Why Your Hair Won’t Grow (And What You Can Do About It)

One of the things I hear from clients sitting in my chair at my West Columbia hair salon is this: "My hair just won’t grow!" They feel like their hair hits a certain length and then stops—or worse, starts breaking off before it ever gets any longer.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. I’ve had this conversation with countless clients from West Columbia and over in Lexington, and the good news is, there are real, fixable reasons why your hair might not be growing the way you want.

Today, I’m going to break down why your hair might seem “stuck” and share my best hair stylist advice on how to get it growing again.

First: Hair Grows (Even If It Feels Like It Doesn't)

Here’s the truth—your hair is always growing. On average, hair grows about half an inch per month, or around 6 inches per year. But sometimes it doesn’t feel that way, and that’s usually because of one thing:

Breakage.

If your hair is dry, damaged, or over-processed, it may be breaking off at the same rate it’s growing, which makes it feel like you’re stuck at the same length forever.

Common Reasons Your Hair Isn’t Growing

Let’s break down the most common reasons I see in the salon:

1. Split Ends and Breakage

Split ends and breakage are hair’s worst enemies. When the ends of your hair are damaged, they start to split and break off, making it impossible to retain length—even though your hair is growing at the root.

What to do:

• Schedule regular trims every 8–12 weeks.

• Keep your ends hydrated with a good conditioner or hair oil.

• Avoid brushing wet hair aggressively.

  
  

2. Heat and Chemical Damage

Too much heat styling (flat irons, curling wands, blow dryers) and chemical treatments (bleach, color, perms) can weaken your hair and cause it to break.

What to do:

• Limit heat styling and always use a heat protectant.

• Space out chemical services and opt for lower-maintenance color.

• Invest in regular hair repair treatments here at my salon.

  
  

3. Dry, Dehydrated Hair

When your hair lacks moisture, it becomes brittle and prone to snapping. This is especially common during the summer months when humidity and sun exposure dry out your strands.

What to do:

• Use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner.

• Deep condition once a week.

• Use leave-in treatments and oils to lock in moisture.

  
  

4. Scalp Health Issues

Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. If your scalp is dry, irritated, or clogged with buildup, it can affect your hair growth.

What to do:

• Exfoliate your scalp once a week with a gentle scrub.

• Use a clarifying shampoo once a month to remove product buildup.

• Keep your scalp hydrated with a lightweight scalp oil.

  
  

5. Nutritional Deficiencies and Stress

Sometimes, what’s happening inside your body can show up in your hair. Poor nutrition, stress, hormonal changes, and certain medications can all affect hair growth.

What to do:

• Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and vitamins.

• Stay hydrated.

• Talk to your doctor if you suspect a nutritional deficiency.

• Manage stress with sleep, movement, and self-care.

  
  

6. Tight Hairstyles

Constant ponytails, buns, or braids can cause tension on your scalp and lead to breakage and hair loss over time (this is called traction alopecia).

What to do:

• Give your hair a break from tight styles.

• Wear loose, protective styles when possible.

• Be gentle when brushing and styling.

  
  

How I Can Help

When my guests come in frustrated about slow hair growth, we start by figuring out the root cause (no pun intended). Sometimes it’s an easy fix, like trimming off damaged ends and switching to a better conditioner. Other times, we work together over several months to restore the hair’s health.

In my salon, I offer:

✅ Customized hair repair treatments

✅ Healthy trim schedules

✅ Product recommendations tailored to your hair

✅ Scalp care tips

✅ Honest advice about what’s realistic and what will take time

I want every guest who visits me—from right here in West Columbia or coming over from the Lexington salon scene—to leave knowing they’re on the right track toward healthier, longer hair.

Final Thoughts

Growing your hair out takes time, patience, and care. If you’ve felt stuck, it’s not your imagination—but it’s also not hopeless. By addressing the causes of breakage, improving your hair health, and making a few simple changes to your routine, you can absolutely start seeing progress.

If you’re ready to get serious about your hair growth journey, I’d love to help. Book an appointment and let’s make a plan to get your hair strong, healthy, and growing again.