Why Your Mid-Length Hair Stopped Growing

Having mid-length hair that won’t go past that awkward clavicle-grazing stage can be frustrating. Don’t chalk it up to bad luck – sneaky culprits could be behind this plateau. Here, an expert shares what might stunt your hair growth, along with tips to help keep your hair strong.

Genetics, specifically your hair growth cycle, is the main reason your tresses seem to stop gaining inches.

All hair grows in four phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), telogen (rest), and exogen (shedding). Each person’s anagen phase is predetermined by their DNA, lasting anywhere between two to seven years. During this time, your hair grows about one centimeter each month. If your genes allow, you can grow your strands past your waist – even down to your buttocks.

Still, the anagen phase will eventually end, no matter what you do. Dermatovenerologist Dea Florensia explains that if someone’s growth phase is on the shorter side, their hair may not have enough time to reach those longer lengths before it sheds, and the cycle begins again. That’s why growing out mid-length hair can feel like an endless waiting game to some people.

But genetics alone isn’t the full story. Dr.Florensia says that breakage and hair damage can also be to blame. One other possibility is androgenetic alopecia, a hereditary condition that shortens the duration of the anagen phase. “We need to properly examine the scalp and do a blood test to be sure of what is causing the issue,” she explains. If the follicles are weak and androgen levels are elevated, hair can break or shed easily and lose its density over time.

Minoxidil is the only scientifically proven hair growth treatment that can prolong the anagen phase. Though it’s considered effective, the results vary from person to person. Plus, the side effects can be a dealbreaker for some. Users may experience scalp irritation, dryness, or excessive shedding during the first few months of application, as well as unwanted hair growth in other areas like the face or neck.

Other treatments that can potentially help include topical and oral antiandrogens, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, and light therapy. However, these options are not as widely studied or accessible as minoxidil. “None are guaranteed miracle cures for hair growth. Anyone who wants to try these treatments needs to discuss them with a specialist to understand potential risks and outcomes,” advises Dr. Florensia.

Fancy treatments aside, the best thing you can do is focus on minimizing breakage. That means adopting a proper hair care routine and good habits, such as these:

FYI, cutting your hair regularly won’t make it grow longer and faster. That said, regular trims get rid of damage and split ends that threaten your hair’s growth journey. Any hairdresser worth their salt would recommend getting a trim every eight weeks or so, but go ahead and set your own schedule. Just keep an eye out for any frayed ends.

The scalp is anatomically similar to the skin on your face. If your scalp is dry, oily, or clogged with product buildup, it can’t provide a healthy environment for the hair follicles to thrive. Don’t skip scalp care, just like you wouldn’t skip your skincare routine. Wash your hair regularly with Sunsilk Strong & Long Shampoo, which has biotin, aloe vera, and castor oil for strands that are 3x stronger against breakage.

If your scalp is on the oilier side, shampoo your hair more frequently. You can also try using a scalp scrub to help loosen grime and remove dead skin. If you’re experiencing dryness, consider hair oiling once a week. Finally, gently massage your scalp with your fingers in the shower while washing to stimulate blood flow.

Shampoo cleanses your scalp and strands, but it can also strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and prone to breakage. That’s where conditioner comes in. It replenishes moisture, smooths the cuticles, and helps prevent tangling so your strands aren’t at risk for more breakage.

Make sure to work the conditioner midway through the ends, where your hair is the driest. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing. For an extra boost, use Cream Silk Salon Expert Treatment Keratin Damage Repair afterward to give your locks some serious hydration. This daily hair treatment is infused with keratin and collagen dual serum that helps renew and strengthen each strand from within.

Waiting for your mid-length hair to grow out may tempt you to experiment with it, whether by dyeing, straightening, or perming. But all these styling efforts come at a steep cost to your hair’s health. Resist the urge and leave your hair alone as much as possible. If you’re itching for a change, dabble in some heatless styling techniques and fun hairstyles. Or, go get bangs.

Elevated stress can cause hair follicles to prematurely enter the shedding phase, which is the last thing you want. So, make room for activities that can help calm your nerves while also keeping your body healthy such as jogging, dancing, Pilates, or napping. Additionally, maintain a balanced diet with plenty of iron, protein, zinc, and vitamin B to support hair health.

It may take years for your mid-length hair to reach your desired length, so have patience. Lots of it. And take good care of your hair’s health along the way. If you notice your hair is getting thinner, it’s worth consulting a dermatologist. Early intervention can help prevent further damage.