Growing your hair out is a long process that requires patience. On average, according to the CDC, your hair only grows half an inch a week. While hair growth will still take patience, there are simple changes that you can make in your lifestyle to increase your hair growth.

Give Yourself a Scalp Massage When You Wash Your Hair

Massaging your scalp regularly can distribute oils and increase blood circulation, which will promote hair growth. The most convenient time to do this is while you are in the shower and washing your hair, but you can also massage your scalp out of the shower using warm oils.

Switch from a Cotton Pillowcase to a Satin Pillowcase

This is one of the most popular methods of increasing hair growth. Cotton pillowcases tend to tug at your hair and cause friction, which can greatly damage your hair after an extended period of time. Satin pillowcases allow your hair to glide across the fabric without any friction. If you are unable to switch to a satin pillowcase, you can also consider tying your hair up in a silk or satin scarf at night before you go to bed. This will protect your hair the same way as a satin pillowcase will.

Learn and Understand Your Hair Type

Different hair types need different things. Extremely coarse, curly hair will need much more moisture than thin, straight hair. It’s important to learn what your hair type is so that you can properly care for it. There are ten different hair types, ranging from straight to coils.

Trim Damage Regularly

While cutting your hair may seem counterintuitive, it’s important to regularly trim off split ends in order to promote hair growth. Leaving split ends while growing out your hair will cause the new length to be at risk of breakage and damage.

Practice Healthy Hair Habits by Avoiding Damage

While there are many things that you should do to increase the growth of your hair, there are also things that you shouldn’t do. One of the best ways to grow your hair out faster is to avoid any unnecessary damage. First, try to avoid dying your hair, especially if it involves bleaching. This dries out your hair and can lead to excessive shedding and breakage. Try to avoid styling your hair with heat as well. If you find yourself having to blow dry your hair, keep the blow dryer moving so that it is not focused on one strand of hair for an extended period of time. Another way to avoid damage is by switching out your tight elastic hair ties for scrunchies, which are both gentle on your hair and trendy.

Try Using Supplements

Sometimes the only thing your hair needs for healthy growth is the proper vitamins and nutrients. The Elon Matrix 5000 supplements, which were featured in Harper’s Bazaar Magazine, contain Biotin, L-Cysteine, and Silicon Dioxide. These three ingredients promote hair growth while also giving your hair the nutrients it needs to be healthy, strong, and lustrous.