Hair that is thinning, lengths that peak at shoulder level, volume that collapses after each brushing: in 2026, many women dream of having more generous hair. A hair gains on average between 0.7 and 2 cm per month, no more. However, some manage to have longer and thicker hair.
Dermatologists point out that everything depends on the roots, where the famous anagen phase, the period of hair growth, is decided. When the scalp is inflamed, cluttered with dandruff or weakened by stress and hormonal variations, the fiber becomes fragile and the density decreases. Four well-targeted actions can change the situation.
Why your hair seems blocked despite all the care
If lengths stagnate, it is not always a question of “cursed” genetics. Hair goes through a cycle, with a growth phase, a resting phase then a loss. When the anagen phase shortens, the hair becomes shorter and finer, sometimes thinning. Stress, age, hormonal imbalances but also too aggressive shampoos or too tight hairstyles maintain this vicious circle.
Faced with these blockages, American dermatologist Dr Dray recommends in a YouTube video a very targeted approach to prolong the growth phase and strengthen the fiber. Its credo: treat the scalp like skin in its own right, with active ingredients known to stimulate hair follicles, soothe inflammation and restore sufficient blood circulation to nourish each root.
The 4 expert tips that directly target the root
First pillar, Minoxidil, a topical treatment applied to the scalp once or twice a day, helps stimulate hair follicles and prolong the growth phase. Next is anti-dandruff shampoo containing ketoconazole, useful for calming inflammation, reducing dandruff, and providing a healthier ground for hair to grow stronger.
Third gesture, massaging the scalp every day, with fingers or a silicone brush, for a few minutes, promotes microcirculation and the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the roots. Finally, red light therapy – via helmets or LED brushes at home – seeks to optimize circulation and prolong the anagen phase, with effects visible only after several weeks of regularity.
Building a 2026 Routine for Longer, Thicker Hair
To transform these tips into concrete results, everything depends on regularity. Using Minoxidil as directed, alternating ketoconazole shampoo with a gentle formula two to three times a week, then giving yourself a quick massage each time you wash or in the evening before a series creates a real routine. Sleeping with your hair up and on a soft pillowcase limits breakage during the eight hours of sleep.
Red light is integrated into this routine thanks to home devices designed for regular and progressive use, with results appearing over the weeks. At the same time, a few reflexes remain valuable: cut the ends every three months, apply a heat-protective treatment before heating appliances, avoid hairstyles that are too tight. In the event of a sudden fall or intense itching, medical advice is essential.