Why isn't my hair growing anymore? – LAO Care

Long hair often holds a special place in the quest for beauty, symbolizing femininity and elegance. Recently, we've seen all sorts of tips and tricks pop up on social media to promote hair growth, from the most outlandish to the most practical!

Do you feel like your hair is no longer growing, and is stuck at a certain length?

In this article, we invite you to discover why you feel like your hair is no longer growing , and above all, what natural solutions are available to you to promote hair growth.

For precise advice and a complete assessment of your hair , hair loss and length, take the LAO Care hair diagnosis !

What is the life cycle of hair?

To help you understand what's really happening when you feel like your hair is no longer growing, it's important to understand your hair cycle.

Hair begins on your scalp, in the heart of a hair follicle (or bulb, like a plant) and grows through several cycles until it finally falls out. Each cycle is broken down into three phases:

The first is the anagen phase. This is the hair growth phase, which lasts on average between 3 and 5 years at a growth rate of between 0.5 and 1 cm per month. It is this phase that will determine the length of your hair.

Then there is the catagen phase. This phase corresponds to the cessation of hair growth . The hair is then suspended, since it stops growing, without falling out. This phase lasts on average between 2 and 3 weeks.

Finally, the cycle ends with the telogen phase, which corresponds to the definitive loss of the hair. The hair is permanently dead and will gradually fall out over 2 to 4 months. Pushed by the new hair being formed, the hair gradually falls out.

Hair cycle diagram: why my hair is no longer growing

Diagram: The hair cycle

So your hair never stops growing , unless you have a health problem or are undergoing specific treatment! Don't hesitate to contact a healthcare professional if you want to understand the cause of your hair loss, have a health check-up, or understand the origin of one of your scalp problems.

Why do pregnant women often have very beautiful hair?

Pregnant women often experience a significant improvement in the quality of their hair, attributed mainly to hormonal changes!

During pregnancy, elevated hormone levels, particularly estrogen, prolong the growth (anagen) phase of hair, reducing the usual daily shedding. The result? Hair that appears thicker, fuller, and often shinier.

Childbirth and sudden hair loss

After childbirth, hormonal levels normalize and hair loss may temporarily increase, returning to its normal cycle and natural balance.

If you're losing a lot of hair, meaning more than 100 strands a day, it's best to see a dermatologist who specializes in alopecia and scalp issues. They can perform a blood test to determine if there's a hormonal cause or deficiency.

What factors can slow hair growth?

Damaged and split hair

Hair is composed mainly of keratin , a protein that gives it flexibility and strength . Over time and through life (bleaching, coloring, brushing, rubbing, etc.), the keratin in your hair becomes weakened , and the hair becomes damaged and thinner , eventually splitting .

If your hair has split ends , you will feel like it is no longer growing, because the ends break off gradually . Remember, it is impossible to repair already split ends , you will have to treat your hair as it deserves and protect it as much as possible from damage ! This is THE best advice for keeping your hair healthy and beautiful.

Among the worst enemies of keratin and your lengths , we name the straightener and the curling iron, which heat to more than 200°C and destroy the hair fiber.

Don't neglect friction and knots, which damage hair, and adopt simple but effective gestures! Is your hair straight? Before going to bed, gently brush your hair to detangle it and tie it in a simple, loose braid. Apply a few drops of vegetable oil .

If your hair is curly, frizzy, or kinky , tie it all up in a very, very high ponytail and tuck it into a silk or satin bonnet or turban for the night. This will also preserve your hair routine.

Likewise, avoid using the hair dryer on hot mode as much as possible , especially when combined with a brush that pulls!

In the morning before leaving home and after styling your hair, don't hesitate to apply an oil to your lengths, this will not make them grow faster because they only grow at the scalp, but it will partially protect the fiber from friction!

Pulled hairstyles

A very common mistake is to tie your hair up by pulling it too tightly : slicked back buns, high ponytails... even if the result is very pretty, these hairstyles can cause traction alopecia . By pulling on your hair too much, the roots will become fragile and holes will appear in your scalp.

Age

After about fifty years, the hair's life cycle slows down , and keratin and sebum production decreases. As a result, hair can become finer, more fragile, and grow more slowly ... but this doesn't have to be!

With enough scalp care and choosing gentle shampoos , you can slow down the process and stimulate your hair growth.

Pollution and UV rays

Every day, whether you live in the city or the countryside, your hair and skin are exposed to pollution, micro particles and UV rays.

These have a direct impact on the quality of your hair and the health of your scalp, because they cause oxidative stress which damages the hair protein: keratin.

Even the sebum on your scalp oxidizes when exposed to oxygen, making it acidic ... that's why you shouldn't wait too long to wash your hair! The buildup of acidic sebum on your scalp can contribute to dandruff, itching, and flakes.

In early 2021, LAO filed its first patent after proving that treatments containing hemp protein protect hair fibers from oxidation caused by UV rays and pollution. A true haircare revolution that protects hair day after day.

Stress

It's a well-known fact that chronic stress can disrupt hormones , particularly cortisol secretion, which impacts hair growth. Additionally, stress can cause a condition called alopecia areata, where the immune system attacks hair follicles.

It can also exacerbate other conditions related to hair loss and scalp disorders, such as seborrheic dermatitis.

How to make your hair grow faster?

While the speed of hair growth is partly determined by your genetics, there are many natural tips to promote hair growth.

