Key Summary
The hair growth cycle involves three stages (anagen, catagen, telogen); imbalance can cause hair loss due to factors like genetics or stress.
Hair regrowth is possible through various treatments; effectiveness depends on the cause and extent of hair loss.
Hair regrowth time varies: stress-induced hair loss may take 3-6 months; postpartum or post-chemotherapy regrowth takes 6 months to a year.
Five effective regrowth treatments include Minoxidil, PRP therapy, Laser Therapy, Hair Transplant Surgery, and Natural Alternatives.
Best practices to promote regrowth include avoiding damaging ingredients, minimising heat exposure, maintaining a balanced diet, and having consistent treatment.
Hair Growth Cycle
The hair growth cycle plays a crucial role in the natural process of hair shedding and growth. It's a cyclical process that occurs in three phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transitional), and telogen (resting). Typically, around 80-90% of hair follicles are in the anagen phase, actively growing hair.
Hair loss usually occurs when the balance in this cycle is disrupted. Factors causing this disruption can be numerous, ranging from genetics, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, surgery, stress, to certain medical conditions. Consequently, this imbalance might lead to conditions such as alopecia, where hair follicles prematurely enter the telogen phase, leading to more hair shedding and less growth.
Is it possible to regrow hair?
If you're wondering if a person can regrow hair, then the short answer is – yes! Hair regrowth can be achieved in many different ways. What works for you depends on why you lost your hair and how much hair you've lost.
It is, however, vital to be realistic about the hair regrowth process, especially as there are certain circumstances, particularly when hair loss is due to genetics or certain medical conditions, that complete regrowth might not be possible. Nevertheless, many hair regrowth treatments can slow down or mitigate hair loss, and in some cases, promote new growth.
There are several proven hair loss treatments, including medication, but it is also possible to regrow hair naturally. There are various natural hair regrowth treatments known to help treat hair loss. For example, studies have shown that softening hair follicles helps to encourage quicker regrowth and this can be achieved using hair oil or even a kitchen cupboard staple such as olive oil to soften hair follicles.
When it comes to how long hair takes to regrow, typically hair grows about half an inch per month, so it is clear that any regrowth journey will require patience and consistency. Let’s look further into timeframes:
Hair regrowth | How long will it take
Genetics play a significant role in determining the rate and pattern of hair growth. The genes inherited from our parents can influence various characteristics of our hair, including its thickness, texture and growth rate, which is why hair growth rates can differ among individuals, even within the same family. While genetic factors provide a foundation for hair growth, other external factors can still influence the overall health and appearance of the hair.
| Situation | Estimated Hair Regrowth Time |
|---|---|
| After Hairfall due to Stress | 3-6 months |
| Postpartum Hair Regrowth | 6-12 months |
| Following Chemotherapy | 6 months - 1 year |
| After Using Minoxidil | 3-6 months |
| Natural Regrowth Remedies | Varies widely, typically 6-12 months |
5 Best Hair Regrowth Treatments
1. Minoxidil
Initially introduced as a medication to treat high blood pressure, Minoxidil was found to have the unexpected side effect of promoting hair growth. It is now a medically licensed topical treatment that is widely used as a hair regeneration treatment.
It stimulates hair follicles by prolonging the anagen or active growth phase, leading to longer and thicker hair. It's a non-invasive treatment, available over the counter in the form of liquids and foams, however, it must be used indefinitely to maintain results.
Effectiveness: 4/5
Pros:
Non-invasive
Over-the-counter availability
Cons:
Must be used indefinitely for results to persist
2. PRP Therapy
PRP, or Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy, is an innovative treatment that harnesses the healing properties of your own blood.
In this procedure, a small amount of your blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelets and plasma. This concentrated mixture is then injected back into the scalp, stimulating hair follicles and promoting hair growth. Despite being a more expensive option, it's a natural method with a low risk of side effects.
Effectiveness: 3.5/5
Pros:
- Natural method
- Low risk of side effects
Cons:
- Expensive
- Multiple sessions needed
3. Laser Therapy
Laser therapy, also known as Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), applies a specific wavelength of light onto the scalp to stimulate hair follicles, increase cell metabolism, and improve blood circulation, which can potentially encourage hair growth.
It's a non-invasive, painless treatment that can be performed in a clinic or at home using laser caps or combs. Research into the effectiveness of laser hair regrowth treatments has been mixed however, and it's a more costly option.
