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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.

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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.