Feeling frustrated with hair thinning, hair loss, or hair that just won't grow? Have you been trying hair growth products and they just aren't working? The ladies of OOF! have been researching hair growth and interviewing hair experts to learn the science behind hair growth, hair growth products, and hair growth ingredients, and we're sharing what we've found.

The details here are important. There is a lot of info, but it's important so you can make sure your using the right ingredients and products to actually help your particular hair issue.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, around fifty percent of women can expect to experience some degree of hair loss or thinning by the age of 50. While genetics does play a significant role, various other factors can either support or disrupt the natural growth cycle of hair, impacting its appearance and texture.

Understanding the optimal functioning of your hair can provide valuable insights into the underlying causes of excessive shedding, enabling you to develop a routine that addresses the root of the problem rather than merely concealing it.

From the anagen phase, where active hair growth takes place, to the telogen phase, where hair is in a resting stage, every phase plays a pivotal role in determining hair length and thickness. Scientifically supported ingredients and simple lifestyle changes, can make a difference.

The Basics: The 4 Phases of Hair Growth

We'll keep this as short and sweet as possible. We're not here to give you a science lecture, but knowing about some of the details of the hair growth phases may help to you to understand what's going on with your hair, and how you can make informed decisions on the right ingredients and lifestyle changes you need. A board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Mamina Turegano explains these hair growth phases.

The Anagen Phase of Hair Growth

"In the process of hair production, the anagen phase is crucial, as most of our existing hairs are in this stage," explains Dr. Turegano. Approximately 90 percent of our hairs are in this growth phase. The duration of this initial phase determines how long your hair can grow. Individuals that grow very long hair typically have a genetically extended anagen phase. While this phase usually lasts between 3-5 years for most people, those with extremely long hair growth may experience an anagen phase lasting up to 7 years.

The Catagen Phase of Hair Growth

Following the full formation of a new strand, the follicle progresses to the catagen phase, a brief stage in the hair growth cycle typically lasting around a week to 10 days. Dr. Turegano elaborates that during this phase, the follicle begins to shrink at its base and detach from the bottom. Although not yet ready to shed, it undergoes preparation for the subsequent phase.

The Telagan Phase of Hair Growth

During this phase, which spans around 3-5 months per strand, the hair becomes inactive and ceases to grow. According to Dr. Turegano, this stage signifies that "the strands are nearly completely detached and ready to fall out." She notes that at any given time, some strands are in this phase, primed to shed, while others are entering the antigen phase, beginning a new growth cycle.

The Exogen Phase of Hair Growth

In this concluding stage of the cycle, the hair falls out of the hair follicle. Losing between 50 and 100 hairs daily is considered completely normal.

So What Exactly Causes Problems During the Hair Growth Cycle?

Hair Loss from Telogen Effluvium

Dr. Turegano often encounters clients facing hair thinning and loss issues. Telogen effluvium is a form of hair loss that can be triggered by shocks to your system like illness or major stressors including breakups childbirth, surgery, and death of a loved one.

In response to these events, the body signals the hair follicles to transition many hairs from the active growth phase to the resting phase, prematurely interrupting the growth phase for much of the hair.

However, noticeable shedding or thinning may not occur for 3-5 months later due to the duration of the telogen phase. Dr. Turegano mentions that when patients present with sudden hair shedding, she conducts a thorough examination of their history, probing for events 3-5 months prior. Often, such shedding can be traced back to a specific event.

The disruption in the delicate balance of the hair growth cycle can have prolonged effects, taking several months to readjust and return to the normal growth phase, depending on ongoing exposure to the stressor.

Nutrional Deficiencies Can Cause Hair Loss

Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in iron and vitamin D, can contribute to thinning hair. Replenishing these nutrients with supplements can significantly enhance hair health, but consulting a healthcare professional for a personalized plan is advisable.

To pinpoint deficiencies accurately, comprehensive blood panels are conducted to identify any straightforward deficiencies that can be managed with supplements.

Hair Loss From Medical Conditions

Furthermore, underlying medical conditions such as thyroid disease and hormonal imbalances can exacerbate hair shedding. Extreme drops in estrogen levels, whether due to menopause or postpartum changes, can affect hair follicle stimulation, since estrogen plays a role in this process. Therefore, a sudden decline in estrogen levels can lead to hair loss.

Scalp Health and Hair Loss

The condition of your scalp is also important for hair growth and health. One common issue is seborrheic dermatitis, a leading cause of dandruff, characterized by inflammation. It often results in itchy, flaky scalps, which can exacerbate hair loss.

Additionally, other scalp conditions like psoriasis or eczema can similarly impact hair health, causing irritation and potentially leading to hair loss. Therefore, maintaining a healthy scalp environment through proper hygiene and addressing any underlying scalp conditions can promote better hair growth and overall scalp health.

Science-backed Ingredients for Promoting Hair Growth

So, now we've learned about the hair growth cycle and common interruptions to hair growth and health. But, what can we do about it? After you have your stress levels under control as well as your hormones, let's talk ingredients.

