5 tips to promote hair growth
The desire for long, thick, and healthy-looking hair transcends eras and cultures. A symbol of femininity, vitality, and beauty, long hair represents for many an aesthetic ideal that sometimes seems unattainable. You look with envy at those women with mermaid-like manes that cascade elegantly down their backs, while yours seems to stagnate eternally at the same length, stubbornly refusing to grow past your shoulders.
This frustration is all the greater because hair growth requires the patience of a saint and meticulous care. Hair doesn't miraculously grow five centimeters in a month as we'd like to believe. The biological reality is more modest: on average, a hair grows between 1 and 1.5 centimeters per month, or about 12 to 18 centimeters per year under the best conditions.
Some people have the discouraging feeling that their hair isn't growing at all, that it remains stuck at the same length despite the passing months. This phenomenon particularly affects damaged hair whose ends break as it grows, creating the misleading illusion of no growth. The hair gradually loses its density, the lengths become thinner, split ends multiply, and every centimeter gained at the roots seems immediately lost at the ends.
However, there are concrete and scientifically sound solutions to optimize hair growth, strengthen the hair fiber, and restore a healthy foundation conducive to vigorous growth. In this article, discover the fascinating life cycle of hair, five essential tips to naturally stimulate its growth, and how targeted supplementation can help you finally achieve your dream hair length.
Understanding the hair life cycle: three essential phases
Before trying to accelerate hair growth, it's essential to understand how your hair's natural life cycle works. Each hair implanted in your scalp follows a precise biological program, divided into three distinct phases that renew themselves cyclically throughout your life. This knowledge helps you better understand why certain periods seem more conducive to growth than others, and above all, prevents you from panicking when hair loss is often perfectly normal.
The anagen phase: the period of active growth
The anagen phase is the period of active hair growth, the time during which it truly grows. This phase lasts for a remarkably long time: between two and seven years depending on the individual, with an average of four to six years. The duration of this phase directly determines the maximum length your hair can reach. A person with a seven-year anagen phase could theoretically grow hair of about 1.20 meters if they never cut it, while a three-year anagen phase will limit the maximum length to about 50-60 centimeters.
During this proliferative phase, the matrix cells at the base of the hair follicle divide actively, continuously producing new cells that keratinize and form the visible hair shaft. At any given time, approximately 85 to 90% of your hair is in the anagen phase – that is, actively growing. According to the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) , this proportion remains remarkably stable in a healthy individual, ensuring the maintenance of consistent hair density.
The duration of the anagen phase is largely genetically determined, which explains why some people can easily grow their hair down to their hips while others naturally only reach their shoulders. Hormones, age, general health, and environmental factors also influence this duration.
The catagen phase: the transition period
The catagen phase marks a brief but crucial transition period in the hair cycle. After several years of uninterrupted growth, the hair follicle enters a resting phase. This stage lasts only two to three weeks—a blink of an eye in the context of the entire hair cycle. During this short period, cellular activity in the hair matrix ceases completely. The follicle shrinks, the hair stops growing, and it gradually detaches from its nourishing papilla.
At any given time, approximately 1 to 2% of your hair is going through this transition phase. Although a minority, these hairs in the catagen phase play an important role in the constant renewal of your hair. The hair remains physically present on your head but is no longer nourished or firmly anchored – it is preparing for its next phase of shedding.
The telogen phase: the period of rest and elimination
The telogen phase represents the final stage of the hair cycle, during which the hair, now inactive and denominational, remains on the scalp for a few more months before falling out naturally. This phase lasts approximately three months, during which the hair stays in place but can easily fall out when brushing, shampooing, or even spontaneously. Simultaneously, beneath the dying telogen hair, a new anagen hair begins to grow, discreetly preparing its replacement.
Approximately 10 to 15% of your hair is constantly in the telogen phase. This means it's perfectly normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs daily – this shedding simply corresponds to the natural renewal of your hair. So there's no need to panic if you find a few hairs on your pillow in the morning or in your brush! This telogen shedding is an integral part of the physiological life cycle.
