Common mistakes that slow down hair growth

How hair grows

The average hair growth rate in both men and women is 1 cm per month. The growth rate is influenced by various factors, including hair texture and individual medical characteristics. Dense and healthy hair is more likely to grow faster.

Not all hair follicles grow at the same rate, and the anagen phase can last for months or even years.

During the anagen phase, blood circulates throughout the body, providing the skin with oxygen and nutrients necessary for the development of protein cells found in the hair roots.

The hair bulb regenerates, and protein cells begin to multiply, forming hair that rises through the skin, specifically through the sebaceous gland.

Overall, hair on the crown grows faster than on the temples.

Hair grows, rests, and falls out during the telogen phase. Therefore, they have a life cycle that repeats several times. However, the pace of their growth depends on several factors, including:

Genetics: A person's genes influence how quickly hair grows.

Gender: Hair grows faster in men than in women.

Age: Hair grows rapidly from ages 15 to 30. With age, the speed of growth slows down and eventually stops.

Nutrition: Diet can affect hair growth. Good nutrition is necessary for strong and healthy hair. According to a 2017 report from the Dermatology Practice & Conceptual journal, a diet rich in iron, vitamins D and C is necessary for healthy hair growth.

Hormones: High levels of testosterone in men and estrogen in women accelerate hair growth and improve its texture, especially during pregnancy.

Stress: It can slow down hair growth and cause hair loss. This factor alone can lead to the shedding of almost 70% of hair.

Seasonal changes: Climatic conditions and temperature drops exert pressure on hair follicles, leading to a slowdown in hair growth.

What to do to promote hair growth

Avoid restrictive diets: Deficiency in iron, zinc, fatty acids, selenium, vitamins D, E, or A, folic acid can impact hair growth.

Choose a protein-rich diet: A daily protein intake of 50g is recommended to stimulate hair growth.

Use caffeine-based hair products: Caffeine in shampoos and conditioners is as effective as medicinal products as it stimulates protein cells.

Apply essential oils: Pumpkin seed oil, rosemary oil, peppermint oil, jojoba oil, and even lavender oil are known for their properties against hair loss.

Scalp massage: Massage promotes relaxation and stress relief, expanding blood vessels under the skin. As a result, hair becomes stronger and thicker.

Avoid heating: Styling tools such as straighteners or hair dryers can damage hair. Limiting their use helps preserve hair fibers.

Avoid box dye: Frequent use of dyes strips hair of natural fatty acids, including amino acids that make up the hair. As a result, hair becomes dry and brittle.

Regularly trim hair: The ideal frequency for stimulating healthy hair growth is every two months. In fact, trimming split ends is necessary to prevent hair from becoming coarse and brittle.

Protect hair before bedtime: Choosing a silk pillowcase can prevent friction against rough fabric and tangling of hair at night. Also, avoid sleeping with wet hair to achieve long and healthy hair.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.