What helps hair grow
Luscious, lengthy locks are the stuff hair dreams are made of. But while extensions provide an instant faux fix, they can damage follicles over time. The good news? You can help your own hair gain gorgeous length by taking care of your scalp and strands. Follow these pro tips to grow your hair faster and longer without extensions.
Pamper your scalp - it's the root of hair growth
Your scalp is like the soil in which hair grows. Dry, neglected soil yields lackluster crops, while nourished earth sprouts strong plants. Similarly, a healthy scalp environment encourages robust hair growth. That's why caring for your scalp is step one. Massage it daily to increase blood circulation, using products with ingredients that nourish follicles like Monpure’s Follicle Boost Hair Density Serum.
The serum contains pumpkin seed extract and castor oil to boost cell turnover and stimulate growth. Optimise the scalp's dermatological condition with a weekly scalp mask packed with skin-loving oils and extracts. Monpure’s Nourish and Stimulate Scalp Mask harnesses camellia tea oil and aloe vera to slough off dead skin cells and deeply condition. A rejuvenated scalp equals longer, stronger strands.
Trim those tips
Split, broken ends can't simply mend themselves. The damage will continue traveling up the length of your hair causing more splits and breakage if left unclipped. That's why regular trims are essential for growth. Schedule appointments every 8-12 weeks to snip off the ends and remove split ends before they sabotage your hair's health and length goals. This minor chop keeps ends neat and prevent breakage so your hair can grow longer between cuts. While trims don't speed up the actual rate of growth, they do boost the look of thickness and fullness.
Limit bleach and chemical processing
Chemically treating hair with bleach, perm solutions or relaxers can cause significant damage that impedes growth. These harsh chemicals compromise the structural integrity of the hair cuticle, especially when over-processing. The resulting dry, brittle texture is prone to snapping and shredding. To keep your strands strong as they grow out, avoid over-bleaching or double-processing hair in the same session.
Space out chemical treatments over several months to allow hair to recover. In between, use strengthening products like Monpure's Strengthening Silk Protein Shampoo and Conditioner. The silk protein works to repair areas of cuticle damage (yield 72% thermal damage repair in one wash), protecting hair and preventing breakage.
Go gentle with heat tools
High temperatures from blow dryers, flat irons and curling wands sear hair, boil moisture and fracture bonds. This subjects hair to dryness and increased risk of breakage as it grows out longer. To minimise thermal damage, invest in quality styling tools with adjustable heat settings. Prep hair with a protectant spray before exposing it to heat. If possible, embrace your natural texture or create loose, low-maintenance styles that don't require hot tools. Give hair a break from heat a few days a week too. And never crank irons above 230°C - anything hotter frazzles hair structure.
Pulling hair too tightly in braids, ponytails and buns places excessive tension on roots. This constant pulling and torqueing can damage follicles and lead to hair loss or thinning. Try to avoid super-snug styles that tug sharply at the scalp. If rocking a high pony, use fabric scrunchies instead of thin elastic bands to create a looser hold with less tension. When braiding, be mindful not to weave strands too tightly at the roots. Loose, low manipulation styles allow hair to grow out without undue stress on follicles.
TLC when towel drying
The way you treat wet hair influences its integrity. Vigorously rubbing with terry cloth towels creates friction that fractures hair cuticles. Let hair air dry or gently squeeze out moisture with a soft microfibre towel or old cotton t-shirt. Lightly pat dry instead of scrubbing for less potential damage. then comb through from ends to roots with a wide-tooth comb. Never brush wet, as hair is weakest when saturated and can snap.
Sleep on satin
Just like toweling, friction from cotton pillowcases can rough up hair cuticles. The abrasiveness damages hair and causes strands to catch and tangle. Save your locks overnight by switching to a satin pillowcase. The ultra-smooth fabric minimises friction so less hair pulls out or breaks off at night. For added protection, loosely tie hair back in a satin scarf. Wake up to silky hair - not snapped elastic bands around your wrist.
Eat a hair-healthy diet
You've likely heard "you are what you eat." Well, your hair shows evidence of that! A balanced diet with key vitamins and minerals supports optimal hair growth. Make sure to get enough:
- Protein - for building hair keratin
- Iron - carries oxygen to follicles
- Zinc - repairs damage and slows shedding
- Vitamin C - aids iron absorption
- B Vitamins - stimulate growth and thickness
- Biotin - metabolises amino acids for protein
- Omega-3s - moisturise hair and reduce excess oil production
While you can take supplements to fill any nutritional gaps, a varied diet of whole foods nourishes hair from within.
De-stress and get ample sleep
Stress and lack of sleep disrupt our hormones, which can inhibit hair growth. Cortisol, the body's main stress hormone, shunts energy away from non-essential processes like growing hair. When we skimp on sleep, the resulting fatigue and hormonal imbalance can trigger excessive hair loss. Strive for 7-9 hours nightly, and carve out time for relaxing self-care. Lowering stress while catching up on rest will create ideal conditions for your hair to thrive.
How to Grow Your Hair Faster
Growing your hair starts with a healthy scalp and preventing damage to the strands. With tender loving care and the right techniques, you can help your hair gain gorgeous length and volume without extensions. Patience through the awkward grow-out phases will pay off with luscious locks.
For an extra growth boost try Monpure’s Great Lengths Regime and save 25% on products to grow your healthiest, longest hair yet this year. With pro tips and quality haircare, your mane goals are within reach!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does hair grow in a month?
- Hair typically grows about 1cm month on average. Growth rates vary depending on age, health, genetics and diet.
Does cutting your hair make it grow faster?
- No, cutting hair does not affect the rate of growth. However, trimming split ends can give the appearance of thicker, healthier hair.
Does hair grow faster during pregnancy?
- Yes, many women experience faster hair growth during pregnancy due to increased oestrogen levels. Hair may return to normal patterns after giving birth.
What age does hair growth slow down?
- Hair growth rates start slowing down for most people in their 30s. As we age, follicles shrink and produce thinner strands.
