Does Anything Really Make Hair Grow Faster? What Actually Works

Hair growth basics: what’s normal and what’s just hype

Let’s clear one thing up first — hair doesn’t grow overnight. On average, human hair grows about half an inch (1.25 cm) per month. That’s roughly 6 inches (15 cm) a year if you’re lucky and everything’s working properly.

So when people ask “does anything really make hair grow faster?”, they’re usually hoping for some magic serum or miracle supplement. But the truth is... it’s complicated. Hair growth depends on genetics, health, hormones, and age — and yep, some external stuff can help, but nothing turns you into Rapunzel in a week.

The hair growth cycle

There are three main phases:

• Anagen: active growth (this lasts 2–7 years!)

• Catagen: transitional phase

• Telogen: resting phase, when hair falls out

If your hair’s stuck in telogen for too long (due to stress, diet, or illness), it won’t grow much — even with all the oils and vitamins in the world.

What might actually help hair grow faster?

Nutrition and supplements: the inside matters

Okay, let’s get real: your hair is made of protein — mostly keratin. If you’re not getting enough protein, vitamins, or iron, your hair will not be its best self.

• Biotin: hyped like crazy, but only helps if you’re actually deficient (which isn’t super common).

• Iron: low iron = slow or thinning hair. Period.

• Zinc and Vitamin D: both support healthy follicles.

• Collagen: jury's still out, but some say it helps.

Honestly, eating a balanced diet full of leafy greens, lean meats, nuts, and whole grains is better than popping 10 random pills.

Scalp health: where the magic starts

A healthy scalp = healthy hair. If your scalp is dry, clogged, or inflamed, follicles can’t do their job.

• Scalp massage: increases blood flow. It sounds too simple, but some studies show it can stimulate thicker hair.

• Exfoliation: yes, your scalp needs it too! Try a scrub once a week to clear buildup.

• Oils like rosemary or peppermint: some small studies and a ton of anecdotal evidence suggest they help boost circulation and promote growth. (Don’t overdo it, though.)

I actually tried rosemary oil for three months (2–3 times a week diluted in jojoba oil). My hair didn’t grow inches overnight, but the shedding stopped, and my baby hairs started waking up. So maybe there’s something to it.

Haircare habits that slow (or support) growth

It’s not just about what you put on your scalp — how you treat your strands matters too.

• Stop over-washing: strips natural oils.

• Avoid tight hairstyles: tension = breakage = shorter hair.

• Ditch the heat (when possible): heat damage won’t stop growth at the root, but it will break the hair before it gets long.

• Silk pillowcases: yep, they actually reduce friction and help retain moisture.

And for the love of length, don’t skip trims completely. Split ends travel upwards and cause more breakage than most people realize.

What probably won’t work (sorry)

Magic shampoos and "overnight" sprays

If a product promises 5 inches in 2 weeks — run. Most over-the-counter products can help strengthen hair or prevent loss, but actual growth-acceleration is rare.

That said, minoxidil (Rogaine) is FDA-approved and can help with hair regrowth. But it’s mainly for people with hair loss, not just slow growth.

Cutting your hair with the moon (yes, that’s a thing)

Some swear by cutting their hair during a full moon to speed growth. Scientifically? No proof. But if it makes you feel empowered, hey — go for it. Just don’t expect lunar magic to outdo biology.

Final thoughts: slow and steady wins the hair race

So… does anything really make hair grow faster? A little, yes. But not dramatically, and not overnight. The real key is supporting your hair’s natural growth cycle and preventing breakage, thinning, or scalp issues along the way.

Focus on the basics: good nutrition, gentle haircare, and a healthy scalp. Be consistent, be patient, and don’t fall for the hype.

And if you’re ever tempted by that $80 “instant growth serum” on TikTok? Maybe take a deep breath — and massage your scalp instead.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.