STYLE

The question every girl has asked herself at one time or another: How would I look with long hair? The answer: probably great. Which brings us to the next question every girl has asked herself at one time or another: How do I grow my hair out so it looks shiny and strong rather than a graveyard for damaged strands and split ends?

To say I've gone to great lengths in my attempt to channel my inner Rapunzel is an understatement. My past endeavors have included (but are not limited to): scrolling through HairTok until my thumbs cramp (then getting a million ads for sketchy supplements), testing out weird DIYs (cut to me pouring rice water on my hair in the shower) and avoiding my stylist the same way I avoid the kitchen when the dishwasher needs emptying (not it!).

In hope of finding better answers, I chatted up the pros for tips on playing the long game. While you'll still need plenty of patience (even in prime condition, your hair will only grow a half-inch per month, max), there are several smart hair hacks that can help speed things along—without having to hang your head upside down on the daily (hey, it was worth a shot).

Deep condition

The first step on your long hair journey? Get the hair you have healthy. Bridgette Hill, a trichologist (aka hair expert), suggests a good hair mask once a week (we heart the Nexxus Humectress Ultimate Moisture Protein Complex Intensely Hydrating Hair Masque, $5, target.com) to moisturize, boost protein levels and improve hair elasticity, keeping strands strong as they grow. 

Wave bye to split ends

Time to book a cut. Yep, we know every millimeter is precious, but "if split ends aren't trimmed, they can travel upward and split the hair, increasing the risk of hollow areas," says hairstylist Irinel de Leon. So schedule a quick snip every eight weeks or so.

Go natural

Your hair grows from the root, and it won't make it past a certain length if it keeps getting damaged by heat and harsh chemicals found in dye and bleach. Say bye to breakage by showing your strands some TLC and sticking to your natural color and texture.

Start with your scalp

"A fresh and hydrated scalp can aid in hair growth," explains de Leon. Look for a nutrient-rich scalp serum that features ingredients like vitamin E, biotin and peptides to wake up your hair follicles (where your strands are growing from) and stimulate growth. Three times a week, I apply the Dove Scalp + Hair Therapy Hair Density Boost Fullness Restore Scalp Serum, $10, amazon.com, then massage it into my scalp with Vegamour's GRO Revitalizing Scalp Massager, $18, vegamour.com (and yes, it feels amazing).

Pick the right shampoo

Look for a cleanser that is free of ingredients like SLS and SLES, parabens and silicones, which can build up on your scalp, clog follicles and generally just stall growth. What to reach for? We love Acure Curiously Clarifying Shampoo ($10, amazon.com). Free of sulfates, dyes and all that other icky stuff, it cleans without stripping away moisture.

Wash the right way

How often you shampoo your hair can make a big difference when it comes to growth. If you wash too much, you "run the risk of disrupting the sebum production cycle, which is the natural oil produced by your scalp to keep your hair strong and shiny," says dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman. But skipping shampooing for too long can lead to a follicle-clogging and damaging buildup of dirt, oil and residue from styling products. So when should you wash? Says Dr. Engelman: "People with thicker hair can usually go a full week, while those with thinner hair may need to wash as often as every other day."

Eat strand smart

We know you've heard it a hundred times, but if you want your body to be good to you, you need to be good to it: "Foods rich in omega-3s, iron and vitamin C help grow longer, stronger hair," says Dr. Engelman. So load up on beans and eggs (for protein and iron), dark leafy greens (for vitamin C) and nuts, seeds and salmon (for omega-3s). You'll also want to add antioxidant-rich foods (like berries and colorful veggies) plus plant-based fats rich in vitamin E (like avocados and almonds) to keep you healthy from head to toe.

Skip the supplements

Despite what you may see on TikTok, there's no evidence that taking hair growth supplements does much to promote hair growth. So unless you have a true nutrient deficiency (most people don't), avoid these pricey products.

Instant length *is* possible!

Growing out your hair is a process—one that requires time and patience. Short on both? We got you.

Hair halos: Hair halo extensions are an almost-instant install. The extension is actually one weft (real or synthetic hair strands sewn together on a thin strip) attached to a thin wire that sits on the crown of your head like a, well, halo. Best part? Gravity does the work of keeping the hair in place, zero bobby pins needed. Goo Goo Wire Hair Extensions 12", $108, googoohair.com

Ponytails: Want long locks, even when you pull hair back into a ponytail? These extensions are oh-so-easy: Just put your own hair in a pony, clip the extension over your elastic and wrap a single strand around to secure. Hairdo Straight Wrap Around Pony, $57, amazon.com

Clip-ins: Clip-in extensions come in packs to fill out the different areas on your head—and you can place them yourself. The extensions can last up to a year, but you'll want to be sure to take them out daily to keep them in good condition. Bellami Silk Seam 50g 18" Volumizing Wefts, $75, bellamihair.com

Hey, girl! Just wanted to let you know that this piece originally ran in our August/September 2024 issue. Want more? Read the print mag for free *today* when you click HERE. 

Top image: @jayme.jo
Slider image: @oliviarodrigo

by Lisa DeSantis | 7/25/2024