{"id":1771242,"date":"2026-02-13T13:15:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-13T10:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1771242"},"modified":"2026-02-13T13:15:00","modified_gmt":"2026-02-13T10:15:00","slug":"23-ways-to-make-hair-grow-faster-for-the-long-healthy-strands-of-your-dreams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1771242","title":{"rendered":"23 Ways to Make Hair Grow Faster for the Long, Healthy Strands of Your Dreams"},"content":{"rendered":"
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23 Ways to Make Hair Grow Faster for the Long, Healthy Strands of Your Dreams<\/h1>\n
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By<\/span><\/p>\n
Faith Xue<\/p>\n
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\nFaith Xue\n<\/div>\n
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\nFaith Xue has worked in digital beauty for 10 years and is currently Bustle Digital Group’s executive beauty director. She was Byrdie’s editorial director for seven years.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nDel Sandeen is a contributing writer with over 20 years of experience in editorial. She has an expertise in natural hair and Black women’s issues.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Published on February 13, 2026 08:15AM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Reviewed by<\/span><\/p>\n
Sophia Emmanuel<\/p>\n
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Reviewed by<\/span> \nSophia Emmanuel\n<\/div>\n
\nSophia Emmanuel is an IAT-certified trichologist and licensed cosmetologist based in New York.\u00a0She owns and operates the Crown Worthy beauty salon in New York City.\u00a0\u00a0\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nMichelle Regalado is a seasoned editor, fact-checker, and content strategist with expertise in women’s lifestyle news.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nLEARN ABOUT BYRDIE’S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Gabriela & Henrik \/ Death to Stock<\/p>\n
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Key Takeaways<\/p>\n
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Scalp massages can enhance blood flow, strengthen roots, and help hair growth formulas work better.<\/li>\n
Nutrients are important to hair health and growth: Smoking can harmfully impact your strands in this area, while a balanced diet can be helpful.<\/li>\n
Using castor oil as a hot oil treatment may nourish hair with nutrients and promote growth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
We’ve all been there: You cut your hair, love the look for a while, and then the reminiscent thoughts of your old length start to creep in. While there are so many great hairstyles you can create for short, medium, and long hair, we understand wanting to make your hair grow faster when you really want to achieve or regain extra length. While there isn’t a magic pill to grow long hair overnight, there are<\/em> certain things you can do to encourage speedier growth.\n<\/p>\n
Some techniques involve lifestyle changes, such as refraining from smoking, increasing exercise, or switching up your diet. You also might consider taking certain supplements, using haircare and scalp products that promise to boost hair growth speed, or trying physical stimulation (think: scalp massages) to increase blood flow. Because there are so many ways to approach hair growth, we tapped a holistic nutritionist, a hair restoration specialist, and a dermatologist to help navigate all of our questions. From DIY egg yolk treatments to using keratin-based products, keep reading for 23 pro tips on how to make hair grow faster.<\/strong><\/p>\n
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Meet the Experts<\/p>\n
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Alan J. Bauman, MD, is a board-certified hair restoration surgeon and an advisory board member for the World Trichology Society.<\/li>\n
Meryl Pritchard is a holistic nutritionist and the founder of\u00a0Kore Kitchen.<\/li>\n
Young McMahan, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist with U.S. Dermatology Partners Waco.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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01<\/span>of 23<\/span><\/div>\n
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Give Yourself a Scalp Massage <\/span><\/h2>\n
We spend so much time and money piling on hair products that it\u2019s easy to forget where hair growth starts: namely, your scalp. “Just like good-quality soil is essential to growing healthy plants and flowers, a healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair growth,” says hair restoration surgeon Alan J. Bauman, MD. “Research supports the idea that a scalp massage has beneficial effects on stress hormones, blood pressure, and heart rate.”\n<\/p>\n
A scalp massage is also a great way to help hair growth formulas work better. Massaging your scalp can increase blood flow to your scalp, enhance the strength of your roots, and help nutrients get to your follicle faster. You can give yourself a scalp massage with dry hair, but adding a nutrient-rich oil to the mix will only double the benefits. (Just keep it to once a week if you have oily roots).\n<\/p>\n
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Byrdie Tip<\/p>\n
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Rosemary oil has been used for centuries to stimulate hair growth. It dilates blood vessels and, in turn, stimulates your follicle to produce new growth.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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02<\/span>of 23<\/span><\/div>\n
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Try an Egg Yolk Mask <\/span><\/h2>\n
