Hair Won’t Grow Past a Certain Length?
Feels like your hair has been the same length forever? You’re not imagining it. Here’s where to look first, and what helps.
It can be the ends. Hair grows about 1 cm (under half an inch) a month. When the ends break about as fast, the length stays the same.
First, a Few Tips
- Look at the end of a hair from your brush. Blunt or split means it snapped.
- Using a flat or curling iron? Make sure your hair is fully dry first.
- Trim the split ends, even just a little. In damaged hair, a split can keep running up the strand.
Your Routine, Step by Step
- Wash: at the scalp only. Your ends are your oldest hair, so they get the gentlest care.
- Condition: generous on the ends.
- Split-end care: a tiny amount on your ends, 2 to 3 times a week.
- Oil: last. Two drops, ears down, on dry ends.
Growing it out takes patience, and the right care along the way. Let’s find yours.
Related: Breakage
Sources: DermNet NZ, Hair loss (hair cycle section; updated May 2023) · Cao J, Leroy F. Biopolymers 2005;77(1) · Taylor D et al. Interface Focus 2024;14(3):20230063. Checked 17 Oct 2026 (Taylor 18 Oct 2026).
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