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 helps your hair grow long and healthy. Trimming the ends every eight to ten weeks prevents split ends from traveling, which causes damage and breakage. This is why some people think “their hair just won’t grow.” Hair grows no matter what; it’s just important to ensure it doesn’t break in the process. I explain to my clients that the shape I cut is designed for the length it’s intended for. Six months later, that shape no longer applies.

For example, when I cut a blunt lob on a client, it’s meant to have the appearance of being “one length.” As the cut grows past its intended length, it loses volume and looks bottom-heavy, resembling a Christmas tree or triangle. Once we reach that point, I add obvious and intentional layers. This redistributes the heavy area, adds volume where it’s needed, and removes it where it’s not, giving the hair a longer appearance and ensuring the cut works for—not against—them.

Always use heat-protecting products to maintain the health and integrity of your hair while growing it out.

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.