Bauman notes that, on average, hair grows approximately a quarter to half an inch per month, and while we can\u2019t speed up this process, we can<\/em> affect the quality of the hair shafts each follicle can produce (think: thicker, stronger, shinier hair). We can “stimulate a higher percentage of hair follicles in the scalp, which will keep more hair in the growing phase and make your hair thicker, healthier, and fuller,” he says.\n<\/p>\n
Unsurprisingly, this makes how you treat your hair crucial to natural hair growth. If your hair breaks before it gets past your shoulders, an egg yolk mask will be your savior.\u00a0Eggs contain lecithin and protein, which strengthen, nourish, and heal your strands. Plus, their high sulfur content might even help with dandruff.\n<\/p>\n
To make the mask, mix two eggs with two tablespoons of olive oil. Add half a cup of water to dilute the mixture (and make it less sticky). Apply the mask directly to dry, brushed hair, and leave it on for up to\u00a030 minutes. Then, shampoo and condition as usual.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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03<\/span>of 23<\/span><\/div>\n
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Check Your Medications <\/span><\/h2>\n
According to Bauman, many prescription medications are associated with hair loss. “Some of the commonly prescribed categories of drugs that can exacerbate hair loss include antihypertensives (blood pressure); cholesterol or statins; hormone replacements like thyroid, birth control, testosterone; and certain antidepressants,” he says. As a word of caution, you should always discuss these side effects with your doctor before stopping any medications.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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04<\/span>of 23<\/span><\/div>\n
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Do a Hot Castor Oil Treatment <\/span><\/h2>\n
Castor oil may be the unsung hero of the hair world\u2014you might even be tempted to ditch your\u00a0coconut oil for it after reading this. First of all, castor oil has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties to combat scalp infections that prevent your hair from growing. Second, it\u2019s filled with omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E, proteins, and other nutrients that can penetrate your parched strands and seal your hair shaft to retain moisture. Third, it makes for an\u00a0amazing\u00a0<\/em>hot oil treatment\u2014massaging the oil into your roots will help your scalp drink up all of the nutrients and promote hair growth.\n<\/p>\n
To give yourself a hot oil treatment, massage the oil into your scalp, and then apply it all the way to the ends of your strands. Pile your hair on top of your head, cover it with a shower cap,\u00a0and blast it with a blow-dryer for 15 minutes. Feel free to jump in the shower and shampoo and condition as usual: You\u2019ll notice softer strands instantly.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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05<\/span>of 23<\/span><\/div>\n
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Avoid Smoking <\/span><\/h2>\n
Smoking is a personal choice, but we\u2019d be lying if we said the act doesn\u2019t affect your hair in some <\/em>way. “Smoking restricts blood flow to the scalp and follicles, which, in turn, restricts the vital oxygen and nutrients that your hair and scalp need to be healthy,” Bauman notes. Also, the toxins from smoking can seep into the hair follicles and cause disruption.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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06<\/span>of 23<\/span><\/div>\n
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Trade Hair Growth Supplements for Healthy Fats <\/span><\/h2>\n
Sure, you can easily pop a hair growth supplement, but honestly, the word\u2019s still out on whether or not they\u2019re effective to help your hair grow faster. Plus, they can contain unnecessarily large amounts of minerals and vitamins (ahem, biotin), which can actually wreak havoc in other ways (ahem, breakouts). For this reason, eating your way to longer hair is actually a smarter, nutritionist-approved way to make your hair grow faster. Vitamins and minerals occurring\u00a0naturally in foods are easier for your body to utilize, and they\u2019ll naturally deliver a healthier ratio of nutrients\u2014just the way Mother Nature intended.\n<\/p>\n
According to holistic nutritionist, Meryl Pritchard, getting plenty of healthy fats like omega-3s can jump-start hair growth. “Healthy fats are essential to hair health since our bodies can\u2019t produce omega-3 fatty acids on their own. Therefore, it\u2019s important to get these fats through our diet,”\u00a0she says. “They nourish hair follicles to give strands that strong, shiny, lustrous glow.”\n<\/p>\n
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Byrdie Tip<\/p>\n
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Great food sources of omega-3s include salmon, tuna, flaxseed, walnuts, and plant oils such as soybean and canola oil.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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07<\/span>of 23<\/span><\/div>\n
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Limit Heat Styling <\/span><\/h2>\n
You probably know this already, but any hairstylist will tell you the most obvious way to help your hair grow faster is to ditch your hot tools. (Sad, we know). “Blow-dryers and styling irons can certainly damage your hair by making it dry and brittle, which can lead to breakage and shorter hair length,” Bauman advises. “If you\u2019re trying to grow your hair, I recommend air-drying your hair and avoiding any heat tools. If you do use a heat tool, use a heat-protectant spray.”\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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08<\/span>of 23<\/span><\/div>\n
