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In order to reduce the damage, don’t hold your dryer too close to your hair. “Hold it approximately 30 centimetres away,” says Kingsley. “Opt for a medium or low heat setting, and turn your dryer off as soon as your hair is just dry.”
Dyson’s update to the Supersonic hairdryer, the Nural, taps up an invisible infrared beam that measures the distance between the machine and your hair, then changes the heat accordingly, reducing airflow and temperature as it nears your head. You’ll know where you’re at thanks to a light that changes colour (from red to orange, then yellow) as the temperature decreases.
6. Careful brushing
“Your hair is weakest when wet,” says Carson. “This is because water separates some of the bonds. When the hair is dry, the bonds are reformed.” So, it’s important to be gentle when brushing it wet, and to use a gentle hair brush in general. “A brush with rounded, plastic prongs and a vented cushioned base is the most friendly of brushes,” says Kingsley.
Plus, it’s best to avoid brushes with metal prongs. “These have the tendency to get very hot when you heat style and can burn both your scalp and your hair,” advises Kingsley.
7. Use gentle hair ties
As for hair bands, soft fabric is your best bet – like silk scrunchies. “Hard ties and clips in and out of the hair can lead to breakage,” says Clarke. “Anything that ties the hair should have some give so that if there is any pressure, it can flex around the hair shaft.” Hard metal edges can cut into your hair and lead to snapping, so it’s best to avoid them. You should also consider one of the best silk pillowcases.
Now, it’s time to dig a bit deeper into how to actually stimulate hair growth…
“One of the fastest ways to support hair growth is to focus on scalp health,” says top hairdresser Nikki Goddard. “A clean, stimulated scalp creates the ideal environment for stronger, longer strands. Prioritise regular exfoliation, consistent hydration, and avoid harsh, stripping products. Lifestyle plays a huge part too – balanced nutrition, reduced heat styling, and protecting the hair while you sleep all contribute to faster growth.”
Below, she answers some of the internet’s most burning questions about how to stimulate hair growth.
What are the best at-home techniques to stimulate hair growth?
“In-shower scalp massage is incredibly effective. Use the pads of your fingers or a silicone scalp brush and work in gentle circular motions for 1-2 minutes. This boosts blood flow to the follicles, delivering nutrients that support growth. You can also apply a lightweight scalp serum after washing to keep the area hydrated and balanced.”
What’s the best routine to stimulate hair growth?
Nikki’s advice is clear: keep it simple and keep it consistent. Here’s her own expert hair growth routine:
1. Pre-shampoo scalp exfoliant to remove build-up.
2. Gentle, sulphate-free shampoo focusing on cleansing the scalp.
