Why your hair won’t grow past shoulder length (and what helps)

Plenty of us know the feeling: your hair seems to “grow”, yet never quite gets beyond a stubborn mid-length point. As the Stylist piece phrases it, you can end up tired of hair that only ever reaches your shoulders, even when you’re doing “all the right things”. In reality, hair does grow for most people, but length can plateau when breakage, shedding, styling habits, or an unsettled scalp environment outpace the amount of length you’re gaining.

The article centres on a fortifying, anti-hair-loss style serum and how one writer felt it helped with their length goals. Rather than treating any serum as a magic answer, it’s more useful to understand why hair can feel stuck at one length, what topical treatments can realistically do, and which day-to-day hair practices make the biggest difference for longer, healthier-looking hair over time.

Why hair can feel “stuck” at shoulder length

Most healthy scalps will produce around a centimetre of hair growth per month on average, though that varies widely by individual, age, hormones, genetics, and styling/maintenance choices. When your hair appears to stop growing, the common culprit is often breakage or increased shedding rather than hair follicles halting altogether.

Shoulder-length is a notorious “friction zone” in the UK climate: coats, scarves, backpack straps and repeated contact with collars can wear down the cuticle. Add heat styling, colouring, tight updos or aggressive detangling, and your ends can snap off as quickly as new length comes in.

• Breakage and splits: micro-fractures travel up the hair shaft, leaving ends thin and prone to snapping.
• Heat, bleach and chemical stress: these processes can weaken hair integrity, especially if there isn’t a consistent bond-building/conditioning routine.
• Mechanical stress: rough towel-drying, brushing from root to end, or tight elastics can cause repeated, cumulative damage.
• Shedding fluctuations: periods of increased shed (often seasonal or stress-related) can make density and length goals feel impossible.
• Scalp imbalance: not a direct “growth stopper”, but flaking, irritation or build-up can make hair feel less robust; dermatologists often suggest addressing persistent scalp issues early.

What you can do next: take two quick photos of your hair (front and back) in the same lighting today, then again in 8–12 weeks. This simple “length audit” helps you see whether you’re gaining length but losing it to breakage at the ends.

What hair-growth serums can (and can’t) do

The Stylist article spotlights a fortifying “anti-hair-loss” serum experience. In salon terms, these products usually sit in the category of scalp and root support: they’re designed to encourage a healthier scalp environment and/or reduce breakage at the root and mid-length so hair looks fuller and holds onto length.

It’s important to be realistic: most cosmetic serums can’t override genetics or guarantee new growth. What many stylists do see, however, is that consistent scalp care can improve manageability, reduce breakage caused by dryness or irritation, and help clients stick to a routine (which matters more than any single product).

If you’re considering a serum, look for clarity in how it’s meant to be used:

• Application: usually to the scalp in sections, not just over the lengths.
• Frequency: often daily or several times a week; inconsistent use makes it hard to judge results.
• Timeframe: hair cycles are slow. Many people assess changes over 8–12 weeks rather than days.
• Compatibility: if you have a reactive scalp, patch-test first and avoid piling multiple active products at once.

One more nuance: “anti-hair loss” on a label can refer to reducing breakage-related hair fall (hair snapping) or supporting the scalp to minimise shedding that’s within normal ranges. If you’re experiencing sudden, significant hair loss, or patchy loss, it’s sensible to talk to a GP or dermatologist for tailored advice.

Length retention: the salon-grade habits that matter most

If your goal is longer hair, the most reliable strategy is usually length retention: protecting the hair you already have so it doesn’t break off. Think of it as a “protect and preserve” approach, especially through winter heating, damp commutes, and the constant friction of outerwear.

Hairdressers often return to the same core habits because they consistently work across hair types:

• Detangle strategically: start at the ends, move upwards, and detangle on damp hair with slip (conditioner or detangling product) if your hair tolerates it.
• Heat with intention: lower your tool temperature and use a heat protectant every time; aim for fewer passes rather than repeated “touch-ups”.
• Trim for health, not loss: paradoxically, small regular trims can help you keep more length by preventing splits travelling.
• Protective night routine: a silk/satin pillowcase or bonnet and a loose braid can reduce friction and breakage.
• Wash-day balance: cleanse the scalp adequately (to avoid build-up) while conditioning lengths thoroughly (to reduce breakage).

In UK salons, we’re also seeing more clients asking for “no drama” routines: fewer harsh processes at once, more consistent conditioning, and a focus on technique. It’s not glamorous, but it’s effective.

How to test whether you need a serum—or a routine reset

Before adding a new product, it helps to work out what’s actually limiting your progress. A quick self-check can steer you towards the right solution.

• Are your ends see-through? That often points to breakage. Prioritise conditioning masks, gentle detangling and heat reduction.
• Do you see lots of short hairs around your parting? That can be regrowth, breakage, or both—track with photos and reduce tension styles.
• Is your scalp itchy or flaky? Consider simplifying products and making sure your shampoo is properly cleansing; for persistent symptoms, seek professional guidance.
• Do you shed more in the shower? Some seasonal shedding is common; if it’s sudden or dramatic, get it checked.
• Are you colouring/bleaching frequently? Build in recovery time and discuss strengthening plans with your stylist.

If you decide to try a scalp serum, treat it like a structured trial: use it as directed for a set period (for example, 10–12 weeks), keep everything else as consistent as possible, and track outcomes with photos and notes. That’s the most practical way to tell if it’s earning a place in your routine.

Key Takeaways

• Hair often is growing—what feels like a plateau is frequently breakage, especially at shoulder length where friction is high.
• Topical serums may support the scalp and help reduce breakage-related hair fall, but they’re not instant fixes and results take time.
• Length retention habits—gentle detangling, lower heat, strategic trims and night protection—tend to deliver the biggest gains.
• Track progress with consistent photos over 8–12 weeks to separate “growth” from “breakage”.
• If hair loss is sudden, patchy, or worrying, it’s worth seeking advice from a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist rather than relying on cosmetics alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does hair grow in a month?
Many people average around 1cm per month, but it varies widely. Your perceived growth can be masked if your ends are breaking at a similar rate.

Why does my hair grow everywhere except the ends?
Your hair grows from the scalp, not the ends. When ends split and snap, it can look like growth has stopped because length isn’t being retained.

Do “hair growth” serums actually work?
Some people find scalp serums useful for supporting the scalp and reducing breakage-related shedding, especially when applied consistently. They typically don’t create overnight growth and shouldn’t be viewed as guaranteed cures.

How long should I try a scalp serum before deciding?
Hair changes slowly, so many professionals suggest assessing over 8–12 weeks, using the product exactly as directed and keeping your routine consistent.

What’s the best way to stop breakage when I’m trying to grow my hair?
Reduce heat intensity and frequency, detangle gently from ends upwards, prioritise conditioning, limit tight styles, and protect hair at night with reduced friction.

When should I seek professional advice about hair loss?
If you notice sudden, excessive shedding, patchy loss, scalp pain, or other concerning changes, consult a GP or dermatologist for personalised guidance.