We know that hair thins as we get older, but there's a heredity factor that may affect your strands' fate faster than others: "The main cause of stunted hair growth is what is known as hair miniaturization caused by hereditary hair thinning," Skjoth explains.
Scalp build-up from products and dryness will stop growth at the source. Combat this stuntedness by scrubbing your scalp thoroughly, using a clarifying shampoo, and adding scalp oil to your regimen.
Genetics
You might be surprised to learn that your hair doesn't actually stop growing at a certain length, it stops growing at the end of your hair growth cycle. Your hair's growth phase is determined by your genetics and can last anywhere between two and six years.
One of the most important causes of restricted hair growth and hair thinning is nutritional deficiency. Nutrients like iron, protein, biotin and zinc contribute to healthy hair. However, if you are deficient in these essential nutrients, your risk of restricted hair growth and hair thinning increases.
“Biotin improves hair growth and helps with inflammation,” Dr. Bergfeld notes. “The hair follicle, the skin and the nails all benefit.” Get your fill of B7 from foods like eggs, fish, meat, seeds, nuts, sweet potatoes, broccoli and cauliflower, or try out a mega-B vitamin.
"Getting a trim every six to eight weeks prevents split ends and damage, making ends stronger and leading to faster growth," she explains. "I recommend trimming 1 to 2 inches at each appointment to avoid fraying ends and keep hair healthy."
Those high in protein, the building blocks of hair, including meats and other sources. "Try increasing your protein intake with foods like fish, beans, nuts and whole grains," she recommends. Even if you're not a meat lover, you should still aim to maintain a diet high in protein for hair growth.
“Vitamins are essential for healthy hair growth and may help in preventing hair shedding and thinning,” says Michele Green, M.D., a cosmetic dermatologist in New York. “The best vitamins for hair growth include B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin E, zinc, biotin and iron.
We'll cut straight to it: On average, hair grows at a rate of about half an inch per month, or six inches per year. Each hair on your head grows from an individual follicle.
Vitamins B and D factor big in healthy hair. So do zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and the B vitamin biotin. Your doctor can test you for deficiencies. Ask them whether you should take a multivitamin or supplement and how much.
If you want to keep your hair at the same length, get it cut every 6 to 8 weeks. But if you want to grow it a little longer, cut it every 8 to 12 weeks.
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, stimulates keratin production in hair and can increase the rate of follicle growth.
The amount of biotin suggested for hair growth usually ranges between 100 - 1,000 micrograms (mcg) daily, but this number varies based on your body's reaction to biotin.
Sources of Biotin
Foods that contain the most biotin include organ meats, eggs, fish, meat, seeds, nuts, and certain vegetables (such as sweet potatoes) [2,12].
How much B12 should I take daily for hair growth? The lowest amount recommended that should be traceable in your body is 2.4 mcg. While you are looking for a difference in your hair growth you can increase this dosage to 3 mcg and beyond.
"There are specific juices that can be beneficial for the health of your hair and scalp, including aloe vera juice, kiwi juice and cucumber juice." According to Synder, spinach is highly concentrated with vitamin B, which restores shine and promotes hair growth.
There are a variety of methods available for the regrowth of hair follicles, from using medication to massaging your scalp to stimulate your hair directly. Currently, the most effective way to reactivate your hair follicles is by using medication, such as finasteride and minoxidil.