I’ve long been interested in finding new ways to stimulate hair growth. The funny thing about hair is that it seems to grow fastest in places you didn’t ask for it (that’s you; toes, pits and bits). But, as for how to grow hair faster when it comes to our heads, um, why the glacial pace?
If you’re facing post-trim regret, or your hair splits and flakes as soon as it hits your shoulders, you may be after something that can accelerate the length, fast. The problem is too many brands over-promise on miracle cures that cost a ton of money, then under-deliver.
“There are definitely effective treatments that help to encourage hair growth,” says Anabel Kingsley, top trichologist and brand president at Philip Kingsley. “However, I would not use the term ‘miracle’. Any treatment or regime will take time; you can expect to see results at a minimum of 6 weeks, but more noticeable changes to hair growth occur from the three-month mark of starting something new.”
So if you’ve got the time and patience on your hands to start your hair growth journey, this article is a great place to start.
We spoke to the country’s leading hair experts to discover what really works, and the best ways to speed up hair growth once and for all.
The best products to stimulate hair growth, at a glance:
“Lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol and high sugar diets can lead to scalp problems,” says Michael Van Clarke, hairdresser and founder of 3 More Inches. Crash dieting can be detrimental, too. “As hair is a non-essential tissue, it’s the first part of you to be deprived of nutrients when your diet is lacking,” says Kingsley. “Therefore restrictive eating deprives your hair of nutrients and this can cause excessive hair shedding,” she explains.
It might be worth keeping an eye on how tight you tie your ponytail, too. “This can cause traction breakage and may even pull out hairs from their follicles,” warns Kingsley.
“On average, human scalp hair grows about half an inch (1.25 cm) per month, which is about 15cm a year,” says Dr Farha Mirza, cosmetic doctor and injector at the Thérapie Clinic. “However, the rate can vary from person to person, influenced by factors such as genetics, age, hormone levels, stress, nutrition and underlying health conditions.”
Consultant dermatologist Dr Ellie Rashid says that results can take several months. “But consistency with evidence-based treatments can lead to noticeable improvements in density and volume,” she says. “Many women have successfully regained thicker hair using a combination of effective scalp cleansing, dietary and nutritional optimisation, and topical preparations such as minoxidil. There’s also in-clinic follicular stimulating treatments such as PRP (platelet-rich plasma injections) and a KeraLase laser treatment.”
Can you speed up hair growth?
Dr Mirza explains that while you can’t change your genetic limit for hair growth speed, there are steps you can take to support and maximise it.
“I’d recommend treatments such as polynucleotides, which are natural fractions of salmon DNA. They stimulate growth factors in the development of hair follicles, which enables repair and re-activation, thicker hair follicles and overall improved scalp health,” she says. “They’re especially beneficial when combined with good nutrition, hormonal balance and stress management, which offer the best long-term results.”
Emily Walker, Senior NPD Manager at Hairburst, agrees. “You can create the best possible conditions for your hair to grow faster and healthier by nourishing your body with the right nutrients, looking after your scalp, and protecting your strands from damage.”
Walker adds that it’s important to be consistent. “A routine you can stick to that supports your overall health and hair health, from diet and supplementation, to the right products for your hair type and gentle styling, will help you see longer, stronger hair growth over time.”
Ahead, the 13 best ways to stimulate hair growth:
1. Supplements and vitamins
“Vitamin hair supplements shouldn’t be a substitute for a varied diet,” says Clarke. “But if you’re still struggling to get all the nutrients you need, supplements can help those with an unbalanced regime,” he says.
Look for protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B12, vitamin D, Omega 3 and the best biotin supplements. “B12 is especially important for vegans, as B12 is only found naturally in animal products,” says Kingsley. But it’s best to consult with a doctor and take a blood test before taking any supplements.
2. Scalp scrubs and regular shampooing
“Hair grows best from a healthy scalp,” says Kingsley, so it’s important to cleanse it regularly.” “Shampooing gets rid of the dirt and debris on the scalp, which includes pollution, sweat and old skin cells,” agrees Sey.
To make the most of it, really massage in a best shampoo for thinning hair. “Scalp massage is good for blood circulation which brings oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicle and takes toxins away,” says Clarke.
Your scalp is still skin (just like on your face), so it’s important to remember to treat it as such. It’s a good idea to use an exfoliating scalp scrub once a week “to keep your scalp supple and to remove dead skin cells,” says Kingsley. Both exfoliating and cleansing will help to remove any blockages (like dead skin cells or product build-up) from impeding your hair from growing.
3. Natural scalp-friendly ingredients
It’s worth noting that natural doesn’t necessarily mean better, but there are some natural ingredients that are really worth the hype. Aloe vera can soothe scalps and moisturise strands while balancing sebum, charcoal can absorb excess oils, kelp and olive oil are gentle and nourishing and honey is antibacterial. We also have to shout-out Klorane’s Anti-Pollution Shampoo which contains detoxifying aquatic mint, which is said to promote better blood flow to the scalp.
And we couldn’t not mention rosemary hair oil. The natural ingredient has been blowing up on TikTok thanks to its holy grail growth abilities, according to some users. In fact, one study comparing rosemary oil to minoxidil (a popular hair regrowth treatment) showed that after six months both groups had seen significant increases in hair growth. However, the group that was treated with rosemary oil had more hair growth than the minoxidil group. You can learn more about it here.
