Generally, Hair Growth Rate about half an inch a month—or six inches per year—but the rate of growth can vary widely between individuals. The most common factors that influence how fast your hair grows include genetics, sex, health, diet and stress levels.

On average, your hair is in the anagen phase—which means that it’s growing and extending—for about 80% of the time. But the rest of the time, your hair is in a resting phase known as telogen. During this stage, your hair follicles shrink and stop producing new hair. This is why your hair may seem to come to a halt if you get a short haircut, or even if you grow it long and then cut it off for a while.

How Fast Does Hair Grow: Factors and Insights

According to a study by the Society of Hair Testing, female hair tends to grow faster than male hair. And each hair follicle has its own growth cycle, with some spending more time in the anagen phase than others. During this time, the hair follicle is actively growing. Other hairs, however, spend more time in the telogen phase and don’t grow at all.

To make your hair grow faster, avoid damaging it with too much heat-styling and use a high-quality sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner formulated for your hair type. You can also add more protein, iron and omega-3 fatty acids to your diet to promote hair growth. And don’t skip out on getting regular trims! A trim will help prevent split ends and keep your hair looking healthy and sleek.