Hair growth calculator: how long until my hair reaches my goal?
Put in your length now, the length you want and how often you trim. See the month you get there, and how much your trims really cost you.
How fast does hair grow?
Scalp hair grows about 1.25 cm (half an inch) a month on average, or roughly 15 cm (6 inches) a year. Some people grow a little faster or slower, and growth slows slightly with age. The calculator lets you pick slow, average or fast.
What decides how long your hair actually gets is not growth but retention: how much of that new length survives trims and breakage. Curly and coily hair grows at the same speed as straight hair but breaks more easily, because each bend is a weak point.
| Months | At ½ in / month, no trims | With ½ in off every 12 weeks |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 3 in (7.5 cm) | 2 in (5 cm) |
| 12 | 6 in (15 cm) | 4 in (10 cm) |
| 24 | 12 in (30 cm) | 7.75 in (19.5 cm) |
Should you stop trimming to grow your hair?
No, but you can trim less. Split ends travel up the strand and cause breakage, which costs more length than a dusting does. When you are growing, take off a quarter inch every 12 weeks or so, and get a proper cut when the ends start snagging. See how often to trim curly hair.
Read next
- Growing out curly hair: a month-by-month guide to the awkward stage
- How often should you trim curly hair? A schedule for every length
- What’s my curl type? The 2A–4C chart, explained in plain words
Questions people ask
How long does it take to grow hair 6 inches?
About a year at the average growth rate of half an inch a month, if you lose nothing to trims or breakage. With regular trims, expect closer to 18 months.
Does curly hair grow slower?
No. Curly and coily hair grows at about the same speed as straight hair, but shrinkage hides the length and breakage at the bends makes it harder to keep.
How can I make my hair grow faster?
You cannot change your growth rate much, but you can keep more of it: gentle detangling, moisture, satin at night, low heat and small regular trims instead of big chops.
How long does it take to grow hair from short to shoulder length?
From a short crop of 2 inches to shoulder length (about 12 inches stretched), expect about two years with occasional trims.