How to Grow Your Hair Faster Naturally
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the content I create here on the blog! You can read my full Disclosure Policy for more details.
Maybe you’re growing out layers, bouncing back from breakage, or just craving the feeling of long, healthy hair again. Whatever the reason, learning how to grow your hair faster naturally starts with simple everyday habits.
Think of it like creating a morning routine you actually love—it’s the little rituals you stick with that make the biggest difference. Just as something as simple as waking up with intention can change your entire day, small tweaks in your diet, hair care, and daily lifestyle can transform how your hair looks and feels over time.
The best part? You don’t need pricey salon treatments or a cabinet full of products. By focusing on gentle, everyday practices—like nourishing your body from the inside out, leaning into natural remedies, and protecting your strands from stress—you’ll see real results that last. And since hair health is so connected to overall well-being, it’s no surprise that the same habits that help you live on purpose or get better sleep also play a role in hair growth.
Ready to give your hair the love (and length) it deserves? Let’s dive in.
Understanding Hair Growth
Before you load up on vitamins or whip up a DIY hair mask, it helps to know how hair actually grows. Each strand on your head cycles through three main phases:
- Anagen (growth phase): This is when your hair is actively growing, usually lasting 2–7 years. The longer your hair stays in this phase, the longer it can grow.
- Catagen (transition phase): A short “rest” stage where growth slows and follicles shrink.
- Telogen (shedding phase): Old hair falls out, making room for new strands to grow.
On average, most people’s hair grows about half an inch per month. That may not sound like much, but over the course of a year, it adds up to six inches of growth—if your strands are healthy and strong enough to make it that far.
Here’s the catch: genetics play a big role in the length of your growth cycle. But lifestyle factors—like stress, diet, and even sleep—can speed things up or slow them down. That’s why building consistent, nourishing habits matters just as much for your hair as it does for your energy levels or productivity.
If you’ve ever noticed how being well-rested changes everything from your mood to your focus, you’ll understand why a solid night’s sleep is just as important for your strands. Try this guide on how to fall asleep and stay asleep if your evenings could use a reset.
Nutrition for Faster Hair Growth
When it comes to long, healthy hair, what you put on your plate matters just as much as what you put on your scalp. Your strands are made up of protein (keratin, to be exact), and they need the right mix of nutrients to stay strong and keep growing.
Key Nutrients for Hair Health
- Protein: Think eggs, beans, lentils, and fish. Without enough protein, your hair can feel brittle and more prone to breakage.
- Iron & Zinc: These minerals help carry oxygen to your follicles and keep shedding under control.
- Vitamins A, C & D: Essential for scalp health and collagen production.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts—they add shine and hydration from the inside out.
If you’ve ever felt the difference in your energy when you swap processed snacks for whole, nutrient-rich meals, your hair benefits in the same way. A balanced diet makes sure your follicles are getting the fuel they need to keep growing strong.
Want inspiration for gut-friendly meals that also support nutrient absorption? Check out these ideas for how to heal your gut health—because a healthy gut often means healthier hair.
Natural Hair Care Practices
Here’s the truth: even the best diet in the world won’t help if your daily hair care habits are working against you. The way you wash, style, and protect your strands makes all the difference in how long they can actually grow.
Gentle Cleansing
Skip harsh, stripping shampoos and reach for formulas that hydrate instead. Over-washing can dry out your scalp, while using a nourishing shampoo keeps the environment healthy for growth.
Scalp Massage with Oils
A few minutes of massaging your scalp with oils like rosemary, coconut, or castor can boost circulation and stimulate follicles. Think of it as a mini spa moment that doubles as growth support.
Natural Masks & Treatments
Weekly treatments—like aloe vera gel, avocado masks, or rice water rinses—can strengthen and protect strands from damage.
Protect Your Ends
Regular trims (every 8–12 weeks) don’t make your hair grow faster, but they do prevent split ends from traveling upward and causing breakage.
If your hair feels like it needs a little extra TLC, start with these best hair care products for hair growth—they’re gentle, effective, and made to support stronger, healthier strands over time.
Lifestyle Habits That Support Hair Growth
Healthy hair doesn’t start and end with products—it’s deeply tied to how you live day to day. Just like your skin reflects your lifestyle, your strands do too. The little choices you make with sleep, stress, and movement all add up.
Prioritize Rest
Your body does its best repair work while you sleep, and that includes your hair follicles. If falling asleep feels like a nightly battle, these tips on how to sleep better naturally can help you reset your evenings.
Manage Stress
High stress can push hair into the shedding phase faster. Meditation, journaling, or even a long walk can help regulate your nervous system and give your body (and your hair) space to recover.
Move Your Body
Exercise isn’t just good for your mood—it improves blood flow, which carries nutrients straight to your scalp. Think of it as a natural boost for hair growth.
