Why Won’t My Hair Grow? 7 Root Causes You Might Be Missing

If you’ve ever found yourself standing in the mirror, gently tugging at your ends and asking “Why won’t my hair grow?”, you’re not alone.

It’s one of the most common frustrations women share with me: “My hair just seems to stop at my shoulders.” Or, “No matter what I do, it never gets past this point.”

Here’s the comforting truth: Your hair is almost certainly growing. But you might be fighting against silent obstacles that sabotage that growth before you can see it.

I know, because I fought them too.

When my hair was stuck at shoulder -length for years, I thought I just had “bad hair.” But once I understood the real reasons behind stalled growth, and simplified my routine to fix them, I grew it all the way to my hips.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the seven most common reasons people ask “why won’t my hair grow?” and share gentle, natural, proven ways to finally get the length you want.

Stick with me. Because by the end, you’ll have a roadmap that can help you go from feeling stuck and discouraged to watching your hair flourish without resorting to harsh chemicals or overwhelming routines.

Why Won’t My Hair Grow: Common Reasons Explained

Hair growth is a natural biological process. On average, ha

ir grows about half an inch (1.25 cm) per month. But for many of us, it never seems to add up to the long, healthy hair we dream about.

Here’s the thing: hair growth isn’t just about speed. It’s about retention. You can’t keep what you break.

Below are the seven root causes I see over and over when people ask “why won’t my hair grow?” and why they’re often overlooked.

Hormonal Imbalances – Why Won’t My Hair Grow After Postpartum or Stress?

Let’s start with what’s happening inside.

Hormonal changes are one of the most misunderstood reasons women wonder “why won’t my hair grow?”.

After childbirth, estrogen levels plummet. This triggers a type of shedding called postpartum telogen effluvium, usually peaking 3–4 months after delivery. It can be terrifying to see hair come out in handfuls.

Similarly, chronic stress raises cortisol levels, which disrupts the hair cycle and pushes more strands into the resting (shedding) phase.

And then there’s the thyroid, a small gland with big power. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause diffuse thinning.

You might also see hair loss during menopause as estrogen levels shift.

But here’s the key: Most of these causes don’t destroy the follicle forever. Your scalp still has the potential to grow healthy hair once balance is restored.

If you suspect hormone-related issues:

• Get your thyroid and iron checked with your doctor.

• Prioritize stress-reduction practices.

• Be patient. Postpartum shedding often resolves within a year.

• Support your scalp with gentle care during this vulnerable time.

And keep reading, because I’ll show you exactly how to help your scalp recover.

Nutrient Deficiencies – Why Won’t My Hair Grow Even When I’m Trying?

Next, let’s talk about the raw materials.

Hair is primarily made of protein. Keratin, the building block of your hair strands, requires amino acids, minerals, and vitamins to form properly.

So when someone asks “why won’t my hair grow?” despite using all the right products, I always ask about their diet first.

Iron deficiency anemia is one of the most common causes of diffuse shedding in women, especially those with heavy periods or who are postpartum. Low ferritin (your iron stores) can leave follicles undernourished.

Other critical nutrients for hair growth:

• Zinc (supports cell division in follicles)

• B vitamins (especially biotin and B12)

• Vitamin D (linked to hair follicle cycling)

• Protein (essential building block for hair structure)

Signs you might have nutrient-based hair challenges:

• Excessive shedding even with gentle handling

• Finer or weaker new growth at the roots

• Hair that seems to stop growing no matter what you do

The good news? Nutritional deficiencies can often be corrected with mindful eating and targeted supplementation.

What helped me:

• Eating more protein-rich meals (eggs, beans, fish, seeds)

• Including leafy greens, nuts, and seeds for zinc and iron

• Considering bee pollen and cod liver oil for healthy fats

• Adding herbal hair growth “superfoods”  like amla, maca, and chlorella

But remember: The hair care tips outlined in this article are not medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting new supplements, especially if you suspect anemia or thyroid issues.

Scalp Inflammation or Buildup – A Hidden Reason Why Won’t My Hair Grow

Now let’s move from inside to outside your scalp.