Each of these three phases renews itself cyclically throughout your life, with each hair follicle theoretically capable of producing between 20 and 30 complete cycles over a lifetime. Understanding this mechanism reveals that accelerating hair growth doesn't mean radically altering hair biology, but rather optimizing the conditions so that each phase unfolds under the best possible circumstances.
Five essential tips to naturally stimulate hair growth
While hair extensions—synthetic or natural—can instantly give you long, voluminous hair for several months, this expensive solution, often costing several hundred euros, is unfortunately not accessible to everyone. Furthermore, wearing extensions for extended periods can paradoxically damage your natural hair in the long run: the constant weight pulls on the roots, weakens the lengths, and can even cause traction alopecia in the most severe cases.
Rather than resorting to these temporary artificial solutions, let's focus on five natural, economical and sustainable strategies to promote faster, healthier and stronger growth of your natural hair.
Tip #1 – Regularly trim the ends to eliminate split ends
This advice may seem counterintuitive, even completely absurd: how could cutting your hair possibly make it grow faster? Many women categorically refuse to go to the hairdresser, convinced that every centimeter cut represents several months of growth sacrificed. Yet, this avoidance strategy is precisely the mistake that keeps your hair in a state of perpetual stagnation.
Let's understand the mechanism: hair naturally and inevitably wears down over time. The ends, the oldest and most exposed part of the hair fiber, endure years of cumulative damage – friction against clothing and pillows, UV exposure, dehydration, heat from styling tools, and chemical treatments. Gradually, the protective cuticle erodes, exposing the inner cortex. The ends become dry, rough, and eventually split lengthwise: these are the infamous split ends.
Once formed, a split end can never be repaired – no amount of treatment, however miraculous, can reattach a split. Worse still, if it isn't cut, the split gradually travels up the hair shaft like a tear in fabric, weakening the hair along its entire length. The result: your ends break continuously. You lose as much length from broken, damaged ends as you gain from new growth at the roots. Hence the frustrating feeling of stagnation.
By regularly trimming your ends—ideally every three to four months—you eliminate these weakened areas before they break off naturally. You don't need to sacrifice several centimeters each time; half a centimeter to a centimeter is usually enough to refresh the ends and eliminate emerging split ends. This preventative measure, far from hindering your quest for length, actually accelerates it by preserving every centimeter gained at the root.
Even though hair grows from the root and not the tips, maintaining healthy ends allows the entire length to remain strong, thick, and resilient. It's like regularly servicing your car: a few preventative checkups are better than a complete breakdown. Imagine your hair as a precious fabric: if you let a tear spread, the whole piece will end up ripped; however, if you repair it quickly, the fabric retains its integrity. Your hair works on exactly the same principle.
Tip #2 – Create targeted natural treatments using vegetable oils
Natural treatments based on plant oils are powerful and proven allies for accelerating hair growth while nourishing, regenerating, and strengthening the hair fiber. These oils, veritable concentrates of nutrients, essential fatty acids, and fat-soluble vitamins, penetrate deeply into the hair and stimulate the activity of the hair follicle. Ideally, incorporate a weekly oil treatment into your beauty routine, leaving it on for at least 30 minutes under a warm towel, which opens the hair cuticles and optimizes the penetration of the active ingredients.
Castor oil: the undisputed star of hair growth
Castor oil – also known as castor bean oil – reigns supreme among plant oils that promote hair growth. Its reputation is well-deserved: rich in ricinoleic acid, a rare fatty acid with exceptional properties, it vigorously stimulates blood circulation in the scalp. A well-nourished scalp receives more oxygen and nutrients, essential conditions for supporting optimal hair growth. Castor oil also promotes the growth of eyelashes, eyebrows, and even nails – a true universal growth elixir.
