Most of us may take our hair for granted – that is, until it starts thinning out. Before diving into the reasons why your hair growth might be stunted, it is first important to know how hair grows. In fact, hair follicles go through three distinct phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen.
The anagen phase is the active growth phase, during which the hair follicle lengthens and the hair shaft thickens. This phase can last for several years. The catagen phase is a brief transitional period in which the hair follicle shrinks and the hair shaft breaks away from the follicle. Finally, the telogen phase is the resting phase, during which the hair follicle remains dormant until it is stimulated to begin growing again. Although the length of each stage varies from person to person, the hair growth cycle typically takes about two to six years to complete.
So, what may cause it to slow down? Well, anything that interrupts or disrupts the hair growth cycle can contribute to decreased hair growth or even temporary baldness. If you feel like your hair growth has hit a plateau, review these few culprits that may be causing it as identified by hair care expert, Jonsson Protein.
1. Poor diet
For starters, your hair is made up of a protein called keratin, which is produced by your hair follicles. In order for your hair to grow, your hair follicles need to be healthy and your body must be able to produce enough keratin. Diet can play an important role in both of these things.
To promote healthy hair growth, take a closer look at your diet and check if you are consuming enough protein-rich foods. Eggs, for example, are packed with protein and also contain biotin, which is essential for healthy hair. Salmon is another excellent source of protein, and it is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help to keep hair follicles healthy. Other good sources of protein include chicken, beans, nuts, and seeds.
Jonsson Protein’s pro tip
If you’re looking to encourage hair growth, incorporating these types of food into your diet is a good place to start. In addition to protein, other nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, as well as zinc and iron, can give your hair the nourishment it needs to stay strong. By making some simple adjustments to your diet, you can start to see a big difference in the health of your hair.
2. Stress
When you’re stressed, your body goes into “fight or flight” mode and releases the hormone cortisol. Cortisol can have several different effects on your body, one of which is inhibiting hair growth. In addition, stress can lead to hair loss through a process known as telogen effluvium. This occurs when the hair follicles are prematurely pushed into the resting phase of the hair cycle, causing the hairs to fall out easily. As a result, you may notice that your hair is thinner or that you are losing more hair than usual.
Jonsson Protein’s pro tip
If you suspect that you are experiencing stress-related hair loss, there are a few things you can do to help encourage new growth. Taking time for relaxation and self-care, eating a healthy diet or getting regular exercise can do wonders in reducing your stress levels and promoting healthy hair growth.
3. Frequent heat styling
While heat styling is a popular way to achieve the perfect hairstyle, it can also have a detrimental effect on hair growth. The high temperatures from straighteners, curling irons, and even hairdryers can damage the proteins in the hair shaft, causing the hair to become fragile and more vulnerable to damage. This can lead to split ends, frizz, and overall weaker hair. In addition, heat styling can damage the scalp, causing inflammation and preventing new hair from growing.
Jonsson Protein’s pro tip
Heat styling is a great way to add volume, curl, or wave to your hair, but it can also be damaging if you’re not careful. The key to heat styling without damage is to start with healthy, hydrated hair and to use the right products. If your hair is dry or damaged, it’s best to avoid heat styling altogether or – at least – use it at a low setting that will still give you the desired results.
When using curling irons or straighteners, always use a heat protectant product first. This will help to create a barrier between your hair and the heat. Apply the heat protectant evenly from root to tip to maximise its protection before you start styling. Make sure to take breaks from heat styling every few days to give your hair a chance to recover.
4. Over-dyeing
Dyeing your hair can be an effortless way to change up your look, but it’s essential to avoid overdoing it. Each time you dye your hair, you are subjecting it to a large amount of chemicals. Over-dyeing can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. This can lead to split ends and hair breakage, which in turn makes your hair look thinner and less lustrous. Over-dyeing can also disrupt the delicate balance of proteins in your hair.
Jonsson Protein’s pro tip
Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to protect your hair and minimise damage. For instance, you can use a gentle shampoo and conditioner designed for colour-treated hair. You can also consider applying masks or leave-in creams to hydrate and nourish your hair, making it more resilient against damage. Avoid using hot tools such as curling irons and hairdryers, as these can further dry out your hair.
Get advice from hair care experts
To boost your hair health, it’s important to manage stress levels, protect your hair from damage, and maintain a balanced diet rich in protein and essential nutrients. With a little effort, you are sure to see results. That said, there are many other causes of slow hair growth and even hair loss. However, there is no need to despair. There are experts who specialise in hair care and can help you find the right solution for your particular concern. At Jonsson Protein in Singapore, it all starts with a healthy scalp.
Beginning with a professional one-on-one consultation, you can get a comprehensive scalp review and have a better sense of what might be causing your hair problems. Jonsson Protein’s customised treatment then works by unclogging hair follicles and cleansing the scalp while replenishing protein for strong, healthy hair. Here, they use formulated hydrolysed soy protein to help both men and women improve the overall health of the scalp.
Check out their customer reviews and if you’re interested to learn more about your hair problem, simply make an appointment with them today.
