Secrets to Growing your Hair and Getting the Waist Length

Dreaming of long, flowing, waist-length hair? Achieving those luscious locks isn’t just about waiting for time to pass—it’s about nurturing your hair with care, intention, and the right techniques. From scalp care to heat protection, every step you take can bring you closer to your hair goals. Whether you’re battling breakage, dryness, or slow growth, these tried-and-true secrets will help you transform your hair into the healthy, cascading mane you’ve always wanted. Ready to unlock the tips that make long hair a reality? Let’s dive in!

1. Prioritize your Scalp

Many people focus solely on their ends and wonder why their hair growth is stagnant. Healthy hair starts at the roots. A well-nourished scalp creates the perfect environment for strong, healthy hair growth.

First things first, if your scalp is flaky, you need to clear it up asap! A clean, healthy scalp is non-negotiable for hair growth, and anti-dandruff products are your first line of defense. These powerhouse solutions tackle dandruff head-on. Flaky, itchy scalps are often caused by excess oil production or fungal overgrowth, which can clog hair follicles and lead to irritation, hair weakening, and even hair loss over time. By using targeted anti-dandruff shampoos and treatments, such as those containing active ingredients like zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, or ketoconazole, you can effectively reduce dandruff, soothe inflammation, and restore a healthy scalp environment.

Once dandruff is all cleared up, you can start incorporating scalp serums into your routine to boost circulation, nourish the follicles, and promote growth. Some of my personal favourite oils for hair growth are peppermint oil, rosemary oil and sweet almond oil. You can easily mix these three together for the ultimate recipe for luscious locks.

Peppermint oil stimulates blood flow to the scalp, encouraging hair growth, it. Peppermint oil can be extremely potent, so you might need to dilute it with a carrier oil like olive oil or coconut oil. Rosemary oil is known for its ability to improve scalp health and strengthen hair follicles. Sweet almond oil is packed with vitamins E and A, this oil soothes the scalp, reduces inflammation, and adds moisture.

How to Use: Apply these oils or scalp serums 2–3 times a week. Massage gently for a few minutes to stimulate blood flow, and leave them on for at least an hour before washing out.

In addition to using scalp serums, cleaning your scalp regularly also plays a big role in hair growth. Product buildup and excess oil can clog hair follicles, slowing down growth. Using a clarifying shampoo 1–2 times a week removes buildup and keeps your scalp clean. A clarifying shampoo refreshes your hair, balances scalp oil production, and ensures your scalp stays healthy.

How to Use: Focus on the scalp during washing, and let the shampoo rinse through the lengths for a thorough cleanse.

2. Protect your Ends

Heat styling tools can be your hair’s worst enemy if not used properly. Protecting your strands is non-negotiable for growing them long. Always apply a heat protectant spray or cream before using curling irons, flat irons, or blow dryers. It creates a barrier between your hair and high temperatures, minimizing damage.

TikTok has popularised heatless curls, which can be a wonderful option if you need to cut back on heat styling. You can find hundreds of tutorials online and you don’t need any fancy, expensive appliances — all you need is a pair of socks!

Tip: Wear heat protectant when you’re in hot weather and in direct sunlight.

Getting your hair chemically treated in a salon instead of using box dye is particularly important if you’re focused on achieving healthy, long hair. Salon professionals use high-quality products and customized formulations that are less damaging to your hair and scalp. Healthy hair growth starts with a strong foundation, and over-processed or damaged hair from box dye can lead to brittleness, split ends, and breakage, all of which make it harder for hair to grow long. Box dyes often contain harsh chemicals like high levels of ammonia, metallic salts, and peroxide, which can strip the hair of natural moisture, weaken the strands, and cause long-term damage to the hair shaft.

By avoiding the harsh effects of box dyes and opting for salon treatments, you can protect your hair’s structure, reduce breakage, and support consistent growth.

3. Nourish and Moisturise

Hair finishing oils are a transformative addition to any hair care routine, especially for those aiming to heal damaged strands and grow their hair long. These lightweight oils are designed to smooth, hydrate, and seal the hair cuticle, preventing moisture loss and protecting against environmental damage. Products like Schwarzkopf Barbary Fig Oil provide intense nourishment with vitamin E, restoring vitality to brittle hair.

The Moroccanoil Treatment Oil, enriched with argan oil, improves elasticity, adds shine, and tames frizz, making it ideal for dry or chemically treated hair. Similarly, Kerastase L'Huile Originale is a luxurious blend that fortifies and revitalizes hair, enhancing its resilience and softness. By strengthening and hydrating damaged ends, finishing oils reduce breakage and split ends, allowing hair to grow longer while maintaining a healthy, polished appearance.

Secret Tip: Never use oils before heat styling. Oftentimes people apply finishing oils to their hair along with heat protectant, and while their intention is good, oils should not be used in conjunction with heat. Oils amplify heat and can fry your hair. Instead, save oils for finishing your look.

4. Hair Masks Over Conditioner

Using a hair mask is essential for achieving strong, healthy hair growth, as it provides intense hydration and nourishment that regular conditioners can’t match. Hair masks are packed with concentrated ingredients like proteins, vitamins, and natural oils that penetrate deeply into the hair shaft, repairing damage, strengthening strands, and improving elasticity. This is particularly important for reducing breakage and split ends, which are common barriers to growing longer hair.

While conditioners are designed for surface-level hydration and detangling after shampooing, hair masks offer a more concentrated and intensive treatment. They penetrate deeper into the hair shaft and not only restores moisture but also strengthens and protects your strands from future breakage. Opting for hair masks as often as possible — ideally with every hair wash — can transform your hair and help you to keep your hair length strong.

5. Be Gentle

Being gentle with your hair is crucial for promoting growth, as rough handling can lead to breakage, split ends, and overall weakened strands, all of which hinder length retention. Hair is most vulnerable when wet, so it’s essential to use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush instead of yanking through knots, which can snap fragile strands. Avoid vigorous towel drying; instead, pat your hair dry with a microfiber towel or an old T-shirt to minimize friction and damage.

Tight hairstyles, such as ponytails or buns, can strain the hair follicles and lead to breakage or traction alopecia over time — opt for loose, protective styles to reduce tension. Using hair clips and satin scrunchies are better options than tight hair ties (especially the metal bound hair ties). Sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase prevents hair from snagging and breaking during the night. By treating your hair with care, you can protect its structure, reduce damage, and create the optimal conditions for steady, healthy growth.

6. Protein and Vitamins

Protein is a vital nutrient for hair growth, as hair is primarily made up of keratin, a protein that gives it strength and structure. Consuming a diet rich in protein ensures your body has the building blocks it needs to produce healthy, resilient hair strands. Foods like eggs, fish, lean meats, legumes, and nuts are excellent sources of protein and support overall hair health.

Not forgeting, supplements like biotin (vitamin B7) and folic acid (vitamin B9) which plays a significant role in promoting hair growth. Biotin supports keratin production, strengthens hair, and reduces breakage, while folic acid encourages cell regeneration, aiding in the growth of new hair. Other beneficial supplements include zinc, iron, and vitamin D, which support scalp health and hair follicle strength. Incorporating these nutrients into your diet or supplement routine can help you achieve longer, healthier hair while preventing thinning and shedding. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting new supplements to ensure they meet your specific needs.