Why is my hair not growing? Causes and solutions for stagnant hair growth

It can be hugely frustrating to feel like your hair simply won't grow - especially if you're doing all the "right" things. You use a hair conditioner, eat healthy and avoid heaters, but still the length is stagnant. The question "why isn't my hair growing?" is both common and complex, because hair growth depends on a wide range of factors – both internal and external.

Often it is not due to one single thing, but a combination of habits, genetics and lifestyle. And while some causes are temporary and can be remedied with a change in routine, others require a little more time, knowledge and patience to deal with. The good thing is that in many cases you can make a difference - if you know where to start.

In this guide, we delve into the most common reasons why your hair isn't growing, what you can do yourself, and which products can support healthy hair growth – regardless of hair type.

Why is my hair not growing? Possible causes

Hair growth takes place in three phases – growth (anagen), transition (catagen) and rest (telogen). If one or more of these phases are disrupted, it can lead to the hair growing slower, becoming thinner or stopping growing in length. Often it is not about the hair not grows - but that it is not allowed to grow long because it is felled or breaks too soon.

Here are some of the most common and overlooked reasons:

1. Hair breaks faster than it grows

Hair grows on average 1–1.5 cm per month, but if the ends break at the same rate, you will never see a real difference in length. Frequent use of heaters, lack of moisture, chemical treatments and daily manipulation can make hair strands fragile. Broken hair strands can look like a lack of growth, even though the roots are working perfectly normally.

Signs: Split ends, uneven length, hair that appears thin at the base.

2. The scalp is out of balance

A healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair. If the scalp is dry, greasy, flaky, irritated or clogged with product residues, it becomes difficult for the hair follicles to function optimally. Poor blood circulation or accumulated products can lead to inflammatory conditions and a stunted growth cycle.

Signs: Itching, dandruff, redness, greasy or tight feeling on the scalp.

3. Genetics and growth phases

Each person has a genetically determined growth cycle. Some have an anagen phase (growth phase) of 2 years, others of 6–7 years. This means that some people can naturally achieve longer hair than others. In addition, age can shorten the growth phase, just as genetics can play a role in how fast hair grows and how thick it becomes.

Sign: Your hair always reaches a certain length and stops there, despite healthy care.

4. Hormonal changes and lifestyle

Stress, lack of sleep, poor diet and hormonal imbalances (e.g. with PCOS, thyroid problems, menopause or after pregnancy) can interfere with hair growth. The body does not prioritize the hair's function under pressure, and therefore hair can enter the telogen (resting phase) earlier and fall out.

Signs: Diffuse hair loss, increased shedding, fatigue, cycle or mood imbalances.

If you can recognize yourself in one or more of these scenarios, it's a good idea to take a closer look at your habits, products and health – and consider whether your hair is getting the right conditions to thrive.

Signs that your hair is in growth problems

It is important to distinguish between slow growth and broken hair. Here are some signs that your hair may not be growing as it should:

• Your hair will never reach past your shoulders - no matter what you do

• You have dry, split ends, even without heat styling

• You experience dandruff, itching or irritation on the scalp

• You shed more than usual

• Hair appears weak and lifeless, even shortly after cutting

By keeping an eye out for these signs, you can better understand what the hair needs - and where to put in.

What can you do if the hair does not grow?

The good news is that there are several things you can do to support growth and help hair reach its full potential.

1. Focus on scalp care

A cleansed and nourished scalp promotes healthy growth. Use a mild, balancing shampoo such as As I Am Rosemary Shampoo 237ml, which contains rosemary – known to stimulate blood circulation in the scalp and support hair follicles.

2. Avoid over-manipulation

Tight hairstyles, daily use of straighteners or excessive brushing wears down the hair and can lead to breakage. Instead, choose loose styles, protective hairstyles and gentle elastics.

3. Use strengthening products

Products with proteins, biotin and moisturizing ingredients strengthen the hair strands and make them more resistant. A good example is TGIN MRx Strengthening Shampoo 13oz, which works with both strength and moisture – perfect for you with weakened or dry hair.

Is your routine getting in the way of hair growth?

Even if you use good products, small daily habits can stress your hair. Ask yourself these questions:

• Do I wash my hair too often or too rarely?

• Do I use hair products that contain drying alcohol or sulfates?

• Am I getting enough protein, iron and essential vitamins in my diet?

• Do I brush my hair while it's soaking wet?

• Do I protect my hair at night? (e.g. with silk/satin)

Small changes in the routine can have a big effect over time. Some experience growth improvement simply by switching shampoos or cutting back on heat styling.

Why doesn't my hair grow even though I do everything right?

If you have a good routine, eat healthy and still find that your hair is standing still, there may be deeper reasons. It may be a good idea to:

• Talk to a doctor and get iron, vitamin D and thyroid checked

• Investigate whether you have a hereditary short growth phase

• Consider professional treatment, eg micro-needling, scalp therapy or LED light

• Try a combination of nutritional supplements and targeted scalp care

There is no one solution that works for everyone - but by starting from your unique needs, you will go a long way.

Choose the right products for better hair growth

Advanced serums are not necessary to see an improvement. Often, a well-chosen shampoo and a balanced routine are enough to give things a boost.

HairSouk has collected a number of effective products in the shampoo category, where you will find everything from moisturizing and strengthening varieties to natural formulations with active plant extracts.

These products are carefully selected to support scalp health and hair strength – whether you have curly, straight, colored or damaged hair.

Why is my hair not growing? The answer is often more nuanced than you think

It can be frustrating when you feel like nothing is working - but hair growth is rarely just about one product. It is the sum of your habits, your diet, your hormones and your hair care. By taking responsibility for the little things and being patient, you can often see big changes over time.

The most important thing is to be consistent and choose products that work with your hair – not against it. At HairSouk you will find both knowledge, inspiration and products for a routine that suits you and your hair type.

Give your hair rest, care and the right conditions

When you ask yourself the question "why isn't my hair growing?", you have already taken the first step towards change. The answer rarely lies in one magical product, but in a combination of conscious choices, patience and the right care.

At HairSouk we are dedicated to helping you find just the products that support your hair growth naturally and effectively. From gentle shampoos to strengthening treatments, we have what your hair needs, no matter where you are on your journey.

Don't give up. Give your hair time. And give it the care it deserves.