How to Grow Your Hair Out for Your Wedding

If you’re planning to grow your hair for your wedding, you’re not alone. And regardless of whether you're dreaming of cascading waves or a timeless chignon, there are a lot of folks who want to get longer, healthier hair before their ceremony arrives. "Long hair is frequently associated with romance and beauty, and it offers more flexibility for styling on that special day,” says hairstylist and salon owner Marla Jennings.

If you’re newly engaged and longing for some extra length, it’s useful to first get a sense of what’s actually achievable from your growth. Jennings, professional wedding stylist Nina Carver and holistic health practitioner Dr. Lydia Salvo all concur: Usually most people can expect on average around six inches of growth within a year. Your capacity could depend on what your stress and hormone levels look like and what your daily routine is.

Teaming up with a hairstylist ahead of time—and booking a trial to test how your dream ‘do jibes with your hair’s current length—can go a long way in making sure you’re smiling from ear to ear when the big day rolls around.

Here, they share the best advice for growing the healthiest, longest hair you can before your wedding.

Keep Up with Regular Trims

It may sound counterintuitive, but you need regular cuts in order to encourage healthy growth. Trimming every 8 to 12 weeks keeps split ends at bay, which can travel up the hair shaft and ultimately lead to breakage, Carver explains. “By cutting off damaged ends frequently, you’re way more likely to keep your length over time,” Jennings says.

Be Kind to Your Hair

Overwashing can remove the natural oils of your hair. The experts recommend washing once — maybe, twice — a week, depending on hair type. To keep hair nourished, use a hydrating mask every other week. Jennings recommends cleansing with sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners, blotting hair dry with a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt and detangling gently with a wide-tooth comb to avoid breakage.

Limit Heat Styling

Love using hot tools? Consider also trimming down in the months before the wedding. Carver advises using hot tools only when needed and, of course, with a heat protectant. “Chalk it up as one coat of protectant per styling tool,” she adds. Excess heat will cause your hair to become weak and lead to split ends.

Control your stress to promote healthy hair

It can actually affect your hair’s health and growth. “Stress can impact hormone levels that may cause weak or stunted growth,” Dr. Salvo says. Her advice? Just concentrate on what you can control. “Make time for rest, hydrate, eat wholesome foods, move your body and find moments of peace that are not related to wedding planning,” she says. This will be great for not only your hair — it’ll be great for your mental state, too.

Support Growth from Within

“Eating a balanced diet is very important for healthy hair,” Dr. Salvo says. She suggests focusing on protein, omega-3s and key vitamins. Dietary supplements can be used as a support but, as always, please consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new program. And don’t forget about hydration — “Water consumption is another big component to keep hair healthy,” adds Jennings.

Be patient—and know your options

Hair growth takes time. While you should begin to notice fuller, shinier hair within a few months, complete growth can take at least a year or more. And if you’re on a time crunch and need a quick solution? Not to worry: high-quality extensions are a fabulous go-to, Carver adds. “They blend right in and you can have the dream look without the waiting,” she adds. “Or, if you love the length, you can have your stylist help you find a similar style that’s flattering for your growing-out hair.”

Final Thoughts

If you crave longer, stronger hair for your wedding day, consistency is your friend. Begin your routine as soon as you possibly can and make sure to treat your body and nourish your mind, as well as consult with a trusted stylist who can help you make a plan that makes sense for your time frame. Grow it out or add a little help with extensions, just make sure you love how you look and feel fabulous on your wedding day.