Ditch the Heat + Chemicals
Frequent flat ironing, bleaching, or tight hairstyles weaken strands and make them snap before they reach their full potential. Save heat tools for special occasions, and give your hair a break in between.
Want a little inspiration for building healthier daily rhythms? This guide on how to build a productive day routine shows how small, intentional habits can create ripple effects in every part of your life—including your hair health.
DIY Remedies That Help You Grow Hair Faster Naturally
Sometimes the simplest things sitting in your kitchen can double as powerful hair growth boosters. DIY remedies aren’t just budget-friendly—they let you skip the harsh chemicals and lean into natural ingredients that actually work.
Onion Juice
Not the most glamorous treatment, but onion juice is rich in sulfur, which strengthens strands and stimulates new growth. Here’s a step-by-step on how to make onion juice for hair fall if you want to give it a try.
Fermented Rice Water
This centuries-old practice helps smooth, strengthen, and lengthen hair. It’s packed with amino acids and vitamins that support growth—learn exactly how to make fermented rice water for hair at home.
Herbal Rinses
Green tea, hibiscus, or fenugreek seed rinses can improve circulation and reduce shedding. Think of them as a tea ritual—for your scalp.
Essential Oils
A few drops of rosemary, peppermint, or lavender oil mixed with a carrier oil can make scalp massages even more effective. For a roundup of the best options, explore the best essential oils for hair growth and thickness.
If your hair is also craving hydration, adding a nourishing treatment from this list of the best shampoos and conditioners for dry hair and scalp can help lock in all that goodness.
Common Myths About Hair Growth
When it comes to growing your hair out, the internet is full of “hacks” that sound promising but don’t actually work. Let’s clear up a few of the most common myths so you can focus on what really matters.
Myth 1: Cutting your hair makes it grow faster
Regular trims keep your ends healthy, but they don’t speed up growth at the root. What they do prevent is breakage, so your hair looks fuller and longer over time.
Myth 2: Brushing 100 strokes a day helps
Too much brushing actually causes friction and breakage. Gentle detangling is key—especially if your hair tends to be dry or fragile.
Myth 3: Products can “double” your growth overnight
No serum or mask can override your natural growth cycle. That said, using high-quality treatments can absolutely protect your strands and create the best conditions for growth (start with the best hair serum for damaged and frizzy hair if your ends need extra love).
Myth 4: Stress doesn’t affect hair growth
Actually, stress is one of the biggest hidden culprits behind thinning hair. If you’ve ever noticed shedding during busy or overwhelming seasons, cortisol is often to blame. Here’s a breakdown of the connection between cortisol and hair loss.
For more on root causes, this guide on 6 sneaky hair loss causes will help you spot what might be slowing down your growth.
When to Seek Professional Help
Sometimes, no matter how consistent you are with nutrition, hair care, and natural remedies, your hair just isn’t growing the way it should. That’s when it may be time to look a little deeper.
Signs to Watch For
- Excessive shedding that lasts more than a few months
- Bald spots or thinning patches that seem to spread quickly
- Hair that feels unusually brittle, even with gentle care
- Scalp irritation, flaking, or pain
These could be signs of nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, or underlying conditions that need more than a DIY fix. A dermatologist or trichologist can help you figure out what’s going on—and recommend the right next steps.
Hormones, in particular, play a huge role in hair growth. If you suspect that’s the missing puzzle piece, this guide on hair and hormones explains how shifts in your body can show up in your strands.
And if you’re curious about natural supports, many people find that adaptogens and herbs can make a noticeable difference. Here’s a roundup of herbs and adaptogens for hair growth to explore before your next appointment.
TL;DR
Growing your hair faster naturally isn’t about quick fixes or miracle products—it’s about creating consistent, gentle habits that support your hair from the inside out. When you nourish your body, care for your scalp, and protect your strands, growth becomes less of a struggle and more of a natural outcome.
Think of it as a lifestyle shift: the same way you’d design a slow morning routine to set the tone for your day, you can build a set of hair rituals that feel good and actually work. The key is patience and consistency—your strands will thank you for it.
FAQs About How to Grow Your Hair Faster Naturally
How long does it take to grow an inch of hair?
On average, hair grows about half an inch per month. With the right habits, you can maximize growth and keep it healthy as it grows.
Which oil is best for hair growth?
Rosemary and castor oil are two of the most researched options. Pair them with scalp massage for best results. If you’re looking for more options, here are the best hair care products for hair growth.
Can stress really cause hair loss?
Yes—stress hormones like cortisol can push hair into the shedding phase faster. If stress has been a factor, this guide on how to calm the vagus nerve naturally
Do DIY remedies actually work?
They can! Onion juice, rice water, and essential oils have been shown to support growth in many cases. The key is consistency—just like any wellness habit.
