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Understanding Hair Growth: Causes, Solutions, and Science-Backed Ingredients

July 31, 2025

Walking you through the hair cycle, common reasons for hair loss, and how you can strengthen and regrow your strands.


Reading time: 7 minutes

Are you struggling with thinning hair, brittle strands, or hair that just won’t grow past a certain point? You're not alone. These issues are more common than you think and often rooted in deeper causes than just your shampoo. But the good news is that there are scientifically backed treatments and technologies that can actually make a difference.

In this blog, I will break down the chemistry behind why your hair may be underperforming, the stages of growth, and science-backed solutions that can help boost your hair growth.

Why You Might Be Experiencing Hair Loss or Brittle Hair

There are several reasons your hair might be shedding, snapping, or stagnating:

  1. Scalp build-up: Sebum, styling product residues, and pollutants can clog follicles and suffocate hair roots.
  2. Poor scalp circulation: Hair follicles need nutrients and oxygen. Impaired blood flow restricts this and stalls growth.
  3. Stress and hormonal imbalance: PCOS, postpartum hair loss, and menopause can push follicles prematurely into the resting phase.
  4. Over styling or chemical damage: Bleaching, relaxing, and heat tools weaken the cuticle and cortex of the hair shaft.
  5. Nutrient deficiencies: Lack of iron, zinc, biotin, or amino acids impairs keratin production.

Using a weekly scalp exfoliant (with AHAs like lactic or glycolic acid) will clear the way for active ingredients to penetrate. Pairing it with a massage tool can also help to increase blood flow and circulation.

Effective Hair Growth Solutions

The Hair Cycle

To understand how to stimulate healthier hair, we need to understand the hair growth cycle, which consists of three main phases:

  1. Anagen (growth) – This active growth phase can last 2–7 years. The longer it lasts, the longer your hair grows.
  2. Catagen (transition) – A short, 2-week phase where growth stops and the follicle shrinks.
  3. Telogen (rest) – Lasting about 3 months, this is when hair sheds and a new strand begins forming.

If your hair isn't growing, it’s often because too many follicles are stuck in the telogen (shedding) phase and not re-entering anagen (growth). Opt for topical treatments that prolong the anagen phase and stimulate the follicle to re-enter growth more quickly.

Viviscal Pro Hair Growth Tablets - 3 Pack

Save: 17% Original price was: £180.00.Current price is: £150.00.

Calecim Professional Advanced Hair System (AHS)

Save: 25% | ends 2 December Original price was: £294.00.Current price is: £219.95.

Key Treatments for Hair Regrowth & Strength

Stem Cell-Derived Growth Factors & Fibronectins

Human Fibroblast Conditioned Media contains a rich mix of cytokines, growth factors, and fibronectins which are proteins that regulate cell adhesion and tissue repair. These help rejuvenate aging or dormant follicles and restore a healthy extracellular matrix.

Studies show they improve hair density and quality by enhancing cellular signalling in the dermal papilla and increasing follicular regeneration.

Use a serum or ampoule with Human Fibroblast Conditioned Media post-derma stamp for maximum absorption and impact. Look for formulations with added fibronectins to help anchor the hair shaft more securely.

Recommended product: Calecim Professional Advanced Hair System (AHS)

Prebiotic and Postbiotic Technology

Prebiotics like inulin, lactitol, and xylitol feed beneficial bacteria on the scalp, helping them thrive and outcompete harmful microbes that contribute to inflammation and dandruff. Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus ferment, introduce calming, live bacterial cultures that support barrier repair and reduce irritation. 

Meanwhile, postbiotics like lactic acid help regulate the scalp’s pH and gently exfoliate buildup, creating a cleaner, more balanced environment for hair follicles to function optimally. Together, these biotics soothe sensitivity, reduce flaking, and lay the foundation for stronger, thicker hair.

By reducing inflammation, preventing buildup, and promoting a healthier scalp ecosystem, prebiotics and postbiotics create optimal conditions for follicles to remain active and hair to grow.

Recommended product: The Nue Co Supa Thick Scalp Serum

Hair Growth Vitamins

If you’re nutrient deficient, hair growth vitamins can be game changers for hair growth. These may include:

  1. Biotin – Supports keratin production
  2. Zinc – Regulates follicular oil production
  3. Vitamin D – Helps create new follicles

Iron – Essential for oxygenating scalp tissues

AnaGainâ„¢ (Pea Sprout Extract)

AnaGainâ„¢ is a plant-based extract derived from Pisum sativum (pea sprouts), rich in phytonutrients that stimulate dermal papilla cells at the root of the hair follicle. Clinical trials show it increases the anagen-to-telogen ratio, meaning more hairs stay in the growth phase and fewer shift into the shedding phase. After 3 months, users typically experience visibly denser, fuller hair.

