Many people wonder why their hair does not seem to be growing or why it grows slowly. Hair typically grows around 1/2 inch per month on average. However, there are many factors that can affect hair growth and make it seem like your hair is not growing as fast as it should be. In this article, we will explore some of the most common reasons why you may feel your hair is not growing and provide tips on how to maximize hair growth.
Normal Hair Growth Cycles
Hair growth occurs in cycles, so it may seem like your hair is not growing when it is simply in a resting phase. The three phases of the hair growth cycle are:
Anagen (Growing) Phase – This phase can last between 2-6 years. During this time, hair grows about 1/2 inch per month on average. Up to 90% of your hair is in the anagen phase at any given time.
Catagen (Transitional) Phase – This phase lasts around 2-3 weeks. The hair follicle shrinks and detaches from the blood supply. No hair growth occurs during this phase.
Telogen (Resting) Phase – This phase lasts 2-3 months. Around 5-10% of hair is in this phase, in which the hair does not grow and will eventually shed. After shedding, a new hair follicle enters the anagen phase.
The length of each phase varies by individual. When a higher percentage of your hair follicles are in the resting or transitional phases, it may seem like your hair has stopped growing even though growth is occurring normally.
Hair Length and Trims
Trimming your hair does not affect the hair growth rate, but it can give the illusion that your hair is not getting longer. Each hair grows about 1/2 inch per month on average. If you get your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks, it may seem like your hair is not growing longer between cuts.
Even though trims get rid of split or damaged ends, your overall length will stay about the same if you trim as often as your hair grows. Minimizing trims or extending time between cuts will allow you to retain more length.
Heredity
Genetics play a major role in individual hair growth rates. Some people inherit hair that grows faster, while others grow hair more slowly. Hair growth rates can vary significantly from one person to another.
Ethnic background can also impact growth rates. Those of Asian descent typically have the slowest growing hair, averaging less than 1/2 inch per month. Those of African descent generally have the fastest growth around 1 inch per month. Caucasian hair growth is somewhere in the middle, around 1/2 inch monthly.
If you feel your hair growth is slower than normal, it may simply be your genetic hair traits rather than an underlying problem.
Hormones
Hormonal changes and imbalances can temporarily affect the hair growth cycle and cause shedding. Some examples include:
– Pregnancy – Hormone fluctuations during pregnancy and after childbirth often cause excessive shedding. Hair volume should return to normal within 6 months.
– Menopause – Decreasing estrogen levels lead to thinning hair in some women.
– Thyroid Problems – Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism impact hair growth and cause thinning or hair loss.
– Birth Control – The hormones in birth control pills can cause temporary hair shedding for some women.
During times of hormone changes, hair may seem to grow more slowly as more follicles enter the resting phase. Hair growth usually rebounds normally once hormones rebalance.
Poor Nutrition
For optimum hair health and faster growth, the body needs adequate nutrition. Lack of key vitamins and minerals over time can negatively affect hair growth. Some nutrients that impact hair include:
– Protein – Needed to make new hair keratin. Lack of sufficient protein reduces hair growth.
– Iron – Iron carries oxygen to hair follicles which aids growth. Low iron causes anemia which disrupts growth.
– Zinc – This mineral is involved in DNA and protein synthesis for new hair. Deficiency can lead to hair loss.
– Biotin – Biotin forms keratin which is needed for fast hair growth. Inadequate biotin levels causes brittle, thinning hair.
– Vitamin D – Aids creation of new hair follicles. Low levels are linked to alopecia areata (patchy hair loss).
Eating a balanced, nutritious diet supports faster hair growth. Taking supplements can also help correct dietary shortfalls that impair growth.
Scalp Conditions
Certain scalp conditions make hair weak and prone to excessive shedding or breakage. Although hair is still growing at the follicle, the length is not retained if hairs shed or break off as fast as new growth occurs. Some scalp conditions include:
– Dandruff – Excessive flaking on the scalp can clog follicles and impair growth.
– Psoriasis – Red, inflamed patches on the scalp disrupt the growth cycle.
– Seborrheic dermatitis – Causes red, oily, itchy skin on the scalp and shedding.
– Lichen planus – An inflammatory condition that results in patchy bald spots on the scalp.
Properly treating any infections or skin problems on the scalp can get growth back on track once the underlying cause is cured.
Stress
High stress levels for extended periods of time can interfere with the hair growth cycle and lead to excessive shedding. Stress triggers the body to produce more of the hormone cortisol which has been linked to premature hair follicle shifting from the growing to resting phase.
Finding healthy ways to manage stress such as exercise, meditation, therapy and sufficient sleep will support the hair growth process. If not addressed, chronic stress can result in noticeable thinning over time.