Even if you eat perfectly and your hormones are balanced, your scalp can sabotage your hair growth if it’s inflamed or clogged with buildup.

Think of your scalp like soil. You wouldn’t plant seeds in dry, cracked, debris-choked dirt and expect them to flourish.

Yet many of us over-wash with harsh shampoos that strip natural oils, triggering overproduction of oil to compensate. Then we add heavy conditioners and styling products that coat the hair but clog follicles.

Over time, this cycle leads to:

• Irritated, inflamed scalp skin

• Sebum and product buildup blocking hair follicles

• Weak, fragile new growth that can’t push through easily

This is why one of the first questions I ask anyone who wonders “why won’t my hair grow?” is:

What are you washing with and how often?

Most commercial shampoos contain strong surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate. These create foam but also strip away the natural oils your scalp needs to stay healthy and balanced.

Victorian women didn’t have this problem. Before modern shampoo was even invented, they routinely grew knee-length hair by “washing” only every few weeks or even months with gentle natural cleansers like clays, egg, or vinegar  rinses.

They didn’t need conditioner, because their hair wasn’t stripped in the first place.

How to fix it:

• Switch from harsh shampoos to gentle clay washes that cleanse without stripping.

• Use an apple cider vinegar rinse to balance pH and remove buildup.

• Massage your scalp regularly to boost blood flow and support healthy follicle function.

Later in this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to do these steps in your own routine.

Breakage Outpacing Growth: Why Won’t My Hair Grow Past a Certain Length?

This is the most deceptive cause, and often the most frustrating.

Your hair is growing. But you’re losing length as fast as you’re gaining it.

When people ask “why won’t my hair grow past my shoulders?” this is almost always the reason.

Breakage happens when your ends snap off before they can accumulate. Common culprits include:

• Heat styling (flat irons, blow dryers, curling wands)

• Chemical treatments (bleach, relaxers)

• Rough detangling with fine-toothed combs

• Detangling hair while wet

• Tight ponytails or braids causing tension (traction alopecia risk)

• Dryness from infrequent moisturizing or oiling

The result: hair that looks “stuck” at one length forever.

Here’s the critical mindset shift you need to understand to grow hair like Rapunzel:

Growing long hair isn’t just about making it grow faster. It’s about keeping what you grow.

Retention is the unsung hero of hair journeys.

How to improve retention:

• Switch to finger detangling on dry, oiled hair to minimize breakage.

• Embrace protective styling like milkmaid braids (more later in the blog)

• Sleep with a silk wrap or pillowcase to reduce friction.

• Moisturize regularly with simple oil treatments.

Even small changes in daily handling can yield dramatic results over months. Keep reading for detailed, step-by-step instructions to start retaining your length.

Habits That Could Be Stunting Growth

If you’re wondering “why won’t my hair grow?” despite your best efforts, consider whether these daily habits are quietly working against you.

It’s easy to think you’re doing all the right things. Washing regularly, styling carefully… But modern haircare advice often hides damaging routines behind “professional” products and sleek marketing.

By looking honestly at these habits, you can identify subtle saboteurs and replace them with gentler, growth-supporting alternatives.

Over-Washing with Harsh Shampoo

This is one of the most common and overlooked reasons your hair may be stuck at a certain length.

Many commercial shampoos use strong surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate that create a rich, satisfying lather. But that lather comes at a cost: it strips your scalp of its natural oils.

Your scalp is smart. When it senses it’s been stripped dry, it tries to compensate by producing more oil. You feel greasy faster, so you wash more often. And the cycle continues: dry, brittle ends with greasy roots that make you think you need even more shampoo.

Meanwhile, your ends (already the oldest, most fragile parts of your hair) get drier with every wash. That dryness leads to breakage, making it impossible to retain length.

How to break the cycle:

• Transition to a minimalist cleansing routine using natural clay washes that gently lift impurities without stripping oils.

• Incorporate apple cider vinegar rinses to balance scalp pH and remove residue.

• Extend the time between washes so your scalp can regulate its oil production naturally.

I’ll go over these remedies in more detail later on in the blog. For now, let’s explore 2 more common habits that cause premature breakage and the dreaded “stuck zone.”

