The amount of time it takes to grow out your hair depends on the health of your hair, genetics, and how long you want it to be. As a general rule, the longer you wait the longer your hair will be. However, everyone has a terminal length for their particular hair. This is the point where your hair simply refuses to grow longer for long stretches of time. This can be caused by unhealthy hair, the way you treat your hair, or simple genetics.
Average Growth
The hair of the average person grows approximately one half inch per month. This adds up to six inches of new hair per year. If you use this as a rough guide to your hair growth, you can estimate how long it will take you to get to your desired length. If you want hair down to your waist, it could take six years or more. Keep in mind that there are many factors that can alter the average hair growth. Most of these factors impair hair growth instead of enhancing it.
Hair Health
Healthy hair grows faster than damaged hair. It is therefore important to take care of your hair if you intend to grow it out. Damage from treatments, styling, and the environment can impair growth. Also keep in mind that the longer your hair is, the older the ends are. Hair that is healthy at the root can be split and broken at the bottom. This often encourages people to cut off the hair growth that they waited so long for.
Health vs Growth
A balance must be reached if you wish to grow out your hair and keep it healthy at the same time. Since hair grows approximately one half inch per month, a one half inch trim every month will keep it at the same length. If you are growing out your hair, cut the ends one half inch every three or four months. This keeps the ends healthy while encouraging hair growth.
Environment
It is important to control the environment your hair is exposed to when you grow it out. Using hot styling tools, harsh dyes, and chemical laden products will damage hair and retard growth. Pulling your hair into elaborate hair styles will also cause damage. Treating your hair tenderly will help it grow out healthier and faster.
Diet and Genetics
Healthy people tend to have healthy hair. If your body is not getting the nourishment it needs, it will not waste energy growing hair. If you are serious about growing out your hair, you need to take care of yourself. Drinking plenty of water, getting lots of sleep, reducing stress, and eating a well balanced diet are all proven ways to increase hair growth. Some people are just genetically predisposed to have rapid hair growth. The hair of other people just stops growing at a certain point. This is called the terminal length. Either way you are stuck with your hair. There is nothing you can do about your genetics.
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