How to Grow Longer, Thicker Hair (2 Steps That Work!) | Elizabeth Rider

If you’re trying to grow thicker, healthier, longer hair, you’re in the right place!

I’ve had long hair almost my whole life, but noticed it started to thin out and break in my 30s. Now that i’m in my 40’s I can say that my hair is as healthy and long—maybe even healthier—than it was in my 20s. And yes, I get highlights (bleach), blow-dry sometimes, and style often.

Whether you’ve experienced hair thinning, breakage, or just want more length and strength, the good news is—it is possible. But here’s the catch: it takes consistency and my 2-step strategy.

Just like with eyelashes, hair grows in cycles. And while you can’t completely control genetics or your natural growth rate, you can create the optimal environment for longer, healthier strands.

After years of experimenting with products and supplements (and working with experts behind the scenes), here’s what I’ve learned: it comes down to two core things:

1. Keeping the hair you already have as healthy as possible
2. Encouraging more growth from the scalp, from the inside out

Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Repair and Protect the Hair You Already Have

Think of your hair like fabric—it needs care and structure to stay strong. The good news is, new bond-building products like Epres and K-18 don’t just mask damage—they actually rebuild the hair’s internal structure over time. That’s why keeping your strands supported and protected is so important if you want length that lasts.

Here’s what I personally use and recommend:

• Two Bond-building Treatments:
  • I swear by Epres Bond Repair Treatment (founded by the original creator of Olaplex) for strengthening damaged strands without stiffness. I use it once a week on dry hair 10 minutes before washing—it works while you wear it, not just when you rinse it.
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  • K-18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask: This stuff is magic. Use it after shampoo (skip conditioner), leave it in, and style as usual. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and actually repairs hair over time.
• Get a micro-trim: I know, it sounds counterintuitive when you want your hair to grow. But trimming off split ends every few months keeps the damage from traveling up the strand—and ultimately helps you retain more length. You can repair a lot of damage with bond builders, but once the ends are split, get a micro-trim.
• Minimize heat damage:
  • See my tips below for styling, but in general always use a heat protectant, especially on your ends. Color Wow Dream Coat is my favorite. The Purology Multi-Tasking Spray is a close second as is the glossing detangler by LolaVie.
  • When curling your hair, leave the ends out. It gives a more natural look and keeps your most fragile pieces intact. And STOP flatironing your ends at all costs!
• Shampoo & Conditioner I recommend:

Step 2: Support Growth from the Inside Out

Hair growth starts at the scalp—but the root of it (literally) is internal. You need the right nutrients and a healthy barrier to support new growth.

Your body prioritizes sending nutrients to your vital organs first (because, you know, staying alive comes before great hair). Only when those needs are met will any leftover nutrients go toward less essential things—like your hair, skin, and nails.

Here’s What Products to Use to Grow Your Hair Longer:

• Take Armra Colostrum daily: This is my not-so-secret weapon. Colostrum contains bioavailable growth factors, amino acids, and nutrients that support your hair, skin, and gut lining (yes, it’s all connected). I’ve noticed stronger, faster growth and less shedding since I started taking it. I mix the unflavored version into my morning water or smoothie. You can read my Armra Colostrum review here.
  Use my link here and code ELIZABETHRIDER for 15% off!
• A good multivitamin is also always welcome in the supplement routine and will help give your body that boost of nutrients you need. If budget is a concern, I’d prioritize the Armra Colostrum for both internal gut health and external beauty. If you can add a multivitamin, do that, too.
• Bonus: Use a scalp oil 1–2 times per month: I love this one from JVN, but any good scalp oil works. Look for ingredients like rosemary, peppermint, or castor oil to stimulate follicles. Massage it in and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) before shampooing. The oil improves scalp health, and the massage helps increase circulation and boost growth, too.

FAQ + Styling Tips to Keep Your Hair Healthy While Growing It Out

Can I still get highlights or color my hair?
Yes! Just be strategic. Ask your stylist to use a bond builder in the bleach (like salon-grade Olaplex). Most professional salons offer this—it helps protect the hair during the bleaching process.

Is blow-drying OK?

Absolutely—as long as you’re protecting your strands. I use Color Wow Dream Coat every single time. The Purology Multi-Tasking Spray is also good for this. Also, if you’re serious about hair health, consider investing in a Dyson Supersonic dryer—it has a built-in computer chip that regulates heat to prevent damage.

Side note: The Dyson Supersonic dryer is my ride-or-die hair tool, it’s MUCH better than the Airwrap in my opinion. I blow-dry twice per week with a round brush and this is the superspinner. My hair is soft and shiny and never breaks. It comes with a “gentle air attachment” that spreads the hot air to dry your hair faster with less damage, and the “concentrator attachment” with a round brush gives that salon blowout look in no time at all.

What about curling irons?

You can curl your hair, but here’s the trick: leave the ends out. It gives a more modern look and saves your most delicate hair. Also, learn to do sock curls or heatless rod curls—they’re game-changers. The curl lasts longer and you skip the heat altogether.

Are flatirons ok?

Well, not really! Traditional flatirons can destroy your ends. If you really need that sleek look once in a while, try to limit it to special occasions and invest in the Dyson Corrale flatiron—it also has heat regulation tech to minimize damage. If you want longer, healthier hair, then you have to ditch your flatiron habit.

Final Thoughts

Healthy, long hair doesn’t come from one miracle product—it’s about protecting what you’ve got while nourishing growth from the inside out. Keep up with your bond-building products, nutrients, stay consistent, and give it a few months. I promise, your future self (and hair) will thank you!

If you try any of these, tag me on Instagram or drop a comment—I love hearing what works for you.

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