How To Grow Your Hair Out Gracefully (Not Awkwardly)

Understanding The Growth Process

On average, hair grows approximately 1/2 inch per month. However, it’s important to know that everyone’s growth rate can vary due to contributing factors such as age, genetics, and health. The growth process takes time and patience, and to do it successfully, some TLC should be sprinkled in there as well. During the growth process, your hair goes through various stages, but the help of a stylist makes this easier and less overwhelming, and look good while doing it. Who wouldn’t wanna sign up for that?

Tips For The Growth Process

Be Patient

Growing out your hair requires patience. It’s essential to remember that it won’t happen overnight and can take several months or even years to reach your desired length, depending on your overall health and desired end goal. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see any progress for a while.

Go In For Regular Trims

Although it feels counterintuitive, maintaining regular trims can help your hair grow longer and healthier. Trimming the ends of your hair every eight to ten weeks helps prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft, causing damage and breakage. This can be why it is thought that hair “can’t make it past a certain length.” Hair will grow no matter what; it’s just important to ensure it doesn’t break off in the process. I explain to my clients that their hair is shaped for a particular length which is why it may look good at first, but six months later… not so much. For example, if I cut a cute, blunt lob on a client, it’s meant to have the appearance of being one length to achieve that look. But as that cut grows well past its intended length, it will lack volume and look bottom-heavy, closely resembling a Christmas Tree or a Triangle. Once we’re at this point, I’ll add obvious and intentional layers. Doing this helps redistribute the heavy areas by adding volume where it’s needed and taking it away where it’s not, giving the hair a longer appearance and ensuring their cut works for and not against them.

Use Heat Protecting Products

Hot tools such as a flat iron, curling iron, or blow dryer can damage hair when not used properly. Protect your hair by applying a heat protectant, which helps reduce breakage and split ends.

Avoid Over-Shampooing It

Frequent and/or improper cleansing can strip hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage. Wash every other day or every two days, depending on your hair type, concentrating the suds at the scalp only. For more tips on proper shampoo techniques, refer to my other blog, “Correct Shampooing Techniques Used At Burlingame Hair Salons To Avoid Breakage or Hair Loss.”

Experiment With Different Styles

As your hair grows, it’s never a bad idea or discouraged to experiment with different styles along the way. What may look good on short hair may not work at a longer length. Have some fun, and see what else you can try. Braids, clips, headbands, and a variety of other options are available at your fingertips (or someone else’s), so play it up and enjoy the adventure into unchartered hair territory!

Stay Positive

These phases can be frustrating, but it’s important to stay positive and remember that this, too, shall pass. Keep your hair healthy, take care of it, and with patience and dedication (and a little help from your stylist), you can achieve your desired length in style. Above all, stay positive. With these tips, you’ll have the long, healthy hair of your dreams in no time.