Chopping off your beautiful long hair might take just 5–10 minutes, depending on the haircut. But growing it back is a different story - it’s a slow and fascinating process.
You may be searching the internet for ways to make your hair grow faster or products that promise rapid growth.
But do you know how much does hair growth in a month? Hair typically grows by 0.5 inches each month, totaling approximately 6 inches in a year.
Gaining insight into the biological mechanisms of hair growth is key to setting practical expectations. Take a step toward improving your hair care regimen and managing your regrowth expectations.
Keep reading to dive into the science behind hair growth and how to nurture it properly.
Phases Of Hair Growth
Hair growth follows three distinct stages, each critical to the hair cycle.
Anagen Phase: Angaen phase also known as the growth stage lasts two to seven years, with about 85-90% of hair in this active phase.
Catagen Phase: A brief two-three week transitional period where hair stops growing as the follicle shrinks.
Telogen Phase: When your hair is neither growing nor shedding; 5-10% of hair is in this phase.
Factors Behind Hair Growth
Genetics
It plays a significant role in determining hair growth characteristics such as rate, maximum length, texture, and thickness.
For instance, some individuals may naturally have naturally fast growing or denser hair due to their genetic predisposition.
The inherited nature of hair patterns, like straight, wavy, or curly textures, affects both how hair looks and how it feels. With time, strands may thin and lose pigmentation, causing gray hair.
In older adults, the hair follicles may shrink or cease producing new hair altogether.
Diet And Nutrition
Diet plays a crucial role in hair growth, making it essential to meet nutritional needs through a balanced diet.
Lack of B group of vitamins and a number of minerals like biotin, iron, and zinc harm hair follicles in some way.
Biotin also affects the strands of the hair that contribute to the hair shaft and iron helps in the oxygen supply of the scalps.
In the absence of these nutrients, hair turns weak and frizzy, and also, might tend to split or break easily.
Age
Age is a critical determinant of hair growth. During childhood and early adulthood, hair is seen growing at its highest rate.
As individuals grow older, however, hair growth is affected by a reduction in cellular regeneration associated with hormonal changes, which may cause new hair strands to become thinner and lose some of their color, resulting in graying.
The hair follicles in older people may shrink or completely stop producing new hair altogether.
Hormonal Balance
Hormones greatly impact hair growth. Typically, an increase of estrogen during pregnancy would prolong the wonderful growth phase of the hair cycle, thereby producing such a full, lustrous appearance.
Disruption of hair growth arises when there is hormonal imbalance, for example, at menopause or other hormonal problems such as thyroid disorders, and hair becomes scanty.
Stress Levels
Chronic stress has the capacity to produce adverse effects for hair growth. Stress can be accompanied by a condition called telogen effluvium, in which large numbers of hair follicles go into the resting state ahead of time, resulting in loss of hair.
Furthermore, stress alters the hormonal balance and blood circulation to the scalp, which consequently inhibits growth. Relaxation techniques, exercise, and stress management can help counter these effects.
Hair Care Routine
Hair grows healthily when given proper care. Frequent heating, harsh dye, and chemical products- many washes with water, etc. roughens and finally breaks down hair with no oil left behind.
Hence, to add that healthy-looking sheen to your locks, these are some of the measures you need to follow-sulfate free shampoo, deep conditioning sessions at regular intervals, and limiting exposure to direct heat.
Home Remedies To Speed Up Hair Growth
1. Coconut Oil
Are you considering coconut oil hair growth? It is an oil, containing a value of medium-chain fatty acids, lauric acid in particular, which penetrates deeply into the hair shaft.
Also it provides moisture and prevents the loss of protein. This oil strengthens hair, it gives healthier hair and reduces breakage.
Heat styling and environmental stressors can also damage hair, but coconut oil offers a natural remedy. Just take warm coconut oil and massage into the scalp then leave for 30 minutes before washing.
2. Castor Oil
Don’t worry! Castor oil can be your answer to a question: How to grow hair faster? The amount of ricinoleic acid in it is high, which boosts circulation to the scalp for enhancing hair growth.
Also, antifungal and antibacterial properties are useful factors for keeping a scalp free of infections from any disease-causing microbes.
When castor oil is used frequently it helps to thicken the hair and sometimes even stimulates the hair follicles that are usually dormant.
