How to Grow Long Hair (for Men)

Long, healthy hair is an attractive feature for both men and women. If you want to grow long hair but aren't sure how to do it, this article is just for you. Read on for tips and special treatments to promote hair growth, along with lifestyle changes that encourage faster hair growth. This article is also helpful if you’ve cut your hair too short and want it to grow faster.

Warm Oil Massage. Hair growth starts at the roots, meaning you need to care for your scalp and roots to encourage hair growth. Massaging warm hair oils into the scalp can stimulate growth. Heat a small amount of olive oil, coconut oil, or argan oil and gently massage it into your scalp for 5-10 minutes. Let the oil absorb into your scalp for 30 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Try washing your hair with apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is a versatile product that nourishes hair, skin, and offers numerous health benefits. One of its properties is promoting hair growth. You can mix apple cider vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio and put it in a spray bottle. After shampooing, spray the mixture onto your hair, wait 1-2 minutes, and rinse. After a few weeks of use, you will notice a change in the rate of hair growth.

Use deep conditioning hair products. Damaged hair grows more slowly than healthy hair, so using deep conditioning treatments can restore hair follicles and accelerate growth. Choose a deep conditioner suitable for your hair type (available at most salons or beauty stores) and follow the instructions on the bottle. Typically, deep conditioners should be left in the hair for 20-30 minutes before rinsing with cold water.

Prepare a nourishing mask with egg whites and aloe vera. Egg whites and aloe vera have been used for centuries to care for hair. They hydrate hair, add shine, and promote growth. Beat egg whites with fresh aloe vera gel (or 100% pure bottled aloe vera) and apply the mixture to your hair and scalp. Leave the mask on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with cool water. Let your hair dry naturally after using the mask.

Try washing your hair with onion juice. Boil a slice of onion in water for 10-15 minutes to create an onion juice mixture. Let the mixture cool, then apply it to your scalp and hair. Onion provides nutrients that help promote hair growth and adds shine to your strands. Rinse the onion juice with cold water and let your hair dry naturally. Note that the onion juice will not leave any odor on your hair after rinsing, so you don’t have to worry about it.

Know when to brush your hair. Brushing your hair is a good habit that stimulates hair growth because it helps distribute natural oils evenly along each strand. However, there are a few things you should and shouldn't do when brushing your hair. You should brush your hair 1-2 times a day (for example, after waking up and at night). Be careful not to overbrush, as this can lead to breakage while you're trying to grow your hair. Also, avoid brushing when your hair is wet, as wet hair is weak and prone to damage.

Avoid using heat styling tools and chemicals. Although this issue is more common among women, using heat tools (such as blow dryers and straighteners) and chemicals (such as hair dye and relaxers) can significantly damage your hair. These two factors not only make your hair look limp and lifeless, but also slow down hair growth. Whenever possible, let your hair air dry and avoid using heat tools for styling.

Change your hair washing habits. Although it might not make your hair look great, the natural oils produced by your scalp are essential for improving the health of your hair and accelerating growth. Washing your hair every day removes these oils, slowing down the growth process. You should only wash your hair a few times a week, with at least one day in between each wash.

Take supplements to boost hair growth. There are several vitamins and supplements available that help speed up hair growth. Taking them regularly can result in faster hair growth month after month. Look for biotin and fish oil supplements, as both promote healthier and faster growth for hair and nails. Additionally, make sure you’re getting all the necessary vitamins and minerals, and consider taking a multivitamin if needed.

Use the right shampoo. There are many different shampoos available, each designed for specific hair types and styles. However, the one ingredient you should avoid in shampoos is silicone. Although it’s advertised as beneficial, silicone actually prevents moisture and nutrients from being absorbed into the hair, slowing down hair growth. Look for hair care products (shampoos or other items) with natural ingredients and no silicone.

Use the right conditioner. As mentioned earlier, silicone blocks moisture and nutrients from being absorbed into the hair. Therefore, it's best to choose a conditioner with natural ingredients. Another option is to use a leave-in conditioner (no rinse required).

Wash your hair with cold water. While hot water may feel comforting, it opens up the hair cuticle, causing it to lose essential moisture, making the hair more prone to breakage and damage. When washing your hair, use water that’s as cool as you can tolerate. Cool water helps close the hair cuticle and locks in moisture.

Maintain overall health. There’s a reason many people experience hair loss when they’re stressed: stress, poor diet, and lack of exercise all contribute to thinning hair and slower growth. You need to make necessary lifestyle changes to ensure a healthy eating and exercise routine, while also finding ways to manage stress when possible.

Stay hydrated. Water is essential for overall health, and drinking plenty of it provides the moisture needed for your scalp and hair follicles to stimulate hair growth. Aim for 8-10 glasses of water throughout the day to ensure your body stays properly hydrated.

Know when to trim your hair. There are two schools of thought when it comes to stimulating hair growth: one recommends regular trims, while the other suggests no cutting at all. Both viewpoints have merit. Trimming your hair helps remove split ends or damaged strands, which could hinder healthy growth. However, trimming doesn’t directly promote hair growth; it keeps hair healthier overall. If you’re aiming for length, trimming every 1-3 times a year ensures your hair stays strong and healthy.

Use satin pillowcases. It may sound unusual, but most pillowcases made from fabrics like cotton or other low-fiber materials can contribute to hair loss. This happens because rough fabrics create friction that pulls hair out as you sleep. To prevent this, you should switch your regular pillowcase to one made of satin, as its smooth texture allows hair to glide without breaking.

• Keep in mind that hair grows about 0.6 cm per month on average, so it will take quite some time for your hair to reach your desired length.
• As your hair grows longer, you will need to use different styling techniques to keep it looking appealing at each stage of growth.
• Use less shampoo. Shampoo can damage your hair because of the strong cleaning chemicals it contains. It's best to wash your hair with water alone to remove dirt and excess oil.
• Don’t worry about what others think. People who call you “girly” are simply rude and unworthy of your concern. Don’t let their negativity affect you.
• Avoid shampoo, conditioner, and hair spray products containing sulfate, silicone, and alcohol.
• During the middle stages of hair growth, you may not be able to tie your hair. To prevent damage, consider wearing a headband or another suitable accessory instead of pulling your hair back.

• There is a common myth that the longer your hair grows, the more it falls out. However, this has not been scientifically proven. As hair grows longer, it may appear to shed more frequently because longer strands are easier to notice than shorter ones. On average, we lose about 100 strands a day. This is a small amount, and hair will grow back. Long hair does not contribute to baldness unless you repeatedly pull on your hair.
• Be aware that certain medical professions may discourage long hair on men, as they consider it unhygienic. If you plan to pursue a career in healthcare, you might be allowed to grow your hair when you're younger, but you will eventually need to cut it. Still, check with your workplace, as most hospitals allow long hair (for both men and women), as long as it is tied up (like a ponytail).
• If you work with electrical tools, such as a drill, it's best to tie your hair back to prevent it from getting caught in the equipment.
• If your job involves handling food, you may be required to wear a hair net (to cover your hair).