We live in the digital era, where we watch dozens of videos and read articles about haircare and skincare online. Also, many videos and articles spread false news regarding hair growth. Everyone has a different hair type, and haircare routine depends on their hair type. But only some people know the different hair types and haircare routines.
To understand haircare, you need to understand hair and how it grows. The structure and science behind hair and its growth are more challenging. Let us understand the hair structure and different stages of the hair growth cycle in this article.
Hair Structure
The hair structure is made up of two parts:
Hair Root or Follicle
The hair root is made up of papilla and bulb inside the scalp. The bulb is the base of the strand which contains the papilla. The hair papilla provides blood supply to the follicle to make hair healthy and promote growth. The essential nutrients and oxygen are supplied via blood to promote healthy hair growth.
Hair Shaft
The visible part of the hair that comes out of the scalp is called the hair shaft. It is made up of a protein called keratin, a dead protein. The hair shaft comprises three layers: the cuticle, the cortex, and sometimes the medulla. The cuticle is the outermost layer, the cortex provides strength, color, and texture to the strand, and the medulla is the deepest layer of the shaft.
Hair Growth Cycle
Our hair grows an average of six inches annually and about 0.3-0.4 millimeters daily. Your head has about 100,000 hair follicles. Hair growth depends on factors like age, health, and hair type.
The growth of hair is a complex process involving three stages. The three stages start from active hair growth to shedding of the hair. The stages can be classified as follows:
Anagen Phase
The anagen is the first phase of hair growth, where the hair grows actively and speedily. The division of cells in the hair root rapidly accelerates hair growth. The newly formed hair pushes the club hair out of the follicle to speed up the hair growth process.
During this process, the hair grows one centimeter every 28 days, a significant length. Some people have a short active phase of growth, while others have a long active phase. The length of the anagen phase depends on the maximum hair length, which is a variable factor. The maximum hair length depends on age, genetics, hormones, etc.
Catagen Phase
The catagen is the second phase of hair growth and is popularly known as the transitional phase. It lasts for a short time of two to three weeks. About three percent of the hair on your scalp falls under this category. The hair growth stops during this phase and detaches itself from the blood supply. This gives rise to the club hair, which is pushed by new hair during the anagen phase.
Telogen Phase
Also known as the resting phase of hair growth, the Telogen Phase lasts about a hundred days. It is the last stage when the hair follicle is entirely at rest. The hair is pushed out completely of the scalp and falls out. The hair falls you have every day will have about 25-100 strands of telogen hair. This is why you should not worry about a regular hair fall; it is an entirely natural process. These account for about six to eight percent of your total hair.
How Can You Promote Healthy Hair Growth?
As discussed previously, your hair comprises keratin and dead cells. There is no overnight formula to accelerate hair growth. You must be patient and consistent with a few things to have good healthy hair. Let us explore more.
Have a good diet
A balanced meal will promote healthy hair. Your meal should include essential nutrients like biotin, Omega-3, vitamins C and D, Iron, and others.
Use the right products
Understand the quality of your hair and its requirement to figure out the right hair products. A good shampoo, conditioner, and oil can do wonders for your hair growth.
Do not use harsh products
Products containing harsh chemicals can hamper hair growth. They can make your scalp extremely oily or dry and cause hair to fall.
Regular trimming
Trimming will prevent split ends because of heat and dust in the atmosphere. It can boost your hair growth by manifolds.
Do not stress
Stress can cause hair fall by forcing your hair follicles to go into the resting phase.
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Conclusion
The articles discussed the various factors related to hair growth and how to have healthy hair. By understanding these simple aspects of hair growth, you can control thinning of hair or baldness. It is not much difficult to maintain long and lustrous hair; it is just a matter of patience and consistency.