Its naturally thick and viscous texture requires some precautions when using. A few drops are more than enough – there's no need to apply excessive amounts that would weigh down your hair. Apply it primarily to the scalp, gently massaging with your fingertips for 5 to 10 minutes. This massage is crucial: it mechanically stimulates microcirculation and promotes oil penetration. The application time can vary from a minimum of 30 minutes to several hours, or even overnight for an ultra-intensive treatment. Then rinse thoroughly with a gentle shampoo – you may need to shampoo twice to completely remove the oil.
Mustard oil: powerful thermogenic stimulant
Mustard oil possesses a unique and remarkable property: it intensely stimulates blood circulation in the scalp through a thermogenic effect, creating a characteristic warming sensation. This circulatory stimulation significantly increases the supply of nutrients to the hair follicles, promoting faster and more vigorous growth. Like castor oil, it is applied directly to the scalp with a gentle circular massage.
Its application time is shorter: between 15 and 30 minutes maximum. It is perfectly normal and even desirable to feel a pleasant warming sensation during application – this is precisely the sign that the oil is working. However, be careful: if the sensation becomes uncomfortable, burning, or painful, rinse immediately and thoroughly. Some sensitive scalps may react more intensely. Always perform a test on a small area before applying the oil to the entire scalp.
Other oils beneficial for growth
Summary of the best oils to stimulate hair growth:
- Castor oil : The undisputed star. Vigorously stimulates blood circulation and promotes the growth of hair, eyelashes, and nails. Application: Massage into the scalp and leave on for 30 minutes to overnight.
- Mustard oil : Powerful thermogenic effect, intensely activates microcirculation through a sensation of heat. Application: Massage for 15-30 minutes maximum, rinse if discomfort occurs.
- Amla oil : An Indian Ayurvedic treasure, it strengthens the roots and prevents premature hair loss. Application: Weekly oil bath.
- Coconut oil : Penetrates deeply into the hair fiber, protects against protein loss, and promotes healthy growth. Application: Full body oil treatment or oil treatment on the lengths.
- Avocado oil : Extremely rich in vitamins A, D, E and fatty acids, it generously nourishes hair and scalp. Application: oil bath or mixture.
- Black seed oil : Remarkable purifying and stimulating properties, cleanses the scalp. Application: massage into the roots.
Don't hesitate to combine several oils to create synergistic effects and maximize their impact. A base of castor oil (50%) mixed with coconut oil (30%) and avocado oil (20%), for example, makes a particularly effective blend. You can also enrich your oil treatments with a few drops of stimulating essential oils: peppermint or cineole rosemary essential oils powerfully activate microcirculation. Some even dare to add natural extracts of ginger, garlic, onion, or turmeric—their strong odor may be off-putting, but their effectiveness in stimulating hair growth is scientifically recognized.
Tip #3 – Adopt a lifestyle that promotes hair growth
Your hair directly reflects your overall health and lifestyle. Radiant hair rarely grows on an exhausted, malnourished, or stressed body. Optimizing your lifestyle is therefore a powerful—and often overlooked—way to naturally stimulate hair growth.
Sleep: a crucial period for cellular regeneration
Getting enough sleep—at least 7 to 8 hours a night—is crucial for healthy hair. During deep sleep , your body releases growth hormones that stimulate cell regeneration, including that of the matrix cells in the hair follicle. It's primarily at night that your hair grows. Chronic sleep deprivation disrupts this regeneration process, potentially leading to slowed growth, weakened hair fibers, and even premature hair loss. Maintain a regular sleep schedule, create a restful environment, and give your body the recovery time it biologically needs.
Food: the essential fuel for growth
For hair to grow quickly and remain healthy, it requires a constant and sufficient supply of specific nutrients. B vitamins play a fundamental role: biotin (B8) participates in keratin synthesis, vitamin B6 contributes to cysteine production, and vitamin B9 promotes cell renewal. These vitamins are found in abundance in whole grains, legumes, eggs, lean meats, nuts, and leafy green vegetables.
Key foods to nourish your hair from the inside out:
- Eggs : An exceptional source of biotin (B8) and protein, the building blocks of keratin. The yolk is particularly rich in biotin.
