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How Hair Grows: Factors Influencing Growth

Why can some women easily grow their hair, while others struggle for every inch? The answer lies in genetics and lifestyle. While it's hard to change genetic factors, you can work on your lifestyle to bring about positive changes.

Phases of Hair Growth

Just like the skin, constant renewal is a natural process. A person loses up to one hundred hairs a day, which are gradually replaced by new ones. This life cycle includes three stages:
  1. Anagen: This is the active growth phase, which can last from two to seven years in different people. During this period, hair cells constantly divide, increasing the hair length. On average, hair grows up to 1 cm per month, and up to 12 cm per year. Ideally, 85% of all hair should be in the anagen phase.
  2. Catagen: The cessation of growth. In this period, the hair root dies, and the follicle shrinks and moves closer to the skin's surface. This preparation for shedding takes about 2-3 weeks.
  3. Telogen: The resting phase. At this stage, the hair is fully prepared to fall out and does so as soon as a new hair begins to grow in its place. Mechanical actions such as washing or brushing can speed up the process slightly. The telogen phase lasts about 3 months.
The number of such cycles is limited, so the number of active hairs can decrease with age. Additionally, stress, dietary mistakes, or hormonal imbalances can cause hair to enter the resting phase prematurely. When hair remains in this phase for too long, alopecia can occur.

Factors Influencing Hair Growth

The primary factor influencing the growth of new hair on the head is genetics. It determines the density, thickness, and structure of the strands. If no one in your family has issues with these traits, it will be easier to grow your hair even after a bad haircut. The tendency towards baldness is also hereditary. Another crucial condition for growth is the nourishment of hair follicles, influenced by several factors:
  • Lifestyle: Smoking, alcohol, and stress slow down the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the roots, resulting in thinner hair that grows more slowly.
  • Nutrition: The distribution of nutrients in the body is uneven. Skin, nails, and hair are at the end of the list, so they are the first to suffer from dietary mistakes.
  • Health: Hormonal imbalances, diseases affecting metabolism, and vitamin deficiencies also impact how quickly hair grows.
  • Weather: Cold narrows blood vessels and weakens blood circulation, resulting in less nourishment for hair and slower growth. Excessive sun exposure is also harmful as ultraviolet rays can damage follicles and trigger hair loss.
  • External Factors: Frequent coloring and heat styling, though not directly affecting growth, can deteriorate hair quality. Dry and damaged hair breaks easily, making it harder to grow.

How to Speed Up Hair Growth: Care Tips

Of course, you can't change what's naturally set, but you can improve your lifestyle. Adequate sleep, exercise, and a varied diet including unsaturated fatty acids are your best allies in the fight for faster hair growth. To help hair follicles "wake up" and enter the active growth phase, follow these tips:
Thoroughly clean your scalp. This will improve cellular "breathing," enhance microcirculation, and increase the flow of nutrients to hair follicles.
Limit mechanical impact. Tight hairstyles slow down blood circulation, so it's better to avoid them while growing your hair. However, cutting hair doesn't affect how fast it will grow, even if done during a waxing moon. Remember, wet hair is particularly vulnerable. Don't pull, twist, or brush wet strands to avoid damaging them.
Don't forget additional care. In the quest for thickness and faster growth, don't overlook another common cause of hair loss – brittleness. Conditioners and balms can help nourish hair along its length. Pay attention to the ingredients when purchasing these products.
Try scalp massage. Rhythmic movements boost blood circulation, improve microcirculation, and stimulate hair follicles. You can massage with your hands, a gua sha scraper, a comb, or a special gadget. Perform the procedure before bedtime or before washing your hair. Exfoliating or scrubbing the scalp can help enhance the massage effect by cleansing the scalp.
By following these tips, you can create favorable conditions for hair growth, minimizing negative impacts and stimulating hair follicles.
If you're looking to elevate your hair game and discover personalized solutions for your unique hair needs, consider visiting iLuvMe Hair Salon in the vibrant Business Bay area of Dubai. Their team of skilled experts is dedicated to providing tailored consultations that address your specific concerns, whether it's enhancing growth, managing texture, or selecting the perfect style and hair coloring. With a warm and inviting atmosphere, iLuvMe ensures that every client feels valued and cared for. Don’t hesitate to book your consultation today and take the first step toward achieving your dream hair!
2024-10-12 17:58