How fast does hair grow on men, and can you influence that?

Short answer: Hair on the head grows, on average, 1 to 1.5 centimetres per month. Exactly how fast your hair grows depends on genetics, hormones and lifestyle. And you can influence that last factor.

Many men wonder just how fast their hair actually grows, especially when they notice it’s thinning or growing back slowly after hair loss. The rate of hair growth varies from person to person, but there are clear patterns and factors that influence it. Understanding how hair growth works allows you to take more targeted action if something goes wrong.

How fast does hair grow on average?

Hair on the head grows on average 1 to 1.5 centimetres per month, which amounts to 12 to 18 centimetres per year. That sounds like a fixed rate, but the exact speed varies from person to person depending on genetic predisposition, age, hormones and overall health. Hair is never at a standstill: it grows continuously, falls out over time and then starts again.

How does the hair growth cycle work?

The hair growth cycle consists of three phases. First comes the anagen phase, the active growth phase which lasts two to six years and determines how long a hair will ultimately grow. This is followed by the catagen phase, a short transitional phase lasting a few weeks during which the hair stops growing. Finally, there is the telogen phase, the resting phase, during which the hair detaches and falls out so that the cycle can begin again.

According to research into the biology of hair growth, the duration of the anagen phase largely determines how much hair you have on your head. Your hairs work in shifts: whilst some are growing, others are falling out. This is normal and no cause for concern.

What factors influence hair growth?

Genetic predisposition plays the biggest role: it determines the length of the anagen phase and the sensitivity of hair follicles to hormones. In men with a genetic predisposition, the hormone DHT (a derivative of testosterone) shortens the growth phase, causing hair to become thinner and shorter. Diet also plays a part: a deficiency in protein, iron or zinc can noticeably slow down hair growth. Age is another factor, as the hair growth cycle gradually slows down as you get older.

Stress and illness can temporarily halt the cycle, a condition known as telogen effluvium. If you want to know which factor is the main cause in your case, Fellos can help you identify it.

Can you speed up your hair growth?

There is no proven method that drastically speeds up hair growth, but you can optimise the conditions for healthy growth. A protein-rich and varied diet, sufficient sleep, not smoking and avoiding chronic stress form the basis. If you use a shampoo or hair care product, choose a mild variety without harsh sulphates, and limit the use of hairdryers and straighteners set to high temperatures.

You can find more practical tips in our article on making your hair grow faster. Don’t expect spectacular results from supplements that claim to make hair grow ‘at lightning speed’: the evidence for this is scant.

When is slow hair growth a sign of hair loss?

If your hair is becoming thinner, staying shorter than before or no longer growing back in certain areas, this may indicate hereditary hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia. Research into male androgenetic alopecia shows that this is the most common form of hair loss in men, and early intervention significantly improves the outcome. Read more about the causes of hair loss in men if you notice that your hair is not growing back as it used to.

Which treatments stimulate hair growth?

Two treatments have the strongest scientific evidence. Minoxidil improves blood flow to the scalp and shifts hair follicles from the resting phase to the growth phase, making the use of minoxidil for hair growth effective as part of a treatment plan. Finasteride inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, thereby reducing the conversion of testosterone to DHT and allowing hair follicles to remain active for longer. Results are usually visible after three to six months.

Both treatments are discussed in a systematic review on the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. For those wishing to use both treatments, the article on combining finasteride and minoxidil for hair loss provides a clear overview of the benefits of this combination. The Pharmacotherapeutic Compass identifies finasteride as the first-choice treatment for androgenetic alopecia in men, provided there are no contraindications. Fellos prescribes only proven, registered medication and provides full information about possible side effects.

How does Fellos help with hair growth and hair loss?

Fellos makes the assessment and treatment of hair loss accessible: an online consultation takes three minutes, after which a Dutch doctor assesses your situation and draws up a personalised treatment plan. The process is supported by regular follow-ups and honest advice on realistic expectations, as most treatments require months of patience before results become visible. If you’d like to know when you can expect to see results from medication, read more about when you’ll see results from finasteride.

Discover what your hair needs with the help of Fellos

Hair growth is largely genetically determined, but there’s more you can do to influence it than many men realise. Through Fellos, Dutch doctors help you improve your hair health: discreetly, personally and entirely online. Start today with your free initial consultation and gain insight into what your hair needs.