When it comes to ways to stimulate hair growth, the internet is flooded with brands promising rapid growth, miracle serums, and expensive treatments that supposedly double your length in weeks. But the reality? Many overpromise and under-deliver, leaving bank accounts emptier and patience thinner. We're sorry to say (though we think you probably already know this, really), but hair growth is a slow, steady process, and while there are effective strategies, instant results remain firmly in the realm of fairy tales.
“There are definitely effective treatments that help to encourage hair growth,” says Anabel Kingsley, top trichologist and brand president at Philip Kingsley. “However, I would not use the term ‘miracle’. Any treatment or regimen will take time; you can expect to see results at a minimum of six weeks, but more noticeable changes to hair growth occur from the three-month mark of starting something new." Her words are a refreshing reality check in a world obsessed with overnight transformations, and they highlight why consistency is the real secret weapon.
So, ‘what does actually work?’ we hear you cry. Healthy hair growth starts at the roots, so scalp care is crucial. Stimulating blood flow with gentle massages, using products designed to nourish the scalp, and keeping it free from buildup all support the hair follicles. Nutrition plays a huge role too: protein, iron, zinc, omega-3s, and vitamins like biotin and vitamin D are all essential for strong, resilient hair. Stress management, good sleep, and limiting excessive heat styling also make a measurable difference.
Patience is key, but so is choosing the right products. Treatments, serums, and hair-boosting routines that target the scalp directly can make the process more effective, especially when paired with healthy hair habits. Think of it as giving your hair everything it needs to thrive rather than chasing a magic wand.
If you’ve got the time and patience to invest in your hair journey, this guide is a perfect starting point. We’ve spoken to some of the UK’s leading hair experts to uncover what genuinely speeds up growth, keeps strands strong, and ensures that when your hair does finally reach that coveted length, it looks and feels incredible. No gimmicks, no false promises, just real advice that actually works.
The best products to stimulate hair growth, at a glance:
Featured in this article
Meet the experts:
- Anabel Kingsley, trichologist and brand president at Philip Kingsley.
- Stephanie Sey, trichologist.
- Stephen Carson, trichologist.
- Michael Van Clarke, hairdresser and founder of 3 More Inches.
- Dr Catherine Fairris, skin doctor and president of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine.
- Dr Ellie Rashid, consultant dermatologist.
- Dr Farha Mirza, cosmetic doctor and injector at the Thérapie Clinic.
- Emily Walker, Senior NPD Manager at Hairburst.
What causes hair loss?
"Lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol and high sugar diets can lead to scalp problems,” says Michael Van Clarke, hairdresser and founder of 3 More Inches. Crash dieting can be detrimental, too. “As hair is a non-essential tissue, it's the first part of you to be deprived of nutrients when your diet is lacking,” says Kingsley. “Therefore restrictive eating deprives your hair of nutrients and this can cause excessive hair shedding,” she explains.
It might be worth keeping an eye on how tight you tie your ponytail, too. “This can cause traction breakage and may even pull out hairs from their follicles,” warns Kingsley.
How fast does hair grow?
“On average, human scalp hair grows about half an inch (1.25 cm) per month, which is about 15cm a year,” says Dr Farha Mirza, cosmetic doctor and injector at the Thérapie Clinic. “However, the rate can vary from person to person, influenced by factors such as genetics, age, hormone levels, stress, nutrition and underlying health conditions.”
Consultant dermatologist Dr Ellie Rashid says that results can take several months. “But consistency with evidence-based treatments can lead to noticeable improvements in density and volume,” she says. “Many women have successfully regained thicker hair using a combination of effective scalp cleansing, dietary and nutritional optimisation, and topical preparations such as minoxidil. There's also in-clinic follicular stimulating treatments such as PRP (platelet-rich plasma injections) and a KeraLase laser treatment.”
Can you speed up hair growth?
Dr Mirza explains that while you can’t change your genetic limit for hair growth speed, there are steps you can take to support and maximise it.
“I'd recommend treatments such as polynucleotides, which are natural fractions of salmon DNA. They stimulate growth factors in the development of hair follicles, which enables repair and re-activation, thicker hair follicles and overall improved scalp health," she says. “They're especially beneficial when combined with good nutrition, hormonal balance and stress management, which offer the best long-term results.”
Emily Walker, Senior NPD Manager at Hairburst, agrees. “You can create the best possible conditions for your hair to grow faster and healthier by nourishing your body with the right nutrients, looking after your scalp, and protecting your strands from damage.”
Walker adds that it's important to be consistent. “A routine you can stick to that supports your overall health and hair health, from diet and supplementation, to the right products for your hair type and gentle styling, will help you see longer, stronger hair growth over time.”
Ahead, the 13 best ways to stimulate hair growth:
1. Supplements and vitamins
“Vitamin hair supplements shouldn’t be a substitute for a varied diet,” says Clarke. "But if you're still struggling to get all the nutrients you need, supplements can help those with an unbalanced regime,” he says.
Look for protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B12, vitamin D, Omega 3 and the best biotin supplements. “B12 is especially important for vegans, as B12 is only found naturally in animal products,” says Kingsley. But it’s best to consult with a doctor and take a blood test before taking any supplements.
2. Scalp scrubs and regular shampooing
“Hair grows best from a healthy scalp,” says Kingsley, so it’s important to cleanse it regularly." “Shampooing gets rid of the dirt and debris on the scalp, which includes pollution, sweat and old skin cells,” agrees Sey.
