Many people decide to grow their hair out at some point, whether it’s to change up their style, make a statement, or just see what it’s like. When you stop cutting your hair, there are a number of changes and effects that can occur. In this article, we’ll look at what happens when you let your hair grow out, including:
- How fast it grows
- Changes in texture and curl pattern
- Weight and length
- Split ends
- How it parts and lays
- Maintenance and styling
- The “awkward stage”
- When you might want to trim
Read on to learn all about the process and timeline of growing out your locks.
How fast does hair grow?
When you stop cutting it, how fast can you expect your hair to grow? Hair typically grows about 0.5 inches per month on average. However, many factors can affect your individual hair growth rate, including:
- Age – Hair grows faster when you’re younger.
- Health – Your overall wellness impacts hair growth.
- Genetics – Some people inherit faster growing hair.
- Seasons – Hair growth can fluctuate seasonally.
- Hair type – Different textures grow at different rates.
In general, you can expect your hair to grow around 6 inches per year. So if your hair is currently chin length, in one year of not cutting it you may end up with hair nearing your shoulders. In two years you could have hair reaching mid-back, and after 5 years without cuts you might have classic long locks.
Of course, your specific growth will depend on your individual rate. Some people’s hair can grow faster or slower. Things like pregnancy, hormone changes, and supplements like biotin can temporarily speed up your hair growth as well.
Average hair growth rate by hair type
| Hair Type | Growth Rate |
|---|---|
| Asian hair | 6 inches per year |
| Caucasian hair | 5 inches per year |
| African-American hair | 4.9 inches per year |
As shown, those of Asian descent typically have the fastest growing locks, while those of African descent tend to have a bit slower rate. However, individuals vary greatly.
Hair texture and curl pattern changes
When you stop cutting your hair, you may notice changes in texture and curl pattern as it gets longer. Several factors can influence this:
- Weight – The weight of long hair can drag curls down into waves or stretch coils into looser curls.
- Damage – Split ends and other damage can disrupt curl formation.
- Hormones – Fluctuating hormones from puberty, menopause, or pregnancy can alter texture.
- Scalp oils – The distribution of natural scalp oils changes as hair grows.
- Products – Heavy products or buildup alter curl patterns over time.
For many curly girls and guys, their curls seem looser the longer their hair gets. The weight of long hair pulls the curls down. This is totally normal, although it can be surprising if you’re used to having short hair.
Some ways to combat potential looser curls include layers, shorter styles like lobs, using lightweight products, and getting regular trims.
If you have straight hair, you may also see texture changes as it gets longer. The extra weight can sometimes add body or wave. Some straight hair starts to curl at longer lengths due to changes in oil distribution from the scalp down the hair shaft.
Does hair get thicker or thinner as it grows?
Does hair continue getting thicker as it grows out? Or does the thickness plateau at a certain length?
In general, hair does not keep getting thicker and thicker as it gets longer. Hair thickness is due to the number and width of strands you have on your head. As your hair grows out, the new growth will be approximately the same thickness as the existing hair.
However, there are a few exceptions:
- Hair goes through growth cycles – If a lot of hairs that were resting enter the growth phase together, you may temporarily experience thicker hair.
- Postpartum hair – After pregnancy, more hair tends to shed, and is often replaced by thicker new growth.
- Damage – Significantly damaged hair may seem thinner. Trimming splits helps hair appear its full thickness.
- Age – Hair can thin out gradually as we get older.
Aside from those outliers, your base thickness remains constant as your hair length extends. Keeping hair healthy with trims limits damage and breakage so your thickness can shine through.
How long can hair grow?
Human hair can grow incredibly long when left uncut. But just how long can your locks potentially reach?
The longest documented length of human hair belongs to Xie Qiuping from China, whose locks measured over 18 feet long in 2004!
In general, the maximum length hair can grow to is about 15 feet for Caucasian hair, 6 feet for African hair, and 5 feet for Asian hair. However, most people never come close to reaching their terminal length. Terminal length refers to the max length your individual hair can grow to before stopping or shedding.
Factors like hair quality, health, and how prone you are to split ends impact terminal length. When hair reaches around waist length, trimming off splits becomes crucial. Normal shedding also limits most people from achieving extra long lengths.
While 15+ feet is rare, hair growing to tailbone length or longer is certainly possible for many. Patience through the awkward stages and diligent care helps you retain all those inches.
Weight and length
Once your hair passes a certain length, you may start to notice the weight of it. Long hair can feel heavy, especially when wet, in ponytails, or after applying thick products. The density and texture of your hair also impacts how heavy it feels.
For example, thick, heavy hair may start to feel noticeably weighty once it passes the bra strap. Whereas for fine or thin hair, the weight likely won’t be as noticeable until classic lengths.
Wearing styles like ponytails or buns can help distribute the weight if your hair starts feeling heavy. Sleeping on satin pillowcases reduces friction that can tug on long locks. Getting layers cut in can remove some weight and bulk as your hair grows out.
Ultimately you get used to the feeling of long hair. The weight serves as a reminder of your luscious lengths! Just take care not to pull too tightly on delicate strands.
