It’s a question that has been asked throughout history – how long does it take for hair to grow? Depending on who you ask, the answer might be different. However, there are some general guidelines that can give you an idea of how long it typically takes for the hair to grow.
This article will provide an overview of the hair growth cycle, as well as some tips on how to promote healthy hair growth.
The Hair Growth Cycle
The hair growth cycle is composed of four phases: the anagen phase, the catagen phase, the telogen phase, and the exogen phase.
1. The Anagen Phase
The anagen phase, also known as the growth phase, is the phase of the hair growth cycle when the hair follicle is actively growing. This phase can last anywhere from 2 to 8 years. During this time, the hair follicle will grow about 1 cm per month.
During the anagen phase, the cells in the hair follicle divide and grow to create a new hair shaft. The cells at the base of the hair follicle are known as dermal papilla cells. These cells provide nutrients to the growing hair shaft.
The length of the anagen phase varies from person to person. It is typically shorter in people with blonde or red hair and longer in people with black or brown hair.
What Can You Do During This Phase?
There are a few things you can do during the anagen phase to promote healthy hair growth:
- Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
- Get regular exercise to improve circulation and promote healthy hair growth.
- Avoid damaging your hair with heat styling or harsh chemicals.
- Use products that are designed to promote hair growth, such as scalp massagers and hair growth serums.
2. The Catagen Phase
The catagen phase, also known as the transitional phase, is a brief phase that occurs at the end of the anagen phase. This phase lasts only about 2-3 weeks.
During the catagen phase, the hair follicle shrinks, and the base of the follicle attaches to the root of the hair shaft. This causes the hair shaft to be pulled upward.
Hair growth slows down during the catagen phase, with the hair shaft only growing about 0.3 cm per month.
What Can You Do During This Phase?
There is not much you can do to influence the catagen phase, as it is a brief and natural transitional phase. However, you can continue to care for your hair during this phase by using gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners. You should also avoid heat styling and other damaging hair treatments.
3. The Telogen Phase
The telogen phase, also known as the resting phase, is the final phase of the hair growth cycle. This phase can last anywhere from 2 to 4 months. During this time, the hair follicle does not grow.
During the telogen phase, the hair follicle rests. This is the phase where the hair is shed. It is estimated that about 50-100 hairs are shed per day during this phase.
Hair growth stops during the telogen phase. However, the hair shaft will continue to grow as the follicle rests. about 0.3 cm per month.
What Can You Do During This Phase?
There is not much you can do during the telogen phase. You can continue to care for your hair as usual and wait for the next phase to start. You can also trim your hair to get rid of any split ends.
4. The Exogen Phase
The exogen phase, also known as the shedding phase, is a brief phase that occurs at the end of the telogen phase. This phase lasts only about 2-3 weeks.
During the exogen phase, the hair follicle sheds the hair shaft. This is the final stage of the hair growth cycle.
Hair growth stops during the exogen phase. However, the hair shaft will continue to grow as the follicle sheds. about 0.3 mm per day.
What Can You Do During This Phase?
There is not much you can do to influence the exogen phase. However, you can take steps to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth.
The Hair Growth Cycle Chart
| The Anagen Phase | The Catagen Phase | The Telogen Phase | The Exogen Phase | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What Is It? | The anagen phase, often known as the growth stage, is the portion of the hair development cycle when the hair follicle is actively growing. | The catagen phase, sometimes known as the transitional stage, is a brief period at the end of the anagen phase. | The telogen phase, often known as the resting period, is the final stage in the hair growth cycle. | The exogen phase, often known as the shedding stage, is a short period that follows the telogen phase. |
| What Happens During This Phase? | The cells in the hair follicle divide and grow to create a new hair shaft. The cells at the base of the hair follicle are known as dermal papilla cells. These cells provide nutrients to the growing hair shaft. | The hair follicle shrinks, and the base of the follicle attaches to the root of the hair shaft. This causes the hair shaft to be pulled upward. | The hair follicle rests. This is the phase where the hair is shed. It is estimated that about 50-100 hairs are shed per day during this phase. | The hair follicle sheds the hair shaft. This is the final stage of the hair growth cycle. |
| How Long Does This Phase Last? | From 2 to 8 years | About 2-3 weeks | From 2 to 4 months | About 2-4 weeks |
| How Long Does Hair Grow During This Phase? | About 1 cm per month | About 0.3 cm per month | About 0.3 cm per month | About 0.3 cm per month |
How Long Does the Hair Growth Cycle Last?
