Hair growth might not be a superpower, but figuring out how to make your hair grow faster can feel like trying to crack a secret code. Between myths, marketing claims, and the occasional dubious "miracle cure," it’s hard to know where science ends and wishful thinking begins.
Here’s the hard truth: hair doesn’t grow overnight, no matter what that one guy in your gym locker room swears by. And if you’re a man, the challenge gets even trickier. Elevated levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT)—nicknamed the "hair assassin"—put men at a natural disadvantage compared to women. DHT shrinks hair follicles over time, making it harder for your strands to grow back thicker, or sometimes at all.
But don’t lose hope—there’s solid science behind boosting hair growth, and it’s simpler (and less weird) than you think. From the foods you eat to how you treat your scalp, some proven methods can genuinely help your hair thrive.
The challenge is separating fact from fluff and putting the best strategies into action. Whether you're dealing with thinning hair, frustratingly slow growth, or just looking to give your mane a little extra love, this blog breaks it all down.
How Hair Grows
Understanding the hair growth cycle is crucial for promoting faster hair growth in men. Hair doesn’t simply grow endlessly; it follows a structured, scientifically-backed cycle that consists of four distinct phases: anagen, catagen, telogen, and exogen. Each phase plays a vital role in the length, health, and density of your hair. Let’s break it down.
Anagen Phase
The anagen phase is where the magic happens—this is the active growth phase. During this period, your hair follicles work tirelessly to add length and thickness to each strand. For men’s hair growth, this phase typically lasts anywhere from two to seven years, depending on genetics and overall health. At any given time, approximately 85% of your hair is in the anagen phase, making it the most critical stage for achieving growth.
Want to extend it? Prioritize scalp care, a nutrient-rich diet, and practices that minimize damage to your follicles.
Catagen Phase
The catagen phase acts as the hair growth cycle’s intermission. This short transition phase lasts just a few weeks (about two to three), during which hair stops growing and detaches from its blood supply. Follicles shrink and prepare for the next phase. Approximately 5% of your hair is in the catagen phase at any time. While brief and less glamorous than anagen, catagen ensures your hair growth cycle stays on track.
Telogen Phase
Telogen is the resting phase, where your hair takes a breather. During this phase, old hairs remain in place while new strands quietly prepare to emerge. About 10–15% of your hair is in the telogen phase at any given time, making it a critical period for maintaining healthy scalp conditions. Supporting scalp health during this phase ensures the subsequent cycle starts strong.
Exogen is technically a part of the telogen (resting) phase but focuses on shedding. This is when hair strands naturally fall out to make room for new growth. It typically lasts two to five months and accounts for the 50–100 hairs you shed daily. Don’t hit the panic button—this process is essential for keeping the cycle balanced. Maintaining a healthy scalp environment ensures old hairs make way for new ones without interruptions.
Factors That Contribute to Healthy Hair Growth
Healthy hair growth isn’t just about genetics—though let’s be honest, DNA gets the first and final say on how things start. Several factors determine the speed and quality of your hair growth, and understanding them is the secret to maximizing your hair’s potential.
Genetics
Your DNA is the hair boss you didn’t hire. Genes determine everything in your hair, from the density of your strands to the maximum length they can grow. While you can’t rewrite your genetic code, you can create an environment that supports your hair’s natural potential. A diet for faster hair growth in men, loaded with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, helps give your follicles the fuel they need to do their best work. Think of it as tipping the odds in your favor—genetics may set the rules, but you can still play the game strategically.
Age
Hair doesn’t just turn gray as you age—it slows down, too. By the time you hit your 30s and 40s, your hair follicles may spend less time in the active growth phase (anagen) and more time in the resting phase (telogen). The result? Thinner, slower-growing hair. The fix is, maintain scalp health with regular exfoliation and hydration, and consider targeted strategies like men's hair growth supplements to give your aging follicles a bit of a nudge.
Hormone Levels
Hormones, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT), can either be your hair’s best friend or its worst enemy. Elevated DHT levels shrink hair follicles, leading to slower growth and even hair loss. Managing hormone imbalances is critical for hair growth. You might not control how DHT behaves naturally, but DHT-blocking shampoos and a focus on reducing stress (a known hormone disruptor) can help balance the scales.
Health Conditions
Underlying health conditions can put your hair growth on pause faster than you’d expect. Low levels of iron or vitamin D, thyroid imbalances, side effects from prescription medications, autoimmune issues, and even chronic illnesses can interfere with follicle health. Addressing these issues is non-negotiable for long-term results. If you suspect a health issue might be sabotaging your hair growth, consult your doctor for tests and tailored solutions.
Nutritional gaps?
