Healthy hair is usually seen as a reflection of one’s overall well-being. It not only helps in a person’s aesthetic appearance but also boosts their inner confidence. Trichology is the study that deals with the science of structure, functioning, and diseases of the hair and the scalp. Hair growth is a complex process that occurs in cycles. It is influenced by a variety of factors both internal and external. To optimize hair growth multiple factors should be considered but before that, it is vital to know how hair grows.
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What is Hair?
Hair consists of a thread-like structure made of a protein called keratin. Each hair has three layers: the outer layer, known as the cuticle; the inner layer, called the cortex; and the center, referred to as the medulla. Each hair filament grows in a tunnel-like structure called the follicle. A small part of the hair, known as the root, embeds itself under the skin.
Humans have approximately 5 million hair follicles on their body. Hair helps with numerous functions such as protection. thermal regulation, sensation, and aesthetic appearance
How does hair growth work?
Similar to the skin hair cells also grow by division and differentiation of the stem cells. The stem cells differentiate to form the keratinocytes that migrate to their desired location, die, and form the keratinized cells.
Hair growth occurs in 4 phases
- Anagen: Growth phase
- Catagen: Regressing phase
- Telogen: Resting phase
- Exogen: Shedding phase
Anagen phase- This phase is marked by the growth of the hair strand in its follicle. It may last for several years. On average this phase lasts for 2-7 years.The duration of this phase is influenced by multiple factors such as age, gender, genetics, or nutrition. For example – younger people tend to have longer anagen phases.
Catagen phase- This phase prepares the hair follicle for the telogen phase. It may last for a few weeks. During this phase, the hair follicle shrinks in size and detaches itself from the blood supply. The hair remains loosely anchored to the follicle and is also referred to as club hair.
Telogen phase- The telogen phase is considered the resting phase of the hair. No growth occurs in this phase. It may last from a few weeks to years depending on the location and other factors. For eg- the telogen phase lasts a few weeks for eyelash hair and a few months to years for scalp hair.
Exogen phase- Although there is no marked transition from telogen to this phase. However, this is a phase followed by the resting phase in which the hair sheds out. On average 50- 100 hair go through this phase daily.
Factors Influencing Hair Growth
- Genetics – Almost every factor about the hair including not just the texture, growth, and thickness but also the patterns of hair loss is influenced by the genes one has inherited. Although there can be many reasons for hair loss genetics plays a major role in it. Genetics can also influence greying of hair.
- Hormones – Hormones play a vital role in hair growth. Multiple hormones such as thyroid hormones, glucocorticoids, insulin-like growth factor-I, and prolactin work together in the growth of hair follicles even before the birth of the child. Vitamin D, retinoid-x receptors, and a few other hormones and their receptors favor hair growth after birth.
- Nutrition and Diet – A good diet and proper nutrition are important for the functioning of the body in a healthy state. Since a major part of the hair is made up of protein, it must be consumed in adequate quantity to provide the required nourishment for the hair. Vitamin A is another nutrient required in the diet as it activates the stem cells, which in turn causes hair growth. Vitamins B, C, and D also play a role in maintaining good hair health. Apart from taking a good diet, one can also take supplements to maintain an adequate intake of nutrients .
- Lifestyle factors – Factors such as excessive stress, smoking, and improper sleep can lead to a disruption in the hair growth cycle and cause extreme hair loss. Healthy adults need at least 7 hours of sound sleep nightly. Individuals experiencing stress should practice stress management techniques like yoga and meditation. These techniques reduce stress levels, promote relaxation, and improve overall well-being when practiced regularly.
- Scalp Health – A clean and healthy scalp plays a major role in properly functioning the hair growth cycle. Any issues in the scalp such as dandruff, dermatitis, etc may lead to improper hair growth and also cause excessive hair fall.
Trichological Treatments for Hair Growth
- Topical Treatments – Minoxidil, Redensyl, Anagain, Baicapil, and rosemary tonics or serums may promote hair growth when applied topically.
- Oral Medications – Low doses of minoxidil when taken orally may help with increasing hair growth. Supplements such as Vitamin A, D, Biotin, iron, etc may also promote their growth.
- Hair Transplants – With advances in technology and a fast-paced world, people are looking for easier and quicker methods of hair growth. In a hair transplant procedure, surgeons implant hair follicles into the scalp to promote new hair growth.
- At-Home Remedies and Natural Solutions – Natural oils not only provide nourishment to the hair but also strengthen them and help with increasing their growth. Rosemary oil, Castor oil, Tea tree oil, and Argan oil are a few oils that help to maintain the scalp and hair health. Scientists have proven that rosemary oil is as effective as minoxidil, with minimal side effects..
Preventative Measures for Healthy Hair Growth
To maintain healthy hair:
1. Avoid tight hairstyles that may pull on your hair.
2. Minimize the use of heat, whether from styling tools or hot water.
3. Wash your hair properly at intervals suitable for your scalp and hair type.
4. Perform scalp massages to increase blood supply to the hair.
5. Reduce the use of heat styling tools.
Conclusion
Hair consists largely of proteins and grows in a cycle of four different phases, which may vary among individuals. Multiple factors influence hair growth, and while genetics play a major role, one must maintain a healthy diet and avoid stress. Trichology has advanced a lot and there are multiple treatment options for hair growth both medicinal and surgical.
References / Further Reading
Understanding The Hair – The Institute of Trichologists
Physiology, Hair – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf