How to Grow Out Your Pixie Cut: 8 Simple Steps

Get your hair to its healthiest state

First things first: focusing on your hair's health. This means loading up on foods that are good for hair growth (think healthy fats like avocado, salmon, nuts, and lots and lots of veggies). Topically speaking, start using a conditioning mask consistently (we love Authentic Beauty Concept's Replenish Mask, $38).

Have patience

Patience is the key since hair grows about 1/2 an inch per month. According to Papanikolas, your texture will determine the ease of the grow-out. "Silky straight hair will have a much easier time growing out, but wavy and curly hair will have to balance out the volume," he says. "Typically, haircut-wise, you would just cut the length at the nape of the neck to give the top layers a chance to catch up to the ends." The initial grow-out phase may be more of a shag cut, but you can gradually transition into a bob or longer layers.

Get regular trims

Believe it or not, trims are a very necessary part of growing out short hair. "Even though you’re trying to grow out the hair, frequent trims will help to control the shape and style as it grows," notes Wood. "I suggest a trim every two to three weeks while you’re growing the hair out." He adds that without frequent trims, hair will begin to take on a very round shape. Another reason to hit the salon? Not only will consistent cuts get rid of split ends (which, as we know, can hinder the growth process), but they'll freshen up your style. What's more: A periodic check-in with your hairstylist will help you find a cut that complements what you're working with.

Give yourself a scalp massage

"Anything that gives the scalp more blood circulation can't hurt," says Papanikolas. Give your scalp an exfoliating massage every time you shampoo. This stimulates the scalp and encourages better hair growth. It all starts with the roots, and having a healthy scalp is crucial to hair growth —this scalp scrub removes product buildup and deeply cleans with micro-exfoliants. We like Rooted Rituals Quick Rinse Scalp Scrub ($11) for its ginger root and mint ingredients, known for strengthening strands and cooling the scalp.

Take supplements

Taking clinically proven supplements, like Nutrafol or Viviscal, can speed up the hair growth process as well as thicken hair as well. Be sure to check with your doctor before beginning any supplements.

Try a deep conditioning treatment

Give your hair a proper deep conditioning treatment at least once a week—the stronger your locks are, the faster (and longer) they'll grow. Clean beauty enthusiast Avery Cheatham-Banks recommends her go-to DIY deep conditioner recipe, a blend of softened raw Shea butter, coconut oil, Jamaican castor oil (or argan oil for finer hair), rosemary oil, and tea tree oil. Read more on how to make it here.

Use coconut oil

Wood recommends applying coconut oil to hair, as it not only helps with hydration and growth, but it encourages natural scalp oil reproduction, too. Those with dry or curly hair will benefit most from this ingredient, while those with thinner, more fine hair that is prone to oiliness may find coconut oil weighs hair down.

"Moisture and hydration are key to hair growth," says Papanikolas, who recommends Matrix’s Instacure Collection, which is infused with liquid proteins, helping to repair strength to reduce breakage.

Have fun with styling

Styling your hair while it's in the grow-out phase requires patience, creativity, and a little TLC. While you wait for longer locks, Wood recommends playing up your look with some fun accessories, donning a middle part, or slicking it back. You'll find products like pastes, pomades, and sprays will come in clutch during this time. We love Oribe's Dry Texturizing Spray ($49), which gives ends textured, piece-y movement for that slightly messy, model-off-duty look.