It’s so frustrating when it feels like your hair just won’t grow.

My friend recently got her hair cut and it was a disaster.

She’d been so eager to grow out her bad haircut. About 2 months later, she was asking me why her hair wasn’t growing.

And that’s why I decided to write this post.

You see other people with long, healthy strands, and meanwhile, your hair stays the same length no matter what you do.

If you’ve been wondering why your hair isn’t growing, this post is for you.

Hair growth isn’t just about genetics.

It does play a part, yes. But it’s not everything.

A lot of everyday habits and lifestyle choices can slow it down without you even realizing it.

If you’ve been struggling to grow your hair past a certain point, one of these reasons might be the culprit.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I will make a commission at no extra cost to you.

Let’s dive in!

1. You’re Not Getting Enough Nutrients

Hair growth starts from the inside.

If your body isn’t getting enough vitamins and minerals, your hair won’t have what it needs to grow properly.

Low levels of iron, biotin, zinc, and protein can lead to thinning and slow growth.

It sucks, but it’s the truth.

So, what I suggest is eating more nutrient-rich foods like eggs, nuts, leafy greens, and salmon.

Now, if you’re not able to do this, then consider taking a hair-friendly supplement with biotin and collagen.

This one really helped my friend so it’s tried and tested!

2. You Have Too Much Product Buildup

Heavy styling products, oils, and dry shampoo can build up on your scalp, clogging hair follicles and slowing down growth.

If your scalp isn’t clean, your hair can’t grow properly.

Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove buildup.

If you use a lot of styling products, wash your hair more frequently to keep your scalp fresh and clean.

3. You’re Not Trimming Your Hair

It sounds counterintuitive, but split ends can actually prevent hair growth.

What happens is, the split ends rise up and damage the rest of the healthy hair. This slows down hair growth.

When hair becomes damaged, it starts breaking off at the ends, making it seem like it’s not growing at all.

So, please get a trim every 8-12 weeks to prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft.

If you want to grow your hair long, ask your stylist for a “dusting” instead of a full trim to keep as much length as possible.

I always tell my hairstylist Shane to cut my hair in such a way that it grows!

4. Your Scalp is Unhealthy

A healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair.

If your scalp is dry, irritated, or full of product buildup, it can slow down hair growth. Conditions like dandruff, psoriasis, or too much oil production can all impact how fast your hair grows.

Give your scalp extra love by massaging it regularly to increase circulation. Use a scalp scrub or tea tree oil to remove buildup and soothe irritation.

Moreover, make sure you keep a check on the foods you’re eating and whether you’re staying hydrated.

5. You’re Using Too Much Heat

Heat styling damages the hair shaft, making it weaker and more prone to breakage.

If your hair keeps breaking off, it will never get longer, no matter how fast it grows.

Try to air dry your hair as much as possible and use heat tools only when necessary. When you do use them, always apply a heat protectant spray to minimize damage.

This is the only one that has actually worked for my hair.

6. You’re Washing Your Hair Too Often

Aye, a mistake I used to make so much before!

I lived in a tropical city, so I used to wash my hair every day after work.

But I didn’t know how much damage I was causing!

Frequent washing strips your hair of natural oils, which are essential for keeping it strong and moisturized. Dry, brittle hair snaps easily, which makes it seem like it’s not growing.

Try washing your hair every 2-3 days instead of daily.

If your scalp gets oily fast, use a lightweight dry shampoo in between washes.

7. You’re Not Drinking Enough Water

Hydration plays a huge role in hair health.

This is something I tell everyone. It’s so easy to overlook how much water we’re drinking because we’re so preoccupied with work and chores, but please don’t forget to drink water!

If you’re dehydrated, your hair will be dry, brittle, and more likely to break off before it gets a chance to grow long.

Make sure you’re drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day. Eating water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges can also help keep your hair hydrated from the inside out.

8. You’re Wearing Tight Hairstyles Too Often

Constantly wearing your hair in tight ponytails, buns, or braids puts stress on your hair follicles, leading to breakage and even hair loss over time.

How to fix it: Switch to loose, protective hairstyles that don’t pull on your scalp. Use soft hair ties instead of tight elastics to avoid unnecessary tension.

9. You’re Sleeping on the Wrong Pillowcase

Cotton pillowcases absorb moisture from your hair and create friction while you sleep, leading to dryness and breakage.

How to fix it: Swap your cotton pillowcase for a satin or silk pillowcase to help your hair stay smooth and hydrated overnight.

10. You’re Not Using the Right Hair Products

If you’re using products that contain sulfates, alcohol, or harsh chemicals, they could be stripping your hair of moisture and causing breakage.

How to fix it: Check your hair product labels and avoid anything with sulfates, parabens, or drying alcohols. Look for nourishing ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, and keratin instead.

11. Your Hair Growth Cycle is Stuck

Hair goes through different growth phases—and sometimes, it gets stuck in the resting phase, where it doesn’t grow much at all. This can be triggered by stress, hormonal changes, or age.