- Lean meats and fish : Provide complete proteins and heme iron (better absorbed). Choose chicken, turkey, and salmon.
- Lentils and legumes : Triple benefit: plant-based iron, protein and B vitamins. Combine them with vitamin C to optimize iron absorption.
- Almonds and walnuts : Rich in biotin, vitamin E, fatty acids, and zinc. A daily handful (30g) covers 25% of the daily biotin requirement.
- Spinach and green vegetables : Rich in iron, vitamin B9 and protective antioxidants. Consume them fresh whenever possible.
- Whole grains : Quinoa, brown rice, wholemeal bread provide complex B vitamins and essential minerals.
- Oily fish : Sardines, mackerel, salmon provide omega-3 which nourishes the scalp from within.
Zinc and selenium, antioxidant trace elements, protect hair cells from oxidative stress and participate in protein synthesis. Even moderate nutritional deficiencies can cause weakening, increased breakage, and premature hair loss, giving the impression that hair has stopped growing.
Hydration: an often neglected element
Drinking enough water – ideally 1.5 to 2 liters daily – is essential for maintaining good blood flow to the hair follicles. A dehydrated body produces dull, brittle hair with slowed growth. Water also helps eliminate toxins that, when accumulated, can disrupt the function of hair follicles.
Healthy hair products
Finally, use healthy hair products daily, free from harsh chemicals. Opt for gentle shampoos, natural conditioners, and treatments formulated without sulfates, silicones, or parabens. Certain products specifically designed to stimulate growth—fortifying shampoos, growth-activating serums, and regenerating masks—can indeed promote long, strong hair when they contain recognized active ingredients such as caffeine, ginseng, or hydrolyzed silk proteins.
Tip #4 – Massage and exfoliate the scalp regularly
The scalp, too often neglected in hair care routines, deserves special attention. It's where your hair originates, it nourishes and anchors it. Taking care of your scalp is literally like fertilizing the soil from which your hair grows.
Stimulating scalp massages
Regularly massaging your scalp—ideally daily for 5 to 10 minutes—powerfully stimulates growth by activating local microcirculation. When you massage, you increase blood flow to the hair follicles, providing them with more oxygen and essential nutrients for their growth. The technique is simple: place the pads of your fingers (never your nails, which can cause irritation) on different areas of your head, apply firm but gentle pressure, and make small circular motions for a few minutes. Work your way methodically around your entire scalp.
These massages also have a remarkable relaxing effect, reducing stress, which is one of the aggravating factors of hair loss. Some studies even suggest that regular scalp massages could increase the thickness of the hair shaft by stimulating the expression of growth-promoting genes in the cells of the dermal papilla. You can perform these massages on dry hair daily, or on oil-coated hair during your weekly oil treatments to maximize the benefits.
Purifying scalp scrubs
Just like the skin on your face, your scalp accumulates impurities, dead skin cells, styling product residue, and pollution that can clog pores and disrupt the function of hair follicles. A dirty scalp creates an unfavorable environment for optimal hair growth. That's why it's recommended to scrub or exfoliate your scalp once a week, just before shampooing.
These scrubs mechanically remove accumulated impurities, unclog pores, oxygenate the scalp, and significantly improve the penetration of active ingredients in your subsequent hair care products. You can use commercially available scrubs or create your own homemade exfoliant by mixing fine sugar or salt with a little vegetable oil. Apply to a damp scalp, gently massage in circular motions for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly before shampooing. Your scalp will breathe, your follicles will function better, and hair growth will be stimulated.
What is the normal rate of hair growth?
Hair growth rates vary from person to person, determined by genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. On average, a hair grows 1 to 1.5 centimeters per month, or about 12 to 18 centimeters per year. Some lucky people grow slightly above this average, while others grow less. This variation is generally moderate—you'll never go from 1 cm/month to 5 cm/month, regardless of the miracle products promised. Hair also grows faster during certain times of the year, particularly in spring and summer when increased temperature and sunlight naturally stimulate follicular activity. Conversely, growth slows slightly in autumn and winter. Understanding and accepting these natural rhythms allows you to have realistic expectations and avoid disappointment with marketing promises that seem too good to be true.
