How long does it take for hair to grow?
One of the most frustrating aspects of beauty goals is waiting for hair to grow. Whether shorter-than-expected hair is due to vitamin or mineral deficiencies, genetics, a bad haircut, postpartum recovery, autoimmune disease, chemotherapy recovery, or a generally unknown reason, the rush and wait can be stressful. You may wonder what to do if you want longer hair but yours doesn’t seem to be moving an inch (pun intended).
Phases of Hair Growth
The U.S. National Library of Medicine reports that there are four phases of hair growth. It says that hair growth is a “continuous process” divided into four phases: anagen, catagen, telogen, and exogen. Luckily, it explains what these mean in detail: growth, regression, dormancy, and shedding. They add, “Individual hair follicles cycle independently, and each follicle goes through ten to thirty cycles during its life. Sounds simple, right?”
What Factors Affect Hair Growth?
If you look at any group of people, you’ll notice how different their hair is. Just as there are differences in hair color, texture, and thinness versus thickness, there are differences in how quickly a person’s hair grows. Factors that affect hair growth include “heavy metals,” “toxins,” “drugs, medications, genetics, stress, smoking, menopause, lifestyle, and diet.” There are other factors, but the ones mentioned are considered the most important. This means that you can’t compare your hair growth rate to another person (or even a biological relative) because there are so many factors involved in hair growth.
Common Causes of Slow Hair Growth
As we mentioned before, there are many factors that affect hair growth. Slow hair growth can occur in people who are stressed, ill, have multiple medical diagnoses, and aging. Of course, there’s nothing you can do about some of these factors. But don’t give up! Read on to learn how to promote healthy hair growth.
Treatments and Products to Promote Hair Growth
Treating the underlying issue that causes slow hair growth is key. Unfortunately, many companies pressure consumers to only use topical products. But we know that healthy hair growth is an inside-out job, not the other way around. One of the factors that contribute to slow hair growth is vitamin and mineral deficiencies. The good news is that this problem can be easily (and fairly quickly) addressed.
Our hair supplement UnTangled was developed by dermatologists to stimulate hair growth. Just two capsules a day of this blend of vitamins A, C, E (and more) are all you need to revive your stagnant hair growth cycle. We recommend taking it daily for 30 days to see results, and 90 days to see noticeably thicker, fuller hair. Be prepared, you may want to plan your next haircut sooner rather than later, because UnTangled will stimulate your follicles to do their job – and do it well!
In addition, we offer a Hair Serum, which works by nourishing your follicles, reducing hair loss, and promoting hair growth from the root. Just like UnTangled, if you use the Hair Serum as directed, you’ll see some results in 30 days, and even some really sweet results after 90 days. Bonus: Gently massage the Hair Serum into your scalp twice a day. Who doesn’t love a good scalp massage, especially one that smells like herbs?
Comb Hair Supplement
Comb Hair Supplement
• 2-month supply
• Reduces hair loss and thinning
• Strengthens hair follicles
Original price $65
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Tips for healthy and long hair
If you want to maintain longer, healthier, and stronger hair, you need to put in some effort. First, take a hair supplement regularly. Second, once your hair reaches the desired length, use a hair serum once a day (not twice). Third, be kind to your hair! Washing your hair too often, using heat (blow dryers or styling tools), and harsh hair products can damage your hair. Be aware of your stress levels and seek help for stress management when needed. Also, don’t wear your longer hair in tight ponytails or other hairstyles. Satin pillowcases can have a positive impact on hair health.
Myths and misconceptions
One myth about hair growth is that there is a “magic bullet” or elixir that will solve your hair problems. This is simply not true. Hair health is a holistic issue. Hair growth supplements and topicals can be very helpful, but you need to address the “whole problem” by living a healthy lifestyle.
Another myth about hair growth is that if you comb your hair a certain number of times a day (usually 100 times), your hair will grow faster. One source said that combing your hair too often can damage it, cause split ends, and make it brittle, leading to hair loss and breakage. They added that you shouldn’t comb your hair too tightly because this can cause traction alopecia (hair loss).
Finally, a common myth is that genetics contribute to poor hair growth, as well as many other health issues. Dr. Mehmet Oz says, “Your genes are loaded; your lifestyle is the trigger.” “Often, genetics is not only an excuse, but it can lead you to believe that you have no control over your health. This prevents you from digging deeper and finding the root cause of your health issues.
When to see a specialist
If your hair isn’t growing, even with supplementation and topical support, it’s wise to identify the underlying issue. Perhaps it’s stress, an autoimmune disease, genetics, a hormonal imbalance, or something else. Another possible cause is not following a protective hair care routine. A doctor’s help can help you find the cause of your lack of hair growth.Don’t forget that even if you are medically innocent, harmful (heat) hair tools, over-dying your hair or using harsh dye systems, poor quality (or inappropriate) hair products could be the cause.
As you can see, establishing a healthy hair care routine will hopefully help you get the long hair you want.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
