Sophia Delgado
Hair and nails are made mostly of a strong protein called keratin. This protein is also present in animal hooves and skin. The rate of hair and nail growth is influenced by season, gender, age, genetics, and nutrition. For instance, hair and nails grow faster during the summer than at any other time of the year. Men's hair and nails typically grow faster than women's, except during pregnancy and old age. Fingernails grow at a rate of about 3 millimetres per month, while hair grows at a much faster rate of about 1 to 6 centimetres per month. A balanced diet that includes healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals is essential for healthy hair growth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hair growth rate | 1 cm per month |
| Fingernail growth rate | 3 mm per month |
| Toenail growth rate | 1/16 inch per month |
| Factors affecting growth | Genetics, age, hormones, nutrition, season, gender, heredity, blood circulation, disease, hormonal imbalances, natural aging, and medication |
| Nutrients for growth | Healthy fats, protein, iron, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D, and biotin |
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What You'll Learn
Healthy hair starts with a healthy diet
Hair is a type of protein called keratin, which is also a basic component of skin and nails. Keratinocytes in the epidermis make keratin, and the hair itself grows from matrix cells below the skin. As new cells form, they push older cells forward, and they eventually die and harden into the hair fiber.
To support this process, your body needs a steady supply of the right nutrients. Carbohydrates provide energy for vital organs and tissues, and restricting them may hinder hair growth. A balanced diet should include healthy fats, carbs, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Specifically, nutrients such as protein, iron, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D, and biotin are linked to healthy hair.
While topical treatments may provide some benefits, consuming the right nutrients through your diet is the best way to promote hair growth and health. Instead of spending money on expensive lotions and supplements, that money could be better spent on healthy groceries.
In addition to diet, other factors that influence hair growth include gender, seasonality, and blood circulation. Men's hair typically grows faster than women's, except during pregnancy and old age. Hair grows faster in the summer than in the winter and slower at night than during the day. Poor blood circulation and certain medications can also slow hair growth.
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Genetics, age and hormones affect hair growth
Genetics, age and hormones all play a role in hair growth. While you may not be able to control the former, understanding how each of these factors affects hair growth can help you maximise the length and health of your hair.
Genetics play a role in determining the terminal length of your hair. For most people, this length is mid-back or longer, and it is very unlikely that your terminal length is above your shoulders. The three stages of hair growth are anagen, catagen, and telogen, representing growth, regression, and rest, respectively. Hairs can remain in the anagen phase for 2-6 years, during which they grow at an average rate of 1/2 inch per month.
Age also affects hair growth. As you get older, it is common to start eating less, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Since hair follicles are made mostly of protein, it is important to include protein-rich foods in your diet, such as red meat, spinach, eggs, and avocados. Taking a daily multivitamin can also help ensure you are getting the necessary nutrients for hair growth. Additionally, as we age, our hair becomes more susceptible to the drying and damaging effects of frequent washing and heat styling. To support hair growth as you age, it is recommended to wash your hair less frequently, use conditioner, and minimise the use of heat styling tools.
Hormones have a close association with hair growth and can impact the hair cycle and follicle structure. For example, melatonin, a hormone that regulates the rhythm of various physiological systems, affects hair pigmentation and growth. It accelerates the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle and controls the hair follicle response to oestrogens. Endocrine disorders, such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, can also cause hair loss.
While genetics, age, and hormones can impact hair growth, maintaining healthy hair practices and choosing the right products can help you maximise the length and health of your hair.
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Hair growth cycles and phases
The first phase is the anagen phase, also known as the 'Growth' or 'Active' phase. During this phase, the cells in the root of the hair divide rapidly, forming new hair. The anagen phase lasts between two and eight years, with an average of three to five years. It is longer in people of Asian descent, lasting up to seven years. During this phase, hair grows at a rate of about half an inch per month, or six inches per year, and faster in the summer than in winter.
The second phase is the catagen phase, or the transition phase. This phase starts when the anagen phase ends and lasts for about two weeks. It signals the end of active hair growth, and the hair follicles shrink, causing hair growth to slow down. The hair separates from the bottom of the hair follicle but remains in place. Only about 1% to 3% of the hairs on the head are in the catagen phase at any given time.
