Hair growth occurs in 4 primary phases:
1. Early Anagen
A new hair begins the growth phase, as it pushes the old hair out.
2. Anagen (growth phase)
Your hair is actively growing at this point. Each strand may spend several years in this phase, with healthy nourishment of nutrients from the blood vessel.
3. Catagen (transitional phase)
Over time, the hair follicle starts to shrink and detach from your skin.
4. Telogen (resting and shedding phase)
Hair growth slows down, and without sufficient nourishment, the process of falling out starts. Eventually, the old hair falls and is pushed out by the growth of new hair.
Hair grows at varying rates between different individuals. However, experts agreed that the average rate of hair growth is around half-inch (1cm) per month. You might be wondering, that seems acceptable, but why does it not look like it? Other than genetics, lifestyle factors such as hair styling and even the inevitable one like frequent shampooing can cause split ends if the hair lacks essential nutrients. When this happens, it subsequently shortens the length of the hair and makes the growing period slower as well.