How Fast Does Your Hair Grow? Hair Experts Explain

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Hair growth is completely unique to the person since it depends on genetics, age, and current diet. Some people might grow 1 inch of hair in 4 weeks while others only grow around 0.2 inches of hair in that period. 

Speeding up your hair growth rate takes time and consistency. Following the right haircare routine can improve scalp health and prevent hair thinning.

Discover how fast hair can grow and how to increase hair growth for thicker, healthier strands. 

How Fast Does Hair Really Grow? From Root to Tip 

Hair growth has a natural cycle that goes through 4 distinct phases. These include the anagen, catagen, telogen, and exogen phases. 

Anagen is the most active phase that occurs when the cells in your hair roots divide. New hair is created and pushed through the follicle. During this stage, hair can grow an average of 0.4 inches every month. Scalp hair remains in the anagen phase for a total of 2–6 years. 

Those who have a short anagen phase will struggle to grow long hair. However, your arm, leg, eyelash, and eyebrow hair are in this stage for 30–45 days, which explains why that hair is always shorter.

Catagen is the next stage that signals the end of active hair growth. Your body cuts blood supply from hair-growing cells. This process lasts around 10 days and moves to the telogen phase, which refers to the hair that isn’t actively growing anymore. 

Lastly, during the exogen phase, individual hair strands are released so the whole cycle can restart. 

How Much Does Your Hair Grow in a Month?

On average, hair grows around half an inch every month. This is the usual amount for someone who takes good care of their scalp and dietary routine. Some people might grow more than that in 4 weeks, as hair growth is completely different for everyone. 

Growing half an inch of hair in 1 month is normal for most people. If you take good care of your scalp, hair should easily come through your follicles without breaking off. The growth rate also depends on your anagen phase and how long it lasts. 

Hair growth is a process that depends on many internal and external factors. For example, women who go through monthly hormonal changes may notice more hair loss. Always build healthy hair habits, like using natural shampoo and massaging your scalp to encourage hair growth. 

You can also follow a balanced diet to promote hair growth. Some healthy food options include eggs, berries, spinach, avocados, nuts, and seeds.

How Much Hair Does a Person Grow in a Year?

The average hair growth in 1 year is 6 inches, which is the normal amount for most people. It’s possible to grow more than that, but it entirely depends on your age, anagen phase, and current health. 

Growing 6 inches of hair in 1 year is possible if you keep your hair healthy every month. Aim to wash your hair 1–2 times a week to avoid stripping away natural oils. This is because washing your hair every day can prevent oil production on your scalp. 

You can also make your hair grow faster by increasing your vitamin B, C, and D intake, taking hair growth supplements, and reducing your stress. 

Some people may grow around 7 inches of hair. This is all down to their genetics and age. The rate of hair growth slows as you age because your hair follicles weaken, so younger people tend to experience faster hair growth. 

On the other hand, it’s possible to grow only half of that amount in 12 months, so don’t feel disheartened if you can’t grow hair fast enough. 

What Impacts Hair Growth? 

There are many factors that can affect your hair health. Certain vitamins in your diet and drinking more water could promote hair growth. To achieve healthy hair, you have to consider things like nutrition, shampoos, hormones, and stress. 

Below are some factors that impact hair growth:

• Genetics – Your genes can affect how fast your hair grows. 
• Age – Hair growth slows down as you age because your hair follicles weaken and become fragile.
• Current diet – Eating junk food and being vitamin deficient promotes hair loss instead of hair growth.
• Hormonal changes – An increase in estrogen can extend the growing phase. 
• Gender – Men tend to experience faster hair growth because they usually style their hair less. 
• Hair products – Certain products containing parabens, synthetic colors, and phthalates can damage your hair, as the chemicals promote hair loss and scalp inflammation. 
• Weight loss – Sudden weight loss increases the risk of nutrient deficiencies, stress, and hormonal changes, which can slow down hair growth. 
• Stress – Feeling stressed negatively impacts the stem cells that promote hair growth. 
• Medical conditions – High blood pressure, thyroid problems, alopecia, and autoimmune disease can cause hair loss.

How Can You Speed Up Your Hair Growth?

Growing your hair faster requires plenty of time and consistency. Following the right tips ensures you achieve long, luscious locks without unnecessary hassle. 

Here are ways you can achieve healthy hair growth: 

#1 Treat your scalp well 

Looking after your scalp is key to strengthening your hair strands.

In terms of treatments, find hair masks containing hyaluronic acid, tea tree oil, or castor oil ingredients. Research suggests that hyaluronic acid can moisturize your hair follicles and reduce hair loss. 

You can also massage your head regularly. Get a scalp massager and rub that over your head for 3–5 minutes every morning and evening. This motion increases blood flow to your scalp, which boosts hair growth. 

#2 Take care of your hair

It’s important to choose the right shampoo and brush, trim your hair frequently, and avoid bleaching products. 

Shampoos should have ingredients like biotin, coconut oil, and zinc pyrithione. Coconut oil is especially great at softening your hair and preventing brittle strands. Another ingredient to look for is argan oil, which is particularly valuable if you have dry or damaged hair.

Always brush through your hair to untangle knots and take a trip to the hairdresser every few weeks. Cutting off those split ends can make your hair appear fuller while reversing any damage. 

Lastly, don’t go near bleach if you want to grow your hair fast. Studies have proven that bleach can cause significant damage to your hair and slow down natural growth completely.

Another thing to keep in mind is gentle hair drying. Use a microfiber towel or an old T-shirt for it and avoid rubbing your hair between the fabrics.

#3 Follow a hair-friendly diet

Believe it or not, the foods you eat can affect your hair growth rate. For example, sugary foods promote inflammation on your scalp, which affects the hair that grows from it. Instead, eat more eggs, berries, spinach, and fatty fish like smoked salmon, sweet potatoes, avocados, and seeds. 

If you want to take supplements, look for ones that contain vitamin D, iron, selenium, thiamin, vitamin A, or zinc. 

FAQs

Conclusion

The rate at which your hair grows depends on your age, genetics, and diet. Most people grow half an inch of hair every month, which is 6 inches per year. Choose nourishing products that promote healthy hair and follow a balanced diet containing vitamin A, iron, thiamin, and selenium. 

You should avoid washing your hair every day, using too much heat, eating junk food regularly, or living a stressful lifestyle if you want to increase your hair growth rate.