Results in hair health require patience, as strands undergo the various stages of the growth cycle. Dr. Turegano emphasizes that achieving healthy hair is like running a marathon, necessitating commitment to a scientifically proven routine for long-term transformation of scalp and hair health.

Maintaning the Microbiome of Your Scalp in the Hair Growth Cycle

As our understanding grows, we're increasingly recognizing the significance of the microbiome of our skin. Our skin and scalp host billions, if not trillions, of bacteria, forming a harmonious ecosystem.

A healthy skin barrier positively impacts all aspects of the skin, including the health of our hair follicles. Niacinamide, an antioxidant, aids in building, nourishing, and repairing the skin barrier, promoting overall scalp health and therefore hair growth.

Promoting Hair Growth During the Anagen Phase

To promote hair growth during the anagen phase, you want to provide the hair follicles with the necessary nutrients. One science-backed ingredient that has shown promising results is biotin. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, plays a role in the production of keratin, the protein that makes up the structure of the hair.

Including biotin-rich foods in your diet or taking biotin supplements can help support healthy hair growth during the anagen phase. Biotin-rich foods include eggs, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, meat, fish, dairy products, and certain vegetables like avocado and spinach.

Another ingredient to consider is minoxidil. Minoxidil is a topical medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of hair loss. It works by stimulating blood flow to the hair follicles, promoting hair growth. Applying minoxidil directly to the scalp can help extend the anagen phase and encourage hair growth.

Supporting Hair Growth in the Catagen Phase

While the catagen phase is not directly involved in hair growth, it sets the stage for the subsequent phases. It is important to provide the hair follicles with the necessary nutrients and care during this phase to ensure healthy hair growth in the future.

One science-backed ingredient that can support the hair during the catagen phase is caffeine. Caffeine has been shown to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth. Using shampoos or hair products that contain caffeine can help maintain the health of the hair follicles during this transitional phase.

Ingredients to Supplement the Telegan Phase

While no active hair growth occurs during the telogen phase, it is still important to care for the hair to maintain its health and prepare for the next growth cycle. One science-backed ingredient that can benefit the hair during this phase is rosemary oil.

Rosemary oil has been shown to promote hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp and stimulating hair follicles. Massaging the scalp with rosemary oil or using hair care products that contain this ingredient can help maintain healthy hair during the telogen phase.

What About the Exogen Phase of Hair Growth

To support healthy shedding during the exogen phase, it is important to maintain overall hair and scalp health. One science-backed ingredient that can promote healthy shedding is saw palmetto extract.

Saw palmetto has been shown to inhibit the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that can contribute to hair loss. Using hair care products that contain saw palmetto extract or taking saw palmetto supplements may help support healthy shedding.

Lifestyle Habits For Healthy Hair Growth

In addition to using science-backed ingredients, certain lifestyle habits can support healthy hair growth.

Proper nutrition is essential for healthy hair growth.

Ensure your diet includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Consider incorporating foods rich in biotin, iron, zinc, and vitamin D to support hair health.

Avoid excessive heat styling.

Heat can damage the hair shaft and lead to breakage. Minimize the use of hot tools like flat irons and curling irons, or use them on the lowest heat setting. Apply a heat protectant spray before styling to minimize damage.

Use a cotton t-shirt hair towel for drying hair.

Using a cotton t-shirt hair towel can aid in promoting healthier hair growth by reducing friction, preserving natural oils, and minimizing breakage and frizz. The jersey knit of cotton t-shirt material means smoother fibers than terry cloth or microfiber which keeps the hair cuticle smooth. This method supports optimal scalp health and hair condition, contributing to a more favorable environment for the hair growth cycle.

Use gentle hair care products.

Harsh shampoos and conditioners can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause dryness or damage. Opt for sulfate-free and paraben-free hair care products that are gentle on the hair and scalp.

Practice stress management.

Chronic stress can contribute to hair loss and hinder hair growth. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as through exercise, meditation, or therapy.

Avoid tight hairstyles.

Hairstyles that pull on the hair, such as tight ponytails or braids, can cause tension on the hair follicles and lead to breakage. Opt for looser hairstyles to minimize damage.

Practice good scalp hygiene and scalp massage.

Keep the scalp clean and free from excess oil and product buildup. Scalp massage can also be beneficial for hair growth by promoting blood circulation to the hair follicles, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen for healthy hair growth. Additionally, scalp massage can help reduce stress and tension, which are known to contribute to hair loss. By incorporating scalp massage into your hair care routine, you can potentially improve the overall health of your scalp and support a more favorable environment for hair growth.

By providing the hair follicles with the necessary nutrients, using science-backed ingredients such as biotin, minoxidil, caffeine, rosemary oil, and saw palmetto extract, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits, we can support hair growth and maintain vibrant, luscious locks. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your hair care routine, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or are taking medications.