If you’re curious about how your hair grows, you might have wondered what a hair follicle is and how they function. The average human usually has 100,000 of them on the scalp. Therefore, your hair follicles deserve some spotlight when it comes to hair care. So, read on to understand what is a hair follicle, its functions, and issues with them.
Anatomy of a Follicle
So, what is a hair follicle? It is a tiny but important part located deep in the layer of the skin. This is the part of your skin that allows hair growth. Each hair on your body grows from its own follicle.
Without them, hair would not be able to grow, and we wouldn’t have hair on our heads or bodies. A hair follicle has several parts:
- Outer layer: This is the part you can see. It’s the outermost layer of the follicle, which is made up of keratinized cells.
- Hair root. This is the base of the hair inside the follicle. This is where the hair grows from
- Sebaceous gland: This gland produces sebum, a natural oil that helps to moisturize the hair and scalp.
- Blood vessels: These vessels nourish your hair follicles with the nutrients it needs to grow.
- Bulb: This is the rounded base of the follicle where hair cells are produced.
- Dermal papilla: These are cells that bring oxygen and nutrients to help the hair grow.
Hair growth cycle
Every hair on your body grows as part of a process known as the hair growth cycle. The hair follicle cycles through three phases:
Anagen (Growth Phase)
This is the longest phase of the hair growth cycle and can last several years(3-6 years). During this phase, the hair is actively growing. This is when the follicle works to create new hair cells, making the hair grow longer. About 90% of the hair on the scalp is typically in the active growth phase.
Catagen (Transition Phase)
The catagen phase is short, lasting just a few weeks (between 3-4 months). Here, growth slows down, and the follicle starts to shrink.
Telogen (Resting Phase)
In the telogen phase, the hair is no longer growing. It stays in the follicle for a few months until it finally falls out. After this, the follicle can begin a new growth cycle.
The length of each stage is different for everyone. Some people’s hair grows faster than others. Some people’s hair falls out more often.
The Life Of A Follicle
The life of a hair follicle can vary depending on several factors, including genetics, age, and overall health. However, most of them have a lifespan of several years.
Their lifespan can vary depending on several factors such as genetics, age, hormones, diet, and overall health. However, most follicles have a lifespan of several years.
Issues With Hair Follicles
Sometimes, hair follicles face problems that can affect hair growth. Here are some common issues with them.
Folliculitis
This is an inflammation of the hair follicle, often caused by bacterial infection. It can lead to red, bumpy skin and damage it, which might affect hair growth.
Androgenetic Alopecia
Androgenetic Alopecia, also known as the male pattern baldness can affect the growth cycle of the hair follicle. The hair cycle slows down and eventually stops, which prevents the follicles from producing any new hairs.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks hair follicles. This leads to hair falling out in clumps and can result in Alopecia Universalis, which is total hair loss across the body.
Hair Regrowth
If you have conditions like balding or alopecia, there are several ways to stimulate hair follicle regrowth. Treatments available for hair loss include.
Medication
Over-the-counter medications that you can apply like minoxidil can help regrow hair. It improves blood flow to the follicles, providing them with more nutrients and oxygen to support new hair growth.
Laser Therapy
Red light therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a safe and painless treatment for hair loss. Red light therapy works by boosting cell metabolism and increasing blood flow to the scalp. This enhanced circulation allows more nutrients to reach your hair follicles, promoting healthier hair growth.
Hair Transplant Surgery
For people with severe hair loss, hair transplants in Turkey are an efficient way to restore your hair. It moves healthy follicles from one area of the scalp to another. The follicles are usually taken from areas that still have thick hair and implanted in balding areas.
Restore Your Hair
Are you tired of thinning hair? A hair transplant could be the solution you’ve been waiting for. Cosmedica Clinic offers top-notch and affordable hair transplant services to help you regain your confidence. See the difference for yourself. Check out Cosmedica’s before and after hair transplant photos to see how hair transplants can transform your appearance.
Book a free consultation to learn more about your hair loss and discuss the treatment options for you.