This is Jenna Binette, here to answer the questions you submitted via Instagram and clear up any and all confusion we've had about hair loss and hair growth.
Jenna Binette is trichologist and hair stylist based in Maine, with over 10 years of experience. Her journey began as a cutting specialist, where she quickly developed a deep passion for helping clients achieve their hair goals. Recognizing a rising need for professional support in addressing hair loss and scalp conditions, Jenna expanded her expertise to become a trichologist, bridging the gap between cosmetology and dermatology where local resources were sparse. Today, Jenna has successfully helped hundreds regain their hair and find relief from scalp conditions, making a lasting impact on the lives of those she serves. With unwavering dedication, she continues to evolve her practice, expanding her knowledge to provide a safe, supportive space for her community's hair health concerns. A true advocate for those seeking personalized, expert care, Jenna is committed to changing lives one strand at a time!
Does hair grow slower in the winter and faster in the summer?
The difference is subtle, but yes! The warmer months increase our blood circulation to our scalp. This enhanced circulation helps deliver more nutrition and oxygen to hair follicles which boosts hair growth activity. Vitamin D exposure also helps to play a role in optimal hair growth. Vitamin D is responsible for the hair growth cycle and ensures that a new hair begins growing as the old hair is shed. During the summer, not only do warmer temperatures help improve circulation, but people might also be more active outdoors and have better access to nutrient-rich fresh produce. Conversely, during colder months, decreased physical activity and shifts in diet can contribute to a slower hair growth rate.
What does a normal amount of shedding look like?
Hair shedding varies from person to person. On average, most people shed between 50 and
150 strands a day, which may be your normal baseline if it remains consistent. This shedding is a natural part of the hair growth cycle, which includes an active growth phase (lasting 5–8 years), a resting phase (around 90 days), and a shedding phase—after which new hair begins to grow. However, concern arises with conditions like telogen effluvium, where extreme shedding makes it feel as though all your hair is falling out. This can be an emotional experience. Telogen effluvium is often triggered by a traumatic event that disrupts the growth cycle, pushing hair into the resting phase. About 90 days later, these hairs shed gradually over a period of roughly three months. Common triggers include postpartum and COVID-related hair loss. Although this type of hair loss is distressing, it is usually self-correcting. Once the underlying cause is addressed, hair typically begins to recover even before shedding fully stops.
Is there a way to make hair grow faster?
While you can’t exceed your genetic hair growth rate—typically around 1⁄2 inch per month—you can optimize your overall hair health so that you consistently hit your personal maximum. Here are a few strategies to ensure optimal hair growth.
A balanced diet is the foundation for healthy hair. Focus on a varied diet consisting of protein, vitamin A,C,D,E and minerals like iron, biotin and zinc and omega 3 fatty acids. If you need to fill in any gaps with supplementing you absolutely can!
Maintaining a healthy scalp environment will only help with hair growth. Washing your scalp regularly will keep away fungal infections and inflammation which could interfere with hair growth.
Stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to telogen effluvium. Find ways to relieve stress that work for you whether it is exercise, meditation or just getting enough sleep. Low stress can help maintain a balanced hormonal environment that supports hair growth.
Be gentle on your strands. Causing too much damage can make it seem like your hair isn’t growing as fast as it should.
Avoid excessive heat, highlighting too often or too much, tight hairstyles or going to bed with wet hair. Instead, opt for gentle styling methods and nourishing hair products that protect and strengthen your strands.
Get your hair trimmed at least every 12 weeks and wear loose hair styles. Little adjustments go a long way.
By focusing on nutrition, scalp care, stress management, and gentle hair practices, you can
create the optimal conditions for your hair to reach its natural growth potential.
Are there better ways to cut or style your hair as your hair loss is growing back?
If you want your hair to appear as full as possible, consider a one-length, blunt cut—especially if your hair is straight or wavy. This style creates a uniform look that can help new growth blend in with the rest of your hair. Adding face-framing layers or a fringe can also enhance the fullness of your hairline, which may otherwise appear stringy during periods of hair loss. It’s a good idea to maintain a manageable length until your hair fills in before trying to grow it longer.
Is there a way to prevent postpartum hair loss?
