Due to the rising popularity of K-pop, Asian hair trends now include longer hair. But just how fast does Asian hair grow? And are there any good ways to speed up hair growth?
Asian hair can grow up to 0.51 inches per month which is equivalent to 1.3 centimeters. Asian hair grows 10% faster than Caucasian hair and almost 30% quicker than African hair. This means Asian hair grows the fastest out of the three main ethnic hair groups.
Characteristics Of Asian Hair
Hair can be classed into three broad ethnic groups: Asian, African and Caucasian. Asian hair has some typical characteristics which distinguish it from the other two types.
Here are the main characteristics that mark Asian hair:
It’s Straight
Asian hair is usually straight, though sometimes it is wavy. Overall, Asian hair is relatively straighter than African or Caucasian hair.
Grows Perpendicular To The Scalp
Asian hair grows perpendicular to the scalp. This is why shorter Asian hair do’s often stick straight up. In contrast, Caucasian hair grows diagonally to the scalp, and African hair grows almost parallel to the scalp.
Dark In Color
The natural color of Asian hair tends to be either dark brown or black.
It Grows Fast
Asian hair is the fastest growing out of all the ethnicity groups, with a growth rate of 1.4 cm a month.
It’s Strong
Asian hair is the strongest out of the three hair types. It can endure the most stress, strain, and stretching when compared to African and Caucasian hair types.
Asian hair can therefore withstand chemical treatments such as hair dyes and perms better than caucasian hair.
Also check out: The Best Hair Dyes For Asian Hair
A Round Cross Section
The strand of Asian hair has an even, round cross-section when seen under a microscope. In contrast, Caucasian hair has an oval cross-section, and African hair has a flattened shape.
Thick Cuticle Layer
Asian hair has the thickest cuticle layer compared to the other hair types, with more tightly packed cuticle cells.
Tends To Be Low Porosity
Asian hair tends to be low porosity, due to the thick outer cuticle layer. This means that moisture has a hard time penetrating the hair, but, on the other hand, it also retains moisture well once it is in.
Low Density
Asian hair has the lowest density of the three ethnic hair groups, meaning there are on average fewer hairs on the head compared to the other groups.
Because the hair shafts are often thick, however, Asian hair can look thick and high density.
How Fast Does Asian Hair Grow?
On average, Asian hair grows at a rate of approximately 0.51 inches or 1.3 centimeters per month.
The growth rate is about the same for men and women. There will be some variables depending on the person’s age, diet, overall health, and health of their scalp and hair.
Does Asian Hair Grow Quicker Than Other Hair Types?
Asian hair is the fastest growing of the three main ethnic hair types, which are Asian, African, and Caucasian.
Asian hair grows at an average rate of about 1.4 centimeters per month. In comparison, Caucasian hair grows at a rate of about 1.2 centimeters per month, and African hair grows the slowest at a rate of 0.9 centimeters a month.
Why Is Asian Hair So Smooth And Silky?
The stereotype of Asian hair is that it is long, smooth, and shiny, and in many cases this is true. But why is this? What is it that gives Asian hair these desirable qualities?
The main reason is to do with its low porosity.
Asian hair has a thick cuticle, with tightly packed cuticle cells. These lie flat and packed together, like shingles on a roof, which helps to stop moisture from escaping.
Because the cuticle scales lie so flat, they also make the surface of the hair smooth and slippery, with high shine.
Another reason for the stereotype of shiny Asian hair is that it’s straight.
Straight hair has a better distribution of oils from the scalp, meaning that the oil can travel easily down the hair shaft. This will help to make the hair look shiny.
How To Speed Up Asian Hair Growth
Genetics do play a role in hair growth, but there are certain things you can do to help speed up the growth of your hair:
Eat A Well-Balanced Diet
Restrictive dieting is really bad for your hair’s health. Make sure your diet is rich in vitamins and nutrients and you’re getting adequate protein (after all, your hair is mainly made up of protein).
Health experts recommend 50 grams of protein or more each day.
Try Hair Growth Products
There are products you can buy, for example, shampoos and conditioners, which are meant to promote hair growth.
You could also try products containing caffeine. Studies have shown that caffeine, when applied topically, can help hair to grow faster and stronger.
Take Supplement
Try hair supplements that are designed to make the hair grow quicker.
The hair requires optimal levels of certain vitamins, minerals and fatty acids to grow faster. These include:
- Biotin
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Iron
- Zinc
- Omega-3 And Omega-6
Get A Scalp Massage
A regular scalp massage can help promote a healthier scalp, which in turn leads to healthier, stronger hair that’s less likely to break or become damaged.
Massaging your scalp in the shower can also help remove product buildup which can impede hair growth.
Cut Back On Heat
Blow-drying, curling and straightening your hair can take its toll on your hair’s health, causing dryness and damage. Try to cut back on these styling practices.
Alternatively use heat styling tools on a lower setting and/or use a heat protectant spray. A heat protectant spray will form a protective barrier on the hair, helping to prevent moisture loss.
If you do want to curl your beautiful tresses, check out my post on the best curling irons for Asian hair.
Reduce Chemical Treatments
Chemical processes such as dyeing and perming attack the cuticle of the hair and cause damage and breakage. Reducing these treatments will help restore your hair’s health and reduce breakage, helping it to grow longer.
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