For many people, hair growth can be a sensitive topic. While many factors play a role in hair loss, genetics and nutrition are vital. So, how fast does hair grow? Well, how fast hair grows depends significantly on the length of your hair growth cycle.
On average, hair grows between half a cm and half an inch a month, though it isn’t uncommon for hair to grow faster, which can be the case with a healthy lifestyle and hair care routine.
Stages of Hair Growth
The hair growth cycle has four scientifically recognized phases: Anagen, Catagen, Telogen, and Exogen. Some experts disagree about the last phase.
Anagen
Better known as the growth phase, the anagen phase is when the hair grows. During the hair growth process, the hair follicles continue to push out healthy hair until it is cut or completes the cycle. At any moment, about 90 percent of hairs are in this stage.
This phase lasts significantly less time for body hair.
Catagen
The Catagen phase doesn’t last very long, averaging about ten days. During this time, the hair follicles shrink and cause slow hair growth. Nearing the end of the ten days, the root of the hair separates from the hair follicle but remains encased for the final days of development. The Catagen phase is commonly known as the transitional phase.
Telogen
The Telogen phase, also known as the resting phase, is where some experts begin to disagree. The Telogen phase is this in-between stage where the previous strain of hair doesn’t grow or fall out.
In this stage, new hair forms in the hair follicles that just released hair in the catagen phase. The disagreement is whether or not shedding also occurs during this stage.
Exogen
Many scientists believe the hair shedding process is a separate phase: the exogen phase. During this step in the hair cycle, the hair sheds from the scalp, usually caused by brushing or washing the hair. Most people lose about 100 hairs throughout one day.
This hair loss allows new growth to emerge from the follicle and repeat the cycle. This phase can last anywhere from two to five months on average. Most people lose about 100 hairs a day and at any moment.
Factors That Influence Hair Growth
Many different factors affect hair growth rate. Even with a healthy scalp, the average hair growth rate can vary across different hair types. While a healthy lifestyle does play a role, hair growth depends on many factors such as age, genetics, and gender.
Age
How fast does hair grow? Healthy hair grows at a rate that slows over time. There are many potential causes of this. Over time, it is common for hair to become thinner. A study from 2016 found that the hair follicles appear more shrunken over time which causes this thinning.
Genetics
The study also confirmed that the decrease in hair health was related to genetic mutations. This study and many others prove that genetics affects hair thickness, texture, shade, and more.
Hereditary baldness, also known as pattern baldness, is common. Male pattern baldness is called androgenic alopecia. This disease is the most common cause of male hair loss. According to the National Library of Medicine, over 50 percent of men over 50 experience some level of this.
There are many treatment options for these types of hair loss, from medication like Rogaine to hair transplants. If you are struggling with thinning hair, schedule a doctors appointment to discuss your options
Sex
While gender plays a role, both male and female hair can experience loss of hair, thinning, and growth problems. Gender influences how balding occurs. Sex plays more of a role in how the thinning or loss of hair will present itself. As seen above, it’s common for men to experience hair thinning in specific areas.
Nutrition
A healthy diet is essential to encourage hair growth and limit hair loss. A balanced diet can prevent micronutrient deficiencies which often affect hair growth. Iron deficiency is common and can lead to sudden hair loss. This deficiency is just one of the many vitamins that, if lacking, can result in loss of hair or stunted hair growth.
Iron deficiency is also related to telogen effluvium (TE), a disease that causes shedding and significant hair loss. A triggered event or essential deficiency usually brings on this disease. This disease is often short-term, lasting up to 6 months, and results in less than 50 percent of hair loss.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle choices can significantly affect health conditions, including hair growth. Stress and smoking can both cause hair growth problems. Studies have linked smoking to hair loss, while stress is well known to affect hair growth.
Can You Make Hair Grow More Quickly?
There are many things to try when experiencing complications with hair growth. Many people claim great success with at-home remedies. These remedies may also help with dry and damaged hair.
Ways to Promote Hair Growth
Many products claim to make your hair grow in a month or less. The truth is, you will have to be the judge of that. Aside from medications, there is little information on over-the-counter products.
Scalp Treatment
Many products on the market claim to help grow your hair in record time. It is essential to be critical of ingredients. Also, research to see what may help your specific type of hair growth.
Some highly regarded options are coconut oil, castor oil, or rice water. Each choice has its cons, so do due diligence before jumping in head first.
Medications
There are minimal over-the-counter medicated options available. Rogaine is a commonly used option available in two forms: shampoo and liquid. Rogaine should be applied daily for female hair and twice daily for men.
Many other options are available by prescription only. If you feel you have severe or bothersome hair loss or thinning, schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Massage
Science says that scalp massage may be an effective practice to increase hair growth. There are many different ways to massage the scalp. Using fingers, brushes, or massage tools all effectively improves hair growth.
There have been many scalp-massaging devices recently on the market. These devices can be very beneficial in exfoliating dead skin and preventing clogged pores. In addition, massaging the scalp with any of these methods can increase blood flow to promote new hair growth.
Hygiene
Having a healthy scalp routine is essential to improving the rate of hair growth and aiding in long-term scalp health. A clarifying shampoo can be very beneficial to help remove any dry shampoo or other hair products on the scalp’s surface. These products can clog the hair follicles and slow the rate of hair growth.
Vitamins and Nutrients That Promote Hair Growth
While several factors play a role, vitamins are crucial in maintaining overall health. Adequate vitamin intake helps develop actively growing hair and promotes healthy new hairs to form during the telogen phase.
Multi-vitamins are always a great option to support overall health. Several great hair, skin, and nail vitamins are on the market to help promote hair growth.
Foods That Promote Healthy Hair
How fast does hair grow? The answer varies greatly and can significantly affect your diet, as do most health-related concerns. Eating a well-rounded diet is essential for all aspects of health. When it comes to hair growth, that is no different. What you eat can influence development significantly.
Fish
Fish, such as salmon, are a source of omega-3 fatty acids. Several studies have linked these fatty acids to hair growth. Other science supports that omega-3 deficiencies can lead to hair loss, so include some fish in your regular diet.
Nuts
Nuts such as almonds and walnuts are considered a superfood. A handful of nuts can be a great source of many vitamins. Regarding hair growth, nuts are a great source of vitamins B, E, and Zinc. Any of these deficiencies may lead to hair loss.
Eggs
Biotin and protein are two vitamin essentials for healthy hair growth. Eggs are a great source of both. Whether for breakfast, boiled, in a salad, or vegetable rice, eggs are an easy addition to most meals.
Berries
Aside from having incredible anti-aging and antioxidant benefits, berries can promote healthy hair growth. This superfood is loaded with countless health benefits. Berries are highly recommended in any healthy diet.
When to See a Doctor About Your Hair Growth
Hair loss and slow growth can cause stress. Take a look at your diet and the products you are using. Many people may find that lifestyle changes can significantly improve hair development.
If your hair grows very slowly or you are experiencing hair loss, you may wish to see a doctor. Many people seek medical attention as getting answers can be very relieving. Schedule an appointment to discuss potential solutions to your hair growth or loss.
Key Takeaways
How much does hair grow in a month? It varies, but it is typical for anywhere between half a cm to half an inch. For some, hair grows at a much slower or faster rate.
Your lifestyle, diet, and product choices can significantly affect the growth rate and may even cause hair loss. If you want to experience healthy hair growth, eat a balanced diet, get your vitamins, and be careful not to use too many hair products. All of these can significantly affect how your hair grows.
Hereditary hair loss is a prevalent cause of hair loss and is easily diagnosed. If your hair loss is due to genetics, speak with your doctor to discuss potential treatment options.