Postpartum hair loss is a natural response to the hormonal changes that occur after childbirth. This impacts approximately 50% of women. While there is no way to prevent telogen effluvium from happening, you can focus on treating your hair as best you can. Stay on top of supplementation, nutrition, recovery and being gentle on your hair so not to cause unnecessary breakage. Just remember that your hair will come back on its own as long as you are healthy. If your hair has not recovered after 12 months, I would recommend meeting with a trichologist to see what factors may be preventing your hair from recovering on it’s own.
When does postpartum hair loss stop?
Postpartum hair loss, also known as telogen effluvium, typically begins around three months after childbirth and lasts for about three to four months. The shedding eventually subsides on its own, with new hair growth generally becoming visible two to three months after the shedding phase starts.
Does rosemary oil actually help with hair growth?
Rosemary oil may support hair growth when used as part of a broader hair care routine that
includes proper nutrition and gentle styling practices. However, there isn’t enough evidence to definitively prove that rosemary oil alone can boost hair growth. If you choose to use it, allow it to sit on your scalp for no more than three hours before washing, as excessive oil buildup may lead to dandruff or other scalp issues. Ultimately, addressing the underlying cause of hair loss is key to effectively restoring your hair.
Do you have any advice for PCOS related hair loss?
It’s important to work with a specialist—such as an endocrinologist or naturopathic doctor—who can assess your hormone levels and recommend treatments tailored to your needs. In cases of PCOS, hair loss typically presents as androgenic alopecia (female-pattern hair loss). This means your individual strands will become finer and your hair will thin gradually. The thinning will be diffused not patchy, with the most noticeable reduction occurring along the part line while the hairline remains intact.
A trichologist is the perfect addition to your team as they will provide options to regain fullness and prevent further loss. If left untreated, the hair will continue to thin over time as there is no cure for female pattern hair loss.
What can I do about hair thinning due to getting older/menopause?
Our hair is thickest around the age of 21 and slowly begins to thin as you age. Around the age of 30 you may notice that your hair isn’t as thick as it used to be. Hair thinning during
menopause is a common concern due to natural hormonal changes—particularly a drop in
estrogen levels and a relative increase in androgens—that can affect hair density and strength. A personalized approach, guided by professional advice, is the most effective way to address hair loss during menopause. Professional recommendations may include supplementation, a topical serum, low level light therapy or more.
Why do I have “baby hairs” around my hairline that have never grown in my entire life?
"Baby hairs" are typically fine, short hairs along the hairline that remain in their vellus (or "baby") hair state rather than transitioning into thicker, terminal hairs. This is a normal variation in hair growth and is largely determined by genetics. In many cases, these hairs never lengthen because they follow a different growth cycle or because the follicles in that specific area naturally produce softer, finer hair.
Another factor to consider is regular tension or friction along the hairline. For example,
frequently wrapping your hair in a bath towel, sleeping on a cotton or flannel pillowcase, or
wearing tight hairstyles on a daily basis can contribute to traction alopecia. Traction alopecia occurs when repeated stress on the hair causes breakage of these delicate strands, preventing them from growing longer.
Do you think that Monat actually helps with hair growth?
Monat is a hair care brand that markets itself as promoting healthier hair and even improving hair growth. However, robust independent clinical research confirming that Monat products directly stimulate hair growth is lacking; much of the supporting evidence comes from anecdotal reports and internal studies. Many customers do report improvements in hair texture and reduced breakage, but these results can vary significantly from person to person.
In my opinion, consumers who turn to Monat are often seeking a solution because their hair
feels like it won’t grow or appears thin. Choosing a specialized hair care system is a conscious effort to treat your hair with more care. While the product may play a role, lifestyle changes are a huge influence in restoring hair health. For instance, many Monat testimonials feature before-and-after photos: the "before" images
typically show hair damaged by frequent heat styling or chemical treatments, while the "after" images display a more natural color and increased length. However, these comparisons rarely reveal the time between images or other simultaneous changes in the individual's routine. Factors such as nutritional deficiencies, stress, hormonal imbalances, and traction from certain hairstyles all contribute to hair loss and damage.
Instead of relying solely on one company’s claims as a miracle cure, take a step back and
consider the potential causes of your hair issues. By identifying the underlying factors, you can take targeted steps—whether that means adjusting your lifestyle, improving your diet, managing stress, or seeking professional advice—to help restore your hair’s health.
If you have more questions for Jenna or would like to book an appointment with her, please check out through vagaro here https://www.vagaro.com/jennabinette/services
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