Age
Aging naturally causes hair growth to slow down. Although hair still follows the normal cycle, the anagen (growing) phase shortens while the telogen (resting) phase lengthens. The result is hair that does not achieve as much length before shedding.
By age 50, about 50% of women experience some hair thinning or loss. Men can start losing hair as early as their 20s and 30s. The hormone DHT is linked to the miniaturization and shortened lifespan of hair follicles in aging.
While you cannot stop the aging process, taking steps to maintain a healthy scalp and stimulate blood flow may maximize growth potential.
Damage From Styling
Excessive heat styling and processing hair can damage the cuticle (outer protective layer). This causes hair to break off faster than it can grow. Damaged porous cuticles also make hair prone to tangling and matting near the ends.
Chemical treatments like relaxers, dyes, and bleaches weaken hair structure over time and lead to breakage. Pulling hair too tightly in hairstyles like ponytails and cornrows strains the hair at the scalp which can also cause breakage.
Reducing manipulation, minimizing chemical treatments, and using heat protectant spray while styling will allow hair to grow to greater lengths without split ends and breakage.
Medical Conditions
In some cases, an underlying medical condition may be impairing hair growth. Some examples include:
– Alopecia areata – An autoimmune disease that causes patchy bald spots on the scalp and complete hair loss in severe cases.
– Lupus – An autoimmune condition that can cause hair loss especially during flare-ups.
– Anemia – Low iron stores affect hair follicle health and disrupt the growth cycle.
– Thyroid disease – Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism lead to hair thinning and loss.
– Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) – Hormonal imbalance and high testosterone associated with PCOS can trigger hair thinning.
If you are concerned your hair loss may be connected to an underlying health issue, see your doctor for evaluation and treatment. Correcting the medical problem can often reverse hair loss.
Medications
Certain prescription drugs are known to cause temporary hair shedding as a side effect. Some examples include:
– Acne medications like isotretinoin (Accutane).
– Anticoagulants like heparin or warfarin.
– Anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medications.
– Blood pressure and heart medications like beta blockers.
– Cholesterol lowering drugs.
– Mood stabilizers and anti-seizure drugs.
– Chemotherapy and immunosuppressant drugs.
– Hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
– High-dose steroids like prednisone.
Hair typically returns to normal fullness after finishing the medication. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about drug-induced hair loss. Sometimes dose adjustments or alternative therapies are possible.
Hairstyles That Pull on Hair
Traction alopecia is hair loss caused by chronic pulling or tension on hair. Hairstyles like tight braids, cornrows, pigtails, and ponytails strain hair at the roots over time. The constant pulling can damage follicles and lead to bald patches. If caught early, hair regrowth is possible after switching to looser styles.
Wearing hair extensions for long periods can also strain hair at the roots and impair circulation to the scalp. Clip-in extensions are less likely to cause this tension than bonds, weaves, or sewn-in extensions. Avoid keeping extensions in for longer than recommended.
Choose loose hairstyles that do not require pulling hair too tightly. If opting for tight styles, take regular breaks in between to allow hair to relax. Reducing tension helps retain length as hair grows out.
Tips to Maximize Growth
While you cannot change genetics or natural aging, some tips to maximize hair growth potential include:
– Take biotin, iron, zinc, and vitamin D – Supplement if diet is inadequate.
– Eat more proteins – Meat, eggs, nuts and beans provide building blocks for hair keratin.
– Stimulate blood circulation – Scalp massage increases blood flow to hair follicles.
– Avoid too much heat styling – Let hair air dry when possible and use heat protectant.
– Handle gently – Avoid tight styles that pull on the roots. Use soft brush.
– Reduce chemical treatments – Spacing out dye jobs preserves integrity.
– Use conditioner and masks – Reduces breakage so hair retains more length.
– Detangle properly – Work knots out slowly with lots of conditioner.
– Trim less often – Only trim when absolutely needed to retain length.
– De-stress and rest – High stress and lack of sleep disrupt the growth cycle.
While hair has its own natural predetermined growth rate, maximizing health of the scalp and hair structure helps you get the most out of your hair’s growth potential. Be patient, as measurable length retention takes time. If in doubt, consult a dermatologist.
Conclusion
Many factors can influence hair growth or make it seem slower than it is. The typical growth rate is around 1/2 inch per month on average. Growth happens in cycles, so shedding is normal. Genetics, aging, hormones, diet, underlying medical conditions, and hair care practices all impact growth. While you cannot change intrinsic factors like age and genes, reducing damage through gentle handling and good nutrition maximizes growth ability. Be patient, as seeing increased length takes time. If you have unexplained thinning or loss, see a doctor to rule out a medical issue.