How Long Does Hair Take to Grow? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
I’m the go-to guide gal and routine queen here at Adore Beauty. I have a background in media and communications, and over 3 years experience in the beauty industry.
When I’m not answering all of your burning questions, you can find me spruiking underrated products to my co-workers and trying to figure out what our best bloody mascara is.
You probably know people whose hair seems to grow overnight, going from short locks to a luscious, flowing mane in a matter of months.
Meanwhile, growing out your post-breakup pixie cut seems to take forever.
Although it's true that there's some variation in the rate at which hair grows, this difference isn't nearly as pronounced as you might think.
To work out how long it takes for hair to grow you first need to understand the hair growth cycle, which in turn can help you manage your hair's growth
So, if you’re wondering how to get your hair to grow longer, you might also want to pick up a few of these fantastic hair growth products.
So...How Long Does It Take for Hair To Grow?
All hair follows a natural growth cycle. While it might look like all your hair is growing simultaneously, some hairs are growing while others are actually resting. There are three stages of hair growth:
- Anagen - the growth phase (2-7 years)
- Catagen - the transition phase (4-6 weeks)
- Telogen - the resting phase (2-3 months)
After the resting phase the hair eventually falls and the cycle is complete. The idea with hair growth is to prolong the growth phase, however hormonal changes, health issues, and genetics can all disrupt the hair-growth cycle.
How Fast Does Hair Grow?
On average our hair only grows about half an inch per month, with variations of a quarter inch to half inch in either direction. If you are wondering how long it takes for hair to grow, here’s how much you should expect to see in these time frames:
- 4 months of hair growth: 2-4 inches
- 9 months of hair growth: 4-6 inches
- 1 year of hair growth: 6-8 inches
Of course, a number of factors can make hair growth appear faster or slower. Things that cause variations in hair growth include (but are not limited to): hair and scalp health, seasonal changes, medications, diet, as well as pregnancy and childbirth.
How to Get Your Hair to Grow Longer:
Beyond these variations, it can be difficult to get your hair to grow longer. However, if your hair is struggling because of your hair health, there are ways to bring it back from the brink and promote healthy hair growth.
A nutrient packed shampoo that helps hair reach new lengths
A shampoo that is great for rebuilding weak, damaged hair is the Kérastase Résistance Extentioniste Bain Shampoo.
If your hair is struggling to grow due to damage, this shampoo helps with recovery. Packed with Pro-Keratin, Ceramides, and Taurine, this shampoo helps to strengthen your hair and restore the cuticle.
This lightweight formula is a staff-favourite we love to recommend to anyone whose hair needs some extra nourishment and protection to help it through the growth process.
The full hair care system for noticeably thinning hair
If you are experiencing noticeable hair fall, we highly recommend trying the Nioxin Scalp + Hair Thickening System 2 - Hair Thickening System Trial Kit.
This 3 step system contains a shampoo, conditioner and hair and scalp treatment. Combined, this system helps to reduce the amount of hair loss caused by breakage with strengthening ingredients that help your hair to appear denser.
You can use this system regularly and can expect healthier looking hair in 4-6 weeks. 8 out of 10 users saw thicker, fuller hair in 30 days!
A daily vegan supplement that suports hair growth as well as hair quality
Kickstart your hair growth journey with a daily hair growth supplement like these vegan ones from Vida Glow.
Packed with a blend of vitamins and minerals, it not only supports hair growth but helps protect and promote overall healthier hair quality.
One user noticed new hair growth in those pesky sparse areas as well as her hair looking “healthier” too.
A stimulating scalp scrub
The VIRTUE Exfoliating Scalp Treatment is a scalp scrub that conditions as it exfoliates.
This is ideal for unbalanced scalps that need some extra TLC. Fruit enzymes, BHAs and rice powder exfoliate, while Jojoba, Coconut and Melon oils hydrate your locks.
It’s an ideal way to stimulate your scalp and improve blood circulation, which we recommend for hair growth.
How to use a scalp scrub? You can use this once a week after shampooing instead of a conditioner.
Want more tips on for your hair breakage journey and how to save bleached & damaged hair? Watch the video below...
Want more ways to promote hair growth? Check out these helpful guides from our Adore Beauty staff...
Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.
