Why Does My Hair Grow So Slowly?
Published October 16, 2016
Many women want to grow long, healthy hair—and fast! Unfortunately, natural hair growth is a slow process. Hair grows at an average rate of one-half inch per month, or about six inches per year. If your hair growth is not living up to expectations, it may be due to your health or lifestyle habits. Here’s a look at the reasons for slow hair growth.
Not Enough Haircuts
If you want to grow long, healthy hair, regular haircuts are a must. As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to get a trim at least every six to 12 weeks. While regular haircuts do not make your hair grow faster, they do minimize hair breakage which can make hair appear to grow more slowly.
Too Many Supplements
Some women take vitamin and mineral supplements in hopes of promoting faster hair growth. However, taking higher than recommended doses of certain supplements can often have the opposite effect. Taking nutrient supplements in excess can actually result in hair loss.
Overuse of Styling Tools
The overuse of styling tools, especially heated tools, can inhibit healthy hair growth. When you overuse styling tools like combs, brushes, blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons, you’re damaging your hair. Over time, this can cause your tresses to become more prone to damage.
Poor Diet
The food you put in your mouth can have a direct effect on the health of your hair. Low ferritin levels can be a major culprit of slow hair growth. When the body lacks ferritin, the strands become weak and break easily. Zinc and vitamin B12 are also essential for healthy hair length and texture.
Age and Genetics
Both age and genetics play a major role in the growth of your hair. As you age, your hair tends to become more brittle and thin out. Slow hair growth can also run in families. Does your mother or grandmother suffer from slow hair growth? You may too. In some cases, a doctor can help with hair growth issues due to age or genetics.
If you want to achieve longer, thicker and all-around healthier hair, it’s important to first assess the overall condition of your hair. If you’ve determined that your hair grows slower than the average, take the initiative to target the problem and try different products and techniques until you find the solution that works for your hair.