Does Trimming My Hair Really Make It Grow Faster?
However, there is a reason this myth persists and to better understand many of the hair growth dilemmas you can encounter, it is important to understand the hair growth cycle.
The hair growth cycle consists of three distinct stages – anagen, catagen and telogen.
- ANAGEN PHASE: The growth phase, or anagen phase, lasts an average of 3-5 years with hair growing around half an inch a month, so a full-length hair averages 18 to 30 inches.
- CATAGEN PHASE: At the end of the anagen phase, your hair enters the catagen phase. A short transitional phase that lasts approximately 10 days.
- TELOGEN PHASE: Lastly, your hair enters the telogen phase, a resting phase when your hair is released and falls out. The follicle remains inactive for 3 months and then the whole process is repeated.
Each hair follicle is independent and goes through the cycle at different times; otherwise all your hair would fall out at once. Instead, you only shed a certain number of hairs a day – 80-100 hairs is normal on a healthy head of hair.
At any given time, around 85% of follicles are in the anagen phase (actively growing). For some, the growing phase can last as long as seven years; for others, as little as two.
“If your hair never gets past your shoulders, chances are, you
have a shorter anagen cycle than others do.”
-Francesca Fusco, a dermatologist in New York City
(How to Grow Your Hair Faster By Hannah Morrill)
have a shorter anagen cycle than others do.”
-Francesca Fusco, a dermatologist in New York City
(How to Grow Your Hair Faster By Hannah Morrill)
Problems with hair growth including hair loss and hair thinning can occur when your growth cycle is disrupted. This can be influenced by any number of variables, including:
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If your hair growth cycle is constantly challenged, or under supported, your hairs may not be able to stay in the growing phase long enough to reach your desired length.
So, what will help your hair to grow?
If you are experiencing hair loss or stagnant hair growth, the first and most important thing you can do is speak to your doctor. Sometimes a simple blood test will provide you with an answer and help you begin to make necessary changes.
The second important step to supporting healthy hair growth is practicing healthy lifestyle habits and attentive hair care:
Maintain a Healthy and Balanced Diet: Deficiencies of protein and iron are the most well-known dietary factors to affect hair; hair is primarily composed of fibrous proteins, and iron increases circulation and helps blood flow to the hair follicle. Vitamin C aids in iron absorption and can also support blood flow. Zinc has antioxidant properties that protect cells from damage and boost circulation.
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Supplements: Look for a supplement containing 100% whole food nutrition and organic herbs like Mega Food Skin Nails & Hair containing Biotin, a B vitamin important for the health of your hair, skin and nails.
Routine Scalp and Hair Treatments: By using a clarifying shampoo like Pureology Purify once a week, you can gently remove color-dulling residue and buildup caused by chlorine, hard water minerals and styling products. Follow the shampoo with a hydration and repair treatment like Pureology Superfood or Kerastase Nutritive Masque Magistral Mask to restore hair fiber's nutritive balance and protect hair from drying out.
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Invest in Quality Styling Tools: Something as easy as updating your blow-dryer, flat iron, or styling brush can make a world of difference in your hair quality. The BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Dryer is a salon quality blow dryer built with 6 heat/speed settings, a removable filter/stand and is ionic. (Read more about the importance of ionic technology in hair tools.) Pair your new blow-dryer with a quality round brush like the Olivia Garden Nano Thermic Ceramic Ion Brush and you have the tools you need for healthy hair styling.
If you like to finish your style with an iron, BaBylissPRO also makes an ionic technology flat iron and if you’re really serious about upgrading your tools, check out this Nanoionics mineral infused flat iron with far infrared energy from the elite pro styling collection.
Don’t Forget Heat Protection!: No matter the quality of your styling tools, NEVER apply heat directly to your hair cuticle without barrier protection. Period. You risk leaving your cuticle open, weakened, and exposed to every outside element. A simple heat buffer spray like this one from MATRIX will do the trick. Take it a step further and choose a protective product that adds a healing element like Strength Cure Split End Salve, a leave-in split-end treatment that fortifies and reinforces the cuticle layer of micro-scarred and color-damaged hair, or Kerastase Resistance Ciment Thermique Resurfacing Strengthening Milk, a thermo-activated leave-in treatment for damaged hair formulated with Vita-Ciment to strengthen hair fiber from inside.
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And finally…
Schedule Regular Haircuts (every 8-10 weeks): Yes. The myth that cutting hair can make it grow faster persists because, in fact, regular trims do improve the look and quality of your hair. By trimming unhealthy split ends, hair is stronger and less prone to breakage and flyaways, making it look thicker, shinier, healthier, and longer. Scheduling regular trims with a trusted stylist will make your hair appear to grow faster because your hair will break less and you and your hair growth will be more adequately supported under the attentive eye of an educated professional.
Do you feel you’re already following these steps and still not seeing the results you want? Check out Hair Care – How to Get the Hair You’ve Always Wanted