Be careful, if you suffer frombaldness , know that this condition is irreversible and none of the solutions below will make hair that has already fallen out reappear. Cosmetics will not work miracles: they will slow down the hair loss but, once the hair follicle is destroyed, it will not come back unless it is reimplanted.

A healthy scalp: hair that grows faster!

Scalp health is essential for promoting beautiful hair and making it grow faster! The key to protecting your scalp is choosing a shampoo that's both gentle and nourishing for your roots.

Above all, avoid shampoos containing sulfates , which are mostly stripping. Choose a natural shampoo made with gentle cleansing agents , such as those from LAO Care.

More than just shampoos, LAO cleansing products contain a high concentration of active ingredients targeted to specific scalp concerns. Does your hair tend to get greasy quickly and lack volume? Try the best-selling LAO Care Purifying Nettle Shampoo !

Sensitive and dry scalps will appreciate the Nourishing Shampoo for its high concentration of soothing organic lemon balm hydrosol and nourishing and firming hemp oil.

Hair grows better and faster when you use the right cleansing product, the right techniques, when you apply a quality, suitable oil and when you adapt your diet!

Natural tips: oil your scalp

Regular application of vegetable oils , at least twice a week, can help keep it healthy and protect it from external aggressions. Also, oiling the scalp is a good time to massage it, which will activate blood circulation and help your hair grow faster.

Double benefit of oils: those that will remain on your lengths will protect them from friction in part and limit the appearance of split ends.

Choose your oils according to the thickness of your hair:

Fine hair: Castor oil is known to promote hair growth. It is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, but it is quite thick. It can be mixed with a lighter oil like sweet almond oil for easier application.

Castor oil is the star of vegetable oils used for hair, eyelash, nail, and eyebrow growth! Be sure to use it diluted and in small amounts because it has a very thick texture that can be difficult to remove from hair after washing.

Castor oil for hair growth

Thick Hair: Coconut oil is excellent for thick hair. It penetrates well into the hair and scalp, nourishing the follicles to stimulate growth.
Normal Hair: Argan oil , often referred to as "liquid gold," is ideal for most hair types. It is lightweight and rich in antioxidants, promoting hair health and growth.

Mustard oil also has a good reputation as an anti-hair loss remedy, but it remains to be seen what the various opinions are online and from specialists!

What about rosemary , which has been highlighted on social media? The only form in which rosemary has been proven effective is essential oil . With long-term use, some studies have shown it may be as effective as Minoxidil, so don't hesitate to add it to your routine!

Want to (re)discover a healthy scalp and beautiful hair? Take the LAO Care hair diagnosis in 1 minute to get concrete advice!

Grow your hair faster with diet

The health and therefore the length of your hair depends first and foremost on your diet . An unbalanced and unsuitable diet does not allow the hair roots and follicles to be properly nourished and will promote hair loss.

There are many foods that can affect the quality of your hair thanks to their high content of zinc, iron, fatty acids and certain vitamins that promote hair growth.

For example, zinc promotes keratin production and helps strengthen the hair shaft in the bulb. Zinc is found in oysters, meat, whole-grain bread, and soy.

Iron contributes to the oxygenation of hair's reproductive cells . Choose lentils, beans, and dark chocolate.

Finally, vitamin C contributes to the production of collagen . It is found in particular in peppers, oranges, mangoes and kiwis.

A blood test will help you determine if you have any deficiencies , and while they can never replace a healthy diet, certain dietary supplements can really help. Our advice: choose a supplement based on biotin, B vitamins and zinc!

Final tips: brewer's yeast and wheat germ are two ingredients that are easy to add to your salad recipes and will provide you with some essential vitamins to help your hair grow!

In conclusion

Promoting faster hair growth is much easier than you think, and doesn't necessarily require a lot of effort. Prioritize protecting your hair from breakage so it doesn't thin over time and adopt a good scalp and ends care routine!

If you still have doubts or specific hair concerns, take the personalized diagnosis in just 1 minute, or take the time to send us a message. This is LAO's mission: to help you understand the language of your hair!

Frequently Asked Questions

How to stimulate hair growth very quickly?

Accelerating hair growth requires a holistic approach. Eat a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, ensure proper hydration, and regularly massage your scalp to stimulate blood circulation. Also, avoid harsh hair treatments and hairstyles that pull at the roots.

How to improve the speed of hair growth naturally?

Natural hair growth can be promoted through a healthy diet, gentle care, and limiting exposure to heat and chemicals. Using natural oils to moisturize and nourish the scalp can also be beneficial.

What promotes hair regrowth?

Hair regrowth is encouraged by good general health, a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, proper hydration, and proper hair care. Specific supplements such as biotin can also be helpful.

How to get long hair naturally and quickly?

To achieve long hair naturally, it's essential to maintain a healthy scalp, reduce stress, use gentle hair products, and practice regular scalp massages. Avoid frequent trims, but keep the ends healthy by trimming them regularly.
You can opt for dietary supplements, but choose them in capsule or tablet form rather than gummies.

Does cutting your hair make it grow faster?

No, cutting your hair doesn't make it grow faster. Hair grows from the hair follicles in the scalp, not the ends. However, trimming your hair regularly can help prevent split ends and breakage, making your hair appear healthier and grow better.

Sources

Nlela-Maria YEBGA HOT. “Cosmetic Traumatic Alopecia in Women of African Origin.” October 2015. Available online: http://thesesante.ups-tlse.fr/1519/1/2015TOU32081.pdf