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Be Gentle with Wet Hair <\/span><\/h2>\n
Your hair is at its stretchiest and most vulnerable when it’s wet. This is an especially important time to be careful if you’re trying to avoid damage. If you can, avoid brushing or heat styling until your hair has mostly air-dried. If detangling can’t wait, opt for a wet brush or wide tooth comb.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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09<\/span>of 23<\/span><\/div>\n
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Avoid Over-Shampooing <\/span><\/h2>\n
Rumor has it that over-shampooing can lead to broken, dry, and brittle hair, due to the cleanser stripping the hair of its natural oils. Depending on your hair type, the number of times you should shampoo your hair per week varies. Thicker, coarser hair types can get away without washing their hair for a few days, while thinner hair types may find their hair feels greasy even after one day. In such cases, dry shampoo can work wonders in soaking up excess grease as you await longer strands.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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10<\/span>of 23<\/span><\/div>\n
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DIY a Cinnamon-Based Mask <\/span><\/h2>\n
Turns out cinnamon isn\u2019t only good for sprinkling over your morning oatmeal. Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, it poses hair benefits, too, in the form of stimulating blood circulation and nourishing strands. Mix equal parts cinnamon and coconut oil and apply to your hair, focusing on the roots. Let it do its thing for 45 minutes before rinsing.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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11<\/span>of 23<\/span><\/div>\n
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Trim Your Split Ends Regularly <\/span><\/h2>\n
It might sound counterproductive when you want your hair to grow longer, but regular trims get rid of dry, damaged\u00a0split ends and are necessary for natural, healthy growth. If left untreated, split ends can work their way up the shafts of your hair strands and cause even more breakage, which means the only thing growing will be your frustration.\n<\/p>\n
But if your stylist takes off too much length every time you go in for a visit, your hair won\u2019t get longer, so make sure you clearly communicate your hair goals. Depending on the condition of your hair, your hairstyle, and your daily routine, you could need a trim anywhere from every six weeks to six months. That said, the better you care for your hair on a day-to-day basis, the less often you\u2019ll need trims, and the longer your hair can grow naturally.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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12<\/span>of 23<\/span><\/div>\n
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Brush Gently When Detangling <\/span><\/h2>\n
Nothing will test your patience like properly detangling the knots in your hair, but it\u2019s important in growing your strands faster and definitely shouldn\u2019t be rushed. If you have a tendency to quickly, haphazardly rip a brush through your hair, you might want to reconsider. Not taking proper care when brushing can cause your strands to break off and split\u2014pretty much the opposite of hair growth. When it comes to brushing your hair, do so slowly and gently.\n<\/p>\n
And it turns out the brush you choose makes a difference. While a brush with metal bristles has its purpose, a wide-toothed comb, detangling brush, or paddle brush with rounded bristles are all better options for gently combing through knots and causing minimal breakage. Almost as important as what you use to brush your hair is when<\/em> you choose to do so. Instead of detangling after the shower (when your hair is at its most vulnerable and fragile), comb through your knots before<\/em> you wash your hair.\n<\/p>\n
“In addition to slowing the progression of shedding by starting over-the-counter topical minoxidil extra strength, you can change to gentle hair practices to limit hair shedding,” says Young McMahan, MD, a dermatologist with U.S. Dermatology Partners Waco. “Pulling hair back in tight braids or ponytails can both damage the hair follicle, which is where hair growth originates from, leading to worsening hair loss.”\n<\/p>\n
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Byrdie Tip<\/p>\n
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When going after the knots in your hair, work your way from the ends up, rather than from the roots down, to prevent the tangles from worsening.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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13<\/span>of 23<\/span><\/div>\n
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Be Careful with Extensions <\/span><\/h2>\n
Extensions are great for instant gratification, but they may not be the best choice if you’re trying to grow out your natural hair. Avoid wearing extensions for more than two to three months, and when the time comes, make sure to have a professional remove them to avoid any unnecessary damage. You may also consider taking a break from them entirely for a while if your top goal is to protect your strands.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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14<\/span>of 23<\/span><\/div>\n
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Eliminate Stress <\/span><\/h2>\n
