How to Make Your Hair Grow Faster

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We’ve all been there–feeling like our hair just isn’t growing, no matter what we do. I’ve actually always had fast-growing hair, but after pregnancy, stress, and getting older, I started to notice more shedding and less density, especially around my hairline. That’s when I started researching natural ways to support healthy hair growth and reduce breakage (without turning to harsh medications or gimmicky treatments). If you’re looking to encourage stronger, fuller hair the natural way, these are the tips that have worked best for me.

Below, I’m sharing some of the best natural and holistic ways to help your hair grow faster–from the foods you eat to what you put on your scalp.

How to Make Your Hair Grow Faster

1. Eat Protein-Rich Foods

Hair is primarily made of keratin, a protein, so it makes sense that what you eat can have a big impact on how your hair grows. If you’re not getting enough protein, your hair might grow more slowly, or even start shedding more than usual.

Best protein sources for hair health:

• Eggs (bonus: they’re also rich in biotin)
• Greek yogurt
• Chicken, turkey, and lean beef
• Lentils and chickpeas
• Quinoa and tofu for plant-based options

Also, don’t forget about omega-3 fatty acids from things like salmon, chia seeds, and walnuts. These help keep your scalp and hair follicles healthy from the inside out.

2. Take a Hair-Boosting Supplement

Even with a great diet, sometimes we need a little extra support, especially during times of stress, postpartum recovery, or hormonal changes.

I used Nutrafol for about 8 months after I had my first son since they have a postpartum friendly version. This supplement is designed to target the root causes of hair thinning, like stress, hormones, and inflammation. They have different formulas depending on your stage of life (including postpartum). I’ve personally seen improvement with this hair growth supplement, and so have several friends.

Prose also sells a hair growth supplement, but they couldn’t confirm that it was breastfeeding friendly when I read out so I never took it.

3. Use a Hair Growth Serum

Topical treatments can help stimulate hair follicles and encourage new growth, especially if you’re dealing with shedding around the hairline or part.

Here are two I recommend:

• Divi Scalp Serum – This one’s packed with peptides, caffeine, and tea tree oil to support a healthy scalp environment. I like it especially if you have any buildup or irritation.

Apply these directly to your scalp and massage them in with your fingers or a scalp massager (bonus points for increasing circulation while you’re at it).

Other brands sell hair growth serums – including Vegamour, Nutrafol and Anya – but OneSkin and Divi are the only ones I’ve used consistently.

4. Always Use Heat Protection

Heat styling can lead to breakage and split ends, which slow your hair’s overall progress. I’m not saying you can’t use your curling iron (I definitely still do – and here’s how I curl my hair), but protecting your hair is key.

Tips:

• Use a silicone-free heat protectant spray before blow drying or curling. I use a small amount of Colleen Rothschild Protect & Perfect Styling Cream. This helps nourish and protect my hair from heat and humidity while also taming flyaways.
• Let your hair air dry at least partially before using hot tools.
• Use the lowest heat setting possible that still works for your hair type.

5. Try Caffeine-Infused Products

Yes, caffeine isn’t just for your morning latte. It can actually help stimulate hair follicles when used topically.

Look for shampoos, conditioners, and scalp serums that list caffeine or green coffee extract high on the ingredient list. One study showed caffeine can extend the hair growth phase and counteract the effects of DHT (a hormone linked to hair loss).

6. Essential Oils

Certain essential oils have been shown to promote hair growth and improve scalp health. My favorites:

• Rosemary oil – This one’s probably the most well-studied and is often compared to minoxidil (Rogaine) for its effectiveness. You can dilute it in a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba and massage it into your scalp a few times a week.
• Peppermint oil – Great for circulation and has a cooling effect on the scalp.
• Tea tree oil – Helps with dandruff and scalp buildup, which can block follicles and slow growth.

