A question for those with the Ultra Long Hair

A silly questions, but something that just crossed my mind. If the average life span on a human hair is 5 years, then how do keep your hair for so long? How are some people able to grow their hair to the floor? Is is simple genetics? Or do you have any secrets you would like to share with the rest of us? Thanks! :-)

Yes... I know that. But only for 5 years... so technically, each hair should only be around 2.5 feet in length.

Actually, I think that different people have naturally longer or shorter growing hair, with
maybe different life spans.

`` The Oriental or Asian hair growth cycle is the longest of any group , as much as 9 years , almost twice the lifespan of other hair groups.``
(Hair, an owner`s handbook; Philip Kingsley)

That`s why it`s often on them that we see very long hair. Yes , genetic influences very much.

What about your German/Eskimo/French-Canadian/Alaskan hillbilly types! Can they grow long hair?

I`m not one to advocate the gene theory, since I don`t believe it. On the other hand, we shed hair constantly, and then at the same time, we grow new hair too. I`m trying to grow my hair long because I know that it`s possible because when I was younger, I had long hair. I think with the right steps and measures, it is possible to grow some hair.:)

Johan, you`re funny!:D

honestly, i don`t know whether or not to believe that the maximum hair length is predetermined because my hair does what it wants. nevertheless, with your issue about vegetarianism, my hair was actually healthier when i was a vegetarian because i think i was eating healthier all around. back then, i never trimmed my hair and it was gorgeous-so many things can change the outcome. anyways, when i was about 8-10 years old my hair reached almost to my butt without even trying but now i struggle to make it reach mid-back. now i have to be so patient! my boyfriend`s sister (she is Hmong--southeast asian) grew her hair from chin length to midback within one year without even trying. i take vitamin e and biotin and i do think it has helped my hair growth- not by much but enough to make me happy. i try to eat a balanced diet- while everyone emphasizes protein- i think it is just as important to get enough fruits and veggies. well, sorry i got off the subjects and that this is pretty long but i`m just love babbling about hair.

Jacqui

I love the way you described the hair lifecycle....."new ones born again"...."old ones die"..."plenty of others to take their place".
Beautiful.

I have seen some eastern women with incredibly long hair (calf length) and it`s interesting to note that very few hairs make that extra "mile".
It`s almost like 15% of hair follicles are programmed to have a longer anagen(growth) phase.

Fascinating stuff...well to hair-obsessives like myself.

The medical answer is that every single person possesses hair follicles that are genetically pre-determined to grow a certain length. Most of us do not see the full potential because we trim our hair or partake in certain chemical or otherwise harmful activities that interrupt the natural life cycle of an individual hair.

It is true that often people with Mexican, Hispanic, or Indian backgrounds have a longer "lifespan" of hair than many Caucasians. But we`re all different, and there are exceptions to every rule.

But, short of a medical breakthrough, there is no way to make your hair grow longer than what your body genetically dictates. We can, however, improve the health of the hair on our heads so to allow it to reach its potential!

Jennifer