When you’re trying to grow long, luscious locks, there is nothing more frustrating than the feeling that your hair has just stopped growing. If you have a sneaking suspicion that the growth has actually halted, and it’s not just your impatient imagination, it might be time to consider why.
Keep reading to discover all the ins and outs of hair growth, and find out what you can do to get those tresses on their way to Rapunzel-esque lengths — well, maybe not that long, but you get the idea.
Why Has My Hair Stopped Growing?
Unfortunately, finding out the reason why your hair has stopped growing involves a lot of deep diving into your own health in all aspects: stress, nutrition and hair maintenance all play a part in how long your hair gets, so it’s important to have a holistic approach when it comes to figuring out what is causing your hair to stop growing.
1. Stress
It’s no myth that stress causes hair to go grey, but did you know that it can also halt growth altogether? “It is medically proven that any kind of physical or psychological stress is detrimental to hair growth,” Style Craze reports.
When you’re stressed, your hair enters the resting phase, cutting the growth phase shorter than it should be.
2. Split Ends
If you have dry hair, odds are you’re prone to split ends. And as if splitting wasn’t enough, it weakens strands, therefore, resulting in breakage. The longer you let the ends split, the shorter the breakage that happens, preventing hair from growing past that length.
3. Your Diet Isn’t Right
Though often overlooked when it comes to hair growth and maintenance, diet is essential to growing your hair long. If your body is lacking essential nutrients such as protein, iron and biotin, then odds are that it will show in your hair growth — or lack thereof. If you’re missing out on any of these, you’ll likely notice other problems with your skin and nails as well; so if you suspect that you might have a deficiency, it’s best to consult a doctor for advice.
How to Make Hair Grow Longer
Because there are so many factors that contribute to healthy hair growth, practising healthy habits such as eating well and exercising are essential. Cutting hair regularly will also help, as trimming regularly prevents split ends from causing premature breakage. Additionally, giving your scalp some attention can stimulate growth. Give yourself a scalp massage every time you shower, or start using a hair mask designed to treat the scalp. A healthy scalp leads to healthy hair, so it’s a step that shouldn’t be skipped.