Tip #5 – Incorporate targeted supplementation to nourish from within
Even with a balanced and varied diet, it can be difficult to get all the nutrients in the optimal amounts needed for maximum hair growth every day. This is where supplementation comes in. Dietary supplements specifically formulated for hair contain optimized dosages of vitamins, minerals, and plant extracts that contribute to healthier, faster, and stronger growth .
By nourishing the roots from within, these supplements provide hair follicles with the energy and building blocks needed to produce strong, resilient, and radiant hair. They simultaneously strengthen existing lengths, prevent breakage, and restore shine and vitality to the entire head of hair. Combined with a nutrient-rich diet and appropriate external care, they truly optimize hair growth potential.
Delicure Hair & Nail Capsules: the concentrated power of silica-rich plants
Delicure has developed Hair & Nails capsules , a natural, plant-based food supplement made in France, which draws its strength from three exceptional plants rich in silica: stinging nettle, horsetail, and bamboo. This ultra-high-dose formula works on several fronts simultaneously: it strengthens the hair structure, stimulates growth, improves fiber quality, and also strengthens brittle nails.
Free from any artificial additives, these capsules work from within to optimize the biological conditions for healthy, vigorous hair growth. They don't promise to make your hair grow 10 centimeters in a month—that would be biologically impossible. Instead, they maximize your body's natural growth potential by providing the specific nutrients it needs.
Silica: a fundamental structural mineral
Silica, or silicon dioxide, is the true mineral treasure of this formula. This trace mineral plays a fundamental role in the synthesis of collagen and elastin, two structural proteins that give hair strength, elasticity, and resilience. Silica also helps fix calcium in keratinized tissues, thus strengthening the hair shaft from within. With age, our body's natural silica reserves decrease, leading to a progressive weakening of the hair fiber and a slowing of growth. Targeted supplementation helps to address this deficiency and restore hair vitality over the long term.
Our capsules provide 211 mg of silica per daily dose – an optimal concentration ensuring maximum effectiveness without overdose. This silica comes exclusively from highly bioavailable plant sources, guaranteeing optimal absorption by the body.
Stinging nettle: remineralization and regulation
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), generously dosed at 450 mg per dose, has been recognized since antiquity for its exceptional fortifying properties for hair, nails, and other hair. Rich in naturally assimilable silica, it also contains a remarkable abundance of iron, zinc, B vitamins, and plant proteins – all essential nutrients for hair growth. This unique composition makes nettle a valuable ally for stimulating growth while deeply nourishing the hair fiber from within. Nettle also possesses purifying properties that cleanse the scalp and regulate sebum production, beneficial for oily scalps.
Field horsetail: record concentration of silica
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense), a prehistoric plant that has survived for millennia, is distinguished by its exceptionally high natural concentration of silica. Our horsetail extract, at a dose of 450 mg, provides 31 mg of highly bioavailable silica. Horsetail promotes deep remineralization of the hair fiber, improves its elasticity and tensile strength, thus reducing breakage. It also contributes remarkably to nail health, making them less brittle and more resistant. Furthermore, horsetail possesses circulatory properties that stimulate blood flow to the scalp, promoting optimal delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles – essential conditions for vigorous growth.
Bamboo: the absolute champion of plant-based silica
Bamboo (Bambusa arundinacea) is the most concentrated natural plant source of silica on Earth. Our standardized bamboo extract, at a dose of 360 mg, provides 180 mg of silica per daily dose – nearly 85% of the formula's total silica content. This plant-based silica offers optimal bioavailability, ensuring maximum absorption by the body and therefore superior effectiveness. Bamboo significantly strengthens hair structure, giving it shine and suppleness, stimulating growth, and improving its resistance. Its effects are also visibly noticeable on nails, which it strengthens over time.
How to take the Hair & Nails capsules?
