Advertisement
question

How quickly does hair grow?

Discovery Health
Discovery Health
answer

If you just got a bad hair cut, hair seems like it does not grow at all. On the other hand, hair that you shave every day seems to grow at great speed.

Ignoring these perceptual differences, human hair grows at a fairly consistent rate of about half a millimeter per day, or about half an inch each month (more specifically, the study says hair grows at 0.44 mm per day). Depending on your age, hair may grow faster or slower. Genetics and your hormonal state (for example, pregnancy seems to have an affect on hair) also affect growth. Still, half a millimeter per day is a good average.

This means the maximum rate of annual hair growth is about 6 inches. If you have short hair and are thinking how nice it would be to have hair down to your waist, then you are going to have to wait about four-years.

Continue Learning about Healthy Hair and Scalp

Is Your Hair Falling Out? This Condition May Be to Blame
Is Your Hair Falling Out? This Condition May Be to Blame
There are roughly 150,000 hair follicles on your head, and it’s normal to lose around 50 to 150 strands of hair a day. More than that could indicate a...
Read More
What causes excessive hair growth?
What causes excessive hair growth in women? Excess hair in women is caused by hormonal conditions, t...
More Answers
Why does my hair smell like smoke after being around smokers?
Why does my hair smell like smoke after being around smokers? Your hair the stink from the air, and ...
More Answers
Why do we have hair?
Our body hair protects us from the sun as well as from bugs and dust, acts as a lubricant and serves...
More Answers

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.