What controls hair growth in the body?

Author: Jillian Reichert  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Hair growth is a cyclical process driven by changes in the activity of cytokines (hormones) resulting in individual hairs on the body at various stages of the growth cycle [26]. The three recognized stages in hair growth are the anagen, catagen, and telogen phases.

What is responsible for hair growth in the body?

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.

What regulates hair growth?

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.

Which hormone controls hair growth?

Androgens, such as testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and their prohormones dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and androstenedione (A) are the key factors in the growth of terminal hair.

What makes hair grow in the human 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.

4 Natural Secrets for Rapid Hair Growth in 7 Days | Causes & Hair Growth Solutions| Hair Growth Tips

What controls body hair growth?

Normally around puberty, androgens stimulate axillary and pubic hair in both sexes, plus the beard, etc. in men, while later they may also inhibit scalp hair growth causing androgenetic alopecia.

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.

Which vitamin is responsible 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.

How to tell if you have low estrogen?

What are the symptoms of low estrogen levels?
  1. Dry skin.
  2. Tender breasts.
  3. Weak or brittle bones.
  4. Trouble concentrating.
  5. Moodiness and irritability.
  6. Vaginal dryness or atrophy.
  7. Hot flashes and night sweats.
  8. Irregular periods or no periods (amenorrhea).

What hormone causes unwanted hair?

With hirsutism, extra hair growth often arises from excess male hormones (androgens), primarily testosterone.

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 does thick hair say about your health?

A thick head of hair is often a sign of a healthy scalp. So, when your locks become noticeably sparse, it could be a tell-tale sign of hypothyroidism. This glandular condition affects nearly five out of 100 Americans ages 12 and older and can be treated with thyroid medications.

What organ affects hair growth?

The hormones produced by your thyroid also play an important role in hair growth and hair loss.

What is the best vitamin for hair growth?

Key Vitamins for Hair Growth
  • Biotin. Biotin is a critical vitamin for healthy hair growth, and deficiency will lead to thinning hair. ...
  • Vitamin D. ...
  • Vitamin A. ...
  • Vitamin C. ...
  • Vitamin E. ...
  • Folic Acid. ...
  • Iron. ...
  • Magnesium.

What to eat for hair growth?

“Insufficient protein in the diet may result in stalled hair growth, dullness and even hair loss.” To support hair health, she suggests eating protein-rich foods such as eggs, dairy products, pulses, whole grains, tofu, fish, meat and nuts.

What does a high estrogen face look like?

In women, feminine facial shape (e.g., small jaw, small nose, and reduced interocular distance) is linked to higher estrogen (see Law Smith et al., 2006) and superior immune function (Foo et al., 2020 While the face might be the center of our visual attention, the human body contains numerous morphological features - ...

What drink increases estrogen?

Red Wine and the Risk of Breast Cancer

Doctors determined long ago that alcohol increases the body's estrogen levels, fostering the growth of cancer cells.

Does vitamin D increase estrogen?

High blood levels of vitamin D linked to reduced estrogen – and potentially lower breast cancer risk | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center.

What is the secret vitamin for hair growth?

1 - Vitamin A:

Role in Hair Health: Essential for cell growth – including your hair. It also keeps your scalp moisturized by supporting sebum production. Natural Sources: Leafy greens, carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin.

What vitamin deficiency causes grey hair?

Although the primary cause of premature hair graying (PHG) is considered to be genetic, certain environmental factors also play a role. Trace element deficiencies such as Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3, and calcium may also be associated with PHG.

What is a hair pull test?

This simple test measures the severity of hair loss. During a pull test, a dermatologist grasps small sections of hair, about 40 strands, from different parts of the scalp and gently tugs. If six or more strands fall out, you have what's known as active hair loss.

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.

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