How To Grow Your Hair Out: 6 Tips From Hairstylists + How To Style Any Awkward Phases

Which is why we want to share everything we've learned about growing out short hair, plus how to style it during those in-between stages. Below, you'll find a bank of hairstylist tips and tricks. 

Of course, if your strands are dry, brittle, and frayed, that could slow the growth quite substantially. That said, a key component of growing out short hair is to help strengthen the hair you have.

These six tips below are necessary for piling on those inches: 

Now, the occasional blow-dry won't blow all your progress (just make sure you always incorporate a thermal protectant), but if you're partial to heat styling each and every day, you might want to cut back and give your hair a break. Branch agrees: "Air-dry is the best dry," she notes.

Think box braids, flat twists, jumbo cornrows, and so much more; just remember to switch out the braids every two to three weeks (this prevents hair breakage, says Branch) and make sure they aren't pulled too tightly—chronic too-tight hairstyles can lead to traction alopecia, a medical condition that causes hair loss.

You've likely heard it once or twice by now: Healthy hair grows faster. Not only does nourished, conditioned hair appear longer and fuller, but nourishing also prevents breakage and split ends (which, it turns out, can hinder hair growth). That's why hydration is key for transitioning your hair, especially if your tresses are brittle and fragile already. Tending to the strands with treatments (like this softening treatment and this strengthening conditioner) can help lock in moisture and improve the integrity of your hair. 

That said, make sure you're cleansing the scalp as needed, with a good shampoo. The specific products may vary, depending on your scalp type (some have drier scalps in need of moisture, others have oily scalps prone to buildup), but everyone needs a gentle wash on the regular.

Specifically, "Supplements that contain biotin are a great additional source of nutrients," says O'Connor.* That's because biotin provides the body with specific amino acids that make up keratin, which is what makes up each strand of hair. Research has even shown that low levels of biotin are linked to hair loss1.* In addition to that famed B vitamin, collagen can also provide the body with those keratin-building amino acids; perhaps that's why studies have found taking both of these supplements can support hair growth2.*

But according to Stenson, you may want to choose a regular trim, as it can keep awkward phases to a minimum. "By regularly trimming up the neckline and keeping it manicured for the first few months, [clients] are able to then grow their hair beyond the one length bob with fewer awkward stages," Stenson says. It sounds a bit counterintuitive—shouldn't growing out your hair require fewer trims?—but consider it a necessary tuneup for healthy, even growth. 

O'Connor is also partial to fun hairpieces for transitioning hair, like embellishments and bold headbands. She's also on board with switching up your part: "Side parts are always chic on short hair, regardless of its straight or curly," she adds.

While growing out short hair takes some time, there are a host of things to do to speed up the growth process, as well as styling tips to look chic at every stage. To spur growth and minimize in-between, awkward phases, keep these suggestions top of mind for your healthiest head of hair yet.