Whether we’re trying to forget a bad cut or just striving for that horse-girl vibe, longer hair is within reach. While genetics can prevent girls with naturally thin and brittle hair from reaching their Rapunzel goals, there is some power in our hands—literally.
1. Scalp massage … often.
You’ve heard it once, and you’ll hear it again. Massage, massage, massage. Scalp massage promotes blood flow to the scalp and follicles, which transports nutrients and oxygen to the skin. Not only will this give you a buzz of energy (say hello to your glymphatic system), but it will also trigger your follicles to wake up and get to werk. Studies show that frequent scalp massages can even have an impact on hair thickness.
Laduora Duo 4-in-1 Pod-Based Scalp & Hair Care Device
Price: $300
Upgrade your massage with this nifty tool, which combines four science-backed therapies—scalp massage, therapeutic warmth, red light therapy, and electrical stimulation—to help rejuvenate the scalp and promote hair growth.
2. Pre-wash scalp oiling.
You’re about to wash your hair anyway, so why not implement a little planning? This can also be worked into your scalp massage routine—the more frequent the massages, the better.
Find a scalp oil with hair growth ingredients like rosemary or castor oil, and apply liberally with a dropper to the scalp in sections, making sure to massage it in carefully and thoroughly. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes, up to overnight, before shampooing it out. You’ll need to rinse and repeat after this, but it’s worth it.
3. Support from the inside out.
Giving your body the nutrients it needs for healthy growth is one of the easiest ways to create long-term change. For example, stinging nettle is rich in zinc, copper, manganese, iron, silica, magnesium, and vitamins A, K, and C—all excellent for reducing inflammation and stimulating collagen production, especially when working together.
Lemme Grow Capsules
Price: $50
This daily supplement is expertly formulated with a clinically-studied keratin complex to help promote hair growth, reduce shedding, and increase hair shine. It also contains hair-nourishing vitamins and minerals, like vitamin C, vitamin B6, copper, and zinc. It was made with acne-prone skin in mind, so it doesn’t contain biotin (which may cause breakouts).
4. Eat two Brazil nuts a day.
Naturally rich in selenium, Brazil nuts are an amazing beauty ally. But eating more than two a day can result in too much selenium, which is linked to hair loss. Stick to two a day, and you’ll meet your selenium goals for protecting your cells from damage and your follicles from becoming brittle.
5. Activate the vagus nerve.
Periods of high stress not only trigger shedding, but they make your follicles a little shy. Cortisol directly affects the hair follicle, slowing down growth. Get tons of restorative rest, and make sure to meditate or do relaxing activities to balance the nervous system.
6. Sip on some horsetail.
An herb that truly lives up to its name, horsetail is a great hair growth tea for your witchy herbal cabinet. It’s high in silica and super rich in antioxidants, which work to promote collagen synthesis and reduce inflammation—two things that get in the way of a vibrant, healthy follicle.
Growing long, healthy hair is all about consistency, patience, and a little ritual. From what you put on your scalp to what you snack on, every small choice adds up. Think of these hacks as part of your bigger well-being routine, and let your hair do its thing.
Up next, be the first to know our weekly content and sign up for our Poosh newsletter.