The hair growth cycle can last anywhere from 2 to 8 years. The length of the cycle depends on many factors, such as age, health, and genetics. However, most people experience several cycles throughout their lifetime.
What Factors Can Influence the Hair Growth Cycle?
There are many factors that can influence the hair growth cycle. These include:
- Age: Hair growth slows down as we age.
- Hormones: Changes in hormone levels can affect hair growth. For example, an increase in testosterone can speed up hair growth, while a decrease in estrogen can slow it down.
- Health: Poor health can lead to hair loss and slower hair growth.
- Stress: Stress can lead to hair loss and slower hair growth.
- Diet: A lack of nutrients can cause the hair to become thin and weak, and may lead to hair loss.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as those used to treat cancer or autoimmune diseases, can cause hair loss.
- Harsh chemicals: Harsh chemicals can damage the hair and lead to hair loss.
What Can You Do to Influence the Hair Growth Cycle?
There are certain things you can do to influence the hair growth cycle.
For example, if you want to promote hair growth, you can do things like eat a balanced diet, take supplements, and use scalp massage. If you want to prevent hair loss, you can do things like avoid heat styling, protect your hair from damage, and reduce stress.
You can also use products that contain active ingredients like minoxidil and finasteride. These ingredients have been shown to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss.
The hair growth cycle is a complex process that is influenced by many factors. However, there are certain things you can do to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss.
If you are concerned about your hair growth, you should talk to a dermatologist or trichologist. They can help you determine which phase your hair is in and recommend the best course of action.
Tips for Promoting Healthy Hair Growth
There are a few things that you can do to promote healthy hair growth:
- Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals is important for promoting healthy hair growth.
- Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep is important for overall health and can also help promote healthy hair growth.
- Reduce stress: Reducing stress in your life can help promote healthy hair growth.
- Exercise: Exercise is important for overall health and can also help increase blood flow to the scalp, which can promote healthy hair growth.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Harsh chemicals can damage the hair follicles and lead to unhealthy hair growth. If you must use chemicals on your hair, be sure to use gentle products that are designed for use on the hair.
- Talk to your hair care professional: If you are concerned about your hair growth, talk to your hair care professional. They can give you advice on how to promote healthy hair growth and may be able to recommend products that can help.
So, How Long Does It Take for Hair to Grow?
The answer to this question depends on which phase of the hair growth cycle you are in. If you are in the anagen phase, your hair is actively growing and can grow about 1 cm per month. However, if you are in the telogen phase, your hair is not actively growing and will only grow about 0.3 cm per month.
How to Know Which Phase Your Hair Is in?
If you are wanting to know which phase your hair is in, a good way to tell is by the condition of your hair.
For example, if your hair is shedding more than usual, it is most likely in the exogen phase. If your hair is growing faster than normal, it is likely in the anagen phase. If your hair is not growing or shedding, it is probably in the telogen phase.
There are also certain tests that can be done by a dermatologist or trichologist to determine which phase your hair is in. These tests are called telogen effluvium and anagen effluvium.
Hair Extension: the Fastest Way to Long Hair
If you want long hair fast, hair extensions are the way to go. Hair extensions can give you instant length, volume, and even color without damaging your own hair.
Clip-in hair extensions are a great option if you’re looking for a temporary solution or if you’re not ready to commit to permanent extensions. Tape-in hair extensions are another popular option that is semi-permanent and can last for several months.
If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, there are also several types of permanent hair extensions available. These include fusion, microlink, and sew-in extensions.
No matter what type of hair extension you choose, it’s important to find a reputable hair stylist who can help you choose the right type of extension and install them properly.
When installed correctly, hair extensions can be a great way to achieve the long, lustrous hair you’ve always wanted.
Related: Can You Dye Hair Extensions?
The Bottom Line
The hair growth cycle is a complex process that is affected by many factors. While the average person’s hair grows about 1 cm per month, there are several things that can affect this rate.
If you’re concerned about your hair growth, talk to your hair care professional. They can give you advice on how to promote healthy hair growth and may be able to recommend products or treatments that can help.
Hair extensions are also an option if you’re looking for a way to achieve long, luscious hair fast. When installed correctly, they can give you the instant length and volume you desire without damaging your own hair.
