Why is my hair getting thicker but not longer?

Author: Mr. Wilhelm Boehm Sr.  |  Last update: Monday, July 28, 2025

Breakage is a big thing that can limit length. Growth rate depends on your unique hair growth cycle, but the average person's hair grows half an inch every month. That's about six inches of growth a year. However, if your hair is breaking off at the same rate that it's growing, you aren't going to see new length.

Why is my hair growing but not getting longer?

five reasons why your hair won't grow past a certain length. you have a vitamin or mineral deficiency. you're not taking care of your scalp. your hair is breaking off faster than it can regrow. your hair is in its resting phase. you're using too much heat and too many chemicals on it.

Why has my hair suddenly gone thick?

Hormonal Changes

Any increase or decrease in your body's hormones can directly influence how your body functions, including your hair growth. During times of great hormonal shifts, like pregnancy and menopause, it's very common for changes in the texture of your hair.

At what age is your hair the thickest?

No matter how thick of a head of hair you were born with, you will gradually lose its thickness as you age. Hair amount is at its peak at age 35, but at age 45, it will wane by 5 percent, and at age 50, 11 percent. The pattern of hair thinning is different for both sexes.

Why would my hair be getting thicker?

Climate and exposure to certain environmental conditions can impact hair texture and thickness. For example, humidity can make hair appear thicker and more voluminous. In summary, thick hair is largely determined by genetic and ethnic factors, but it can also be influenced by health and environmental conditions.

Why Your Hair is Getting Thicker Not Growing Longer

Can thin hairs become thick again?

While there is no way to change the texture of the hair follicles, there are many ways to make the hair appear thicker and reduce breakage and hair loss, such as eating a nutritious diet and scalp massage. Thin or thinning hair is common and can affect anyone.

How do I get my hair to grow longer?

9 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HAIR GROW FASTER
  1. Trim your hair. ...
  2. Eat protein-rich foods. ...
  3. Take a hair-boosting supplement. ...
  4. Use a hair growth serum. ...
  5. Use a weekly hair mask. ...
  6. Take care after washing your hair. ...
  7. Always use heat protection. ...
  8. Protect your hair from the elements.

What are signs of thick hair?

Texture test – Thicker hair strands tend to have more texture than fine hair. Using an individual strand of hair, rub it between your fingers and feel for any coarseness. If you observe a noticeable grain, odds are your hair is thick.

What time of year is hair the thinnest?

Seasonal shedding is totally normal and usually happens in the spring and autumn. You might notice more hair in your brush or shower drain than usual – some people even see more hair on their pillows when they wake up. Try not to panic – it's likely just seasonal shedding doing its thing.

Can straight hair turn curly?

During puberty, menopause and pregnancy, many people will find their will go from straight to curly or vice versa over a period of months. It's also interesting to note that even long periods of stress can be enough to change the texture of your hair.

What causes extremely thick hair?

Some people have wider follicles-and therefore, thicker hair strands-than other people. Genetics influence hair thickness, but other factors like hormones and age are important factors, too.

Can hair get curlier with age?

If you have straight hair, your hair may become slightly curlier as you age. This is because the shape of hair follicles changes over time.

How often should you wash your hair?

Generally, he says, the range is somewhere between once a day and once a week. “If you have very fine or thin hair, you may need to wash more often, while those with thick or curly hair may need to wash less often,” says Dr Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, a double board certified dermatologist and hair health expert.

What age does hair stop growing?

Many hair follicles stop producing new hairs. Men may start showing signs of baldness by the time they are 30 years old. Many men are nearly bald by age 60. A type of baldness related to the normal function of the male hormone testosterone is called male-pattern baldness.

What to eat to grow hair faster?

  • Eggs. Eggs contain various proteins that boost collagen production. ...
  • Green Leafy Vegetables. Green leafy vegetables are rich in vitamins A, C, carotene, folate, and potassium. ...
  • Vitamin C-Rich Citrus Fruits. ...
  • Seeds and Nuts. ...
  • Carrots. ...
  • Whole Grain. ...
  • Soybeans. ...
  • Avocado.

Does cutting hair make it grow faster?

The quick answer to “does trimming hair make it grow faster” is no, it doesn't. Hair growth starts at the scalp, so trimming off the dead ends doesn't actually make it grow faster. However, it makes it grow healthier, which is crucial if you want long luscious hair.

At what age do women's hair thin?

By age 50, up to 40% of women will have noticeable hair loss, but it can happen at any age. Thinning hair typically looks different on women than men. Rather than a specific bald patch or receding hairline, women might notice that their part looks wider, or that their ponytail is suddenly thinner.

What season is hair thickest?

We can normally expect to lose anywhere from 50 - 100 strands of hair per day but it is also proven that people do shed more at certain times of the year and several studies have suggested that hair grows thicker in the spring and starts to thin late summer while being at its peak in Autumn.

What is the best length for thin hair?

As a general rule, anything past the shoulders can make thin hair look thinner, which is why most experts would recommend shoulder-length and shorter.

Can thin hair become thick again?

Yes, absolutely! Stress, excessive heat styling, age and even genetics can deplete your hair's thickness. Keeping your scalp and roots healthy is how you can promote the growth of thick hair. You can do the same by oiling regularly, refraining from wearing tight hairstyles and following a nourishing hair care routine.

Is my hair thinning or am I paranoid?

So try not to stress out about a few individual strands of lost hair on your hair tie. If you're concerned that you're shedding more hair than this, or you've noticed substantial hair loss when you wash or brush your hair, you're probably not paranoid. This may be the first sign of sustained hair loss.

What are the stages of thick hair growth?

The Four Stages of the Hair Growth Cycle: Anagen, Catagen, Telogen & Exogen.

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 is the best hair thickening shampoo?

Our Top Picks: Best Overall: Kérastase Densifique Bodifying Shampoo, $44. Best for Color-Treated Hair: Pureology Pure Volume Shampoo, $37. Best for Oily Hair: Redken Volume Injection Shampoo, $27.

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