Achieving optimal hair growth is a process influenced by both internal and external factors. Understanding how hair grows, adopting healthier habits and taking advantage of treatments can significantly enhance the quality and growth rate of your hair.
In this guide, we offer a comprehensive approach on how to stimulate hair growth. We will explore lifestyle changes, hair care practices, medical treatments, hair growth supplements and more.
Understanding Hair Growth
To stimulate hair growth, it is important to understand how hair grows and the factors that influence this process. Hair growth occurs in a natural cycle with specific phases, and external factors like genetics, diet and stress may affect its health and growth rate.
The Hair Growth Process
Hair growth follows a cyclical process comprising four distinct stages:
Anagen Phase
This phase of hair growth is the longest, spanning three to seven years or more. During this time, your hair follicles are actively generating hairs, which will continue to grow until they are either cut or naturally shed at the end of their life cycle.
Catagen Phase
When the anagen phase ends, the transitional phase begins, typically lasting about ten days. During this stage, the hair follicles shrink, and hair growth slows. The hair detaches from the base of the follicle but remains in place as it approaches the final stages of its growth cycle.
Telogen Phase
The telogen phase follows catagen and lasts about three months. Hair growth stops, but hairs do not fall out, while new hairs start forming in follicles that were recently shed during the previous catagen phase.
Exogen Phase
The exogen phase, lasting two to five months, is an extension of the telogen stage. Hairs detached earlier are shed during activities like washing or brushing, while new hairs begin growing, continuing the cycle.
Factors Influencing Hair Growth
Hair health and growth are influenced by several key factors:
Genetics
Genetics determine various aspects of our physical appearance, including hair characteristics such as density, length, colour and texture.
Hormones
Hormonal imbalances can influence hair growth. For example, women going through menopause often experience hormonal fluctuations that can trigger hair loss. In men, a genetic predisposition can increase the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) within hair follicles. Exposure to DHT in DHT-sensitive men triggers an inflammatory response that causes follicular miniaturisation.
Nutrition
Deficiencies in specific vitamins and minerals can cause hair loss and reduced hair growth, as they play a crucial role in the hair growth cycle and cellular turnover. A study found that Vitamin D, ferritin and zinc deficiencies are common among patients with telogen effluvium, suggesting their contribution to hair loss.
Chronic Stress
Both physical and emotional stressors can impact hair growth. Acute events such as severe weight loss or major surgery can trigger telogen effluvium—a condition where stress disrupts the hair growth cycle and leads to excessive hair shedding.
Similarly, emotional stressors such as grief, mental health conditions, financial issues and unemployment can take a toll on the body and affect hair health.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions, including autoimmune disorders, scalp infections and hypothyroidism, can impair growth.
Lifestyle Changes for Better Hair Growth
Simple lifestyle changes can make a difference in how fast hair grows and its overall quality. Incorporating these habits into your routine can naturally stimulate hair growth.
Stress Management
Stress is a known disruptor of hair growth, often pushing hair into the shedding phase prematurely. Manage stress by:
At Terra Medical, we provide a wide range of personalised solutions designed to help stimulate hair growth. This includes TrichoPAT, low-level laser therapy, hair growth supplements and Regenera AMT, among others. Contact us today.
FAQs
Hair grows around 0.35 millimetres per day, which equals about half an inch per month. Over the course of a year, this adds up to approximately 6 inches.
FUE (or FUEE) is not a scar-less procedure. There will be scars seen, which will be covered up well by hair of minimum length 3-5mm once hair grows back. If a person shaves their head, tiny spots of 0.8mm hypopigmented (lighter colour than your original skin colour) marks can still be noticed.
To ensure a hair growth product is safe to use, check the ingredient list and avoid harsh chemicals that may cause irritation or long-term damage. This includes parabens, sulfates, formaldehyde, synthetic fragrances and polyethylene glycols, among others.
If you have concerns about product safety, it is best to consult a hair restoration doctor. They can assess your individual needs and medical history to determine if a particular product is suitable for you.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Terra Medical recommends consulting a medical professional to determine the best treatment option for your specific needs.
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- Practising mindfulness through meditation and yoga.
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- Engaging in physical exercise like running or weight training.
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- Prioritising restful sleep to allow your body to repair and grow.
You may also consider seeking therapy or counselling if chronic stress feels unmanageable or if you struggle to develop effective coping mechanisms. This can help you identify the underlying causes of your chronic stress, which might not be immediately apparent.
Dietary Adjustments
A balanced diet is crucial for healthy hair growth. Key dietary tips include:
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- Consuming zinc-rich foods such as fish and meat.
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- Incorporating iron-rich foods like spinach, lentils and red meat.