Heat Styling and Tight Hairstyles

Heat tools and tight hairstyles may seem harmless day to day, but over time they can be devastating for length retention.

Blow dryers, flat irons, and curling wands all work by altering the hair's structure through intense heat. This damages the cuticle—the hair’s protective outer layer—leaving strands rough, porous, and prone to snapping. Even with heat protectants, cumulative damage can add up quickly.

Tight styles, like sleek ponytails, buns, or braids, pull on the hair shaft and follicle with constant tension. Over time, this can lead to traction alopecia—thinning or bald spots along the hairline caused by pulling the hair too tight for too long.

How to protect your hair:

• Embrace low-manipulation styling: loose braids, buns, and twists that secure hair without pulling.

• Limit heat styling to special occasions, and always use the lowest effective temperature.

• Use scrunchies or gentle hair ties that don’t snag or crease the hair.

• At night, consider protective wraps or styles that keep hair contained without tension.

These small adjustments can dramatically reduce breakage, helping you keep every inch you grow.

Infrequent Moisturizing or Oil Treatments

Many people underestimate just how much moisture their hair needs. Especially if it’s curly, coily, or textured.

Dry hair is brittle hair. It loses elasticity, meaning it snaps instead of stretching when you detangle, style, or even just move around during the day.

This isn’t just about water, either. While water hydrates, oils help seal that hydration in, smoothing the cuticle and making hair softer and more resilient. Without regular oil treatments, your strands can become rough, porous, and prone to split ends.

Weekly oil treatments nourish both your scalp and your lengths. Castor oil, for example, is rich in ricinoleic acid, which supports circulation and can help maintain a healthy environment for follicles. Rosemary oil has shown promise in studies for encouraging growth and thickness over time.

How to add moisture and protection:

• Apply a generous amount of oil (castor, coconut, rosemary-infused, or my Herbal Hair Growth Oil) to dry hair once a week.

• Massage it gently into the scalp to stimulate blood flow.

• Work it through the lengths and ends to seal in moisture.

• Leave it in overnight for deep nourishment before rinsing or gently cleansing the next day.

Moisturized hair bends. Dry hair breaks. This simple habit is one of the most powerful ways to transform the way your hair feels and how long it can grow.

What to Do When Your Hair Won’t Grow

If you’ve read this far, you’re already ahead—because understanding “why won’t my hair grow?” is half the battle.

Now it’s time to take gentle, effective action.

Here’s a step-by-step, ingredient-specific roadmap you can start this week, straight from my own minimalist, natural routine.

Start with a Complete Scalp Reset

Your scalp is the soil from which your hair grows. A healthy scalp is balanced, clean, and nourished without being stripped or irritated.

This reset combines a gentle clay wash with a pH-balancing vinegar rinse to remove buildup while protecting your scalp’s natural barrier.

Rhassoul Clay Wash

Ingredients (1 treatment):

• ¼–⅓ cup rhassoul clay

• 1.5 tbsp aloe vera powder

• 2 cups filtered water

• Optional: a few drops essential oils (lavender, rosemary, or tea tree)

Instructions:

1. In a non-metal bowl, mix rhassoul clay and aloe vera powder.

2. Slowly add water while stirring until it’s fully combined. You want a pourable but not watery consistency.

3. Add essential oils if desired.

4. Pour into an applicator bottle for easy use.

5. Section your dry or damp hair.

6. Apply generously to the scalp, massaging gently for 1–2 minutes.

7. Leave on an additional 2–5 minutes for a deeper cleanse if desired.

8. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Tips:

• Always avoid metal utensils because they react with the clay and make it less effective.

• Adjust consistency based on hair density: thicker hair may need a thinner mix to spread evenly.

• Use weekly or biweekly to maintain a clear, balanced scalp.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Rinse

Ingredients:

• 2 cups filtered water

• 1–2 tbsp raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar

• Optional: a few drops essential oils for scent and added benefits

Instructions:

1. Mix ACV and water in a squeeze bottle or jar.

2. Add essential oils if desired (lavender, rosemary, tea tree).

3. After rinsing out your clay wash, slowly pour the ACV rinse over scalp and hair.

4. Massage in gently for 1–2 minutes.

5. Rinse with cool water to help seal the cuticle.

Tips:

• Start with 1 tbsp ACV if you have a sensitive scalp.

