After a certain age, many people discover that their hair no longer grows. It might appear to be thinning in a specific area, stop growing after a certain length, or grow faster on one side than the other.

Age, genetics, hormones, stress, and other factors can all cause hair to stop growing or to grow very slowly.

The Hair Growth Cycle

Your different hair strands are all currently in different stages of the hair growth cycle. The majority of the hair on your scalp is therefore growing, transitioning, and resting while you lose an average of 50 to 100 hair strands per day. Having said that, a variety of factors, including aging, have the potential to change different stages of the hair growth cycle.

Read More: Why Does My Hair Grow So Fast

1. Anagen Phase: the Growth Phase

We’ll delve deeper into the anagen phase later on in order to understand how to stop slow hair growth.

The growth phase lasts anywhere between three to seven years, and typically affects roughly 90% of your hair at any one time. Unfortunately, as we get older, this percentage goes down, so less and less of your hair will be in the growing stage.

2. Catagen Phase: the Transition Phase

The stage when your hair follicles start to contract and slow their growth is known as the transition from the growth phase to the resting phase, which typically lasts about 10 days. You wouldn’t believe that only 1% of the hair on your head is ever in the catagen phase.

The base of your hair follicle releases the hair strand at this time as well.

3. Telogen Phase: the Resting Phase

9% of your hair is in the telogen phase, also referred to as the resting phase, during which time the hair strands are neither growing nor shedding. The base of your hair follicle, which was liberated during the catagen phase, starts to form a new hair strand as this is happening.

4. Exogen Phase: the Final Shedding Phase

Last but not least, there is the exogen phase, which is viewed as an extension of the telogen phase and during which the hair follicle is finally expelled from the scalp. Our daily loss of 50 to 100 hair strands is caused by this last stage, which typically lasts between two and five months.

Why Won’t Hair Grow?

Numerous factors, in addition to the hair growth cycle, can cause hair to grow more slowly or to stop growing altogether.

Genetics

Men and women both experience hair loss, which is influenced by genetics and family history.

Hair loss in men is frequently referred to as male pattern hair loss (MPHL), while hair loss in women is frequently referred to as female pattern hair loss (FPHL).

It is possible for both sides of the family to inherit the hair loss gene. You might also experience hair thinning if your parents do.

Age

Both sexes may experience hair loss as they age. The altered hormone levels that accompany postmenopausal women’s hair loss are common.

Some older men will gradually lose hair as they get older. In fact, by age 50, 85 percent of men will have “significantly” thinner hair.

Underactive Thyroid

The production of thyroid hormones is hampered when the thyroid’s normal functioning is compromised. This may result in hair loss.

Speak with your doctor if you experience any additional thyroid under activity signs or symptoms, such as persistent fatigue or difficulty losing weight.

What Factors Affect Hair Growth for Both Men and Women?

In brief, both men and women are affected by genetics, age, hormones, diet, stress, medical conditions, medications, and hair care habits.

Several factors can influence hair growth in both men and women:

• Genetics: The growth rate, density, and length of the hair cycle are all influenced by a person’s genetic predisposition.
• Age: Due to changes in hair follicles and the hair growth cycle, as people age, hair growth may slow and hair density may decrease.
• Hormones: Hair loss can result from hormonal imbalances that affect hair growth, such as thyroid problems or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• Diet: For healthy hair growth, it’s important to eat a well-balanced diet full of vital nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and proteins.
• Chronic stress has a detrimental effect on the hair growth cycle, causing hair to grow more slowly or even fall out.
• Health Issues: A number of illnesses, including anemia and autoimmune disorders, can interfere with hair growth or result in hair loss.
• Medication: Some medicines, such as blood pressure pills, chemotherapy drugs, or birth control pills, can affect hair growth or result in hair loss.
• Hair Care Techniques: Taking good care of your hair, which includes using gentle handling techniques, avoiding heated styling tools, and using the right products, can encourage healthy hair growth and minimize hair damage.

How to Grow Your Hair Faster at Home?

To turn your short hair into the length you want at home, here are things you can try:

Scalp Massage

One of the widely used conventional methods to promote hair growth is scalp massaging. Stress is reduced and blood flow to the scalp is stimulated during a scalp massage. This encourages hair growth both directly and indirectly by lowering stress levels and controlling the levels of stress hormones like cortisol.

Supplements

The management and treatment of slowed hair growth also heavily relies on dietary supplementation. Both macronutrients and micronutrients are crucial for promoting healthy hair growth, as was mentioned in the discussion that came before it. Therefore, it is essential to consume a healthy, well-balanced diet in addition to effective stress management.

Hair Extensions

Many different hairstyles and colors have been imitated using hair extensions. Hair extensions are frequently used in some communities to drastically alter hair color without dying natural hair, protecting it from damage that could lead to brittle hair and hair loss.

Black hair, curly hair, and even long hair can all be obtained using hair extensions.

Hair Care Products

It’s critical to select the right hair care products to both nourish your hair and fight hair thinning, hair breakage, and female and male pattern hair loss.

Essential Oils

Despite having very little scientific support, essential oils have been shown to be effective for many people. The availability and affordability of this treatment are its main advantages. But when it comes to hair care, it’s advised to choose products with valid scientific research and efficiency studies.

Conclusion

One of the most frequent hair-related complaints among people of all ages is slower hair growth.

Hormonal imbalances, psychological stress, and genetic predisposition are internal causes of decreased hair growth. Factors that are external or environmental include nutrient deficiencies, environmental stress, an unhealthy scalp, and hair follicle damage brought on by chemicals.

In addition to changing one’s dietary and lifestyle habits, there are numerous pharmaceutical and herbal treatments that can be used to increase hair growth.

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