The third phase is the telogen phase, or the resting phase. During this phase, the hair follicle is dormant, and the hair shaft does not grow. The telogen phase typically lasts for about two to three months, and about 9% to 15% of scalp hairs are in this phase at any given time. While hairs do not grow during this phase, they also do not usually fall out. However, new hairs do start to form in the follicles that have just released hairs during the catagen phase.
The fourth phase is the exogen phase, or the shedding phase. During this phase, which can last for several months, new hairs grow in the follicles as old hairs fall away. This phase is considered an extension of the telogen phase by some experts, who view shedding as part of the telogen phase.
The hair growth cycle is cyclical, and understanding these cycles and phases can help promote healthy hair growth. A healthy lifestyle, including a proper diet, low stress, and gentle hair care, can contribute to healthy hair growth over time.
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Keratin and hair hardening
Hair, skin, and nails have a basic component called keratin, a type of protein produced naturally by the body. Keratin forms when hair cells move upward through the skin and are cut off from their supply of nourishment. As the hair cells die, they form the shaft of the hair along with the dead cells and keratin. This process is called keratinization.
Keratin treatments smooth hair cuticles, giving hair a shinier and glossier appearance. They can also help hair dry faster and reduce frizz. The treatment involves applying a keratin-based product to the hair and using a flat iron to seal it in. This process can straighten hair for up to six months, depending on hair care and thickness.
Keratin treatments can be done at home or professionally. Shampoos and conditioners promise to replenish hair with keratin protein, while salon treatments offer more dramatic results. However, it is important to note that these treatments may contain harmful ingredients such as formaldehyde, which can be dangerous if inhaled. Formaldehyde-free treatments are available but may be less effective.
Keratin treatments can also be beneficial for hair health. They can strengthen hair, making it less prone to breakage and giving the appearance of faster growth. Additionally, they can reduce the look of split ends by temporarily bonding the hair back together. For those with curly hair, keratin treatments can soften the curls and make hair appear straighter.
While keratin treatments can provide desirable cosmetic results, it is important to consider the potential health risks and side effects. These treatments may cause scalp and eye irritation, and there are concerns about links to certain types of cancer. It is recommended to weigh the pros and cons and consult a stylist about salon safety practices before deciding on a keratin treatment.
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Hair growth rate and gender
The growth rate of hair is influenced by several factors, including genetics, age, hormones, nutrition, and gender. Typically, men's hair grows faster than women's, except during pregnancy and old age. The hair growth cycle consists of four phases: the anagen or growth phase, which lasts between two and eight years; the catagen or transition phase, where growth slows down over around two weeks; the telogen or resting phase, where no growth occurs for approximately two to three months; and the exogen or shedding phase, where the hair falls out and is replaced by new hair from the same follicle.
Hair grows from matrix cells beneath the skin, forming new cells that multiply to create a tissue rod. As these cells move upwards, they lose their nourishment supply and undergo keratinization, forming the hair shaft composed of dead cells and keratin. This process is faster in the summer than in winter and during the day compared to at night.
Nutrition is crucial for hair growth. A balanced diet rich in healthy fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals is essential. Restrictive diets that limit calories, fats, proteins, or carbohydrates may hinder hair growth by depriving the body of the energy and nutrients it needs.
Supplements are another option for promoting hair growth, but they may not be necessary for everyone. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements, as consuming too much or too little of certain substances can lead to health issues.
In summary, hair growth rate is influenced by various factors, including gender, with men's hair typically growing faster than women's. A healthy diet and, in some cases, supplements can help support hair growth, while certain medications, poor blood circulation, and malnutrition may slow it down.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, hair, skin and nails vitamins will help your hair grow. The key to creating healthy hair is to start from the inside. Consuming the right nutrients will help grow healthy hair. A healthy balanced diet containing enough healthy fats, protein, vitamins and minerals is essential for hair growth.
Nutrients such as healthy fats, protein, iron, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D and biotin are essential for hair growth.
Maintaining a balanced diet is important for hair growth. Poor blood circulation, malnutrition and some medications can slow down hair growth.
Hair grows by forming new cells at the base of the root. These cells multiply to form a rod of tissue in the skin. As they move up, they are cut off from their supply of nourishment and start to form keratin, a type of protein. The dead cells and keratin form the shaft of the hair.
Hair growth is affected by season, gender, age and genetics. Hair grows faster in the summer than in winter and slower at night than during the day.
