If you’re wondering how long does it take for hair to grow back, you’re not alone. The most common answer is one to two months. However, if you’re dealing with permanent damage, it can take as long as four years. In addition, hair regrowth can be impacted by conditions like Telogen effluvium or Minoxidil. Fortunately, there are ways to help your follicles regrow hair.
Early stages of hair regrowth
Hair grows in three stages, the first of which is in the anagen phase, during which rapid cell division occurs in the hair bulb and the dermal papilla. The hair then begins to emerge from the scalp. The next phase is catagen, a transitional period that lasts between two and three weeks. During this phase, melanocytes cease producing pigment. The third phase, telogen, lasts for three to four months.
The early stages of hair regrowth are gradual, taking two or three months to see noticeable results. Generally, hair regrowth begins with tiny, thin hairs in the hairline and on the top of the head. However, the regrowth will progress to larger and thicker hairs in nine to twelve months.
The rate of hair regrowth
The rate of hair regrowth after therapeutic hair transplantation was a key outcome measured in this meta-analysis. It was evaluated using quantitative and qualitative criteria to describe successful regrowth. But the question remains that how long does it take an eyelash to grow back. The rate was further graded into major, minor, and cosmetically acceptable regrowth based on the review of included studies. This review focused on the rate of hair regrowth for both men and women and was stratified according to the type of sensitizer.
Effects of Minoxidil on hair regrowth
Minoxidil belongs to a group of topical solutions and foams that promote hair growth and prevent further hair loss. It is used primarily to treat male pattern baldness, but can also treat hair loss in women. When applied to the scalp, minoxidil foams and solutions to increase blood flow and stimulate hair follicles.
Minoxidil also helps increase hair thickness and density. It may also prevent a receding hairline by extending the anagen phase of the hair cycle. It may also make hair follicles healthier and more abundant.
Effects of Telogen effluvium on hair regrowth
Telogen effluvium is a condition in which the hair follicles in the scalp stop growing prematurely, causing an increased number of telogen hairs to be found. Symptoms of this condition can be very severe and last six to nine months before they return to normal. In addition to causing hair loss, patients may experience an itchy, burning, or rash scalp.
Treatments for this condition may include a variety of dietary and lifestyle changes to restore hair growth. For example, iron-rich foods, such as liver and red meat, may improve the condition.
For more information on the connection between your hair and your diet, check out the infographic below!
Infographic created by Hair By Dr. Max, a hair restoration consultation provider
Likewise, avoiding damaging hair styling products and heat treatments may also be helpful. Patients can also seek the assistance of a trichologist to determine if they have the condition and begin treatment.
