We are regularly asked how long a hair growth product must be used in order to notice an effect. This is an important question because it is essential to have realistic expectations. In average, the hair grows 1.25 cm per month. In 'problem areas' growth is slower. Furthermore, hair follicles can be in the resting phase for a while, meaning some of the hairs aren't growing at all. With hereditary hair loss, even more than half of the hairs could be in the resting phase.
A realistic timeframe to evaluate the effect of treatment is 3 to 6 months.
We are regularly asked how long a hair growth product must be used in order to notice an effect. This is an important question because it is essential to have realistic expectations. In average, the hair grows 1.25 cm per month. In 'problem areas' growth is slower. Furthermore, hair follicles can be in the resting phase for a while, meaning some of the hairs aren't growing at all. With hereditary hair loss, even more than half of the hairs could be in the resting phase.
A realistic timeframe to evaluate the effect of treatment is 3 to 6 months.
How long will it take to see the result of your treatment?
The most important effect of hair growth serums, like Revita, Neofollics, Spectral, and Foligain, is to reduce this resting phase of the hair roots and its follicles. This results in a larger part of the hair roots being in growing phase again. As months pass by, more and more hairs start to grow again and continue to do so for longer than before.
Therefore, hair growth is a slow process. A realistic term to evaluate the effect is 3 to 6 months. The full effect will only be visible after 12 months.
So, patience is essential. Since results are only visible after several months, it is vital to continue a treatment for at least several months with the same intensity. It will require discipline to persist if results are lacking, or if loss of hair even continues. Even so, perseverance is the only way to control hair loss.
The facts
3 till 6
the number of months until you see results
1.5 cm
is how much hair grows on average per month
90%
of male hair loss is hereditary
Putting together an appropriate treatment
For satisfactory results, it is obviously important to use the right products. A good treatment is tailored firstly to the type of hair loss, secondly to the degree of hair loss, and thirdly to personal preferences.
Which (combination of) products best suits your situation can be found in our article 'What to do about hair loss'.
Not sure what to do? Ask us for personal advice or contact us.
Because we know that awaiting results can be hard, we like to give some tips:
Make a plan. Decide in advance how long you want to try a product and stick to this plan.
Gradual and slow changes are hard to notice when you monitor them daily. Check the growth of hair only once a month. Making pictures can help with this.
Especially when you have long hair, the new, short hairs can be difficult to see. If you let other people check your progress, that might notice the differences better.
Be realistic. Follicles need time to grow new hairs. And hairs require time to grow long.
Advice personalized to your hair needs
Take our Hairtest to find the best products for your hair within 2 minutes!
There are several options available for your hair loss. We offer different routines that are convenient to use and offer a good alternative to the expensive option: a hair transplant.
Hair growth shampoos
A hair loss treatment often begins with a topical solution, namely hair growth stimulating shampoos and conditioners, which form the basis of a comprehensive regimen. These products are formulated to ensure a healthy scalp environment, thereby promoting healthy hair growth and resulting in stronger, thicker strands. A key advantage of this foundational treatment is its ease of use, only requiring patients to switch out their existing products. It is important to note that quality formulas deliberately exclude industrial cleansers such as phthalates, SLS, sulfates, silicones, and parabens, which are often found in cheaper shampoos.
Contains 1% Piroctone olamine, also effective against dandruff
seven powerful plant extracts including Ecklonia cava and Raspberry ketone
the hair growth molecules Caffeine and Niacinamide
Argan oil and Cinnamon oil to care for the scalp and hair
One of the most well-known and effective shampoos to stimulate hair growth and combat hair loss.
The shampoo also promotes a healthy scalp and thicker, healthier hair.
It is suitable for both men and women predisposed to hereditary/non-hereditary hair loss.
For a more intensive approach, concentrated "leave-in" products such as hair growth serums are utilized, allowing active ingredients more time to be absorbed into the scalp since they are not rinsed out. This makes lotions particularly effective for localized hair problems, such as thinning in the crown or at the inlets, though they must be applied twice daily and may potentially make longer hair slightly greasy. Complementing these external treatments are dietary hair loss supplements, which work from the inside out. These supplements provide essential building blocks—vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients—in specific dosages to naturally inhibit hair loss and promote good, healthy growth, addressing internal deficiencies that may contribute to the issue.
Hair growth molecules Adenosine, Vividine and Aminexil
Six powerful plant extracts including Ecklonia cava and Raspberry ketone
Peptides that improve scalp blood flow and inhibit inflammation
An advanced, clinically tested option is Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), a method officially recognized by the FDA since 2007. LLLT is a safe and convenient treatment suitable for almost all stages and types of hair loss. The most practical application is the wireless laser helmet, which allows users to carry out the twice-weekly, 20-minute treatments during normal daily activities. While the initial investment for LLLT may be higher, the long-term cost is lower. It can be used effectively as a standalone treatment or combined with other products for enhanced results, even improving the success and healing process of hair transplants. Regardless of the chosen treatment, a realistic evaluation period of three to six months is necessary to see the initial effect of reduced hair loss, with the full result often taking up to 12 months to become visible.
A realistic timeframe to evaluate the initial effect of a hair growth treatment is three to six months. This is because the hair growth cycle is a slow process, and it takes time for hair follicles to transition from the resting phase (telogen) to the growing phase (anagen).
The delay is caused by the natural hair growth cycle. Hair only grows at an average rate of 1 to 1,25 cm per month. Furthermore, especially with hereditary hair loss, follicles can remain in a prolonged resting phase. The treatment must first shorten this resting phase and stimulate the hair roots to resume growth, which is a gradual process.
Although the first effects (such as decreased hair loss) might be noticeable after 3 to 6 months, the full, maximum effect will only be visible after approximately 12 months. This underscores the importance of consistency and patience throughout the duration of the treatment.
Answer: Since the changes are gradual and difficult to monitor daily, it is advised to check your hair growth only once per month. Taking monthly photographs is a highly effective way to visually document the progress and notice small, incremental improvements over time.
Pieter has been working for Hairgivers as a content writer for several years. He writes daily about hair loss, scalp...
Pieter has been working for Hairgivers as a content writer for several years. He writes daily about hair loss, scalp problems and best treatments for thinning hair. As a result, he closely follows news about the hair growth industry.
