Regularly, we hear one particular question from our customers while they sit in our barbershop chairs at First & Mane. These men usually bring along an image of a rockstar, surfer, or any other celebrity who has long flowing hair and ask us…how long for hair to grow?
The beauty of having longer locks surely does appeal to guys as it makes them look confident and stylishly laid-back. However, there are some popular myths about hair growth speeds that are far from the truth. For instance, most men think they could easily grow long hair within a few weeks.
In actuality, growing half an inch of hair each month is an average speed, which means that guys would have to wait for about six inches each year. Nevertheless, there are some factors affecting hair growth, which we consider each time our customers ask this very question!
Core Factors of Male Hair Growth
Becoming a guy with long locks is not only about regular visits to barbershops and hairdressers. There are also some biological and environmental factors that influence hair growth greatly.
Impact of Genetics
Our DNA is responsible for such aspects as hair growth and hair speed. In other words, genes define hair length, since the duration of the anagen phase varies for different individuals. This phase is considered the growing one and lasts from two years to several more depending on the person’s DNA.
Moreover, our DNA defines the maximum length of hair we may have, as well as its speed of growth. We cannot change our genes, but you can definitely learn tips to grow long hair as a male and how to cope with our natural hair type.
Proper Diet for Strong Hair
Hair mainly consists of a protein known as keratin, which means that our diet influences the condition of our hair to a great extent. Eating healthy food and drinking lots of liquids are the key things to remember when growing longer hair. Firstly, it is important to consume enough amounts of protein, iron, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E. Second, drinking plenty of water helps to detoxify the body, keeping hair shafts flexible and moisturized.
Influence of Daily Hair Care Habits
Daily treatment of hair is extremely important for guys who want their locks to get long as soon as possible. To grow long hair for men, wearing the hair wet can lead to numerous problems as it breaks easily in a humid environment. Washing hair twice or three times a week with good quality sulfate-free shampoo and proper conditioning are also crucial. We recommend towel-drying it and using a wide toothed comb instead of violent brushing.
Heat and Chemicals Can Harm Hair Growth
Using a blow-dryer constantly leads to hair damage because of extreme temperatures. Bleaching and dying also result in hair being damaged; therefore, it can simply break at the ends. Since the ends do not grow anymore, it seems like we have stopped growing our hair, even though roots keep developing.
Optimal Scalp Health for Long Hair
Hair growth begins with the health of the scalp, which is similar to the healthiness of soil for plants. Therefore, the ideal environment for growing hair should be dandruff-, sebum-, and inflammation-free scalp. Moreover, it is also necessary to provide blood circulation in this area, as massage can encourage hair growth.
Timeframes Depending on Hair Type
So, how long does it take to get long hair? If a guy wants to achieve a medium-length haircut, he would need between six and twelve months to do that. If he wants to reach a stage where hair can be tied in a ponytail, it will take him around eighteen to twenty-four months. Moreover, curly hair types grow slowly due to the helix structure making it shrink instead of becoming longer. Straight hair tends to grow faster and appear longer sooner.
FAQs
Shall I Still Go For Haircuts When Growing Long Hair?
Yes, of course! Cutting hair ends once in a while is necessary, as it prevents hair from splitting and breaking. Even though haircuts do not accelerate its growth, they stop it from breaking further up the shaft and make it shorter.
Will Using Special Shampoos Help Me Grow Hair Faster?
Unfortunately, no product can accelerate hair growth, but it is still important to use shampoo that will provide healthy scalp conditions and strengthen hair, which will help to maintain its length.
What Is The Awkward Stage? How Do I Deal With It?
This stage occurs in a few months after the beginning of hair growing process when locks become too long to wear normally, but still too short to tie in a bun. First & Mane can provide tips on how to deal with this issue successfully.
Patience Is Required to Grow Long Hair
It is clear now that growing long hair requires lots of patience, care, and consistency. One should stick to a correct diet and hair care routine and have realistic expectations regarding hair growth speed. It may take some time to grow longer locks, but the end results are totally worth it. As for men’s haircuts in Scottsdale, we can give advice on how to grow longer hair properly. If a man is eager to start the process, he should make an appointment, and we will create a detailed action plan together.
Dru Meskan is the owner and master barber at First & Mane in Scottsdale, Arizona. With 19 years of haircutting experience, including 11 years as a professional barber, Dru is known for precision cuts, modern grooming techniques, and personalized service that keeps clients looking and feeling their best.