Normal Hair Growth Rate
The internet is filled with advice and products designed to make hair grow faster. But the reality is that human hair has a specific rate of growth that does not vary. Factors that determine how fast an individual's hair grows include genetics, race, gender and hormones. And while hair care and factors such as split ends can make hair seem to grow at a slower rate, actual hair growth from the root does not vary. Does this Spark an idea?
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Hair Growth Basics
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Each individual hair follicle cycles through periods of growth and rest. This cycle starts with hair growth, a period known as anagen. Next comes a period in which the hair is not growing from the follicle. During this period, the hair may lose pigment, and the follicle narrows. This period, which lasts for approximately two weeks, is known as catagen. Next comes the telogen phase, when the follicle rests. This phase may last for up to four months. During this phase, the follicle is preparing to grow a new hair. The old hair shaft typically sheds during the end of this phase. The hair shedding phase is known as exogen. Once the hair sheds, a new anagen phase begins.
Normal Hair Growth Rate
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In Caucasians, the average rate for hair growth is approximately one inch per month. African Americans have coarser, more brittle hair. Because of their hair structure, African Americans' hair grows approximately ½ inch per month. Asians have a faster-growing hair shaft, and Asian hair grows at a rate of two inches per month.
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Why Does Some Hair Seem to Grow Faster?
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While all hair grows at the same rate, some people may believe their hair grows faster than that of others. That's because they keep their hair healthy and free of split ends. Keeping hair healthy maximizes the hair's growth cycle. The best way to maximize hair growth and to avoid split ends is to consume quality multivitamins, keep your body healthy, consume protein, avoid smoking and caffeine and care for your hair.
Hair Care Tips
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The best way to care for your hair is to treat it as if it was a piece of antique lace. Caring for your hair includes washing it less frequently in lukewarm rather than hot water and air drying it gently rather than towel drying or blow drying it. Hair will also be healthier if you minimize exposure to heated styling products and chemical products. Regular scalp massages will help stimulate the hair follicles to grow. Trims will reduce split ends, as will wearing hair bound up rather than loose where it can catch on things, snag and break.
Hair Loss
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A number of factors can contribute to hair loss. Certain medications can contribute to hair loss as a side effect, as can stress. Hair loss can be temproary or permanant. By avoiding these factors, you can improve the look of your hair and make it seem to grow faster.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Photo by Mike Baird, http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikebaird/
