Why Your Hair Won’t Grow Past a Certain Length

Women with varying hair lengths.

Despite loading up on the best oils, deep conditioners, and even religiously taking biotin for hair growth, your strands just won’t budge. Your hair is stuck in a time loop, refusing to grow an inch past where it’s been for years… The truth is, hair doesn’t just “stop” growing. It either reaches its natural limit or breaks faster than it grows. Understanding why this happens is the key to finally seeing longer, healthier hair.

What is a Hair Growth Plateau?

A hair growth plateau happens when hair seems to stop growing beyond a certain length. In reality, the strands are still growing, but they are either breaking off at the same rate or have reached their maximum potential length based on genetics.

For some, this plateau is around shoulder-length; for others, it could be mid-back or longer. The hair’s ability to grow longer depends on how long the anagen phase lasts and how well the strands are maintained. If the hair is brittle, damaged, or frequently exposed to harsh treatments, it may never seem to grow past a specific point.

The Hair Growth Cycle: What’s Actually Happening?

Diagram of the hair growth cycle.

To understand why hair won’t grow past a certain length, it’s important to know how the hair growth cycle works. There are four stages:

  1. Anagen (Growth Phase): This is when hair is actively growing. It lasts anywhere from 2 to 7 years, depending on genetics. Those with a longer anagen phase can grow their hair much longer.

  2. Catagen (Transition Phase): This is a short phase lasting about two weeks, where the hair stops growing and prepares to shed.

  3. Telogen (Resting Phase): Hair stays attached but isn’t actively growing. It remains in this phase for 3-4 months before falling out.

  4. Exogen (Shedding Phase): This is when hair finally falls out to make way for new growth. Losing 50-100 strands per day is completely normal.

Each hair follicle operates on its own schedule, meaning they aren’t all in the same phase simultaneously. At any given moment, approximately 90% of hairs are in the anagen phase, actively growing. So, it is easy to say that the length of the anagen phase determines how long hair can grow. If it’s shorter, hair will naturally stop growing at a certain length, no matter how well it’s cared for.

Common Reasons Your Hair Stops Growing

Infographic on hair loss causes.

  1. Genetics

    Genetics control everything from eye color to whether hair will ever reach Rapunzel status. Hair growth is largely genetic. Some people have a longer anagen phase, allowing their hair to grow waist-length or even longer. Others may only have a 2-3 year anagen phase, which limits hair length to just below the shoulders. While biotin for hair growth and good hair care can help maximize potential, genetics still set the foundation.

  2. Hair Breakage

    Sometimes, the issue isn’t growth; it’s breakage. Hair may be growing at the roots but breaking off at the ends. Signs of breakage include:

    • Short, uneven strands
    • Thin, wispy ends
    • More tangles and split ends

    Common causes of breakage include excessive heat styling, rough brushing, and chemical treatments. Using protective styles, gentle hair tools, and regular deep conditioning can help retain length.

  3. Split Ends

    Split ends don’t just stay at the bottom they travel up the hair shaft, causing more breakage. If hair looks frayed and dry at the tips, split ends are likely preventing length retention. Trimming every 8-12 weeks helps prevent them from worsening.

  4. Poor Hair Care Routine

    Using the wrong products can weaken hair, making it more prone to breakage. Sulfates, alcohol-based products, and excessive shampooing strip natural oils, leading to dryness. Instead, a routine focused on hydration, protein treatments, and minimal heat styling will promote healthier, stronger strands.

  5. Nutritional Deficiencies

    Hair needs essential nutrients to grow. Without proper vitamins and minerals, it becomes weak and brittle. Key nutrients include:

    • Biotin for hair growth: Strengthens hair and prevents excessive shedding.
    • Iron: Prevents hair loss due to anemia.
    • Protein: Hair is made of keratin, a type of protein. A protein-deficient diet leads to weak strands.
    • Omega-3s: Keeps the scalp healthy and moisturized.

    Incorporating biotin vitamins for hair into a daily routine can help support stronger growth.

  6. Scalp Health

    A dry, flaky, or clogged scalp can prevent hair from growing properly. Scalp issues like dandruff, product buildup, and poor circulation can weaken hair at the root. To maintain a healthy scalp:

    • Massage with natural oils like rosemary or peppermint oil.
    • Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to cleanse without stripping natural oils.
    • Exfoliate with a scalp scrub to remove buildup.
  7. Hormonal Changes and Age

    As people age, their hair growth cycle shortens, leading to slower growth and thinner hair.

    • Postmenopausal individuals often experience hair thinning due to reduced estrogen levels, which affect hair density.
    • According to the American Hair Loss Association, by age 50, around 85% of males experience significant hair thinning.
    • Hormonal disorders like PCOS and thyroid imbalances can also contribute to slowed growth or increased shedding.
    • Hair loss also can be linked to anemia, especially when caused by iron deficiency.

The Myth of "Trimming Makes Hair Grow Faster"

Trimming does not speed up hair growth, but it prevents breakage. The goal is to remove split ends before they worsen. The ideal trimming schedule varies:

  • Fine hair: Trim every 8-10 weeks.
  • Curly hair: Every 10-12 weeks to maintain shape and health.
  • Coarse or thick hair: Every 12-16 weeks to prevent excessive thinning.

How Can Hair Growth Be Sped Up?

While nothing can change genetics, certain methods can help maximize hair length potential.

  1. Lifestyle and Hair Care Adjustments
    • Protective Hairstyles: Braids, buns, and twists help minimize damage.
    • Deep Conditioning and Protein Treatments: Strengthens and hydrates hair.
    • Heat Protection: Always use a heat protectant spray when styling.
    • Scalp Care and Circulation: Regular scalp massages promote blood flow.
    • Diet and Supplements: Taking biotin for hair growth can support stronger strands.
  2. Biotin For Hair Growth

    Many people struggling with slow hair growth take a biotin supplement to support hair strength and thickness. Biotin for hair growth has been widely used to improve hair quality, especially in those experiencing thinning. A daily dose of biotin vitamins for hair helps boost keratin production, the protein that makes up hair strands.

  3. Medical and Cosmetic Solutions

    Visual of a hair transplant procedure.

    • Hair Transplant: Moves hair follicles from fuller areas to thinning spots.
    • Scalp Micropigmentation: A tattooing technique that creates the illusion of thicker hair.

Final Thoughts

Hair doesn’t stop growing, it just reaches a plateau due to genetics, breakage, or poor hair care. While nothing can alter natural growth cycles, biotin for hair growth, proper scalp care, and a strong hair routine can help maximize length retention.