The dosage for this plant-based hair supplement is simple and precise. Take 3 capsules daily with a large glass of water, preferably with a meal to optimize intestinal absorption of the plant-based active ingredients. You can choose to take all 3 capsules at once – ideally in the morning or at midday – or spread them throughout the day according to your preference and personal schedule.
The key is consistency: incorporate this treatment into your daily routine so you never forget, as it's this regularity that guarantees results. One bottle contains 60 capsules, enough for a 20-day course. To see visible, measurable, and lasting results on hair growth and quality, we strongly recommend a course of treatment of at least 2 to 3 months, or 3 to 4 bottles. The first effects generally become noticeable after 3 to 4 weeks: you'll notice that your hair breaks less, its texture improves, and it gains shine. Accelerated growth gradually develops over the 2-3 month course.
How long does it take to see results with a hairpiece?
Patience remains your best ally when starting a hair supplement regimen. Hair doesn't miraculously grow overnight – its biological cycle requires a certain amount of time. The first signs of improvement generally appear after 3 to 4 weeks of regular and consistent use. These initial effects are first noticeable in the quality of the hair fiber: you'll notice that your hair breaks less when brushing, that its texture becomes softer and silkier, and that its natural shine returns. Nails, which renew themselves more quickly, often show the first signs of strengthening.
Regarding actual hair growth, it takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks to see a measurable acceleration. After 2 to 3 months of a complete and regular treatment, the results become truly noticeable and visually significant: hair is visibly longer, thicker, stronger, and shinier. For optimal and lasting benefits, we recommend repeating the treatments several times a year, particularly during seasonal changes when hair is naturally more fragile.
These supplements are ideally suited to a holistic approach to hair health, combining appropriate external care (oils, masks, regular trims), a healthy lifestyle (sufficient sleep, a balanced diet, hydration), and internal nutritional support. It is this synergy of actions that produces the best results for your hair.
Your action plan for longer hair: a summary checklist
To maximize your hair growth, follow this comprehensive action plan:
- Every week : 1 oil bath (castor, coconut or mixture) with scalp massage for 5-10 minutes, leave on for a minimum of 30 minutes.
- Every 3-4 months : Go to the hairdresser to trim 0.5 to 1 cm of ends and remove split ends.
- Daily : 5-minute scalp massage, diet rich in protein and B vitamins, sufficient hydration (1.5-2L of water).
- Each night : 7-8 hours of sleep to promote cell regeneration of hair follicles.
- For a 2-3 month course : Hair & Nail Capsules (3 per day) for an optimal intake of silica, nettle, horsetail and bamboo.
Consistency remains your best ally. These simple actions, applied consistently, will optimize your natural growth potential in the long term.
Conclusion: patience, consistency and a holistic approach
Growing your hair faster is neither a miracle nor magic. It's a natural biological process that can be optimized, supported, and stimulated, but never artificially forced beyond certain physiological limits. The key lies in a patient, consistent, and truly holistic approach that cares for your hair on all levels: external (treatments, cuts), internal (diet, supplements), and overall (lifestyle, stress management).
Remember that genetics largely determines the growth rate and maximum achievable length of hair. Some people can easily grow hair down to their hips, while others naturally plateau at shoulder length. Accepting your genetic potential while optimizing it as much as possible is the wisest and most satisfying path.
Don't be swayed by extravagant marketing promises of miracle products that will make your hair grow 10 centimeters in a month. These claims are nothing more than blatant advertising lies. On the other hand, by diligently applying the five tips detailed in this article, combining them with appropriate supplementation, and exercising patience, you will truly maximize your natural hair growth potential.
Your hair deserves this loving attention and consistency. Every little bit helps, every bit of care contributes. And one day, perhaps sooner than you think, you'll realize, as you tie your hair back, that you've finally reached the length you've always dreamed of. On that day, you'll be proud not only of your hair, but also of the patience, perseverance, and self-compassion you've shown throughout this hair journey. Because ultimately, taking care of your hair is taking care of yourself.
--
