Why Doesn't My Hair Seem To Be Growing?

May 14, 2021

Learn more about the reasons why your hair might be damaged or isn't growing properly. Discover the best ways to care for your hair—so it remains healthy and vibrant.

We’ve all had it happen—you get a drastic cut, and as the months go by, you realize your hair has barely grown an inch. Meanwhile, your friend down the hall went from a bob cut to waist-length hair in one semester. What’s to give!

In reality, many factors could contribute to why your hair isn’t growing. Much of the time, it isn’t that your hair isn’t growing, rather, it is breaking off at the ends before it even has a chance. Read this guide to learn about the causes of thinning hair or delayed growth and how you can resolve some of these issues for long, luscious locks.

1) Straightening or Blow-Drying Hair Too Often

Anytime you are applying heat to your hair, there is an opportunity for damage to occur. As there are many different hair types with a range of fineness, some people’s hair can handle prolonged heat exposure better than others. Generally speaking, too much heat breaks down the protective layers of the hair strands, making them prone to breakage and split ends. Though your hair is likely growing, the damage and breakage that occurs prevent you from reaching the desired length. Though it may take more time, air-drying your hair or using a soft cotton fabric will be much kinder to your hair. If you use a flat iron or curling wand, be sure to use a heat protectant on your hair beforehand.

2) Taking Showers That Are Too Hot

Though we all relish a scorching shower after a long day, hot water can actually strip your hair and scalp of essential oils. Without these oils, the scalp can become dry, and the environment becomes less inducive to hair growth. Not to mention, the hair strands themselves can become frayed and brittle from the heat, meaning the hair breaks before you can notice any hair growth.

3) Vitamin or Mineral Deficiencies in Your Diet

There are many supported arguments that your diet can affect not only the look and feel of your hair but how it grows. If a person is deficient in vital nutrients, this could eventually even lead to hair loss. Foods rich in protein, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, and other minerals have all been linked to promoting healthy hair. Dark leafy greens, eggs, nuts, and fish full of essential amino acids have usually been heralded as supporting durable locks and strong nails

4) Genetics and Age

Unfortunately, much of the way your hair looks and behaves is down to genetics. As we age, hair tends to lose its vitality and often grows thinner. Some people will have a predisposition for fuller hair that grows faster, while others may have hair that takes longer to grow or is naturally sparser. The best we can do is to appreciate our natural hair, take care of it, and give our hair the much-needed love and R&R it deserves, regardless of our current age.

5) Not Getting Enough Frequent Haircuts

Contrary to what many believe, getting frequent haircuts is one of the best ways to help your hair grow longer. Though it may seem like a step backward when you’re sitting in the chair and seeing the scissors move, it is extremely beneficial for hair growth. Cutting off dry, damaged ends ensures that your hair can continue to grow without breaking off. It’s true—your hair isn’t growing any faster at the follicle. It just isn’t breaking off or splitting at the ends anymore, resulting in overall longer hair.

6) Using Too Many Harsh Chemicals

The products we use can alter the overall health of our hair. Using chemicals and too many harsh hair treatments can lead to frazzled hair that has weaker integrity. Dyes and bleach can especially be damaging to the hair, so always be sure to go to a specialist when dealing with hair color. Cosmetologists and hairdressers can lighten or darken your hair without causing long-term damage.

7) Stress and Poor Circulation

There has also been some evidence that stress and poor circulation can cause diminished hair growth. For your overall health, you should always be aware of your stress levels and take moments in your day to breathe and recenter yourself. Exercise and a healthy diet can also help reduce stress levels. To counter poor circulation on the scalp, several studies have concluded that regular massage can improve blood flow to the area.

8) Untreated Hormone Imbalance

Sometimes brittle hair, hair loss, or thinning can be a sign of hormonal imbalance. One of the main culprits is a thyroid condition, (an overactive or underactive thyroid can have a symptom of hair loss). If you are struggling with weight changes, lethargy, anxiety, heart rate fluctuations, and other symptoms, be sure to make an appointment with your doctor. Do not attempt to combat a hormone imbalance on your own—your doctor will be able to run tests and confirm if you need treatment.

