Products and tips to make your hair grow faster, according to a professional stylist
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SHARK BEAUTY
WORDS BY SASHA WORTHINGTON
There’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution to make your hair grow faster.
Is Googling ‘how to grow your hair faster’ a universal experience? Probably yes, if you calculate how many of us have previously hacked spontaneous bobs or micro-fringes with kitchen scissors, DIY-bleached our hair in boredom or straightened it to smithereens in those tumultuous teenage years.
As the former owner of lopsided bangs and blonde-gone-wrong, I know the “It’s just hair!” comments provide no relief. If you’re in the midst of a small hair crisis (or are simply looking for a way to grow longer, stronger strands), the best help isn’t going to come from the group chat or a newfound interest in headwear.
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When it comes to making a real difference in your hair growth, professional expertise is everything. “Living in Australia for the past 10 years has given me a deeper understanding of the common causes of hair loss and the factors that influence healthy growth,” explains Brazil-born, Perth-based hairdresser and Shark Beauty ambassador, Iza Clarke.
Operating out of her Leederville salon, Iza specialises in curls, dimensional colour and heat-conscious styling. Whether you’re willing a bob into a lob or looking to maintain strong, healthy hair, read on for her top hair growth tips.
What’s stopping your hair growth?
According to Iza, there are a few specific factors that can inhibit your hair growth, nutrition being the first. “Many people follow diets that are low in essential nutrients, especially iron and vitamin D,” she explains. “These deficiencies can have a significant impact on hair growth and contribute to increased hair loss.”
Others are harsh water quality (which can often be remedied with a shower filter) and using the wrong products and tools, “not just in terms of brand, but in terms of what your hair actually needs.” Excessive heat or incorrect styling products can also hinder growth and weaken hair over time. “Understanding your hair type and giving it targeted care is crucial for strength and development,” Iza explains.
Change up your routine
Good news: you don’t have to give up your at-home blowouts in favour of longer hair. “Styling shouldn’t come at the cost of your hair’s health,” Iza says. “Traditional hot tools can expose hair to excessive temperatures but tools like the Shark FlexStyle, for example, offer powerful, versatile styling without the risk of heat damage.” Instead of relying on excessive temperatures from traditional hair tools, Shark uses airflow technology to minimise heat exposure. “Whether you’re after volume, smoothing or definition, it gives you the look you want while helping protect the integrity of your hair.”
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As for product, Iza maintains that “a healthy scalp is key to growing longer, stronger hair.” In conjunction with smart styling tools, she recommends Salvatore Cosmetics’ scalp treatment to clients struggling with hair growth. “Originally developed in Brazil during the pandemic, when many were experiencing stress-related hair loss, the formula was designed to support scalp health in multiple ways,” she says.
“It contains tannins, which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to protect the scalp from free radical damage and reduce irritation. The formula also includes natural antimicrobial ingredients that work to keep the scalp clean and balanced – an important factor for creating the right conditions for hair growth.”
Find your hair type
Iza reminds me there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution for hair growth. Instead, the best results come from targeted treatments, tailored to your hair’s unique needs. “For extremely dry hair, it’s essential to focus on a clean, healthy scalp and nourishing treatments that restore moisture to the mid-lengths and ends,” Iza says.
“For very oily hair, the focus shifts. Use products that help regulate sebum production without over-drying the scalp, keep the scalp clean and… avoid applying rich conditioners or oils near the roots. Save them for the ends!”
Keep your scalp happy
As we now know, scalp health is an essential factor in achieving your dream hair. “Clean hair follicles are free from blockages, allowing them to function properly. This also supports healthy blood circulation and helps prevent dandruff and other scalp infections,” Iza says.
No, this doesn’t mean you need to wash your hair daily. In fact, Iza explains that overwashing can throw off your scalp’s natural balance, leading to excess oil production. Instead, eat a nutrient-rich diet, incorporate regular scalp massages into your routine (they boost circulation and encourage growth), and turn to quality, temperature-regulating tools for heat styling.
“Excessive heat can undo all the hard work you put into hair care, so using tools like Shark Beauty’s heat-conscious technology can help you maintain strong, healthy strands while still enjoying your favourite styles,” Iza says.
To shop Shark’s range of smart hairstyling tools, head here.
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