4. Masks and conditioners
“Hair masks for hair growth help to strengthen your hair, reducing breakage – which can improve the thickness of your mid-lengths and ends. If your ends are breaking, your hair simply won’t be able to grow as long as it otherwise could. Hair masks also plump your hair shaft with moisture, giving strands the appearance of more body,” says Kingsley.
It improves the look and condition, too. “Shampooing lifts the surface cuticle of the hair shaft so conditioner is essential for smoothing this down and protecting the hair shaft,” says Clarke. Using a good conditioner will help you restore moisture and also help give the hair a lovely look and feel – in some cases it may make it more manageable,” adds Sey.
5. Protection from heat styling
“If you are wedded to your styling tools you definitely need to use the best heat protectant sprays,” says Carson. “In my opinion today’s powerful hairdryers are set on high temperatures that are too hot,” he adds.
In order to reduce the damage, don’t hold your dryer too close to your hair. “Hold it approximately 30 centimetres away,” says Kingsley. “Opt for a medium or low heat setting, and turn your dryer off as soon as your hair is just dry.”
Dyson’s update to the Supersonic hairdryer, the Nural, taps up an invisible infrared beam that measures the distance between the machine and your hair, then changes the heat accordingly, reducing airflow and temperature as it nears your head. You’ll know where you’re at thanks to a light that changes colour (from red, to orange, then yellow) as the temperature decreases.
6. Careful brushing
“Your hair is weakest when wet,” says Carson. “This is because water separates some of the bonds. When the hair is dry, the bonds are reformed.” So, it’s important to be gentle when brushing it wet, and to use a gentle hair brush in general. “A brush with rounded, plastic prongs and a vented cushioned base is the most friendly of brushes,” says Kingsley.
Plus, it’s best to avoid brushes with metal prongs. “These have the tendency to get very hot when you heat style and can burn both your scalp and your hair,” advises Kingsley.
7. Use gentle hair ties
As for hair bands, soft fabric is your best bet – like silk scrunchies. “Hard ties and clips in and out of the hair can lead to breakage,” says Clarke. “Anything that ties the hair should have some give so that if there is any pressure it can flex around the hair shaft.” Hard metal edges can cut into your hair and lead to snapping, so it’s best to avoid them. You should also consider one of the best silk pillowcases.
Now, it’s time for lifestyle changes…
“Healthy hair growth isn’t just about what you put on your hair; it’s about looking after yourself,” says Emily Walker, senior NPD manager at Hairburst. “The right routine combines overall wellbeing, targeted hair care, and proven techniques that keep your hair growth cycle on track. Stress, hormones, and nutrition all play a big role, so supporting these from the inside is just as important as the products you use on the outside to help stimulate hair growth.”
8. Address stress and hormonal imbalances
Walker explains that extensive chronic stress raises cortisol levels, which can disrupt the hair growth cycle and lead to increased shedding or even long-term thinning. “Whilst hormonal imbalances, such as those sometimes seen in PCOS and the menopause, can also negatively affect the hair follicles. Managing these issues is crucial for maintaining healthy growth, so incorporate stress-reducing habits like meditation, regular exercise, and prioritising sleep can help regulate cortisol levels,” she advises.
“Plus, targeted ingredients like ashwagandha and reishi mushroom extract are particularly effective for promoting stress resilience, which are found in Hairburst’s Advanced+ Hair Formula, a supplement designed to support women dealing with hair loss related to stress and hormonal disruption,” she adds.
9. Avoid rapid weight loss or nutrient deficiency
We’re in the peak of the Ozempic boom, with GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy becoming hugely popular in the UK. But quick weight loss can affect your hair (amongst many things).
“Recently, there has been evidence to suggest that hair loss and hair thinning can be triggered by the sudden weight loss that is caused by GLP-1 medications, resulting in nutrient deficiencies that affect hair growth,” warns Walker. “Hair follicles require a consistent supply of protein, iron, biotin, zinc, and vitamins A, D, and E to function optimally. When the body enters a calorie deficit or nutrient imbalance, it prioritises essential functions over hair growth, resulting in increased shedding.”
Which leads us nicely onto the next point…
10. A well-balanced diet
“Hair is made of 97 percent protein,” says top trichologist, Stephen Carson. “Hair needs sufficient regular amounts of complete protein, vitamins, minerals and water as well as the omega 3 fatty acids found in oily fish, fruit and vegetables,” he adds.
“To ensure your hair is getting the protein it needs to grow, eat at least a palm sized portion of protein at breakfast and lunch. Great examples are fish, eggs, lean meat, low fat cottage cheese, quinoa and pulses,” says Kingsley. “To help ensure that your hair is receiving enough energy for growth (hair cells are the second fastest growing cells the body produces after bone marrow), include a portion of complex carbohydrates with each meal. I.e. brown rice, whole-wheat toast, potatoes with skin-on or oatmeal,” adds Kingsley.
11. Regular trims
A trim won’t make your hair grow faster, but it can make it look a whole lot better and healthier. “Regular trims will help get rid of the old weathered ends of the hair,” explains Sey. “The ends of the hair are the oldest having gone through repeated washing, combing and styling,” she adds. So while those wisps can add length, they can also contribute to the hair looking thinner overall.
