Have you ever felt like your hair growth hits a plateau or comes to a standstill? It's a common frustration, and to unravel this mystery, we delved into insights from an authoritative source on hair growth. Let's dive into the intricacies of how quickly hair grows and whether there are ways to expedite this natural process.
How Fast Does Our Hair Grow?
The rate at which your hair grows is influenced by various factors, such as your age, genetics, hair type, and overall health. On average, most individuals experience a monthly hair growth of about half an inch.
The hair growth cycle encompasses three distinct phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen. The anagen phase, the growth stage lasting 3 to 5 years, sees hair growing at approximately half an inch per month. Following anagen, the hair transitions to the catagen phase, a brief 10-day period, before entering the telogen phase, a resting period where strands are shed. After 3 inactive months, the cycle begins anew. As part of the natural aging process, hair growth might decelerate. Hormonal changes accompanying aging can slow down growth, with some follicles ceasing to produce hair, resulting in overall thinning or balding.
Hair experiences its fastest growth between ages 15 and 30, gradually decelerating afterward. The precise speed of growth is influenced by factors like genetics, overall health, and potential nutritional deficiencies. Hormonal fluctuations and external factors like stress, medications, and excessive heat damage from styling can also affect growth.
Apart from age, health conditions, poor diet, stress, hormonal imbalances, and specific medications can impede hair growth. Nutritional deficiencies may hinder the hair's ability to stay in the anagen phase long enough to achieve its full length. If you've observed a slowdown in hair growth, consider making lifestyle adjustments like adopting a balanced diet or stress reduction. Lack of improvement may warrant consultation with a doctor for further testing and recommendations.
Can We Help Speed Up Our Hair Growth?
While expecting immediate results in hair growth is unrealistic, it's essential to recognize that the process takes time. Although you can't control the speed of hair growth, you can influence the health of your hair and scalp—crucial elements for promoting stronger and healthier hair.
Expanding on the earlier discussion of the three growth stages, accelerating hair growth involves directing attention to hairs in the anagen phase, where active growth occurs. To foster faster hair growth, maintaining a healthy environment for strands in this phase is key. This approach supports the well-being of your hair from the root and prolongs the duration of the growth stage.
The primary focus in promoting faster hair growth lies in maintaining a healthy scalp during the anagen phase. An easy way to achieve this is by using a mild shampoo. Given the sensitivity of the scalp, it's advisable to steer clear of products containing harsh ingredients like sulfates, which can strip natural oils. Opt for a non-drying shampoo that effectively cleanses both hair and scalp, reducing environmental buildup such as dirt, excess oil, and sweat, thus minimizing inflammation.
Before splurging on trendy hair gummies promoted on social media, it's worth noting that the only scientifically proven over-the-counter treatment is Minoxidil, the active ingredient in Rogaine. This option has demonstrated efficacy for both men and women. Operating as a potassium channel opener, Minoxidil induces hyperpolarization of cell membranes. Theoretically, this widens blood vessels and opens potassium channels, facilitating increased oxygen, blood, and nutrient delivery to the follicles, thereby encouraging hair growth. Save your money and invest in a scientifically supported solution for more effective results.
Additional Tips To Speed Up Hair Growth
I'm a huge enthusiast of scalp massages, not just for the sheer pleasure they bring, but also for their ability to enhance blood circulation and deliver essential nutrients to the hair follicles. This, in turn, fortifies the hair and promotes growth.
It is highly important to save the hair you have at the moment, because in the process for growing our hair we often forget to take care of of our hair that we have right now. Once a hair extends beyond the scalp, it becomes physiologically dead and cannot be nourished. To maintain its integrity, adopt a hair care routine that preserves the protective cuticle layer. Avoid harsh detergents like sulfates in shampoos and steer clear of drying ingredients such as alcohol in gels or sprays.
Lastly, Avoid excessive heat styling as regular use of blow dryers, straighteners, or curling wands can lead to serious damage over time. Also, atleast use a heat protectant before using hot tools to minimize the harm.
Conclusion
Every hair type is different and works differently, some get better right after you start focusing on haircare and some just don't care until there is only a few manes left. So, what I would suggest is to always take care of your hair with natural and effective treatments at home by DIY masking every week and for monthly go visit your doctor to get right treatment to make your hair health better and make them grow faster.
