Ever felt like your hair has a mind of its own? Growing, breaking, falling whenever it feels like it? Join the club! There's a lot happening beneath your scalp that determines when your hair grows, halts, or even falls out. Understanding how the hair’s natural growth cycle works can help you unlock the secret to longer, thicker hair. So, before we dive into hair growth tips, let’s take a look at the science behind how hair really grows.
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The Hair Growth Cycle
There are four stages in the natural cycle of hair growth. It’s important to note that each hair and its corresponding follicle operates independently, meaning they progress through these stages at different times. Not every hair follicle experiences the same growth phase at the same time. Now that we’re clear on that, let’s get to the root (excuse the pun) of it!
1. Anagen Phase
The anagen phase, often referred to as the "growth phase," marks the beginning of hair's growth journey. During this stage, hair cells rapidly divide, pushing the hair through the follicle and allowing it to grow longer. This growth continues until the hair is cut or the follicle transitions to the next cycle stage. The anagen phase is the longest part of the hair cycle, lasting anywhere from 2 to 7 years, depending on genetics and individual health. The longer your hair stays in this phase, the longer it can grow.
At any moment, about 90 percent of your hairs are in the anagen phase.
2. Catagen Phase
The anagen phase gives way to a transitional phase called the catagen phase. Here, the follicle shrinks and loses its blood supply, which slows down hair growth. The hair detaches from the base of the follicle, but remains firmly in place. This phase is a short one, lasting approximately 10 days.
Normally, only 3 to 5 percent of the hairs on your hair are in the catagen phase.
3. Telogen Phase
Following the catagen phase, hair shifts into the telogen phase, or resting phase, during which hair stops growing but doesn’t fall out yet. It can continue for up to 3 months, with roughly 10 to 15 percent of hair in this stage.
4. Exogen Phase
Often considered an extension of the telogen phase, the exogen phase is where the follicle releases the hair, allowing fresh growth to take over. Simply put, this is when hair loss occurs, and the growth cycle begins anew. It’s normal to lose anywhere from 50 to 100 hair per day.
The exogen phase lasts approximately 2 to 5 months.
Factors That Influence Hair Growth
Now that you’ve got the hair growth cycle down, let’s see what factors can influence it.
1. Genes
Your genes are the blueprint of your hair’s life, determining everything from its growth and loss patterns to its texture and thickness. Some people's genetics make them more sensitive to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone that shrinks hair follicles, increasing their chances of experiencing a receding hairline, baldness, and hair loss.
2. Hormones
Hormones play a crucial role in regulating various aspects of your body, including the health and vitality of your scalp and hair.
- Thyroid: Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can trigger hair thinning or loss.
- Cortisol: Higher amounts of cortisol (the stress hormone) can interfere with the hair’s natural growth cycle, causing hair to fall out.
- Dihydrotestosterone (DHT): This hormone, derived from testosterone, binds to hair follicle receptors and causes them to diminish in size.
- Estrogen: This hormone keeps hair in the anagen phase (the growth phase) for a longer time, which encourages hair growth. A drop in estrogen levels can cause follicles to shrink, contributing to hair thinning and loss.
3. Nutritional Factors
What you eat doesn't just feed your body—it feeds your hair. Composed of keratin (a type of protein), your hair depends on a diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. While some vitamins can lengthen the hair’s growth phase and delay the shedding phase, others might end up disturbing the growth cycle. Remember, healthy hair is a reflection of a healthy body.
4. Scalp Health
Your scalp is the birthplace of your hair story, crucial for keeping roots strong and follicles nourished. Keeping your scalp clean and healthy is your ticket to having thick, nourished hair that stays right where it should be–on your head. An irritated scalp spells trouble for your hair, resulting in problems such as itching, flaking, thinning, and hair loss. A quick scalp massage can work wonders, giving your follicles the wake-up call they need for better growth. For best results, opt for our Curry Leaves & Vegan Biotin Hair Growth Serum. With a powerful mix of curry leaf extract, vegan biotin, and naturally-derived Anagain, it nourishes roots, encouraging new hair growth and visibly reducing thinning in just 28 days!*
5. Sulfate-Free Products
Sulfates may be powerful cleansers, but they can also wash your hair right off your head. Sulfates can be a bit aggressive, stripping your scalp of its natural oils and leading to dryness, frizz, and irritation. Opt for sulfate-free shampoos, which use gentler cleansers to maintain your hair and scalp's natural moisture balance. Try our Onion, Blackseed & Patchouli Shampoo, a 100% vegan, sulfate-free option designed to cut hair fall* by 75% in just one wash!
*Hair fall refers to hair breakage. Based on lab study.
6. Lifestyle
Your lifestyle choices are the backstage crew of your hair’s performance. A balanced diet provides your body with vital nutrients, and regular exercise boosts circulation to ensure these nutrients reach your follicles. A healthy sleep cycle further supports this by promoting the body's natural repair processes, including hair growth. Finally, incorporating stress-relief practices goes a long way in ensuring your hair stays healthy and firmly attached to your head for a longer time.
7. Environmental Factors
Environmental factors might not make the headlines, but they play a big role in your hair’s story. Dust and pollution love hanging out on your scalp, blocking the follicles and hampering hair growth. Frequent exposure to the sun’s UV rays can also be rough on your hair, damaging hair follicles, weakening the shafts and causing hair loss and thinning. Throw on a chic scarf to keep your hair safe while giving your look a little extra flair.
Takeaway
And there you have it! Now that you understand your hair a little better, it’s time to get your hair growth plans in action. Remember, Healthy, nourished hair is the result of small, daily habits that build up over time. A few smart choices—like maintaining a balanced diet, adopting healthier lifestyle habits, and using gentle, sulfate-free haircare products—can work wonders over time! Give it a go, your hair deserves it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:1 How fast does hair grow if it grows fast?
A. While the average monthly hair growth is half an inch, some individuals may see growth rates of up to an inch, depending on factors like age, genetics, and healthy hair care practices.
Q:2 Does your hair grow faster when you fast?
A. While short-term fasting might have some health benefits, it is not likely to speed up hair growth. In fact, prolonged fasting can lead to nutrient deficiencies, which might slow down hair growth or even cause hair loss due to a lack of essential vitamins and minerals.
Q:3 How fast does hair grow by age?
A. Age can definitely affect the rate at which hair grows. The speed of hair growth is at its peak during childhood and the teenage years. In adulthood, it maintains a steady rate of around half an inch per month, but it often slows later in life due to hormonal fluctuations and less active hair follicles.
Q:4 Can you make hair grow more quickly?
A. While genetics largely dictate hair growth, you can encourage healthier growth by eating well and using sulfate-free hair products. Keeping stress levels in check and minimizing pollution exposure can further enhance your hair's strength and vitality.