To make the most of it, really massage in a best shampoo for thinning hair. “Scalp massage is good for blood circulation, which brings oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicle and takes toxins away,” says Clarke.
Your scalp is still skin (just like on your face), so it's important to remember to treat it as such. It’s a good idea to use an exfoliating scalp scrub once a week “to keep your scalp supple and to remove dead skin cells,” says Kingsley. Both exfoliating and cleansing will help to remove any blockages (like dead skin cells or product build-up) that impede your hair from growing.
3. Natural scalp-friendly ingredients
It's worth noting that natural doesn't necessarily mean better, but there are some natural ingredients that are really worth the hype. Aloe vera can soothe scalps and moisturise strands while balancing sebum, charcoal can absorb excess oils, kelp and olive oil are gentle and nourishing, and honey is antibacterial. We also have to shout out Klorane's Anti-Pollution Shampoo, which contains detoxifying aquatic mint, which is said to promote better blood flow to the scalp.
And we couldn't not mention rosemary hair oil. The natural ingredient has been blowing up on TikTok thanks to its holy grail growth abilities, according to some users. In fact, one study comparing rosemary oil to minoxidil (a popular hair regrowth treatment) showed that after six months, both groups had seen significant increases in hair growth. However, the group that was treated with rosemary oil had more hair growth than the minoxidil group. You can learn more about it here.
4. Masks and conditioners
“Hair masks for hair growth help to strengthen your hair, reducing breakage, which can improve the thickness of your mid-lengths and ends. If your ends are breaking, your hair simply won’t be able to grow as long as it otherwise could. Hair masks also plump your hair shaft with moisture, giving strands the appearance of more body,” says Kingsley.
It improves the look and condition, too. “Shampooing lifts the surface cuticle of the hair shaft so conditioner is essential for smoothing this down and protecting the hair shaft,” says Clarke. Using a good conditioner will help you restore moisture and also help give the hair a lovely look and feel – in some cases, it may make it more manageable,” adds Sey.
5. Protection from heat styling
“If you are wedded to your styling tools you definitely need to use the best heat protectant sprays,” says Carson. “In my opinion today’s powerful hairdryers are set on high temperatures that are too hot,” he adds.
In order to reduce the damage, don’t hold your dryer too close to your hair. “Hold it approximately 30 centimetres away,” says Kingsley. “Opt for a medium or low heat setting, and turn your dryer off as soon as your hair is just dry.”
Dyson's update to the Supersonic hairdryer, the Nural, taps up an invisible infrared beam that measures the distance between the machine and your hair, then changes the heat accordingly, reducing airflow and temperature as it nears your head. You'll know where you're at thanks to a light that changes colour (from red to orange, then yellow) as the temperature decreases.
6. Careful brushing
“Your hair is weakest when wet,” says Carson. “This is because water separates some of the bonds. When the hair is dry, the bonds are reformed." So, it’s important to be gentle when brushing it wet, and to use a gentle hair brush in general. “A brush with rounded, plastic prongs and a vented cushioned base is the most friendly of brushes,” says Kingsley.
Plus, it's best to avoid brushes with metal prongs. “These have the tendency to get very hot when you heat style and can burn both your scalp and your hair," advises Kingsley.
7. Use gentle hair ties
As for hair bands, soft fabric is your best bet – like silk scrunchies. “Hard ties and clips in and out of the hair can lead to breakage,” says Clarke. “Anything that ties the hair should have some give so that if there is any pressure, it can flex around the hair shaft.” Hard metal edges can cut into your hair and lead to snapping, so it's best to avoid them. You should also consider one of the best silk pillowcases.
Now, it's time to dig a bit deeper into how to actually stimulate hair growth…
“One of the fastest ways to support hair growth is to focus on scalp health," says top hairdresser Nikki Goddard. "A clean, stimulated scalp creates the ideal environment for stronger, longer strands. Prioritise regular exfoliation, consistent hydration, and avoid harsh, stripping products. Lifestyle plays a huge part too - balanced nutrition, reduced heat styling, and protecting the hair while you sleep all contribute to faster growth.”
Below, she answers some of the internet's most burning questions about how to stimulate hair growth.
“In-shower scalp massage is incredibly effective. Use the pads of your fingers or a silicone scalp brush and work in gentle circular motions for 1-2 minutes. This boosts blood flow to the follicles, delivering nutrients that support growth. You can also apply a lightweight scalp serum after washing to keep the area hydrated and balanced.”
Nikki's advice is clear: keep it simple and keep it consistent. Here's her own expert hair growth routine:
1. Pre-shampoo scalp exfoliant to remove build-up.
2. Gentle, sulphate-free shampoo focusing on cleansing the scalp.
3. Nourishing conditioner or mask through mid-lengths and ends only.
4. Scalp serum applied to clean, damp hair.
5. Minimise heat and always use a heat protector if styling.
6. Sleep on silk to reduce breakage and friction.
“On average, hair grows around 0.5 inches per month, but this varies based on genetics, health, and routine," Nikki says.
“You can absolutely optimise the scalp within a week - reducing inflammation, increasing circulation, and improving hydration but visible length growth takes longer," she says. 'A week is enough time to make a meaningful difference to your scalp environment, not your actual length.”
“All hair grows at a similar biological rate; however, some textures appear to grow slower due to curl patterns, dryness, or fragility," Nikki tells us. "Curly and coily hair can seem to grow more slowly because the length is wrapped into the curl and the strands are more prone to breakage. The key is moisture and protection.”
