Rapunzel Story

‘My hair doesn’t grow past my waist’— does this cry sound familiar? You’re not alone. However, if your DNA is to blame, there’s not much that can be done. But if your lifestyle and diet choices are at fault, then we can help. Samreen Samad speaks to the experts to bring you the good-hair news

- Samreen Samad

Not everyone is blessed with a long, luscious mane. Inadequate diets, chemical and heat treatments, environmental factors, frequent haircuts, and stress are some common reasons for stunted hair growth or lack of length. Shahela Bhatia, 36, leads a healthy lifestyle, hasn’t ever done any chemical treatments, and takes good care of her hair; but it rarely grows beyond her waist. “When I was in my twenties, I had thick hair that touched my waist, but after my first born, my hair became scantier and has stopped growing completely.” Kinjal Sharma, 29, has a similar problem. “My hair doesn’t grow beyond a certain length. I’ve tried oiling and undergone several treatments, but nothing has worked,” Kinjal complains.

SCIENCE TELLS YOU WHY—THE TERMINAL LENGTH THEORY

Sanket Shah, CEO, and owner, Advanced Hair Studio, Mumbai, explains, “There is something called terminal length, which is the period in which hair goes through phases of growing, resting and finally shedding. In short, your hair falls out of your scalp naturally, at the end of its growth cycle.” Shah says,

“Your DNA determines whether your hair is short, shoulder, waist or knee length.” The growth cycle also depends on race and hair type. Shah further explains, “Most people can expect their hair to grow between 12 to 36 inches before they reach their terminal length that is, waist length and beyond. Age and health factors can also affect the growth cycle.”