Hair Growth Speed it comes to your hair, you might feel like your strands grow at a glacial pace. It’s easy to get impatient — especially after you get a trim that doesn’t live up to your expectations or when you’re dealing with post-trim regret or wanting longer tresses. The good news is that there are some things you can do to help your hair grow faster, including avoiding heat styling or bleaching sessions, eating a well-balanced diet and limiting protein treatments. However, the most important thing to remember is that no matter what your hair goals are or what products you use, it’s your genetics that determines how fast your strands grow.

Hair Growth Rate: What to Expect

Typically, hair grows at an average rate of 0.5 inch per month or about six inches a year. The follicles responsible for your hair growth are located in the dermis, which is the outer layer of your skin. But there are a number of factors that can affect your hair growth speed, including your sex (male or female), age and diet.

For example, your hair may grow faster during pregnancy due to the surge in estrogen or if you’re taking testosterone or the baldness-fighting topical minoxidil. But if you notice a sudden change in your hair growth, it could be a sign of a health condition, like low thyroid function or anemia. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist about what’s causing it and what you can do to help.