One of the most common questions people have when experiencing hair loss is, "How long will it take to regrow my hair?" While the answer varies depending on the individual and the cause of hair loss, understanding the hair growth cycle is key to setting realistic expectations and achieving successful regrowth.
At Svenson, we help clients regain their hair through scientifically-backed treatments and professional care. But patience and consistency are essential in any hair restoration journey. In this blog, we’ll break down the process of regrowing hair, the factors that affect growth, and what you can expect along the way.
The Hair Growth Cycle
To understand how long it takes to regrow hair, you first need to understand the natural growth cycle of your hair. The cycle consists of three main stages:
1. Anagen (Growth Phase)
This is the active phase of hair growth, where the hair follicle produces new cells that push the hair strand upward. The anagen phase lasts between 2-7 years and determines the length of your hair.
2. Catagen (Transition Phase)
The catagen phase is a short phase (lasting about 2–3 weeks) where the hair stops growing and the follicle begins to shrink. This phase marks the end of hair growth for that strand.
3. Telogen (Resting Phase)
During the telogen phase, hair remains in the follicle without growing. After about 2-3 months, the old hair sheds to make room for new growth, and the cycle begins again.
Typically, 85–90% of your hair follicles are in the anagen (growth) phase at any time, but as follicles become dormant or weaken, it can lead to visible hair thinning.
Factors That Affect Hair Regrowth
The time it takes to regrow hair depends on several factors, from the cause of the hair loss to how well you care for your scalp and hair follicles.
1. The Cause of Hair Loss
The first step in regrowing hair is identifying the cause of your hair loss. There are different types of hair loss, each with varying treatment timelines:
- Telogen Effluvium (Stress-Induced Shedding): This type of shedding is typically temporary. Regrowth can begin within 3–6 months once the underlying cause (e.g., stress, illness, hormonal imbalance) is addressed.
- Androgenetic Alopecia (Male/Female Pattern Baldness): Genetic hair loss is a progressive condition. With early intervention, regrowth can be noticeable within 6–12 months, but complete restoration is difficult once follicles are permanently damaged.
- Alopecia Areata: This autoimmune condition causes patchy hair loss. Regrowth typically starts within 3–6 months but can vary.
- Postpartum Hair Loss: Post-pregnancy shedding is often temporary. Hair can begin to regrow within 3–6 months, but full regrowth may take up to a year.
2. Follicle Health
Healthy, active follicles are critical for regrowth. Follicles that are simply dormant can be reactivated, while damaged follicles may not produce new hair. The quicker you treat hair loss, the better the chances of reviving dormant follicles.
3. Nutritional Support
A balanced diet that supports hair growth is essential for fast, healthy regrowth. Nutrients like biotin, zinc, iron, and vitamin D are key for follicle health. Nutritional deficiencies can delay regrowth or prevent follicles from producing thick, healthy hair.
4. Scalp Health
A clean, balanced scalp is necessary for hair follicles to function properly. Regular scalp detoxes, oil regulation, and circulation-boosting massages support faster regrowth by creating an optimal environment for follicle activity.
5. Treatment Consistency
Regrowing hair takes time, and consistency is key. Hair restoration treatments like Follicells Growth Activator or A.P Hair Loss 4–6 Therapy can significantly improve regrowth, but regular treatment is necessary for sustained results.
How Long Does It Take to Regrow Hair?
While timelines vary from person to person, here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect during your regrowth journey:
1. Initial Progress (1–3 Months)
In the first few months, you may notice:
- Reduced shedding
- Healthier scalp
- Some short, fine hairs beginning to regrow
This is the early phase where follicles are being revitalised and the natural growth cycle is stabilised.
2. Visible Results (3–6 Months)
Within 3–6 months, regrowth starts to become more noticeable:
- Strands may appear thicker
- Hair may feel stronger and more resilient
- Some areas of thinning may begin to fill in with new growth
This is typically when you’ll begin to see significant improvement, but patience is still needed as hair grows slowly.
3. Full Regrowth (6–12 Months)
After 6–12 months, you should see the most significant changes:
- Hair density improves noticeably
- Strands grow longer, and bald spots start to fill in
- Hair texture becomes healthier and fuller
In cases of progressive hair loss (like androgenetic alopecia), complete regrowth may not be possible, but stabilisation and thicker hair can still be achieved with proper care.
What to Expect in the Long Term
Regrowing hair doesn’t happen overnight. For most people, the process takes 6 months to a year to see full, visible results. While this can vary based on individual factors, consistency with treatments, lifestyle habits, and scalp care can improve both the speed and quality of hair growth.
Professional treatments like scalp therapies and DHT inhibitors can enhance the process and speed up recovery.
Regrowing hair takes time, patience, and proper care. Hair growth is a gradual process, with visible results appearing within 3–6 months for many individuals. Consistent treatments, a healthy scalp, and good nutrition all play critical roles in achieving optimal results. At Svenson, we provide tailored, science-backed solutions to accelerate your hair regrowth journey.