Supplements can play a supporting role in filling deficiencies, but they’re not a substitute for a balanced, nutrient-rich diet. A high-quality supplement can help restore what’s missing, but pairing it with a wholesome diet is key to setting your hair—and overall health—back on track.
7 Tips to Make Hair Grow Faster in Men
Boosting hair growth isn’t about chasing miracle cures or falling for fancy packaging. It’s about combining science-backed strategies with a bit of common sense. These seven men’s hair growth tips are effective and easy to include in your routine. If faster, healthier hair is the goal, consider this your go-to playbook.
1. Healthy Diet and Nutrition
When it comes to hair growth, what you eat shows up on your scalp—literally. Hair follicles are highly active cells that require a steady supply of nutrients. A diet rich in protein, biotin, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids fuels your follicles with what they need to grow stronger, faster strands.
Protein, found in foods like eggs, chicken, and lentils, provides the building blocks (keratin) for hair. Zinc helps repair damaged follicles, while omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish like salmon, nourish the scalp and keep it hydrated. If your meals lack these essentials, your hair pays the price.
2. Get Plenty of Sleep
Think of sleep as a reset button for your body—and yes, your hair benefits too. When you sleep, your body ramps up cell repair and regeneration, crucial processes for optimal follicle function. A lack of sleep can stunt hair growth or lead to shedding since it disrupts hormonal balances and increases cortisol levels.
Aim for 7–8 hours of quality sleep each night. Consistency matters: no, you can’t “catch up” on sleep over the weekend and expect your hair to cooperate. Make rest a priority, and your scalp will thank you.
3. Scalp Care and Massage
Healthy hair starts at the root—literally. Scalp massages may sound indulgent, but they’re a highly effective way to stimulate blood flow to hair follicles. This improves oxygen and nutrient delivery, creating the ideal environment for growth.
Use natural oils like coconut or argan oil during massages to keep your scalp hydrated and free from dryness or irritation. Ditch harsh shampoos that strip away natural oils and instead opt for men’s hair growth shampoos with ingredients like saw palmetto or ketoconazole, which combat DHT build-up. Regular scalp care keeps follicles active and healthy.
4. Proper Hair Care Routine
Treating your hair with care goes a long way. Start by using sulfate-free shampoos and moisturizing conditioners to cleanse without over-drying. Wash your hair 2–3 times per week to prevent excessive stripping of natural oils that protect your scalp and strands.
Heat styling tools like blow dryers and flat irons can weaken the hair shaft, so limit their use. Similarly, tight hairstyles can cause tension on the scalp, leading to breakage. A gentle routine prevents unnecessary damage, allowing your hair to grow uninterrupted.
5. Regular Exercise and Manage Stress
Exercise isn’t just good for your muscles; it’s great for your hair, too. Physical activity improves circulation, which delivers essential nutrients and oxygen to hair follicles. Even moderate exercise, like brisk walking, can have a positive impact on growth.
Stress, on the other hand, is your hair’s worst enemy. Elevated cortisol levels from chronic stress disrupt the hair cycle, leading to conditions like telogen effluvium (temporary hair shedding). Incorporate stress-reducing practices like meditation, yoga, or simply deep breathing to keep cortisol in check and protect your hair.
6. Natural Remedies for Hair Growth
Nature offers tools that can support the overall health of your hair and scalp, helping to create an optimal environment for growth. While essential oils like rosemary and peppermint are often touted for their ability to improve circulation to the scalp, it’s important to note that they do not directly stimulate hair regrowth. Instead, these oils can enhance scalp health, which plays a crucial role in maintaining strong, healthy hair.
Similarly, herbal treatments like green tea rinses are believed to help reduce DHT on the scalp—a factor in male hair thinning. While these remedies are not proven to regrow hair, they can complement other treatments by keeping your scalp in better condition. Think of them as low-risk, supportive additions to a comprehensive hair care routine, rather than standalone solutions.
7. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
For those looking for a high-tech boost, men’s hair growth treatments like LLLT are game-changers. This FDA-cleared therapy uses safe, low-level lasers to stimulate blood flow and reawaken dormant hair follicles. It’s scientifically proven to increase hair density and thickness with consistent use.
Unlike medications, LLLT is non-invasive and has no systemic side effects. Devices like laser helmets offer a convenient, hands-free option for those committed to improving hair growth. Use it regularly, and you’re likely to notice visible results within months.
Conclusion
Hair growth for men doesn’t have to remain a mystery. By tailoring your approach to the unique factors affecting men’s hair growth—like hormone levels, genetics, and lifestyle—you can take control of the process. Combining a deeper understanding of the growth cycle with actionable steps such as proper nutrition, targeted scalp care, and advanced therapies specifically designed for men can make a noticeable difference. Consistency is key—commit to these strategies, and your hair will thank you.