How to fix it: Reduce stress with meditation, exercise, or better sleep habits. If you suspect a hormonal imbalance, talk to a doctor about possible solutions like supplements or dietary changes.

Hair growth takes time, but with the right care, you can help your hair reach its full potential. Which of these habits do you need to change? Let me know in the comments!

Frizzy hair is frustrating.

As a curly hair person myself, it’s a common struggle I face.

You spend time styling it, only to step outside and boom—instant puffball.

I get it. I’ve been there. Some days, it feels like your hair has a mind of its own, and no amount of smoothing products seems to help.

The other day my friend told me that my hair had puffed up and I realized that I had not deep-conditioned it for a while

So, here’s the thing—frizz isn’t just random.

It happens for a reason.

And once you figure out why your hair is frizzy, it becomes so much easier to fix. So, let’s break it down. Here are seven reasons your hair is so frizzy and what you can do about it.

1. You’re Washing Your Hair Too Much

I know, I know.

Clean hair feels amazing.

But overwashing strips away your scalp’s natural oils, leaving your hair dry, rough, and desperate for moisture. And what does dry hair do? It grabs moisture from the air, making it frizzy and poofy.

If you have curly hair, your hair is more prone to dryness.

How to fix it: Try washing your hair two to three times a week max, especially if your hair is cruly.

On non-wash days, use a lightweight dry shampoo to absorb excess oil. If you absolutely must wash daily, switch to a sulfate-free, ultra-hydrating shampoo that won’t strip your hair.

2. You’re Using the Wrong Shampoo

Not all shampoos are created equal.

If yours contains sulfates, alcohol, or harsh detergents, it’s doing more harm than good. These ingredients strip moisture, rough up the hair cuticle, and make your hair crave hydration—which leads to frizz.

I am currently using a curl-friendly (frizz-free) shampoo like this.

How to fix it: Look for a moisturizing shampoo that’s sulfate-free and packed with hydrating ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, or coconut oil. If your hair tends to get greasy fast, try co-washing with a cleansing conditioner instead of a harsh shampoo.

3. You’re Towel-Drying Your Hair the Wrong Way

Most people don’t realize how damaging a regular bath towel can be for their hair.

My partner (God knows how much I love him) still towel-dries his hair super roughly.

The rough texture of a towel creates a lot of friction, which lifts the hair cuticle and causes frizz. Rubbing your hair with a towel makes it even worse by roughing up the strands and creating breakage.

How to fix it: Swap your regular towel for a microfiber towel or even an old cotton t-shirt. You can just wrap it up and let it dry slowly. Instead of rubbing, gently squeeze out excess water. Let your hair air dry for a bit before applying any styling products.

4. You’re Using Too Much Heat

Heat tools are amazing for styling, but overdoing it can damage the hair cuticle, making it rough and prone to frizz.

I’ve abused my hair so much by straightening it in the past, coloring it and what not.

All of these process damage hair!

If your hair looks dry and frizzy even after straightening or curling, it’s a sign that you might be using too much heat—or not protecting your hair properly.

Please use a heat protectant. This is the only brand I trust and love!

Always use a heat protectant before blow-drying, curling, or straightening. Lower the temperature on your tools and try to give your hair a break from heat at least a few days a week.

When possible, opt for heat-free styling methods like braiding damp hair for waves or using foam rollers for curls.

5. The Weather is Working Against You

Humidity is the ultimate enemy of smooth hair.

Especially if you’re like me and live in a tropical climate. It’s rough!

When the air is humid, your hair soaks up moisture like a sponge, causing it to swell and frizz up. On the flip side, super dry weather can also make hair frizzy by stripping away moisture.

Use an anti-humidity hair serum or oil to create a barrier against moisture.

This has become my favorite serum! It’s taken the world by storm and for good reason!

If your hair gets frizzy in dry weather, switch to a richer leave-in conditioner to keep it hydrated. A silk or satin scarf can also help protect your hair when stepping outside.

6. You’re Not Using the Right Styling Products

If your hair is frizzy, it’s probably craving moisture. But using the wrong products—or not using anything at all—can make the problem worse. Light mousses, drying gels, and alcohol-based hairsprays can leave your hair feeling dry and brittle, making frizz even harder to control.

Use a lightweight hair oil, serum, or leave-in conditioner to keep frizz at bay.

If your hair is curly or wavy, look for a curl cream with hydrating ingredients to define and smooth your strands.

7. You’re Sleeping on the Wrong Pillowcase

Cotton pillowcases might feel soft, but they absorb moisture from your hair while you sleep.

The friction from tossing and turning can also create tangles and frizz, leaving you with a messy mane in the morning.

Switch to a satin or silk pillowcase like this one!

These materials create less friction, helping your hair stay smooth and hydrated overnight.

If you have curly or frizz-prone hair, try wrapping your hair in a silk scarf before bed or using a loose pineapple bun to prevent frizz.

Frizz doesn’t have to be your reality. Once you understand what’s causing it, you can start making small changes that make a big difference. Try adjusting your hair care routine and see what works best for you. Your hair deserves all the love it can get.