Haircare has evolved to the point that it has become both a science and a field of beautification. If you enjoy styling and taking care of the health of your hair, you should consider starting a career in cosmetology. Cosmetology school will further your knowledge about everything hair and even train you to be an expert stylist and colorist. Taking the next steps doesn’t have to be challenging. Connect online today or call 800-62-SALON (72566). Enrollment advisors are ready to assist you!

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Making a Job Switch

27 Sep, 2021

Whether you’ve been fired or are simply looking to take your career to the next level, switching jobs in the beauty and wellness industry takes strategy and planning. You can have a job or you can build a career; the choice is yours. If you find yourself job hopping frequently, either by choice or by circumstance, it’s going to be more difficult to establish yourself. A job switch is something to be taken seriously as the consequences of your move, both good and bad, can reverberate for months and even years. Before you make a job switch, think through these 5 things. YOU WILL LOSE BUSINESS We know it feels like everyone will follow you if you do leave, but not everyone does. Some won’t like the drive, the new salon, spa, or shop décor, or even your new team members. Some clients may even be looking for an excuse to try someone new. MULTIPLE MOVES RAISE A RED FLAG TO FUTURE EMPLOYERS Salon, spa, and shop owners look at your track record and if they see you’ve moved multiple times over the past 1-3 years, they are going to be less enthusiastic about hiring an “at risk” team member. YOU MAY BE THE PROBLEM If you have moved several times and are still not happy, then it’s time to do a checkup from the neck up. The only common denominator in your career choices is you. It’s time to stop and think about what it is you really want, write it down, and go find it. WHEN IT ISN’T WORKING, TALK IT OUT Let’s face it: there are going to be times when you just are not “feeling it,” and the love and newness has worn off. When you get to that point, reflect on what you are feeling and ask yourself, “Is it true and is it real?” If it is, then the only way to work through it is to go to the source and talk it out. If you don’t, it will fester and get worse. RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE WHAT IS WORKING Look around and appreciate the perks, joys, esthetics, flexibility, team, training, or whatever else is really great about where you work. Sometimes just shifting your thoughts can create a new perspective. Moving on After Being Fired What if your job switch is based not on choice but on circumstance and you have been fired? Being fired is extremely stressful, no matter the reason. You can find yourself struggling with all types of emotions ranging from embarrassment, anger, fear, and even depression. If you’re in this sticky situation, follow these steps to turn this potential negative into a positive. LOOK TO YOUR FUTURE It can be difficult getting past the “being fired” part, but you must move on! You have two choices: you can live in a negative space and dwell on the past or you can decide to look to your future and learn from this experience. TAKE OWNERSHIP This can be as painful as being fired itself. Spend some time taking a personal inventory of the reasons why you were dismissed. Don’t play the “blame game” and point fingers at others. Take full responsibility and turn this negative experience into a positive learning opportunity for your future. Reach out to mentors or enroll in outside education to help you grow in any areas that are keeping you from the success you are destined to achieve. MOVE FORWARD It’s time to freshen up your resume and cover letters. Be certain to point out your successes and your strengths. There is no reason to mention your dismissal at this time. INTERVIEWING During your interview for a potential new position, be prepared to answer those questions you fear the most like, “Why did you leave your last job?” Honesty is the best policy, but there’s no need to get into a long drawn out conversation about it; keep it brief. Share what you have learned and how you have made a personal commitment to learn and grow from this experience. If you have enrolled in outside education and/or have mentorship in this area be sure to share this information during your interview. For other interview tips, check out this guide. Being fired from a job can shake a person to their core. It ranks in the top of life’s most stressful situations, but if you take the initiative by enrolling in classes and reaching out to mentors to move past any barriers, you can turn things around. Job switches can happen at any time for a multitude of reasons. It’s up to you to be proactive and always go towards what you want. When you need to make big changes, make sure to do your research and make sure the changes are in the direction of your dreams. If you are interested in starting your career in cosmetology, PJ’s College of Cosmetology can help. Call us at 800-62-SALON (72566) or request information at gotopjs.com.

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