How Long Will Hair Grow?
There are a wide range of factors that can affect how long your hair will grow. While damage to the hair from styling products and heat stylers, aggressive brushing, or improper maintenance can deter long lengths of hair, they will not necessarily stop hair from growing all together. Understanding the hair growth cycles and the time frames of hair growth will help you determine your hair's maximum length. Does this Spark an idea?
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Time Frame
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Hair is the second fastest growing part of the body, with bone marrow being the fastest. Your hair grows at an average rate of approximately one half inch per month. In the course of one year, you should expect it to grow approximately six inches in total length.
Understanding Hair Growth
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There are three stages of growth cycles for human hair. The average human head contains approximately 100,000 hairs, and each hair can be in a different phase of growth at a different point in time. These three stages, known as the anagen phase, the catagen phase and the telogen phase, are what determine the total length of your hair's growth.
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The Anagen Phase
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The anagen phase of hair growth is when all new hair growth is occurring on your scalp. It is estimated that at any given point in time, approximately 80 to 90 percent of the hairs on your head will be in the anagen phase. The average length of the anagen phase is three to seven years, and hair will grow at its maximum rate during this period of half an inch per month. This stage is the most important stage, because it determines the maximum length your hair will grow before the next stage.
The Catagen Phase
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At the end of the initial growth phase, the catagen phase occurs and signals to your hair follicle that it is nearing the end of its particular growth phase. During this phase, your hair follicle detaches from your scalp. This determines the overall length your hair will grow, because at the end of the anagen phase, the hair will naturally begin to shed from the body. Fortunately, at any given point in time, it is estimated that only 2 to 3 percent of your hair is in this phase. The catagen phase only takes one to two weeks.
The Telogen Phase
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Lastly, the telogen phase is known as the resting phase. This phase lasts until the hair follicle is fully shed from the scalp. During this time, the anagen phase is preparing to produce a new hair in its place. The telogen phase lasts approximately three to six months, and 10 to 15 percent of your hair can be in the telogen phase at any point in time. During this phase, your scalp can shed up to 100 hairs per day.
Genetics
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Overall, your genetics determine the length of your hair growth. For example, if the anagen phase of your hair lasts for seven years, then your hair has the potential to grow up to 42 inches, or three and a half feet in total length. If the anagen phase of your hair lasts for only three years, however, your hair only has the potential to grow to 18 inches, or one and a half feet in total length.
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