Why Your Hair Stops Growing (And What You Can Do About It in Etobicoke)

Have you ever felt like your hair just won’t grow past a certain length—no matter how long you wait or how many products you use? It’s a common frustration among clients we see at Hair By GV in Etobicoke. Whether you’re trying to grow out a pixie cut, aiming for waist-length locks, or just want to restore fullness and health, it can feel like your hair is stuck in limbo. The truth is, most hair doesn’t just “stop” growing—but several factors can slow growth, increase breakage, or give the illusion that growth has plateaued. In this blog, we’ll break down what’s really going on and what you can do to encourage longer, stronger, healthier hair.

Let’s start with a key point: Your hair is always growing. On average, human hair grows about half an inch per month, or six inches per year. But that growth rate can vary based on genetics, age, health, diet, and lifestyle. What often happens is that as new hair grows from the scalp, older strands break off before they get the chance to reach longer lengths. So the problem usually isn’t that your hair has stopped growing—it’s that it’s not retaining length. At Hair By GV, we work with many Etobicoke clients to solve this exact issue with a personalized approach that addresses the root cause.

Here are the top reasons your hair may not seem to be growing, and how to fix them:

1. Excessive Breakage: Breakage is the number one reason your hair appears to stop growing. Heat styling, chemical treatments, brushing too aggressively, and environmental damage can all lead to brittle, snapping strands. The solution? Trim regularly, reduce heat usage, and invest in deep conditioning. We recommend our in-salon treatments in Etobicoke that rebuild moisture and elasticity from the inside out.

2. Split Ends Traveling Up the Hair Shaft: When split ends are left untrimmed, they can travel up the hair shaft, causing the strand to fray and eventually break off. Even if your hair is growing from the root, you’ll keep losing progress at the ends. Book trims every 8 to 10 weeks—even if you’re growing your hair out—to keep ends healthy and growth on track.

3. Overprocessing with Colour or Chemicals: If you frequently bleach, relax, perm, or chemically straighten your hair, you may be damaging it faster than it can grow. Overprocessing weakens the cuticle and leads to chronic breakage. At Hair By GV, we offer gentler, bond-protecting options for colour and can help transition your hair to healthier styles over time.

4. Tension from Hairstyles: Constant ponytails, buns, braids, or extensions that pull at your scalp can cause stress on the follicles and breakage along the hair shaft. Known as traction alopecia, this condition is common among people who wear tight styles daily. Alternate your hairstyles, wear them looser, and give your scalp time to recover. A scalp massage at our Etobicoke salon can also help stimulate circulation and relieve tension.

5. Poor Scalp Health: A healthy scalp is the foundation of healthy hair growth. Buildup from product, oil, or dead skin cells can clog follicles and stunt growth. If you suffer from flakiness, itching, or an oily scalp, it may be time for a detox. We offer gentle scalp cleansing treatments that exfoliate, hydrate, and rebalance your scalp’s environment so hair can grow uninhibited.

6. Lack of Nutrients: Your hair relies on protein, iron, zinc, B vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids to grow. If your diet is lacking, your body may prioritize other functions over hair production. Protein-rich foods like eggs, lean meats, and legumes, along with leafy greens and nuts, can make a noticeable difference. For some clients in Etobicoke, we suggest speaking to a nutritionist or doctor for bloodwork to identify deficiencies.

7. Heat Damage: Blow-drying, flat-ironing, and curling your hair too often without heat protection can cause invisible weakening. Over time, heat-damaged hair becomes porous, dull, and prone to breaking off at mid-lengths. Always use a professional-grade heat protectant (we can recommend some in-salon), and consider heat-free styling methods like braids, buns, or wraps to give your hair a break.

8. Genetics and Hair Growth Cycles: Everyone has a genetically determined hair growth cycle. Each strand goes through three phases—anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (rest). Some people have a longer anagen phase (and therefore longer hair), while others have a shorter one. While you can’t change your genetics, you can maximize your growth potential by minimizing damage and supporting your scalp health.

9. Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, and other hormonal shifts can all affect how your hair grows and sheds. This can result in hair that seems to thin or plateau. At Hair By GV, we’ve helped many Etobicoke clients through these transitions by customizing care plans and recommending styles that support healthy growth during hormonal changes.

10. Stress and Lack of Sleep: Chronic stress and poor sleep can disrupt hormone levels and reduce nutrient absorption, both of which can slow down hair growth. If your lifestyle has changed recently or you’ve been feeling burned out, your hair may reflect it. Prioritizing rest, hydration, and self-care—including regular hair appointments—can make a big difference.

So what can you actually do to encourage longer hair?

● Commit to Regular Trims: Yes, even when growing it out. Removing damaged ends allows for healthier length retention.
● Switch to Gentle Products: Avoid harsh sulfates, alcohols, or over-fragranced shampoos. Go for moisturizing and strengthening formulas.
● Deep Condition Weekly: Hydration keeps your hair elastic and less prone to snapping.
● Protect Hair at Night: Use a silk pillowcase or bonnet to reduce friction.
● Scalp Massage: Stimulates blood flow and can boost growth. Use your fingertips or a tool for 3–5 minutes daily.
● Visit a Stylist You Trust: A professional who understands your hair type and goals can help guide you toward long, healthy results.

At Hair By GV in Etobicoke, we’re dedicated to helping you get past the “stuck” stage and achieve the hair growth you’ve been dreaming of. Whether you’re dealing with breakage, thinning, or simply confused about where to start, we’ll give you the tools, treatments, and support you need.

Book your consultation today at hairbygv.com or call 647-390-1254 and take the first step toward longer, stronger, healthier hair—with a stylist who gets it.