What helps hair to grow ?
Is it the same for men and women ?
Hair growth follows clear cycles, but is also influenced by our genetics, gender, age, hormones and lifestyle. Here’s the lowdown on what you need to know about hair growth.
The hair growth cycle :
Hair doesn’t grow consistently throughout our lives. Its growth can be affected by a number of external factors, such as pollution or diet, as well as by physiological events, such as pregnancy, menopause or stress. However, a typical hair cycle always has three distinct stages1:
The anagen stage
The anagen stage is the active growth period when the follicle bulb cells divide rapidly; this stage lasts from 3 – 6 years2-3. About 85-90% of your hair is in the anagen stage. The average growth rate during this period is 0.3 mm per day (1 cm per month4).
The catagen stage
The catagen stage is the transitional stage when hair stops actively growing and separates from its follicle. It lasts about 2-4 weeks and accounts for 1% of your hair5.
The telogen stage
The telogen stage is the rest phase (usually 3 months but can be from 1 to 6 months6) when the hair follicle goes into “sleep” mode, until the hair falls out. About 10-15% of your hair is in the telogen stage5.
Although everyone’s hair growth cycles are constantly repeating, everyone experiences it differently1. Our genetics play a key role in the amount and speed of our hair growth. For instance, straight, fair hair grows faster than coily hair. Likewise, genetic and hormonal differences between men and women also influence hair growth. Women’s hair generally grows faster than men’s, although it can be affected by major hormonal changes (e.g. pregnancy or menopause).
What helps hair to grow?
Encourage ongoing keratin production
The first step to long, beautiful hair is a balanced diet! The production and synthesis of keratin relies on key nutrients like B vitamins and trace elements like iron and zinc7. However, a balanced diet may not always provide us with all the vitamins and nutrients we need. That’s where a dietary supplement like Alline procap comes in handy, as it contains keratin, vitamins and minerals.
Take care of your hair from day to day
Shampoo
Choose a shampoo that is designed for your hair, whether it is straight, wavy or curly.
Brush
Brush your hair, but not too often (twice a day is fine), and make sure you start by detangling the ends then work your way up the lengths.
Massage
Massage your scalp for a few minutes each day to boost blood flow to the roots. This helps to encourage hair growth.
Haircut
Trim your split ends regularly well-maintained hair grows faster.
