7 Factors That Affect hair growth

Everyone desires to have a head full of hair but slow hair growth with hair loss has become alarmingly common around us. On average, the hair grows about half an inch each month but if the growth of hair has become slow and stagnant, it means that something is adversely damaging your hair. But what could be affecting the hair growth of everyone in all age groups and all genders? A variety of reasons are behind the stagnant rate of hair growth. Such as poor diet, no intake of biotin supplement, stressful environment and so on. Therefore, it is important to understand the factors affecting hair growth so that you can maximize your hair growth rate. This article will enlist the 7 most affecting factors for hair growth. 

The health of the body 

Whenever you face any issue regarding your body, you should readily assume without any doubt that your body is lacking something. It needs something regularly that you are not giving. Similarly, healthy growth of hair depends on a healthy body. Consuming a well-balanced diet rich in key nutrients is crucial for healthy hair growth. Your diet must include protein-rich food that helps in the maintenance of strong and healthy hair. This is because proteins are the building components of hair. Such protein is known as Keratin. Deficiency of keratin protein results in slow development of hair. Vitamins, like proteins, also play a role in the hair cycle. Thus, a healthy body needs the support of a regular intake of vitamins and supplements with a good diet for fast hair growth. 

Hormonal Factor 

Hair health and its development are influenced by both female and male hormones. In men, the hormone androgen is responsible for hair development but to a lesser extent in women. As we become older, a decrease in the levels of androgen results in slower hair development, thinning hair, and less shiny hair. Along with androgens, levels of the male hormone testosterone and female hormone-oestrogen also affect hair growth. The imbalance of hormone levels that is often caused by health issues also results in the slow growth of hair.  

Hereditary Factor 

This factor relates to a genetic factor or family history that is not only responsible for your hair colour but also your hair growth, texture and density. In males, hair loss mostly comes from a hereditary hair loss gene that converts testosterone into a potent form causing Alopecia. In females, a low level of estrogen slows down the growth of hair. Menopause is another factor in women that causes stagnant hair growth due to a decrease in the level of estrogen. 

Medical Reasons 

One of the medical reasons behind slow hair growth is the intake of high doses of medicine in case of underlying treatment of a disease. Hair loss or bad hair health are mostly a potential side effects in certain drugs such as medicines of blood pressure or oral contraceptives. Another medical reason behind bad hair health is if the body is suffering from life-threatening or damaging diseases like Thyroid and Cancer that affect the metabolism of cells present in hair follicles. These conditions lead to temporary hair loss. Pregnancy is not a disease but it also causes major hair fall and slow growth of hair post-partum. However, the growth of hair may return to normal, once the body is recovered.  

Harmful Hair Products

Usage of hair products containing harsh chemicals weakens and damages hair. Shampoos with chemical formula of polyethene glycol and alcohol should be avoided as they cause hair to become brittle. Harmful chemicals containing hair colours can induce scalp irritation and allergic responses, which can lead to hair thinning. So, whenever possible, choose a natural, organic, or herbal-based product to stimulate and maximize healthy hair development. Hair damage and breakage can cause by some hair appliances and cosmetic procedures. The heat from dryers and hair straighteners makes hair thin and easy to break. Excessive hair cleaning can cause hair loss by stripping the hair of its natural oils. Such harmful reasons hamper the natural health of hair. Hence, slow growth of hair may lead to unstoppable hair loss. 

Stressful Environment 

Stress is the most common and major factor affecting hair health. Stress can cause due to multiple external factors such as environmental, political or economic factors and internal factors such as personal issues mentally, physically or emotionally. With an alarming rise in mental health issues, it become nearly impossible to take care of your body and your hair. Therefore, a good diet with a healthy sleep routine and regular exercise can help you manage your stress levels. A lifestyle with stress-free activities can result in healthy hair growth. 

Age Factor 

Aging is an inevitable factor that cannot be avoided. With growing age comes its consequences. The slow growth of hair is one of the consequences that come with aging. However, one can battle the harsh reality of aging by taking care of yourself at an early stage of life. If you are young, you should start taking a good diet along with best biotin supplements to keep your hair healthy. Even if the time has passed, it is never too late to start taking your supplements. Regular intake of hair vitamins and supplements along with a healthy lifestyle will keep you afloat in your old age.