Note: Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil before applying them directly to your skin or scalp. An easier way is to just use the Divi scalp treatment since the founder, Dani, actually leveraged essential oils when creating her formulas to combat her own hair loss. But, if you already have these essential oils around, know that you can leverage them. 

7. Try Collagen

Collagen helps support the structure of hair follicles and skin. As we age (especially in our 30s and 40s), our natural collagen production declines, which can lead to thinner, more fragile hair.

Look for hydrolyzed collagen peptides for best absorption – I like the Oliveda Beauty Fountain supplement that has both hydroxytyrosol (more on that below) and collagen. I know lots of people like to mix collagen powder into their coffee but I drink my coffee black, and that just ruined the taste of my coffee, so I like the Beauty fountain instead. I take it alongside the i01 supplement, which is a powerful antioxidant. So, let’s get into that one next.

8. Try Hydroxytyrosol

If you haven’t heard of hydroxytyrosol yet, it’s a powerful antioxidant derived from olives–one of the standout ingredients in some of my favorite Oliveda products. While most of the buzz around hydroxytyrosol is about skin and inflammation (see my before and afters from Oliveda f59 here – it’s wild), it also supports healthy circulation and helps reduce oxidative stress–both of which are key for creating a better environment for hair growth.

I take Oliveda’s i01 Elixir daily, which is rich in hydroxytyrosol and designed to support beauty from the inside out. I originally started taking it for my skin, but I’ve noticed a difference in how strong and healthy my hair feels, too–less shedding, more shine, and stronger strands overall. When your body is less inflamed and more nourished, your hair follicles have a much better chance to thrive.

Oliveda sells a group of products called “internals” that not only help with skin issues and anti-aging but also help with inflammation and joint pain. Here’s more on what Oliveda internals are, and which ones to get.

9. Use a Hair Oil to Seal and Strengthen

Think of it this way–just like you use serums to keep your face healthy and glowing, your scalp needs that same kind of targeted care. After all, it is skin. A healthy scalp sets the foundation for healthy hair growth, and that’s where scalp serums and oils come in.

I love the Oliveda Hair Oil, but it’s totally different from something like Divi or OneSkin. Those are lightweight, water-based serums designed to absorb quickly and stimulate growth at the follicle level–kind of like your daily facial serum. The Oliveda scalp oil, on the other hand, is more like a nourishing treatment mask. It’s packed with olive leaf extract and hydroxytyrosol to calm inflammation, support circulation, and deeply hydrate, making it ideal for both the scalp and your hair strands.

I use it a couple of different ways–massaged into my scalp as a pre-wash treatment, or just through my ends after styling to smooth and protect. If your hair is dry, frizzy, or prone to breakage, a high-quality oil like this one can make a noticeable difference in how your hair looks and feels. Here’s more on hair oiling why I’m a hair oil addict.

A Few Bonus Tips

• Be gentle when brushing. Use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair to avoid unnecessary breakage.
• Avoid tight hairstyles. Ponytails and buns that pull at your roots can lead to traction alopecia over time.
• Don’t skip regular trims. I know it sounds counterintuitive when you’re trying to grow your hair, but trimming off split ends actually helps it look longer and healthier over time.
• Sleep on a silk pillowcase. It reduces friction (and frizz) while you sleep. I’ve always used this Amazon silk pillow case but I just upgraded to this Blissy pillow case during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.
• Don’t rely on Biotin Alone. Biotin is often hyped for hair growth, but unless you’re deficient, it’s unlikely to make a big difference on its own. I’ve seen better results with more targeted supplements like Nutrafol, which address root causes like stress and inflammation–not just one vitamin.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one magic product that will make your hair grow faster overnight–but combining a few of these natural strategies can make a noticeable difference over time. Focus on reducing inflammation, nourishing your body, treating your scalp with care, and being consistent. Hair growth takes time, but these habits can help you get there faster–and healthier.

If you’re interested in what’s worked for me personally, check out my posts on my full hair care routine, dry shampoo picks, how I get volume in my hair, and my Dyson Airwrap review.

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