There are numerous myths about hair growth. Some products claim to increase the rate at which your hair grows while some herbal or alternative medicines rely on using specific herbs or oils to promote hair growth. Many of these claims are not supported by medical research. The fact is, hair grows at almost the same rate for everyone and the growth rate slows down as you age, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Normal Hair Growth
Hair grows out of your hair follicles, which are located on your scalp and all over your body. The hair growth rate varies slightly for everyone, depending on medical conditions or illness, stress, nutrition and use of chemical treatments. However, most people experience a growth rate of about 1/2 inch each month, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Phases of Growth
According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, hair growth occurs in a cycle. There are four parts to this cycle. The first phase, known as the anagen phase, occurs when your hair is actively growing, lasting for anywhere between two and eight years. The second phase, the catagen phase, lasts for two to four weeks. During this phase, the hair follicle shrinks and stops producing pigment. In the following phase, known as the telogen phase, your hair follicle enters a resting period, lasting a few months, until the hair is shed and the growth cycle begins again.
Hair Disorders
Hair loss can be caused by a number of lifestyle and health factors, including pattern baldness, which occurs due to hereditary factors. Hair loss can also occur due to a disorder referred to as alopecia, which means hair loss. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, alopecia can occur in two forms, scarring, in which the hair follicles are destroyed, and non-scarring, which can be reversed.
One type of non-scarring alopecia is known as alopecia areata, an auto-immune disease that causes hair loss all over the body, including from the scalp. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, nearly four million Americans will develop this disorder during their lifetime. There are no known causes or treatments for this disorder, although hair generally will grow back when the body turns off its immune response.
Proper Hair Care
Maintaining a proper hair care regimen can help to ensure that your hair stays healthy and strong. Healthy and strong hair is less likely to break off or split and may help to give the appearance of faster hair growth. When your hair splits, it appears that your hair isn't growing at all, because the hair shaft breaks off. Hair still grows out of your scalp, but split ends can continue to split and break off until they reach your scalp. Keeping your hair moisturized and avoiding excessive use of heated styling appliances and chemical treatments is an important part of proper hair care. Eating a healthy diet and implementing a stress management program can help to prevent some types of hair loss, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Misconceptions
There are few products that can actually encourage hair growth. Although many products may make the claim that they will speed up hair growth, they actually will only help to keep your hair healthy and prevent it from breaking off. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some treatments, such as scalp massage with specific essential oils and prescription medications may help to promote hair growth in some people.
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