It\u2019s true that stress affects the body in more ways than one, and it can even be the cause of hair loss for some. “Usually, it takes severe, traumatic stress or chronic stress over time to cause hair loss,” Bauman says. “Some autoimmune diseases of the hair and scalp that cause patchy hair loss, like alopecia areata, can be precipitated or aggravated by bouts of stress.” Keep your stress levels to a minimum (easier said than done, we know) by doing an age-old Eastern medicine hand trick or setting aside a few minutes a day to meditate.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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15<\/span>of 23<\/span><\/div>\n
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Sleep on a Silk Pillowcase <\/span><\/h2>\n
A silk or satin hair cover or pillowcase is better for the health of your hair than cotton, which will absorb all the moisture from your strands and lead to tangles and breakage. While this won\u2019t necessarily speed up the hair growth process, sleeping on a silk pillowcase generates less friction and gives hair a softer surface to rest on.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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16<\/span>of 23<\/span><\/div>\n
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Use Keratin-Based Products <\/span><\/h2>\n
It\u2019s true that keratin-based products (like K18) can combat dryness and make hair appear shinier, but they can also strengthen the\u00a0hair\u00a0and prevent future breakage. The protein, which is protective in nature, douses hair in essential oils and nutrients it needs to thrive, making an ideal environment for healthy strands to grow.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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17<\/span>of 23<\/span><\/div>\n
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Eat More Protein <\/span><\/h2>\n
Healthy hair starts at the follicle, so ensuring you’re getting the right nutrients can help your strands grow longer and stronger. If you have any deficiencies, adding protein-rich foods like lean meats, eggs, and legumes can ensure your hair is set up best for growth.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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18<\/span>of 23<\/span><\/div>\n
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See an Expert <\/span><\/h2>\n
McMahan advises those experiencing hair loss or shedding to seek an expert’s help to determine the root cause.\n<\/p>\n
“There are several types of hair loss or alopecia and several contributing factors that cause hair loss in females,” McMahan tells us. “It is important to get an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist who is an expert at diagnosing the type of alopecia a person may be experiencing and get a treatment regimen that is tailored to the cause.”\n<\/p>\n
Ahead of your appointment, McMahan advises preparing a list of all your medications, including over-the-counter medications, and a timeline of when you first began to notice hair loss. Be sure to note any illnesses, surgeries, or major medical events you may have had six months prior to the hair loss.\u00a0This will help your provider narrow down the root cause and tailor a treatment plan to re-grow your hair.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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19<\/span>of 23<\/span><\/div>\n
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Steer Clear of Bleach <\/span><\/h2>\n
Don’t underestimate just how damaging bleach can be. If you’re on a hair growth journey, it’s not the time to try a platinum blonde makeover. All it takes is one bleach session gone awry for your hair to break off.\n<\/p>\n
If you feel like your hair can’t grow past a certain length and you bleach it routinely, the bleach is likely compromising the quality of your hair and it’s breaking off. If growth is your main hair goal, stick to toners and demi glosses to maintain your color\u2014they’ll give shine and richness to your hair without damaging it in the process.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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20<\/span>of 23<\/span><\/div>\n
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Turn to Powerful Ingredients <\/span><\/h2>\n
McMahan says some people (i.e. those who are not pregnant or breastfeeding) can start an over-the-counter topical minoxidil (Rogaine) extra strength, twice a day.\n<\/p>\n
“I warn all my patients that for the first month of topical minoxidil use, there can be a paradoxical worsening of shedding which recovers if you continue using the medication,” McMahan explains. “For all my alopecia patients, I also recommend supplementation with 1500IU of vitamin D, 3500mcg of biotin, and 90mg of zinc gluconate.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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21<\/span>of 23<\/span><\/div>\n
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Practice Yoga <\/span><\/h2>\n
While peace of mind and exercise can reduce stress and make you feel better than before, practicing yoga is also believed to stimulate hair growth. This idea comes from the notion that in inverted positions, a rush of fresh blood goes to the head and pumps new life into the scalp.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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22<\/span>of 23<\/span><\/div>\n
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Try a Scalp Treatment <\/span><\/h2>\n
As we mentioned, a healthy scalp is a necessary foundation for hair growth. Just like there are different skin types, there are different scalp types. If you have an oily scalp, a treatment, like Act+Acre’s Cold Processed Scalp Detox Oil, may help balance it so you can wash less and retain more of your natural oils.\n<\/p>\n
If your scalp is dry and itchy, a nourishing treatment, like Act+Acre’s Daily Hydro Scalp Serum with Hyaluronic Acid for Dry Scalp, should help provide relief and hydration so your scalp can be healthy and happy to promote growth.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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