The human hair growth cycle is a complex and dynamic process essential for maintaining healthy hair. Understanding the different stages of hair growth can help you better care for your hair and keep it looking its best. This blog will take a closer look at the stages of hair growth and what you can do to support healthy hair.
The hair growth cycle is bifurcated into three main stages:
- Anagen
- Catagen
Anagen Stage
The Anagen stage is the first and longest stage of the hair growth cycle. During this stage, hair actively grows and can grow up to one centimeter per month. The length of the Anagen stage can vary from person to person and can range anywhere from two to six years. The length of this stage is determined by genetics, so it cannot be changed.
Catagen Stage
The Catagen stage is a short transitional stage that lasts about two to three weeks. During this stage, the hair follicle shrinks and detaches from the blood supply, signaling the end of the Anagen stage. This is a natural process that happens to all hair follicles, and it is not something that can be prevented.
Telogen Stage
The Telogen stage is the final stage of the hair growth cycle and is also known as the “resting” stage. During this stage, the hair follicle is inactive, and the hair that was growing in the Anagen stage falls out. The Telogen stage lasts for about three months, after which the hair follicle reenters the Anagen stage, and the growth cycle begins again.
It is normal to lose 50 to 100 hairs a day during the Telogen stage, but excessive hair loss can be a sign of a more significant problem and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Factors that can affect hair growth
Several factors can affect hair growth and the length of each stage in the growth cycle. Some of the most common factors include the following:
- Age: As we age, the hair growth cycle slows down, leading to thinner and shorter hair.
- Hormonal changes: It can have a significant impact on hair growth. For example, changes in estrogen levels can cause hair to be thin or stop growing altogether.
- Stress: Chronic stress can cause hair to enter the Telogen stage earlier, leading to excessive hair loss.
- Nutritional deficiencies: A diet lacking essential nutrients, such as iron, can lead to hair loss and slow growth.
- Medical conditions: Certain conditions, such as thyroid disease and alopecia, can impact hair growth.
Ways to support healthy hair growth
Listed below are some of the things you can do to help healthy hair growth and promote a healthy hair growth cycle:
- Have a balanced diet: A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins is essential for healthy hair growth. Include foods like eggs, leafy greens, nuts, and salmon in your diet to give your hair the nutrients it needs.
- Minimize heat styling: Flat irons, curling wands, and other heat styling devices can damage your hair, causing split ends and breakage. Protect your hair with heat protectant sprays while using heat styling tools as little as possible.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Chemical treatments like perms, relaxers, and hair dyes can cause damage to your hair. If you must use chemical treatments, opt for gentler alternatives or seek the advice of a professional stylist.
- Use gentle hair care products: Look for shampoos and conditioners free of sulfates and other harsh chemicals. Use nourishing hair oils to keep your hair and scalp hydrated.
- Use a hair growth serum: Hair growth serums are often used to address hair loss or thinning hair, and they may be applied directly to the scalp to increase blood flow and improve the health of the hair follicles. The consistency of hair growth serum varies, but it is usually a lightweight, non-greasy formula that the scalp can easily absorb. One of the best formulations in the market is Nourish Mantra’s Advanced Hair Growth Serum. It is a hair growth vitalizer that tackles major hair concerns that have arisen due to either age factors or because of environmental pollutants & changing lifestyles. It is a hair care product that gives nutrition to strengthen the hair shaft, provides conditioning & stimulates hair growth. It is suitable for all gender & hair types.
- Get regular trims: Regular trims help keep your hair healthy and prevent split ends, which can lead to breakage. It is recommended to trim your hair every six to eight weeks.
- Massage your scalp: Massaging your scalp regularly can help boost blood flow to the hair follicles, encouraging hair growth. Use your fingertips to massage your scalp for several minutes each day gently.
- Get enough sleep: Sleep deprivation can cause stress, directly affecting hair growth. To maintain healthy and growing hair, aim to sleep between 7-8 hours each night.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress can impact hair growth, so it’s essential to find ways to manage stress. This can include exercise, meditation, or spending time doing activities you enjoy.
Following these tips and steps to make your hair grow faster so it can always look its best.