Social media is flooded with product recommendations and DIY hacks promising faster hair growth, but how much of it is actually backed by science? We separate fact from fiction and reveal how to reach your hair goals.
If you’ve ever found yourself adding rosemary hair oil to your online shopping cart after watching a TikTok transformation, or wondering whether fermented rice water is the secret to waist-length hair, you’re not alone.
Hair-growth content has taken over social media, with countless creators sharing products, treatments and routines that promise longer, thicker hair. Some of these trends are supported by science, while others are more clever marketing than real results.
The good news is that growing healthy hair doesn’t have to be complicated. It starts with understanding how hair grows, taking care of your scalp and staying consistent with habits that support healthy, stronger strands.
Beneath the surface
Hair grows from tiny follicles beneath the scalp in a repeating cycle made up of three phases: active growth (anagen), transition (catagen), resting and shedding (telogen).
Most people’s hair grows about 1- 1.5cm each month, but factors such as genetics, hormones, age, stress and overall health all influence how quickly it grows.
That’s precisely why no serum or overnight treatment can dramatically speed up your natural growth rate. As dermatologist Shari Lipner told the Health Matters podcast: “There’s a lot we can do in terms of maintaining healthy hair, but to clarify, just doing these things may not prevent all types of hair loss. So, some of it is inflammation, autoimmune conditions, infections, genetics and luck.”
Beyond the root
One of the biggest misconceptions is that if your hair isn’t getting visibly longer, then it must have stopped growing. In reality, your hair may be growing perfectly well at the roots, but frequent breakage can prevent you from seeing any real progress.
Heat styling, bleaching, harsh brushing and tight hairstyles can all weaken the hair shaft, causing the ends to snap off before you notice extra length. Hair experts often describe this as ‘poor length retention’ rather than slow hair growth.
Your scalp matters
Think of your scalp as the foundation for healthy hair. Product build-up, dandruff, irritation and inflammation all affect the environment in which hair grows.
Regular cleansing, gentle exfoliation when needed and choosing products suited to your scalp type (oily, dry, sensitive) can help keep hair follicles healthy.
Pair that with a balanced diet rich in iron, protein, zinc and vitamin D, good hydration and quality sleep, and you’re giving your hair the best possible chance to thrive.
It’s completely normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day. However, if you notice sudden excessive shedding, bald patches or persistent scalp irritation, it’s worth seeing a dermatologist or trichologist.
Hair loss is sometimes linked to an iron deficiency, thyroid disorder, hormonal changes, autoimmune condition or chronic stress. It’s important to identify the underlying cause so that you can find a hair-growth routine that works for you.
Viral trends worth trying?
Rosemary Hair Oil
If there’s one trend that has earned its place in the spotlight, it’s this. A clinical study published in Skinmed Journal found that rosemary oil performed similarly to 2% minoxidil (an established hair-loss treatment for people with androgenetic alopecia) after six months of consistent use. It’s not an overnight fix, though – results take time, and the oil should always be diluted before applying it to the scalp.
Rice Water
This has become one of social media’s favourite DIY treatments, with claims that it can dramatically speed up hair growth.
Rice water contains amino acids and starches, which can temporarily strengthen the hair shaft and improve shine, but there’s currently little scientific evidence that proves it stimulates hair growth. According to dermatologists interviewed by Allure magazine, rice water is better used as a conditioning treatment than a growth booster, and using it too frequently may leave some hair types feeling stiff or brittle.
Scalp Massage
Sometimes the simplest habits are the most effective. Daily scalp massages improve circulation around the hair follicles and create a healthier environment for hair to grow. While more research is needed, several small studies suggest regular scalp massages may contribute to thicker-looking hair over time. As a bonus, taking a few minutes to massage your scalp can also help relieve stress, which is known to contribute to excessive hair shedding.
Supplements and DIY Masks
Biotin gummies, collagen powders and DIY hair masks are popular ways to support hair health. Supplements may be helpful if they address a nutritional deficiency that is affecting hair growth, while DIY masks can help nourish and condition the hair, improving softness, shine and manageability.
By helping to reduce breakage and keep hair in better condition, they may also support length retention as hair grows.
Bad Habits To Shake
Small changes made consistently often deliver better results than expensive ‘miracle’ products. If your goal is longer, healthier hair, rethink a few everyday habits:
- Frequent heat styling without heat protection.
- Tight braids, ponytails or extensions that pull on the scalp.
- Repeated bleaching or harsh chemical treatments.
- Rough towel-drying.
- Aggressive brushing or combing.
- Skipping conditioner
Products to support healthy hair growth:
1. Gloot Hair Food Vitamins R349.95
2. L’Oréal Elvive Full Resist Anti Hair-Fall Serum R235
3. Foschini All Woman Cleansing Scalp Scrub R119.95
4. Being Big Volume Thickening Conditioner for Straight or Fine Hair R169
5. L’Oréal Elvive Dream Lengths Restoring Shampoo R119.95
6. Foschini All Woman Scalp Massager & Dry Brush Duo R129
7. Medicube Rosemary Cooling Thickening Shampoo R699
8. Cantu Strengthening Biotin-Infused Hair & Scalp Oil R210
9. Foschini All Woman Beauty Glow Collagen Powder R399
10. Foschini All Woman Hair Skin & Nails Vitamin Support Gummies R189
11. Vitamin Me Hair Growth + Strength Capsules R309
12. The Perfect Hair Scalp & Hair Growth Oil R109.99
Words: Aaliyah Omar
Photos: Gallo/Getty Images, Shutterstock, supplied.
