Genetics definitely play a part in hair growth but how much? The regulation of human hair growth has been said to be one of the most mysterious of biologic events. Genetic factors are responsible for the density, length, color and texture of hair. You can’t look at your mom’s hair and say, “My hair will never be any longer than that”. Your genetics stem from your mom and father which were influenced by their parents and so on. Who’s to say what you will get. When you a have a present, you don’t know what’s in the box until you go through the process of unwrapping it. It’s the same when it comes to your hair. You won’t know how long you can grow it until you actually take care of it consistently and properly combat any issues that may arise.
Heredity
Genetics play a vital role in determining normal hair growth, as well as abnormal hair growth. Abnormal hair growth may be inherited, or could stem from hormonal imbalances, malnutrition, medication or from cysts and tumors formed in the ovaries. Some conditions that are found to be hereditary include hirsutism and polycystic ovary syndrome.
Hair Follicle
Hair follicles are tiny-organs found on the skin which were created during fetal development, and are specifically designed to create hair. Within the hair follicle, there are three phases that hair is constantly going through; anagen, catagen and telogen. This cycle will continue throughout a person’s life, but certain factors could destroy the hair follicle, and inhibit the production of hair.
Chemical relaxers, weaves and other unhealthy hair practices can permanently damage the follicle and prevent hair growth. Other factors may include adverse reactions to drugs and cosmetics, or as a result of scarring, tumors, radiation, the genetics of the individual, hormones and/or their immune system.
Hormones, genetics and medical conditions can all affect hair growth. Knowing your family history of medical conditions could keep things in perspective, and help you realize that you also could be affected. If the hair growth has become excessive, seek medical advice. It is best to get treatment for medical conditions that may be affecting your life. No one wants to have bald spots. 1.) it’s not cute and 2) it’s a blow to one’s self-esteem and confidence as a woman. There is medication that can treat hair loss.
Even if your hair stops growing at a certain length it doesn’t necessarily mean you have reached your terminal length. You must make sure you aren’t slacking on caring for your hair and eliminate any unhealthy hair practices. If you have constant shedding and bald spots you may have a medical condition that needs to be treated. Seek at dermatologist if you are concerned this may be the case. The average person doesn’t experience this.
Even though it is easy to get distracted, concentrate on properly caring for your hair. Healthy hair is the ultimate goal. Do you worry about how your genetics will effect your hair’s growth?
Wow, this article was very helpful. This was the most helpful article I’ve found on hair growth and what affects it. I come from a family where the women barely have hair that touches their shoulders but most of them relax their hair. Its good to know my hair length more than likely may not be the same length as my mother and aunts. :-)
Yep! You can’t look at your family member’s hair to determine what your growth potential is. Everyone’s hair is different. Genes and how you care for your hair all play a part. I hope you are able to reach your hair goals:)
First off, I love your YouTube channel and I’m happy to see that you now have a written blog too!
Now with regard to the catagen and telogen phase, I’ve been wondering the following: does all of the hair in these two phases eventually shed and then you’re starting over again from scratch once the cycle completes itself? Or is it that when the growth phase begins again, the hair will resume growth? I guess I’m wondering if everyone experiences shedding in these phases. I’ve been fully natural for just 31 months and at the moment it just seems like my growth has paused. Now back in December, I experience some shedding for a few weeks, but not so much now. So I guess it’s resting, but I’m hoping that I want experience any massive shredding and that growth resumes. It’s just irking me that it doesn’t seem to be growing all of sudden.
Approximately 80 percent to 90 percent of a healthy individual’s hair is in the anagen phase, a time when the hair is actively growing. Once your hair goes through the anagen, catagen and telogen phases the cycle will start over. The hair will shed and it will return to the anagen (growing) phase. Your hair could be resting or it just appears as if it has stopped growing. When you are dealing with shrinkage and textured hair it can be difficult to see growth. Take pictures extending your hair to see the length. Looking at pictures was the only way that I could tell my hair was growing at times. Documenting your progress is always a good idea.