While hair technically does continue growing (about 1cm per month on average), several internal and external factors can stall visible length, density and vibrancy.
Here are four common culprits, plus what you can do to support stronger, longer locks.
It might not be that your hair isn’t growing, but rather that it’s breaking off at the same rate it’s growing.
Heat styling, chemical treatments, and environmental exposure can all weaken hair strands, leading to split ends and breakage. This means even though your roots are producing new hair, the ends aren’t surviving long enough to show that progress.
What can help:
+ Use a heat protectant and reduce hot tool use where possible
+ Trim split ends every 8–12 weeks
+ Sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and breakage
+ Add hydrolysed marine collagen to your routine to strengthen hair from within. Clinical research has shown that marine collagen supplementation can significantly improve hair strength and reduce breakage in women with thinning hair [1].
Pro tip: Add ProPlenish Marine Collagen to your morning smoothie or coffee for an effortless daily habit.
Hair grows in a cycle: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), telogen (rest), and exogen (shedding).
If your hair seems to have plateaued, it may be due to more follicles being stuck in the telogen or shedding phase which can be triggered by stress, hormonal shifts (perimenopause, postpartum, or thyroid changes), nutrient deficiencies or illness.
Hormonal health plays a key role in this cycle. Ensuring you’re getting sufficient sleep, managing stress levels, and addressing inflammation can help bring more follicles back into the growth phase.
Supplementing with ProPlenish Marine Collagen may assist by supporting the structure of the scalp and connective tissues, keeping the follicle environment healthy.
What can help:
+ Speak with your GP or integrative health practitioner about hormone testing
+ Ensure you’re getting enough iron, vitamin D, zinc and B vitamins
+ Add collagen peptides, which can help maintain follicle health and reduce the impact of hormonal shifts on the dermal layer of the scalp
Pro tip: Many women find marine collagen helpful for supporting hormonal health, including mood, skin elasticity and hair vitality.
A healthy scalp is essential for healthy hair. Inflammation, product buildup, or poor circulation can all reduce blood flow to the follicles, meaning fewer nutrients reach the area to support growth. You may notice itchiness, dryness or oiliness as key signs your scalp needs attention.
What can help:
+ Scalp massage to boost blood flow
+ Clarifying shampoo once a week to remove residue. We love Olaplex No. 4C Clarifying Shampoo 250ml
+ Anti-inflammatory foods and supplements like omega-3s, zinc and antioxidants
+ Regular exfoliation with a scalp scrub or gentle brush
+ Use of a micro-needling tool (like a derma roller) on the scalp may help stimulate blood flow and collagen production around the hair follicles, improving the growth environment.
Pro tip: Add 3–5 minutes of scalp massage using your fingertips or a scalp brush while shampooing to stimulate circulation.
Hair is made up of 95% keratin, a structural protein that relies on nutrients like collagen, zinc, iron, biotin, and vitamin D. When the body is nutrient deficient or under chronic stress, it diverts resources away from non-essential functions like hair production.
What can help:
+ Prioritise a nutrient-rich diet with adequate protein, healthy fats and antioxidants.
+ Supplementing with a bioavailable marine collagen such as ProPlenish provides essential amino acids like glycine and proline, which are critical for hair structure and follicle strength.
+ Combining collagen with a wholefood vitamin C source (like citrus or kiwi) enhances absorption and stimulates natural collagen production.
Pro Tip: Not all collagen supplements are created equal. Look for hydrolysed marine collagen from fish scales (not skin), as it’s better absorbed and more sustainable.
Hair growth can often be supported by newer innovations that go beyond traditional hair masks and oils. Red light therapy (low-level laser therapy or LLLT) has been shown in studies to stimulate hair follicles and increase density in people experiencing hair thinning or stunted growth [2].
What can help:
+ Use a red light hair device 2–3 times a week as per manufacturer’s instructions
+ Combine with marine collagen and topical treatments for a multi-pronged approach
Pro tip: Stay consistent with any hair growth treatment for at least 3 months to see noticeable results.
The answer is rarely just one factor. If you’re asking yourself “why does it feel like my hair has stopped growing?” – consider what’s happening beneath the surface.
By addressing breakage, hormonal health, scalp circulation and nutritional deficiencies, you can take a targeted approach to healthy hair growth. And remember, like most beauty results, consistency is key. Keep up your ProPlenish routine daily for best results.
References
[1] Hexsel et al. (2017). Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. [2] Avci et al. (2014). Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) for treatment of hair loss. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine.