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- Including folic acid-rich foods like leafy greens, citrus fruits and beans.
Hydration
Proper hydration is essential for a healthy scalp and robust hair growth. Drinking at least 2 litres of water daily helps maintain moisture levels in your scalp, preventing dryness and breakage.
Hair Care Practices to Promote Growth
Proper hair care practices are important when learning how to stimulate hair growth for male and female individuals. Adopting gentle, consistent habits can greatly improve scalp health and hair thickness.
Gentle Washing and Conditioning
Use sulfate-free shampoos and hydrating conditioners to maintain scalp health and prevent dryness. If you have dandruff, look for anti-dandruff shampoos that contains anti-fungal ingredients to soothe the scalp and reduce flaking.
Avoid Heat and Chemical Damage
Minimise the use of hot styling tools and harsh treatments to reduce hair breakage and thinning. However, if heat styling is necessary, apply a heat protectant to shield your hair from damage.
Scalp Massage & Microneedling
Regular scalp massages and microneedling of the scalp improve blood flow, promoting hair follicle activity and faster growth.
Microneedling comes in various types. For example, the thermal roller with 0.25mm needles causes controlled injury to the surface of the skin. This controlled injury initiates a healing process that releases growth factors, enhancing hair regeneration.
On the other hand, an in-clinic device called the Dermapen 4 allows doctors to adjust the needle depth for a personalised treatment, offering greater precision compared to other devices with fixed depths.
Medical Treatments and Supplements
Medical treatments and hair growth supplements can also improve hair growth and its density.
Supplements for Hair Growth
Nourkrin
Nourkrin, a hair growth supplement with marine extracts, was shown to boost hair growth. A six-month study reported a 35.7% increase in hair density with no side effects.
Golden Ratio
Golden Ratio is a hair supplement packed with essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids to support hair and scalp health. Key ingredients include:
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- Vitamins & Minerals: Vitamin A, C, D3, Biotin, Iodine, Zinc and Selenium
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- SynergyCORE Complex: Natural ingredients promoting hormonal balance, reducing inflammation and boosting collagen.
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- Terra Exclusive Blend: Amino acids and herbal extracts that nourish follicles and strengthen hair.
Medical Treatments
TrichoPAT
TrichoPAT enhances scalp fibroblasts and elastin to promote wound healing and stimulate new hair growth by boosting blood flow and activating growth factors. This minimally invasive procedure requires minimal downtime.
Low-Level Laser Light Therapy
Low-level laser light therapy (LLLT) utilises red laser light to promote hair growth by increasing blood flow, reducing inflammation and boosting hair follicle activity. Often combined with other treatments, LLLT helps address inflammation and stimulate hair growth.
Holistic Hair & Scalp Wellness Programme
The Holistic Hair & Scalp Wellness Programme offers a comprehensive approach to improving hair health by providing essential nutrients that rebalance your system, benefiting not only hair quality but also energy, immunity, skin and nails.
It follows a three-step process:
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- Initial Consultation:
a. Subjective assessment: Discuss lifestyle, diet, stress levels, family history and treatment expectations.
b. Objective assessment: Evaluate hair and scalp condition and conduct blood tests for deficiencies or imbalances.
- Initial Consultation:
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- Personalised Recommendation: Based on the consultation, receive tailored advice on lifestyle, diet, natural supplements and treatments.
- 6-Month Review: A 6-month review to assess progress, as hair health takes time to show results, with adjustments made as needed.
Regenera AMT
Regenera AMT is a non-surgical treatment that stimulates natural hair growth by using the body’s own regenerative capabilities. It provides a safe alternative to harsh medications and surgery.
When to Consult a Doctor
In some cases, professional advice is necessary to address persistent hair concerns or advanced hair loss. Consulting a hair restoration doctor is recommended if:
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- You find that certain areas of your hair are growing at different rates i.e., the sides and back and growing faster than the top (a feature of male or female pattern hair loss).
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- You experience chronic hair shedding that does not improve despite lifestyle changes.
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- You are keen to seek medical treatments to optimise the rate of growth of hair.
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- You are unsure about what hair, skin or nail supplements to use to provide ample nutrition for robust hair growth.
Final Thoughts
Stimulating healthy hair growth requires a well-rounded approach combining lifestyle changes, proper hair care practices, and, if needed, medical treatments. Patience and consistency are key, as visible results will take time. Always remember that prioritising a healthy lifestyle and proper hair care methods will lay a strong foundation for optimal hair growth.
At Terra Medical, we provide a wide range of personalised solutions designed to help stimulate hair growth. This includes TrichoPAT, low-level laser therapy, hair growth supplements and Regenera AMT, among others. Contact us today.