Average hair weights by length
| Hair Length | Average Weight |
|---|---|
| Pixie cut | 2-3 oz |
| Chin length bob | 3-4 oz |
| Collarbone length | 5-6 oz |
| Bra strap length | 7-8 oz |
| Waist length | 8-10 oz |
| Hip/Tailbone length | 10-14 oz |
As shown, once hair extends past the shoulders, the weight ramps up quick. Extra long lengths can weigh over half a pound!
Dealing with split ends
Split ends are one of the biggest headaches when growing your hair out. They happen when the protective outer layer of the hair cracks from damage, causing strands to split and fray. Heat styling, dryness, friction, chemical treatments, and age can all cause splits.
When you stop cutting your hair, split ends are inevitable. To limit damage, be gentle, use heat protectant, deep condition often, sleep on silk, and avoid tight elastics. Trimming off split ends every 8-12 weeks helps prevent them from traveling up the hair shaft.
Going long without proper trims will result in more splits creeping up the length of your hair. This causes excessive tangling, frizz, and breakage. Extreme split ends can even make hair snap off or look thinned out.
While you don’t need major chops, regular light trims are vital for growing out healthy long hair. Ask your stylist to dust just 1/4 to 1/2 inch off the ends to freshen them up. This removes splits while still retaining length.
How hair parts and lays
As your hair grows out, you will likely notice changes in how it parts and lays. This varies by hair type and texture:
Straight hair – Tend to take on a natural side or center part. Longer hair often parts itself from the weight. Strands smooth down at longer lengths.
Wavy hair – Often develops a deep side part or zig-zag parting. Long waves take more time to smooth down with natural oils.
Curly hair – With length, curl pattern may loosen and elongate. Shape is wider versus tight ringlets. Difficult to part neatly.
Coily hair – Does not tend to grow down with gravity. Retains springy shape and lifts away from scalp. Hard to achieve defined parts.
As your hair texture changes with growth, you may need to adapt your parting style and smoothing routine. Work with your hair’s natural tendencies, rather than fight them.
Tips for managing long hair parts
- Allow hair to part where it wants, then enhance the separation with a comb.
- Use clips, headbands, or barrettes to train the part.
- Apply styling products to slick down flyaways and smooth frizz.
- Blow out gently with a paddle brush to encourage a sleek part.
- Add serum, balm, or oils to help heavier hair lay flat.
- Trim layers to reduce bulk and encourage a natural part.
Maintenance and styling needs
The longer your hair gets, the more work it requires in terms of maintenance and styling. Some things to be aware of:
- Detangling takes longer and needs more care.
- Air drying extremely long hair can be difficult.
- Updos help protect ends from damage and dirt.
- More product is needed to control frizz and flyaways.
- Braiding, twisting, and protective styles become useful.
- Regular trims are non-negotiable for health.
If your hair is curly or coily, consider these extra tips:
- Use a wide-tooth comb only when wet and conditioned.
- Let hair air dry to avoid heat damage.
- Scrunch with leave-in conditioner and gel to encourage curl formation.
- Refresh curls on non-wash days with spray bottles.
- Use a bonnet or silk pillowcase to preserve hair at night.
- Finger detangle rather than brushing.
The longer your hair gets, the more you may need to baby it. Handle strands gently, keep up with trims, and avoid too much harsh heat styling. Your patience will pay off in gorgeous, healthy long locks.
The awkward stage
There comes a point in the grow-out process when your hair is no longer short, but not yet long. This in-between ambiguous length is known as the awkward stage! It typically falls anywhere from chin length to above the shoulders.
Common complaints during the awkward stage include:
- Strange mullet-like shapes
- Unflattering proportions
- Hair that won’t stay tucked behind ears
- Short layers sticking out
- Styling challenges
- Feeling unsure about the grow out
This phase can last 2-4 months or more, causing many to get fed up and cut their hair. To make it through:
- Embrace volumizing short styles like shags.
- Add headbands, clips, or baseball caps.
- Try a messy bun or braids to disguise length.
- Use dry shampoo and texturizing sprays.
- Commit to making it to your goal length.
The awkward stage ends once all your hair is long enough for a ponytail. Stick with it and those gorgeous long locks will be yours!
When to get trims during grow out
While regular trims are important when growing out your hair, you don’t want to cut off all your progress! Here are tips on when to get trims:
- Get a trim every 8 to 12 weeks to prevent split ends.
- Remove no more than 1/2 inch per trim after the initial cut.
- Ask for just a “dusting” to freshen up ends.
- Avoid drastic shape changes like short layers.
- If you get layers, start longer and shorten as hair grows.
- Use a clarifying shampoo before the salon to remove buildup.
The key is preventing damage and breakage without sacrificing length. Trust your stylist to assess your ends and determine what minimal trimming is needed.
Between salon visits, search and destroy any split ends you see yourself. Use sharp hair scissors to snip off individual splits, rather than a whole cut.
With strategic trimming, you’ll retain your length while keeping hair healthy, minimizing the awkward stages. Be patient with the process and those long locks will be stunning.
Conclusion
Growing out your hair can be an exciting journey of self-expression andexperimentation. While it requires dedication and care, the payoff ofgorgeous lengthy locks is worth it. Anticipating the changes that occurand embracing the awkward phases is half the battle. With a diligent haircare regimen and strategic trimming, you can achieve a beautiful head oflong, strong hair.