14 Proven Tips for Making Your Hair Grow Faster and Stronger

If you’re here, chances are you’re ready to show your hair some serious love. Maybe you’re dreaming of longer locks or just want hair that feels healthier and thicker. While there’s no magic trick for overnight results, the good news is there are tons of ways to help your hair grow faster, stronger, and more beautiful. Let’s dive into 14 tried-and-true tips for boosting hair growth and banishing breakage.

1. Don’t Let Diets Starve Your Hair

Skipping important nutrients can starve your hair of what it needs to thrive.

What you eat affects every part of you—including your hair. Going on a super-restrictive diet? Your hair might feel it. According to Dr. Lindsey Bordone, a dermatologist at Columbia University Medical Center, restrictive diets starve your body of nutrients needed for hair growth. “Hair growth is halted quickly when your body is stressed,” she explains. So, keep your meals balanced, and don’t cut out those vitamins and minerals your hair loves!

2. Pump Up Your Protein

Protein is a building block for hair growth, so make sure you’re getting enough.

Hair is made of keratin, a type of protein. So, it makes sense that protein is a huge player in hair growth. Dr. Bordone recommends around 50 grams of protein a day—think eggs, chicken, fish, and beans. Not only does protein keep your hair from shedding, but it also keeps it looking full and strong.

3. Give Caffeine Products a Try

Caffeine in hair products might help boost hair growth—seriously!

Yes, caffeine can wake up your hair, too! Studies show that caffeine can stimulate the cells in your hair follicles, which could mean more growth. Try a caffeine-infused shampoo or conditioner if you want a little extra boost.

4. Add Essential Oils to Your Routine

Essential oils aren’t just for aroma—they may also encourage hair growth.

Essential oils aren’t just for making your space smell like a spa—they’re also fantastic for your hair. Oils like rosemary, peppermint, lavender, and jojoba can help nourish your scalp and support growth. Some studies even suggest that pumpkin seed oil can help with hair regrowth, so consider adding a few drops to your routine.

5. Boost Your Nutrients

A deficiency in vitamins or minerals can mean trouble for your hair.

Iron, zinc, selenium, omega-3, and vitamins D and E are key for healthy hair. If you’re low in these nutrients, your hair could be the first to suffer. Omega-3 and omega-6 supplements, for example, have been shown to protect against hair loss. A quick blood test can tell you if you’re low in any of these, so consider checking in with your doctor if you’re seeing more hair in your brush than usual.

6. Treat Yourself to a Scalp Massage

Massaging your scalp can increase blood flow and improve hair health.

Scalp massages feel heavenly, and they might just give you thicker hair, too. In one study, people who did a 4-minute scalp massage every day for 24 weeks ended up with thicker hair. Massaging helps boost circulation to your scalp, bringing in more of the nutrients your hair craves. You can get a professional massage or simply give yourself one at home—just use your fingertips in gentle circles.

7. Consider PRP Therapy

This treatment uses your own platelets to help restore hair growth.

PRP therapy sounds high-tech, but it’s basically your own platelets being reintroduced to help speed up hair growth. Dermatologists like Dr. Sapna Palep call it a breakthrough for hair loss, and it’s becoming a popular treatment for those looking to fill in thinning spots. It does require a few monthly sessions, so talk to a dermatologist if you’re curious!

8. Reduce Heat Styling

Heat can weaken hair and cause breakage, so try limiting your use.

Sure, hot tools are lifesavers for a sleek blowout or perfect waves, but using them too often can damage hair. Curling irons, straighteners, and blow dryers can make hair brittle and lead to breakage. If you do use them, turn down the heat and use a heat protectant spray to help shield your strands.

9. Try Minoxidil for Hair Growth

Minoxidil is an over-the-counter option that can help fight hair loss.

You might know Minoxidil as Rogaine, but it’s not just for guys! It’s a popular over-the-counter product that’s proven to help stimulate hair growth in certain cases. Just keep in mind, it can take up to a year to see real results. But if you’re seeing more hair loss than usual, it’s worth trying as part of a long-term hair care plan.

10. Be Gentle with Hair Color

Frequent dyeing can strip your hair’s natural oils and leave it weak.

Love a new hair color? Totally understandable. But permanent dyes can strip hair of natural oils, leaving it weaker. If possible, try limiting how often you dye your hair or opt for semi-permanent color. This can help keep your hair stronger and less prone to breakage.

11. Use Antioxidants on Your Scalp

Antioxidants protect your scalp and support healthier hair.

You know antioxidants are great for your skin, but they’re just as important for your scalp. Some scalp treatments with antioxidants (like piroctone olamine) help improve scalp health and support hair density. Studies have found that using an antioxidant-based shampoo can help maintain a healthy scalp barrier, so don’t skip the scalp love!

12. Get Regular Trims

Trims might not speed up growth, but they do stop split ends in their tracks.

Even though it sounds backward, trimming your hair every few months can actually help it grow stronger. Split ends can travel up the shaft and cause even more breakage, so a regular trim keeps those frayed ends from spreading. Aim for a trim every three to four months for the best results.

13. Protect Your Hair While Sleeping

Treat your hair gently overnight for stronger, healthier strands.

Want to wake up with happy hair? First, make sure you’re getting enough sleep (7-9 hours is ideal). Lack of sleep can mess with melatonin, a hormone that affects hair growth. Second, use a satin or silk pillowcase to reduce friction and tangling. And whatever you do, don’t sleep with wet hair—it’s much more vulnerable to breakage when damp.

14. Keep Stress Levels Low

Chronic stress can slow down hair growth, so find ways to unwind.

Stress is a known hair saboteur. High stress can push your hair follicles into a “resting phase,” meaning they stop growing and start shedding instead. Combat stress with regular exercise, journaling, or a little daily meditation. Not only does this help your hair, but it’s great for your whole body, too.

FAQs About Hair Growth

Can I increase hair growth naturally?

Yes! Eating a balanced diet, using gentle products, avoiding frequent coloring, and reducing heat can all contribute to better growth. If you’ve tried everything and still aren’t seeing results, talk to a healthcare provider for more options like topical creams, supplements, or even hair transplants.

Which hairstyles are best for hair growth?

There’s no perfect hairstyle for growth, but loose, low-maintenance styles are generally less damaging. Avoid tight ponytails, buns, or hairstyles that pull on your hair roots, as these can weaken your hair over time.

Final Takeaway

There’s no magic solution to make your hair grow overnight, but if you follow these tips, you’re giving your hair the best possible environment to thrive. Nourishing your body with the right nutrients, being gentle with your hair, and reducing stress can help your hair grow faster and stronger. Remember, hair growth takes time—so enjoy the process and celebrate each small win along the way. If hair loss is becoming a bigger concern, don’t hesitate to talk to a dermatologist.

Happy growing!