Hair Growth Calculation
Growing your hair might feel like a slow journey, and waiting for it to reach your desired length can be a bit challenging. On average, hair tends to grow about half an inch (1.25 cm) every month, totaling up to six inches (15 cm) in a year. However, everyone's hair growth varies based on factors like genetics, age, lifestyle, and overall health.
If you're aiming for longer hair, it's paramount to schedule regular trims to maintain its health and prevent split ends. Keep in mind that with each trim, you'll lose a bit of length, so it's essential to consider this when estimating the time it takes to achieve your desired hair length.
To calculate, or rather estimate, the time needed to grow a specific length of healthy new hair, factor in your personal growth rate and the potential length loss from trims.
Step 1: Determine Your Personal Hair Growth Rate
To find out how fast your hair is growing on average, you'll want to measure its length at two different times and calculate the change. For instance, if your hair measured 10 inches (25.4 cm) two months ago and now it's 10.9 inches (27.7 cm), your hair has grown by 0.9 inches (2.3 cm) in two months, roughly 0.45 inches (1.15 cm) per month.
For those who dye their hair, it's simpler. Measure the length of your visible new growth and convert it to inches or centimeters per month.
If you don't have previous measurements or don't dye your hair, you can estimate your hair growth rate using the average of 0.5 inches (1.25 cm) per month. Keep in mind that this average willl vary based on factors like genetics, age, lifestyle, and overall health.
Step 2: Determine Hair Length Loss from Trims
It's necessary to schedule a trim every three months, typically resulting in an average loss of around 0.4 inches (1 cm) of hair length per trim. This equates to an average monthly loss of 0.13 inches (0.33 cm) due to trims.
Keep in mind that the amount of length lost can vary. A careful and experienced hairdresser might result in less length being trimmed off, while a less experienced or overenthusiastic one might lead to more significant length reduction.
Step 3: Calculate Your Hair's Actual Growth Rate
To find out the actual growth rate of your hair, we subtract the length lost during trims from the overall growth rate. Using the provided example of 0.45 inches (1.15 cm) of growth per month, the net growth rate would be:
Net Growth Rate = Average Hair Growth Rate - Hair Length Loss due to Trims
Net Growth Rate = 0.45 inches (1.15 cm) per month - 0.13 inches (0.33 cm) per month
Net Growth Rate = 0.32 inches (0.82 cm) per month
In this scenario, your hair is effectively growing at a net rate of 0.32 inches (0.82 cm) per month, factoring in the length lost during trims.
Step 4: Estimate the Time Needed to Grow a Specific Hair Length
Suppose you're aiming to grow 5 inches (13 cm) of new hair, factoring in the length lost during trims. Let's break down the calculation:
Net Growth Rate = Average Hair Growth Rate - Length Loss due to Trims
Net Growth Rate = 0.45 inches (1.15 cm) per month - 0.13 inches (0.33 cm) per month
Net Growth Rate = 0.32 inches (0.82 cm) per month
To determine how many months it would take to grow 5 inches of new hair, apply the formula:
Time (in months) = Length (in inches or cm) / Net Growth Rate
Time (in months) = 5 inches (13 cm) / 0.32 inches (0.82 cm) per month
Time (in months) = 15.6 months
In this example, it would take approximately 16 months to achieve a 5-inch (13 cm) increase in hair length, accounting for the length lost during trims.
Keep in mind that these calculations serve as general estimates and examples, and individual results will vary. Hair growth rates are influenced by various factors, and the amount of length lost during trims depends on the skill and approach of your hairstylist.
©Hairfinder.com
See also:
Hair lengths chart
How fast does hair grow?