Retaining Length: 3 Reasons Why Your Hair Isn't Growing

Posted on: 7 April 2014

There are a number of reasons why your hair might not be growing. Understand, however, that your hair has indeed grown – unless you are experiencing some kind of extreme malnourishment or other ailments. However, there are certain factors that can contribute to slow hair growth. No matter what type of hair you have been bestowed with, damaged hair will not grow. The only way to fix damaged hair is to have it trimmed off. There are number of leave in products that can mend damaged hair, but the only permanent solution is for it to be cut. Here are the top three culprits to hair that seems not to grow. 

Scalp negligence: The scalp is the foundation of your hair. Healthy follicles will equal to healthy growth patterns. Using a clarifying shampoo every couple of weeks will purge the hair and scalp of any product buildup that can slow down the hair growth process. You can make your own clarifying shampoo by mixing your favorite shampoo with a bit of baking soda. Apply the paste on the hair and massage it into your scalp. You will find that the scalp will be squeaky clean – the perfect foundation for healthy hair growth.

Over processing the hair. Virgin hair is best. You can obtain a new look with hair bleach and hair dyes. However, use these processes with caution. Applying hair bleach or hair color on hair that has been already processed will only cause breakage. The hair will grow, but since the damaged ends are traveling up the shaft, you will never see the progress. If virgin hair is not your preference, then try to go longer between salon visits for permanent touchups. There are a number of at-home hair dyes that are readily available at your local drugstore that will temporarily color your roots until your next professional hair color treatment. When bleaching the hair, do not go up too many levels. Black hair that has been lifted to a light brown color will be healthier than a dark hair that has been lifted to a platinum blond hue.

Heat damaged hair. You will not retain length with heat damaged hair. Use hot tools sparingly. Hair that is exposed to very high temperatures will lose its protein bonds, leading to dryness. You will know that your hair has been heat damaged if the ends will not straighten when you use your straightener or curling iron. The ends will look raggedy and very puffy. When you use hot tools, make sure that you properly condition the hair with a moisturizing conditioner that is rich with humectants. Apply a leave in heat protectant to protect the hair against blow dryers, hair straighteners, and hair curlers.