Different Hair Growth

Woman with different hair growth on one side of the head
Photo: Shutterstock
Q: Why does hair grow longer and possibly stronger/thicker more on one side than the other?
 
A: Most people are completely unaware of the fact that the individual hairs on your head and body grow independently of one another. Each hair follicle produces hair based on its specific genetic instruction and can be affected by oil build-up and irritants.
 
It's also possible that the hair follicles will produce hair that is of a different texture than the other hair follicles. The variance is generally very slight, but if you look closely, you will see some differences between individual hairs. The proof of this is most apparent in the fact that different hair follicles produce differently colored hairs.
 
If you have hair on one side of the head that appears to grow longer, faster, stronger, or thicker, it may be a matter of normal variance. On the other hand, it may be a matter of external influences.
 
If you favor sleeping on one side or the other, you may be experiencing some erosion of the hair due to rubbing against the pillows or bed linens. Perhaps you spend a lot of time driving in your car with the window down and your hair on one side is being blown more by the wind, causing the hair to be roughed up.
 
The key is going to be keeping your hair clean and well-conditioned. If you make sure the hair is in good condition, you can help to counteract the environmental factors that may be affecting your hair and make sure that the hair is able to grow to its maximum potential.
 
©Hairfinder.com
 
See also:
 
Is it true that we all have a good side and a bad side of hair?
 
Different hair growth patterns on the same head
 
My hair is different on one side from the way it is on the other. Why?
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