Growing your hair and keeping it healthy can be an arduous and expensive process, with so many products boasting major claims. To let your hair grow, it is most important to prevent damage, and focus on creating the ideal environment for healthy growth. This isn’t just about looking good - it’s about building strong, resilient hair that thrives over time. With a science-backed approach, you can ensure your hair grows longer, stays healthier, and avoids unnecessary breakage. Here’s how to care for your hair with proven methods that support growth and prevent damage.

I have always had thin hair that "does not grow", and because of this I used permanent extensions for years and years, making my hair worse and creating so much damage and broken hair. For the past few years I have been reading everything to find the most scientific methods to make my hair shinier, stronger and longer - and here is what science has to say.  

Take hair growth advice from someone with massive hair struggles, never from someone with naturally thick, long hair - their product claims are mostly due to their nature genetics, and will not give you results like someone who has done the work to get into it and finally see results.

1. Clarify and Detox Your Hair

A crucial first step to healthier hair is a proper detox. Over time, product buildup from hairsprays, dry shampoos, and styling creams can leave a residue that weighs down your hair, making it appear flat and lifeless. Pollutants in the environment, like dust and toxins, can also build up on your scalp, further contributing to the problem.

Clarifying shampoos work by using stronger surfactants to remove these buildups. They are designed to break down and remove stubborn residues that regular shampoos can’t touch. However, overwashing can strip the scalp of its natural oils, potentially leading to dryness or scalp irritation. A clarifying shampoo is an essential part of your hair routine, but it should not be the only shampoo you use, but one you swap in once every week or two for ideal usage.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is another natural solution that can balance your scalp’s pH. The scalp’s ideal pH level is around 4.5–5.5, but harsh shampoos and products can throw this balance off. ACV’s acidic properties help restore that pH, creating an optimal environment for hair growth and strength. Studies suggest that ACV’s acidity helps remove buildup and improve shine by closing the hair cuticle, making the hair smoother and less prone to breakage.

2. Encourage Growth for Fuller Hair

Promoting hair growth is both a science and an art. Hair growth is primarily determined by the anagen phase of the hair cycle, which is the period when hair actively grows. Each hair follicle on your scalp is in one of three phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transitional), and telogen (resting). On average, hair grows about half an inch per month, but genetics, hormones, and health can impact how quickly your hair grows.

One of the most effective ways to stimulate growth is through increased blood circulation to the scalp. Studies have shown that scalp massages improve blood flow, which may increase nutrient delivery to hair follicles. Research indicates that just five minutes of scalp massage a day can enhance hair thickness and growth over time. Using a hair growth serum containing active ingredients like minoxidil has also shown positive results in promoting follicle stimulation and encouraging growth.

In addition, dietary factors play a major role in hair growth. Protein (especially biotin, found in eggs, nuts, and whole grains) and vitamins like Vitamin D and E are essential to producing keratin, the primary protein that makes up hair. Ensuring your diet supports healthy hair growth is just as important as topical treatments.

Hair can also benefit from the right supplements, I religiously take Nutrafol, a clinically backed hair growth supplement that uses a blend of natural ingredients like saw palmetto, ashwagandha, and biotin, which target key factors like stress, inflammation, and nutrient deficiencies that can impair hair growth. I always like to look into the science of anything I spend money on, and clinical studies have shown that Nutrafol helps reduce hair thinning and encourages stronger, thicker hair in three to six months of use, buy addressing the root causes of hair thinning and is a solution for long-term hair health.

3. Hydrate and Repair Dry, Damaged Hair

If your hair feels brittle, frizzy, or dry, it’s time for some intense hydration. Dry hair can be the result of environmental stressors, overuse of heat styling tools, or a lack of moisture in the hair shaft. Our hair’s outer layer, the cuticle, protects the inner structure, but when it becomes damaged, it can allow moisture to escape, making the hair more prone to breakage and frizz.

Deep conditioning masks and oils with ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, and keratin work by filling the gaps in the cuticle and replenishing moisture. Argan oil is rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, which help restore moisture while preventing protein loss. Studies confirm that the fatty acids in argan oil strengthen the hair shaft and improve elasticity, reducing breakage.

Shea butter, a rich emollient, coats the hair, providing moisture while protecting it from further damage. Keratin is a fibrous protein naturally found in hair, and when applied as a treatment, it can help restore strength and reduce split ends. When used together, these ingredients can help repair and hydrate dry, damaged hair, improving overall texture.

Also, excessive heat styling can damage the cuticle layer and lead to moisture loss. A heat protectant can help prevent this by creating a barrier between the hair and the heat, reducing the risk of thermal damage. In fact, studies show that using a heat protectant spray can reduce the moisture loss caused by heat styling by as much as 50%.

K18 is a powerful hair mask that restores the hair’s keratin structure at a molecular level in cutting-edge technology - it has been so viral the last couple of years for a reason. Unlike traditional treatments, it penetrates deep into the hair fiber to reconnect broken keratin chains, reversing damage from heat, color, and chemicals. Clinical studies show that after use, hair is visibly stronger, softer, and more manageable, making K18 an essential part of any hydration and repair routine.

4. Trim Regularly for Healthy Hair

Regular trims are one of the most effective ways to maintain healthy hair. While trimming does not directly influence hair growth, it does help maintain hair integrity. Split ends are the result of hair shaft damage, where the cuticle layers separate and fray. If left untreated, these splits can travel up the hair shaft, leading to further breakage and thinning.

Frequent trims are essential for preventing this damage from spreading. Hair cuticles have a natural tendency to fray when damaged, and this process accelerates without proper care. Regular cuts remove the dead ends, promoting smoother, stronger hair. In fact, research shows that cutting split ends can help reduce the appearance of breakage and maintain the hair’s natural shine.

Additionally, trimming can give you the opportunity to experiment with a new cut, which can transform your look and boost your confidence. Whether you’re maintaining a longer style or going for a bold change, regular trims keep your hair looking healthy and vibrant.