As for application, it's suggested to mix castor oil with a lighter oil such as coconut or olive oil.
3. Rice Water
Rice water for hair is actually nourishing and feeding the hair follicles. Starch present in rice water helps to improve manageability, smoothness, and reduces hair breakage.
Rinse uncooked rice thoroughly and then allow it to soften in water for around an hour. After shampooing, you can pour this water and use it as the last rinse.
Ideally, let it sit for 10-20 minutes before washing it off to achieve the best outcome. If done daily, it brings visible strength to the hair making it resilient to breakage.
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel can help calm the scalp since it has no more dandruff or inflammation. It also has a conditioning effect on the hair and allows the enhanced health of the scalp.
Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly onto the scalp and massage gently and allow it to sit for about half an hour before rinsing with mild shampoo.
This remedy could also be helpful for the hair follicles to grow in a clean healthy environment.
5. Rosemary Oil
Is it good to apply rosemary oil for hair growth? Across many years, people have been using rosemary oil only for hair loss treatments, and this has proven effective.
It will also promote blood circulation in the scalp and help feed the follicles too.
This is used by merely diluting a few drops of rosemary oil in a carrier oil and applying it on the scalps for about 10-15 minutes then rinsing off.
6. Onion Juice
Sulfur is one of those most important nutrients found in onion juice, which is very useful for collagen formation. It strengthens and nourishes hair follicles, fostering hair growth and preventing thinning.
Sulphur helps in the formation of what is generally known as the main protein keratin in hair.
Juicing an onion and applying it on the scalp are therefore going to leave it for another 30 minutes before rinsing it with tepid water.
7. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is one of the best hair oil for growth promotion in hair. This oil stands out primarily as a chilling, tingling oil and for its efficacy with respect to stimulation of blood flow to the scalp.
Menthol present in peppermint oil may even open pores on the scalp and help other nutrients work further.
Using this oil effectively means that you will have to use a proper dilution with a carrier oil and massage the scalp for about 10-15 minutes before washing.
8. Egg Masks
Do you prefer egg hair masks for hair growth? Well, eggs are a rich source of protein, essential for the structure and strength of hair.
Egg proteins serve nourishment in hair follicles and provide the framework for long strength with stronger hair.
This egg should be whisked and applied to damp hair for between 20 and 30 minutes before washing with cool water in order not to cook the egg.
9. Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds have to be soaked in water throughout the night, then ground into paste and then applied on the hair scalp, and it’s quite helpful to nourish hair roots and hair strands.
Further, it controls dandruff and inflammation that could be catastrophic for scalp health and in turn hair growth.
You can apply it and leave it on the skin for about half an hour to 45 minutes before washing it off. Fenugreek seeds can also be the best product for hair growth.
10. Green Tea Rinse
It contains antioxidants especially catechins that may slow free-radical activity and oxidative stress that can jeopardise hair follicle activities.
For those with green tea, prepare a cup of it and let cool then apply on the hair after washing it. This remedy collects hair and stimulates hair to grow well.
Essential Tips for Healthy Hair Growth
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Stay Hydrated
Drink lots of water every day to ensure that the necessary moisture is available to your hair. Hydration within the body gives in to the needs of your scalp.
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Regular Scalp Massage
A happy scalp is like a pampered child; it promotes a good hair growth environment.
Massaging the scalp with argan or almond oil may greatly increase blood circulation to hair follicles and pretty much keeps its natural oils spread across the scalp for optimal health and moisturization.
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Use Satin Pillowcase
Sleeping on satin or silk pillowcases to minimize friction between the hair and pillow results in cut painlessness of hair and split ends.
Not like cotton pillowcases that suck oils drying the hair, this is milder on the tresses and provides moisture to the strands.
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Protect From UV Rays
Similar to the skin, your hair can get damaged from the sun highlighting or exposure over a long period.
One can always put on a hat while exposed to sunlight or use special "UV protection" sprays designed for hair in order to avoid this scenario.
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Hair Wash Routine
A perfect hair wash schedule not only provides a guide for clean and healthy hair but also forms virile growth.
A good washing schedule is regular yet mild to the hair, so the scalp comes clean, eliminating excessive oils while capable of clearing hair follicles of the buildup from products but not drying the scalp or causing damage.