Choose hair supplements that include AnaGain™ for a plant-powered, evidence-based approach to regrowth, especially if you’re looking for a hormone-free, non-synthetic option.

Recommended product: Vida Glow Hairology Advanced Repair

AminoMarâ„¢ Marine Complex

AminoMar™ is a proprietary marine protein complex used in Viviscal supplements. It’s derived from shark cartilage and mollusc powder and provides collagen, glycosaminoglycans, and essential amino acids that strengthen hair from within. Research shows it improves hair count, diameter, and shedding levels, particularly in women with thinning hair.

AminoMarâ„¢ is ideal for those experiencing diffuse thinning or mid-length breakage. It supports structural integrity at the follicle and shaft level, especially when combined with keratin, zinc, and iron.

Recommended product: Viviscal Pro Hair Growth Tablets

Calecim Hair Growth Ampoules

Haircare Devices That Boost Ingredient Delivery

Derma Stamping (Microneedling)

Microneedling the scalp increases absorption of topical ingredients by creating microchannels. It also triggers wound-healing signals, which activate growth factors and stimulate the dermal papilla.

Derma stamp once per week using a 0.5mm-1mm depth, then apply a peptide-rich or growth-factor serum within 10 minutes to maximise absorption.

Ampoules

Ampoules are high-concentration, fast-absorbing formulas that are ideal for intensive regrowth treatments. They’re typically used as part of a 4-6 week regimen and are best applied after scalp exfoliation or derma stamping.

Choose ampoules containing peptides or fibroblast media. Use in the evening for optimal skin penetration and repair synergy.

When to Seek Professional Help

While these products are generally well-tolerated, not all hair loss can be treated topically. If your shedding is severe, patchy, or accompanied by symptoms like itching or pain, consult a dermatologist or trichologist. Topicals can support hair growth, but don’t replace medical intervention for chronic or aggressive forms of hair loss.

Final Takeaways

When it comes to achieving stronger, fuller hair, there’s no magic fix but there is a science-backed path forward. Understanding the hair growth cycle and recognising the importance of scalp health is the first step toward change. Advanced ingredients such as Human Fibroblast Conditioned Media and stem cell-derived fibronectins, work at the root level to revive dormant follicles and extend the growth phase. Meanwhile, nutrient-rich hair supplements containing AnaGain™, AminoMar™ and biotin, offer internal support by nourishing follicles from within and correcting any underlying deficiencies.

Consistency is key. Daily application of serums, regular use of supportive devices like derma stamps, and committing to a supplement routine for several months will give the most effective results. While changes may not necessarily happen overnight, improvements in density, strength, and overall scalp vitality typically begin to appear after 90 days of disciplined care.

Healthy, thriving hair is a reflection of both internal balance and external care. With the right combination of proven ingredients, professional-grade products, and a bit of patience, you can create the optimal environment for long-term hair growth.

References

  1. Augustyniak, A. and Mc Mahon, H. (2023). Dietary marine-derived ingredients for stimulating hair cell cycle. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & Pharmacotherapie, [online] 163, p.114838. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114838. 
  2. Grothe, T., Wandrey, F. and Schuerch, C. (2019). Short communication: Clinical evaluation of pea sprout extract in the treatment of hair loss. Phytotherapy Research, 34(2), pp.428–431. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6528. 
  3. Gupta, A.K., Quinlan, E.M., Venkataraman, M. and Bamimore, M.A. (2021). Microneedling for Hair Loss. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 21(1), pp.108–117. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.14525. 
  4. Natarelli, N., Gahoonia, N. and Sivamani, R.K. (2023). Integrative and Mechanistic Approach to the Hair Growth Cycle and Hair Loss. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 12(3), p.893. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12030893. 
  5. Sadgrove, N., Batra, S., Barreto, D. and Rapaport, J. (2023). An Updated Etiology of Hair Loss and the New Cosmeceutical Paradigm in Therapy: Clearing ‘the Big Eight Strikes’. Cosmetics, [online] 10(4), p.106. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics10040106. 
  6. Talebzadeh, A.T. and Talebzadeh, N. (2023). Stem Cell Applications in Human Hair Growth: A Literature Review. Cureus, [online] 15(4), p.e37439. doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.37439. 
  7. Yin, C.-S., Thi, T., Yi, E.-J., Zheng, S., Arce Defeo Bellere, Zheng, Q., Jin, X., Kim, M., Park, S., Oh, S. and Yi, T.-H. (2024). Efficacy of Probiotics in Hair Growth and Dandruff Control: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Heliyon, 10(9), pp.e29539–e29539. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29539.
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