Have you ever wondered what makes the hair grow? Why do some people’s hair grow faster and thicker than others? And why do some of us seem to struggle with hair growth despite using all the best hair products and treatments? This post will explain the science behind hair growth.
The answer lies in understanding the hair growth cycle. Hair growth is a complex process that is impacted by a variety of factors, including genetics, age, hormones, and overall health. To understand hair growth and how to improve it, it is important to first understand the four cycles of hair growth.
What Are The Four Cycles Of Hair Growth?
Hair growth is a natural process that occurs in four stages: anagen, catagen, telogen, and exogen. Understanding these cycles is essential to know how to care for your hair and promote healthy growth.
1. The Anagen Stage
The anagen stage is the growth phase of hair. During this period, hair actively grows from the root or follicle. The length of this stage varies depending on genetics and hormones. On average, the anagen stage lasts between two and six years.
What is scientifically proven to grow hair during this stage? A balanced diet that is rich in protein, iron, and vitamins such as biotin and vitamin D has been shown to promote healthy hair growth during the anagen stage.
2. The Catagen Stage
The catagen stage is a transitional period. During this phase, hair stops growing and the follicle shrinks. The catagen stage only lasts for two to three weeks.
What is scientifically proven to grow hair during this stage? Studies have shown that incorporating a scalp massage into your routine during this stage can stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles, promoting healthy growth.
3. The Telogen Stage
The telogen stage is a resting phase. In this stage, the hair stops growing and falls out. On average, this stage lasts for three months.
What is scientifically proven to grow hair during this stage? Eating a diet rich in antioxidants and using topical treatments like minoxidil can help stimulate the follicle during this stage and promote healthy regrowth.
4. The Exogen Stage
The exogen stage is the shedding phase. During this period, hair follicles push out old hair to make way for new growth. Shedding 50–100 hairs per day is normal during this phase.
What is scientifically proven to grow hair during this stage? Regularly using a good-quality shampoo and conditioner can help keep the scalp and hair healthy, promoting healthy growth in the exogenous stage.
Science Behind Hair Growth
- A Nutrient-Rich Diet
- Scalp Massage
- Minimizing Stress
- Avoid Damaging Hair Practices
- Use Hair Growth Products
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, there are some key factors that have been shown to support healthy hair growth. These include:
(a) A Nutrient-Rich Diet
One of the science behind hair growth tips is to eat a nutrient-rich diet. What we eat plays a significant role in hair growth. Our hair requires a variety of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to stay healthy and grow consistently.
Some of the essential vitamins and minerals required for hair growth include vitamin C, vitamin E, biotin, iron, and zinc. Make sure your diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and lean proteins.
(b) Scalp Massage
Regular scalp massage can help stimulate the hair follicles and promote hair growth. Massaging the scalp helps to increase blood flow to the hair follicles, which provides them with the necessary nutrition and oxygen. In turn, this can extend the hair growth phase and produce thicker, healthier hair.
(c) Minimizing Stress
Chronic stress can impact the health of hair follicles and slow down hair growth. Finding ways to manage stress, such as exercise or meditation, can support healthy hair growth.
(d) Avoid Damaging Hair Practices
Heat styling, chemical treatments, and other damaging hair practices can weaken hair strands and slow down hair growth. Minimizing these practices or using protective styling can help support healthy hair growth.
In addition to these factors, there are also some hair growth products and treatments that have been shown to promote healthy hair growth, such as minoxidil and low-level laser therapy.
(e) Use Hair Growth Products
Various hair growth products are scientifically proven to boost hair growth. These products are formulated with various ingredients that help promote hair growth, such as minoxidil, biotin, caffeine, and keratin.
Here are some of the best hair growth products on Amazon that are scientifically proven to promote hair growth and restore hair health.
Best Hair Growth Products On Amazon
i. Rogaine Foam for Men and Women
Rogaine is a clinically proven hair regrowth foam that is specially formulated for men and women to help regrow thicker, fuller hair.
ii. Nutrafol Hair Growth Supplement
This supplement is designed to target the root cause of hair loss by boosting your hair’s health from the inside out.
iii. Viviscal hair growth supplements
Viviscal is a popular hair growth supplement that contains a unique blend of marine-based proteins, vitamins, and minerals that target weak, damaged hair and promote healthy hair growth.
iv. HairMax LaserComb
The HairMax LaserComb is an FDA-approved device that uses low-level laser therapy to stimulate hair growth and improve scalp health.
Conclusion
While numerous treatments and products claim to promote hair growth, the science behind hair growth has shown that a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals, along with regular scalp massages, can help stimulate hair growth.
