Hair growth is triggered by signals within the hair follicle, driven by genetics, hormones, and nutrients, progressing through anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (rest/shedding) phases, fueled by protein (keratin), vitamins (A, D, B, C, E), minerals (iron, zinc, copper), and Omega-3s, while stress and inflammation can disrupt this cycle. A healthy diet and good scalp care, including scalp massages, provide the necessary building blocks and stimulation for optimal growth.
The protein keratin makes up hair and stimulates hair growth. Hair follows a specific growth cycle with three distinct and concurrent phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen. Each phase has specific characteristics that determine the length of the hair.
What makes up 90% of hair? Hair is 90-95% keratin, a strong fibrous protein that provides structure, strength, and flexibility. The remaining components include water, lipids, melanin (pigment), and trace elements.
The "Big 3" for hair regrowth typically refers to a combination of Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Ketoconazole shampoo, addressing hair loss through different mechanisms: Minoxidil stimulates follicles, Finasteride blocks DHT (the hormone causing shrinkage), and Ketoconazole reduces inflammation, with microneedling sometimes suggested as a fourth option.
Key vitamin deficiencies linked to hair loss include Vitamin D, B12, Biotin (B7), and Iron, with low levels of these nutrients affecting hair follicle function, protein production (like keratin), and oxygen supply, leading to thinning or shedding; however, excessive intake of some vitamins (like A or selenium) can also cause hair loss, so a doctor should confirm deficiencies via blood tests before supplementing.
Japanese scalp treatments focus on cleansing, stimulating, and nourishing the scalp to create an ideal environment for healthy hair growth. These treatments remove buildup, improve circulation, and strengthen hair follicles, helping with early signs of hair loss and thinning.
Having the following prevents hair fall:
Androgens, such as testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and their prohormones dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and androstenedione (A) are the key factors in the growth of terminal hair.
The good news is, in many cases, thin hair can be revitalised and regain density, depending on the underlying cause. To address thinning hair, it's crucial to understand what might be causing it. For some, it's a temporary effect of stress or nutrition, which can be relatively straightforward to correct.
5 Signs of Damaged Hair
Increasing Protein Intake for Good Hair: How Much Protein Needed for Hair Growth? Hair and Protein go hand in hand. Hair is 100% protein which is called Keratin which our body makes from the foods that we eat.
Their secret is the fermented rice water that they use to wash their hair 2-3x a week and just once in winter 🍚 Although their secret is rice water, scientists in China went to investigate and concluded it was actually because of their genetics 😅 but it doesn't hurt to try their rice water recipe!
Hair growth occurs in a continuous process characterized by four phases: anagen, growth; catagen, regression; telogen, rest; and exogen, shedding.
Those with fine hair or oily scalps typically need to shampoo more frequently, roughly once a day or once every other day. If you have thick, coarse, or chemically treated hair, you may benefit from a less frequent wash schedule.
Androgenetic alopecia is the best-known hormonal hair loss condition, affecting 85% of men [1] and 55% of women [2] at some point in life. It is caused by a genetically increased sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). However, other hormones can also cause hair loss.
Hair follicles – the skin organ responsible for hair growth – contain stem cells that constantly divide, they are the driving force behind new hair growth.
Hirsutism is usually linked to changes in androgen levels ("male" hormones). It can happen if the level of these hormones increases or if your body becomes more sensitive to them.
If you have hair loss and low vitamin D levels, your doctor may recommend vitamin D supplements. Iron. Iron is responsible for carrying oxygen to your hair follicles so your hair can grow. Iron supplements may be recommended if you have hair loss as well as iron deficiency that is confirmed by laboratory tests.
7 drinks to stop hair fall
The "Big 3" for thinning hair, especially male/female pattern baldness, are typically Minoxidil (Rogaine), Finasteride (Propecia), and sometimes Ketoconazole shampoo, or even Microneedling, forming a multimodal approach to stimulate growth and block hormones (DHT) causing hair loss, with Minoxidil boosting circulation, Finasteride inhibiting DHT, and Ketoconazole reducing inflammation and acting as a mild anti-androgen.
Herbs like He Shou Wu, Dang Gui, and Ginseng are commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to nourish the scalp, improve blood flow, and support hair regrowth. Acupuncture for hair loss stimulates scalp circulation, reduces inflammation, and supports hormonal balance to create optimal conditions for healthy hair.
The "3 Date Rule" in Japan refers to the cultural tendency to make a formal love confession (kokuhaku) on or around the third date, marking the transition from casual dating to an official couple, often after building trust with lighter activities like meals or walks, and it's considered a crucial step for clarifying relationship status before deeper intimacy, though it's a guideline, not a strict law.
Gen Z's accelerated hair loss stems from a mix of genetics and modern lifestyle factors like chronic stress (digital burnout, job insecurity), poor nutrition (processed foods, crash diets), hormonal shifts, increased exposure to pollution, damaging hair care (harsh products, tight styles), and sleep deprivation, all exacerbating conditions like male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) and telogen effluvium. While genetics set the stage, environmental stressors and habits are accelerating the process for many young people.