• Use once a week or as needed.

• ACV restores natural pH and leaves hair smooth and shiny.

Moisturizing Hair Masques

Use these simple, nutrient-rich masques to deeply hydrate and strengthen strands.

Basic Recipe:

• 2 tbsp oil (coconut, olive, or jojoba)

• 1 tsp raw honey

• 1 egg yolk (optional for protein boost)

Instructions:

1. Whisk ingredients until smooth.

2. Apply to damp, sectioned hair from roots to ends.

3. Cover with a shower cap.

4. Leave on for 20–30 minutes.

5. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Other Variations:

• 2 tbsp oil + ½ avocado + 1 tsp honey (extra creamy, deeply nourishing)

• 2 tbsp oil + ½ banana (moisture + vitamins)

• Fresh aloe vera gel from one leaf (soothing, hydrating, promotes shine)

Tips:

• Blend fruits thoroughly to avoid chunks in hair.

• Use these masques every 2–4 weeks or as needed.

Focus on Retention Through Protective Styling

Growing hair is only half the battle. Retaining that length is where the magic happens.

Retention means protecting ends, avoiding breakage, and minimizing stress on strands day after day.

Product-Free Retention Blueprint:

✅ Gentle Detangling

• Always on dry or lightly oiled hair.

• Start at the roots and work down.

• Use fingers first, then wide-tooth comb if needed.

• For my full advice on detangling, click here.

✅ Protective Styles

• Style your hair in a way that keeps tension off the roots, and the ends tucked away and protected.

• Milkmaid braids, braided buns, and french braid tucks work perfectly.

• Avoid tight ponytails or rubber bands that pull and weaken strands.

• For more protective hairstyle instructions, watch this video.

✅ Nighttime Protection

• Always sleep with a silk or satin scarf or bonnet.

• Or use a silk pillowcase to reduce friction.

✅ Keep It Simple

• Fewer manipulations mean less damage.

• Protective styles can last days to weeks depending on your routine.

Beautiful hair doesn’t come from fighting it into submission. It comes from understanding it, respecting it, and giving it what it truly needs. When you approach your hair with patience, simplicity, and care, you unlock its natural ability to grow, shine, and flourish.

FAQ

Is it normal to ask "why won’t my hair grow?"

Yes! So many women struggle with length plateaus. Most of the time, it’s not that hair isn’t growing, it’s that breakage, scalp issues, or nutritional gaps are getting in the way.

Can my hair grow again after years of stalling?

Usually, yes. Even after long periods of slow growth, you can often see dramatic improvements with better scalp care, gentle handling, and nutrition.

What if I’ve tried everything and still no growth?

If nothing changes after months of care, see a healthcare provider. They can help check for underlying issues like iron deficiency or thyroid dysfunction.

This Seems Like a Lot of Work…

I know... Here’s a guide I made for you so you can keep these tips on hand and easy to access.

And if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all these steps, don’t worry. The reality is that modern haircare has led a lot of women astray, causing them to have to make major adjustments to their comfortable routine.

That’s exactly why I created my Herbal Hair Growth Oil—a single, carefully crafted formula that nourishes your scalp, supports follicle health, and protects your strands all at once.

How? Unlike other oils that rely on 2-3 basic ingredients, I slow-steep 14 active ingredients into mine over 3 weeks, infusing the natural medicinal properties of the most historically reliable ingredients into a 1-step treatment for hair that just doesn’t seem to grow.

It assists with all 3 hair growth phases at once by resetting the scalp, encouraging new growth for those who experience thinning, and locking in strength and moisture.

It’s the shortcut that helped me go from stuck at my chin to hair past my hips—without synthetic chemicals or stressful routines.

Herbal Hair Growth Oil 100ml

Buy Now

Because growing the hair you dream of shouldn’t feel impossible. It should feel natural. Gentle. And beautifully yours.

Katherine