and straightening it again after it’s got weight, twice as much as you usually would in the same day!

48. Eat Seafood

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Don’t forget about seafood! Now’s the time to try and get into it, even if you’ve never been a big fan, because seafood will have plenty of good vitamins and minerals in it that your hair could do with if you want it to grow long and healthy. Try a seafood restaurant when you go out for a change, so you’re not tempted by other things on the menu!

49. Give Shampoos/Conditioners Infused With Caffeine A Go

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If you’ve always been using the same shampoo and conditioner, now might be the time to switch it up a bit. Try to look for shampoos and conditioners which are infused with caffeine, and also have keratin in them if you can. These will be great for stimulating healthier hair, and extra hair growth.

50. Only Wash Your Hair A Few Times A Week

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We know how amazing it feels when you’ve just washed your hair, which is why many people want that feeling every single day, but washing your hair too much could be damaging it or preventing healthy, natural oils. If you only wash a few times a week, you’re giving your hair a better chance to not become brittle and break easily.