By now, most of us have typed “how to grow hair faster” into a search bar at least once, usually in a moment of frustration, heart-to-heart with a mirror. We see hundreds of products, vitamins, promises and hacks, each claiming to take you from “meh” to mermaid in a single bottle.
But as with most things hair-related, the truth is nuanced.
To get clarity, we sat down with Adam Bennett, Stonehills’ in-house hair loss expert and resident at London’s leading non-surgical hair loss centre, Oxea London, to talk about what actually works, what doesn’t, and how long hair really takes to grow.
On average, your hair grows about half an inch (roughly 1.25 cm) per month. That’s around 6 inches per year if your hair remains healthy and isn’t prone to breakage. But this number can vary depending on your genetics, health, and daily routine.
Growth takes place during the anagen phase of the hair cycle, which can last several years. The goal is to support this growth phase while protecting your hair from damage. Breakage, dryness, and scalp issues can all shorten the cycle and slow your progress.
“People often try to force growth,” says Bennett. “But realistically, your job is to protect the hair you already have and support the environment it grows from.”
Learn more about the hair growth cycle in our expert guide.
You’re about to nod along to at least one of these:
Avoiding these factors isn’t glamorous, but it’s effective.
Stylist Tip: Swap heavy brushing for gentle detangling, and always—always—use heat protection.
There’s no magic switch to grow hair overnight, but small, consistent changes to your routine can deliver better results over time.
Here are the most effective ways to support healthy hair growth:
Think of your scalp like soil. No healthy soil = no flourishing hair. A balanced scalp is the foundation for healthy hair. Use a sulphate-free shampoo and exfoliate gently if you have product build-up or excess oil. Consider adding a scalp serum if dryness or irritation is a concern.
We Recommend: Philip Kingsley Overnight Scalp Barrier Serum
One of the most underrated ways to encourage growth is to apply a lightweight, nutrient-rich hair oil. The best oil for hair growth will strengthen strands, protect against breakage, and improve the condition of your ends.
Explore our full range of hair oils to find the right formula for your hair type.
“If your hair’s snapping, it’s never going to reach your goal length,” Bennett notes.
Hair that breaks won’t reach its full length. Sleep on a silk pillowcase, use a wide-tooth comb, and swap out rough towels for microfibre to reduce friction.
Hydrated hair is stronger and less prone to snapping. Add a weekly mask to your routine to restore moisture and elasticity. We recommend checking out our hair masks and treatments for deep, restorative options.
We recommend: PUREOLOGY Strength Cure Conditioner
Nutrition plays a huge role in hair health. Protein, iron, omega-3s, and vitamins A, C, and E all support strong growth from the inside out. Drink enough water and eat a balanced diet to keep follicles nourished.
Stylist Tip: Trim your hair every 8–12 weeks to remove split ends. This keeps your hair looking healthy and prevents damage from travelling up the strand.
The best hair growth products don’t just promise results, they support long-term scalp and strand health. Look for products that are:
Top product types to include in your routine:
You can browse our carefully selected hair oils and masks and treatments that are loved by stylists and clients alike. These are products that support your hair at every stage of its growth cycle, from root health to strand protection.
“I LOVE THIS QUESTION” says Bennett.
“A shampoo isn’t on your scalp long enough to stimulate growth. Focus on scalp serums and leave-ins instead. Those are the game-changers.”
Stylist Tip: Consistency is everything. Stick with your chosen routine for 90 days before expecting visible changes. Hair takes time, but the right support speeds things along.
At Stonehills Hair, we believe great hair starts with great care. Whether you want to grow your hair longer, recover from damage, or simply strengthen what you already have, we’re here to help.
Explore our full selection of hair oils, masks and treatments, and conditioners to build a targeted hair growth routine today. For personalised product advice, speak to one of our expert stylists, we’re always happy to help you find the right solution.
Get in touch with our expert team in Welwyn Garden City for luxury, in-salon hair services.
