Why won’t my hair grow?
Why Won’t My Hair Grow?
First things first: let’s discuss reasons why your hair isn’t growing before we discuss hair growth tips…
BAD HAIR HABITS
Did you know that hair grows at an average rate of half an inch every month? That means the average person's hair grows about 6 inches every year. If your hair is not receiving the care it deserves, it may be breaking off at the ends while simultaneously growing from the roots. This suggests that the hair is cemented at the same length and is unable to grow longer until you change your hair habits.
HAIR DAMAGE FROM OVER-PROCESSING
Perming, relaxing, coloring and highlighting your hair are all chemical processes that can lead to damaged hair, contributing to breakage and slowing down hair growth. Exposing your hair to chemicals strips it of its natural oils, while synthetic dyes lift up the outer cuticle causing damage to the hair strands. A healthy hair cuticle lays flat making the hair look smooth and shiny, while a lifted, damaged cuticle causes the hair to become dull, brittle, and frizzy. Ultimately, over-processing leads to split ends and breakage making it impossible for hair to grow longer.
CURLING OR STRAIGHTENING WET HAIR
There’s a reason why your hair stylist at the salon dries your hair before curling or straightening it. That’s because wet hair is more prone to damage than dry hair. Have you ever straightened damp hair only to hear a “pop” and “sizzle?” That’s the sound of water and heat coming into contact, literally frying your precious hair!
OVER WASHING YOUR HAIR
Over washing your hair is a major culprit that leads to dry, damaged hair. In reality, your scalp produces natural oils that are vital to your hair and scalp health. By washing your hair every day you are stripping your hair of these natural oils, thus drying your hair out. Don’t be confused in thinking that clean hair is easier to style, it is not!
OVER-BRUSHING YOUR HAIR
Too much of a good thing leads to damage and breakage. Just like over washing your hair, the constant friction from brushing your hair too much can lead to breakage and weakened hair strands, preventing the hair from growing faster.
BRUSHING YOUR HAIR FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
When brushing your hair, you may naturally start brushing at the root downward, however, if your hair is prone to tangles, this simply makes tangles worse. Instead, start brushing your hair from the bottom, slowly working through knots as you work your way up.
EXCESSIVE HEAT STYLING
Extreme heat applied to your hair is a major culprit for drying out hair strands, leading to damaged hair that doesn’t grow. Consistent heat styling can lead to split ends and breakage. Before you pick up your curler, straightener, or even hair dryer, keep in mind that all these tools can impact hair growth in the long run. Give your strands a break to help them regain their strength and help your hair grow faster. Handling your hair aggressively from towel drying to sleeping with a tight ponytail has significant impact on optimum hair growth. The way you handle & treat your hair on a regular basis can have positive or negative impact on how much your hair grows. Breakage can occur when using rough cotton towels on fragile, wet hair, or even using uncovered elastics instead of soft scrunchies.