Hair growth length is 1,5 – 3mm per week . On human hair scalp there are about 100000 hairs.According to body position (location) every hair type has different life period. Just for example, hair in eyebrows and in eyelashes have much shorter life period than hair in scalp.

Blond people have the most hair follicles – about 140,000, while redheads at least about 90,000 of hair follicles. The hair is growing annually about 12 cm. Women’s hair grows slower.  New hair grows faster and slows down the cycle of renewal and hence extends the length of growth. Average hair loss is 60-100 hairs per day. If the loss exceeds 100 hairs per day the scalp cannot be renewed.

Hair in scalp live for very long time-couple of years or decades, therefore they are quite longer. It is wrong assumption for people who think that shaving and cutting hair will make it grow stronger. We inherit quality and hair color. Baldness is inherited from both family sides (from mother’s and fathers) and not only from mother’s side as believed.

That means we have to consider hair quality of every family member. Hair doesn’t grow simultaneously and every hair has its  growth and falling out rhythm. Dermatologists  consider hair and nails as an epidermal appendage that lies within the skin. Hair grows from little dermal invagination called follicle.

Lower follicular part is called papilla and upper part which is made of connective tissue produces cells called keratinocytes. Keratinocytes are main hair substance. Every hair follicle has it´s own sweat gland and sebaceous gland. Hair is connected with muscle called erector pili that erects hair and skin looks like goose or chicken skin.

Hair structure

Number of hair follicles are genetically determined, so no new hair follicles are created during our life. Hair growth is affected by hormonal changes, especially by androgen (testosterone) influence.

Hair shaft is a part of hair made of keratin. Transverse sections of a hair-shafts show that it is composed of a thin outer layer – the cuticle, and an inner cortex. Certain hairs have a third structure – the central medulla. The medulla is usually absent from the inner tip and root portions of hairs. In general only the thicker hairs possess a medulla and usually its thickness is relative to that of its host hair. Its structure is a lattice work of keratin.

These concentric parts of the hair, the cuticle, cortex, medulla as well as the two layers of epithelial sheath and its cuticle, originate as separate streams of cells from the dermal papilla.

Hair growth cycle

Normal hair life cycle consists of three phases – Anagen, Catagen and Telogen phase.

Anagen Phase

First  phase is period of intensive growth characterized by follicle regeneration. Average growth rate is 1,5 -3mm per week. Hair can be in this phase for several years, two – seven years or more. In normal, healthy scalp 80 – 90 % of hair follicles can be found in anagen period of cycle.

Catagen Phase

In average scalp 1 – 2 % of hair is in catagen phase of hair cycle. In this phase hair is slowly dying. The catagen phase is about two weeks long period. The follicle rests and dermal papilla does not produce new cells. The follicle and epithelial sheath contract and hair shafts are ejected.

Hair growth stages

Telogen phase

In telogen phase 10 – 20 % of hair in average scalp gradually falls out. In this phase we can see our hair falling out. Telogen phase lasts about four – five months.Completing the telogen phase, anagen phase begins again.

Main factors in hair growth process

In the hair growth metabolism process a most important role have minerals: copper, zinc, iron and silicon which is often lacking in our diet. Lack of iron and zinc deficiency in the body leads to diffuse hair loss. The deficit of copper causes bad hair structure making it easier to break.

In the initial phase of hair growth (cell division) considerable amounts of energy are spent. Important role in process is played by pantothenic acid and other vitamins from the B-group. Pantothenic acid as a component of coenzyme A has a significant impact, especially at the beginning of the creation of the hair. Biotin, also known as vitamin H, is essential for production of healthy and beautiful hair. Eggs (thermally processed), whole grain cereals, fish and dairy products are good sources of biotin.

Hair facts

• Whether people have wavy, curly or straight hair depends on the shape of the follicle.
• Human hair is a simple mixture of keratin and dead skin cells. Its basic function is to prevent heat loss from the head.
• Hair absorbs water. It is fairly resistant to acids, but vulnerable to an alkalies
• With frequent washing hair is not getting thinner.
• Dandruff is not transferable to another person, it’s not hereditary and is not a disease.
• Hair is highly associated with the body, mood and emotion
• Over the hair, we can recognize healthy or sick organism
• Alopecia Areata affects both genders

Hair loss myths

• You inherit baldness from your mother’s father
• Intellectual activity or psychological problems can cause baldness
• Baldness can be caused by emotional stress and sexual frustration
• Bald men are more ‘virile’ or sexually active than others
• Female pattern baldness causes abnormal bleeding
• Standing on one’s head alleviates baldness
• Tight hats cause baldness
• Male pattern baldness is not affecting Asian male population