Effectiveness: 3/5
Pros:
- Non-invasive
- Painless
Cons:
- Mixed research results
- Expensive
4. Hair Transplant Surgery
This surgical procedure is often considered when other hair regrowth treatments don't give satisfactory results. It involves removing hair follicles from an area with dense hair growth, such as the back of the scalp, and transplanting them to the thinning hair patches or balding area.
With advancements in technology, modern hair transplant techniques like Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) or Extraction (FUE) yield natural-looking results, however, they are invasive, require recovery time, and can be expensive.
Effectiveness: 4.5/5
Pros:
- Long-term solution
- Natural appearance
Cons:
- Invasive
- Recovery time
- Cost
5. Natural Alternatives
Many people turn to natural alternatives for hair regrowth due to their affordability and minimal side effects. These treatments include scalp massages to improve blood circulation, essential oils like rosemary and peppermint that stimulate hair follicles, and herbal supplements, such as ginseng.
Using naturally derived hair care products can also help as many chemically formulated ranges are damaging, stripping the hair of essential oils and moisture which can affect hair growth. You may also want to consider using a stimulating hair treatment, such as the Black Seed Hair Oil Elixir, which helps to accelerate growth as well as treat scalp complaints, split ends and more.
Using natural hair regrowth remedies to treat your hair loss is a safe and environmentally friendly way to encourage regrowth. While these methods are generally safe and environment-friendly, their effectiveness varies widely and they typically require a longer time to show results.
Effectiveness: Varies, depending on what is used.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Less intensive
- Better for the environment.
Cons:
- Results vary significantly
- May take longer
Black Seed Hair Oil Elixir
This Black Seed Oil For Hair is enriched with Fenugreek, Brahmi and Bhringaraj ayurvedic oils, our first hair serum is your best bet to reaching your hair goals. Stop split ends, check. Stop itchy scalp, check. Help accelerate growth, check check check. We've jam-packed this little bottle with luxurious ingredients from the Caribbean, India and the Amazonian rainforest to give you longer, thicker, and stronger hair in less time.
For more on the impact of black seed oil for hair growth, check out our case study, Rosemary, here.
What to Avoid When Trying to Regrow Hair
To promote hair growth and minimise further hair loss, we would recommend avoiding products that contain ingredients such as sulphates, alcohols, and artificial fragrances as these can dry out and damage hair.
Switching to a natural hair care routine can be hugely beneficial, as the naturally derived formulations gently nourish and cleanse hair whilst helping to repair and protect.
Look for stimulating and restorative ingredients in your hair care, such as jojoba oil, black seed oil, coconut oil, fenugreek oil, rosemary oil, or marula oil. We love the Afro Hair Care Growth Set as it is packed full of luxurious ingredients that target strengthening the hair and supporting growth.
Similarly, minimise heat exposure from styling tools and protect your hair from the sun as excessive heat can weaken hair strands. Stress and poor diet also significantly contribute to hair loss so a balanced lifestyle is essential. It is also important to consume a diet with plenty of vitamins and nutrients that are good for your locks, such as protein and vitamin B.
Afro Hair Care Growth Set
We've jam-packed this Growth Set with luxurious ingredients to give you a kickstart on your hair growth journey. We've selected our best-selling and hair replenishing treatments as part of the set. And because we really want you to have a great time, we're giving this set away for less than getting each product individually.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Best Hair Treatment for Hair Loss?
The effectiveness of hair regrowth treatments varies depending on individual circumstances. Minoxidil has a great success rate if you are looking to choose a medication, but if you are keen to avoid drugs and would prefer a natural hair regrowth remedy, black seed oil is a highly effective ingredient.
Is There Any Hair Regrowth Treatment For Women?
Treatments such as Minoxidil, PRP therapy, and laser therapy are suitable for women with hair loss. Another suitable treatment for females that are suffering with hair fall is natural alternatives that often have a good level of success with consistency.
Conclusion
Before you can choose a hair regrowth treatment, you need to understand the cause of your hair loss.
While treatments like Minoxidil, PRP therapy, laser therapy, and surgery offer effective solutions, natural alternatives can also be an excellent choice for many, promoting holistic hair health.
Avoiding harsh chemicals, excessive heat exposure, and poor dietary habits can help with the process but it is also essential to remember that your chosen hair regrowth treatment will require patience and consistency to achieve success.
Find naturally formulated hair care to strengthen and nourish at Equi Botanics today.
