Hair growth rates vary from individual to individual, but knowing what’s normal and what’s not certainly matters, especially if you are worried about hair loss and thinning. Whether it’s a family history of hair loss that’s made you anxious about the vitality of your locks, or the impact the ageing process might have on its condition, knowing when to seek help matters.
So, how fast is human hair supposed to grow, and what can you do to improve your personal best to enjoy thicker, beautiful hair for longer?
You can expect the average human to enjoy around 1.25cm of new growth per month, that’s around 15cm of length each year. This growth rate is however dependent on several factors, including genetics, age, health, and even the time of year.
From the coldness and dryness of winter to the heat and humidity of summer, the weather outside can take its toll, and this impact is pivotal to the overall health and condition of your hair. We’ll let celebrity colourist Josh Wood explain how the changing seasons – and, more specifically, winter – impact just how quickly your hair grows:
“Typically it is believed that your hair does shed more during the winter. This could be caused by colder drier weather, in and out of central heated spaces, so many events where you’re styling the hair more – but also in the cold weather there is reduced blood flow to the scalp.”
Alongside seasonal changes, your growth rate depends on how long follicles stay in the anagen phase of the hair life cycle. Your diet and stress levels also affect just how quickly or slowly the hair grows. Your hair care routine is another defining factor, with excessive heat styling or chemical treatments inhibiting growth dramatically.
There are positive changes you can make to the way you live your life that’ll improve your hair growth rate no-end. While there are some factors that you can’t alter, slower hair growth can be combated and healthier, faster growth encouraged through your diet.
Foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals like biotin, zinc, iron and omega-3 fatty acids are particularly beneficial. Think eggs, spinach, nuts and salmon, and try these great recipes for hair growth for size! Include supplements in your diet, like these top rated hair-specific formulas, too.
Taking a gentler approach to hair and scalp care is also recommended. Minimise heat styling and chemical treatments; use gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners; and keep that scalp clean and moisturised to promote healthy follicles at every turn.
Regular scalp massages are great for stimulating blood flow and supporting growth, while staying hydrated matters to hair and overall health.
It’s completely normal to lose hair, with the average person losing up to 100 strands a day! If you are losing more than this however and hair loss is becoming noticeable, you should seek medical advice to investigate its cause.
Most types of hair loss are temporary and aren’t something you need to be worried about. Your GP should be able to help you decipher the cause of your hair loss or thinning, or refer you to someone who can, as well as devise a treatment plan to move forward.
Here at Wigs4u, we support people from all walks of life on their hair loss journeys. You can find wigs and hairpieces that give you confidence as you recover from temporary hair thinning or learn to live with permanent loss. Browse our range of wigs today or contact our team for advice.
