How does hair grow? The hair growth cycle explained

We'd all love hair that grows faster. But before looking for tips, it helps to understand how a hair is born, grows and falls out. This cycle explains why we lose hair every day, and why patience is part of any hair growth routine.

What is a hair made of?

A hair starts in the hair follicle, beneath the skin of the scalp. The visible part, the shaft, is made mostly of keratin. It is made of cells that are no longer alive: that's why a broken hair can't repair itself, while a healthy scalp keeps producing new hairs.

The 3 phases of the hair cycle

1. The growth phase (anagen)

This is the phase when the hair actively grows. It usually lasts 2 to 7 years depending on the person, and involves around 85 to 90% of hairs at any given time. Its length determines the maximum length your hair can reach.

2. The transition phase (catagen)

For 2 to 3 weeks, the hair stops growing and the follicle shrinks.

3. The resting and shedding phase (telogen)

For about 3 months, the hair stays in place without growing, then falls out to make way for a new one. That's why losing around fifty to a hundred hairs a day is considered normal.

How fast does hair grow?

On average, a hair grows about 1 cm a month, or around twelve centimetres a year. This rate varies with genetics, age, the seasons and general health. Curly or coily hair grows at the same rate, but its shape makes it look as if it grows more slowly.

What can hold back length

Often the problem isn't that hair doesn't grow, but that it breaks at the ends as fast as it grows at the root. Rough detangling, repeated heat or dry ends: discover our tips for brittle hair.

How to support hair growth?

• Massage your scalp regularly with your fingertips (see our scalp page).
• Protect your lengths and ends to keep the length you've gained.
• Eat a varied diet: hair reflects your general health.
• Be patient: it takes at least 3 months to see a difference.

Our Corsican Immortelle Hair Oil can be used for scalp massages and to care for your lengths. For all our tips, read how to make your hair grow faster.

Sudden or heavy hair loss is not part of the normal cycle: in that case, ask a doctor or dermatologist for advice.

Frequently asked questions

How many hairs do we have on our head?

On average between 100,000 and 150,000, depending on hair colour and thickness.

Does hair grow faster in summer?

Many people notice slightly faster growth in the warmer months, and slightly more shedding in autumn.

Does cutting your hair make it grow faster?

No, cutting doesn't affect the root. But it removes damaged ends, which prevents breakage and helps you gain length.