What controls hair growth?

Author: Kaitlyn Stiedemann V  |  Last update: Sunday, November 9, 2025

Hair growth is controlled by the interactions between two distinct cell types: mesenchyme and epithelial cells, while DP and stem cells from the bulge region of the ORS participate in hair follicle formation4,5,6,15. The in vivo injection of keratin-induced follicle formation and hair growth.

What is hair growth controlled by?

Hair growth is primarily regulated by genetics and hormones. Each hair follicle contains a group of cells that respond to signals from hormones, particularly androgens like testosterone. The pattern of hair growth, including its location, thickness, and color, is largely determined by these factors.

What triggers hair to grow?

Hair growth is regulated by male hormones (androgens, such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone), which are present in both men and women but in different amounts. Testosterone stimulates hair growth in the pubic area and underarms.

What controls hair growth in the body?

Hair growth is primarily regulated by genetics and hormones. Each hair follicle contains a group of cells that respond to signals from hormones, particularly androgens like testosterone. The pattern of hair growth, including its location, thickness, and color, is largely determined by these factors.

What hormone blocks hair growth?

DHT and androgenic alopecia

Increased DHT activity at your hair follicles is partly responsible for this hair loss, in addition to other factors, including genetic ones. High levels of DHT can shrink your hair follicles and shorten the hair growth cycle, resulting in hair loss.

The Science of Healthy Hair, Hair Loss and How to Regrow Hair | Huberman Lab Podcast

How to stimulate dead hair follicles?

Massaging your scalp may seem too simple, but it can help stimulate the hair follicles and encourage growth. It works because it increases blood flow to the follicles, which can activate the dormant ones. Try performing a scalp massage for five minutes on yourself every day.

What interrupts hair growth?

Hormonal changes and medical conditions.

A variety of conditions can cause permanent or temporary hair loss, including hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause and thyroid problems.

What signals hair to stop growing?

Following the Anagen Phase, your hair cycle enters a short transitional phase known as the Catagen Phase, which signals the end of active hair growth and cuts individual hairs off from the blood supply and from the cells that produce new hair.

Do plucked hairs grow back?

The researchers found plucking was able to stimulate hairs to grow back, sometimes more than were there originally, but only after a certain threshold. Below this threshold, not enough signals were produced to kick-start the hair regeneration systems.

What limits hair growth?

Genetics

So once the hair reaches the end of its growth cycle, it stops growing and will either break off or shed. Genetics can also play a role in determining the concentration of your thyroid hormone, which can also affect your hair's ability to grow.

What truly makes hair grow faster?

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.

What forces hair to grow?

The blood brings nutrients to the cells in the hair bulb. Those cells begin to multiply. The new cells clump together and get stiffer. They push the hair up.

What is the best vitamin for hair growth?

Vitamin D.

Vitamin D is essential for creating the cells that develop into hair follicles. It also supports healthy bones and your immune system. If you have hair loss and low vitamin D levels, your doctor may recommend vitamin D supplements.

What drives hair growth?

The protein called keratin makes up hair and stimulates hair growth. Hair follows a specific growth cycle with three distinct and concurrent phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen. Each phase has specific characteristics that determine the length of the hair.

What is the best protein for your hair?

Wheat protein is excellent for increasing hair's ability to retain moisture, while also adding volume. Collagen helps improve hair elasticity, preventing breakage by increasing its tensile strength. Understanding these protein types can help you choose a product that best suits your hair's specific needs.

Does vitamin D thicken hair?

Research has found that vitamin D interacts directly with hair follicles. When we have enough vitamin D, it helps hair follicles grow and function properly. This signals the anagen (growth) phase, where thick hair is produced. In essence, maintaining sufficient vitamin D is crucial for healthy hair growth.

What brings hair follicles back to life?

Medication is generally the most effective way to reactivate hair follicles. Finasteride and minoxidil — which can be combined — are FDA-approved medications scientifically proven to treat hair loss. You can take natural approaches to reduce hair loss.

What stops hair from regrowing?

electrolysis – where an electric current is used to stop your hair growing.

What controls hair growth speed?

These include: Genetics: A person's genes will dictate how quickly their hair will grow. Sex: Male hair grows faster than female hair. Age: Hair grows fastest between the ages of 15 and 30, before slowing down.

What chemical kills hair follicles permanently?

Potassium Hydroxide. This extremely corrosive chemical also damages cells responsible for hair growth.

How to wake up dormant hair follicles?

Several factors can contribute to reviving dormant hair follicles, including:
  1. Scalp massage.
  2. Essential oils.
  3. Supplements and vitamins.
  4. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT)
  5. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.
  6. Dietary changes.
  7. Stress management.

Previous article
Should I start with 0.5% or 1% retinol?
Next article
How can I make ointment absorb faster?