How to Tell If Hair Is Still Alive or Dead?
The hair growth process is similar to the development of any cell in the body, with stages of formation, growth, and degradation. When cells die, new ones replace them. So how do you know if a hair cell is still alive or dead, and how can you extend the life cycle of a hair strand? The following information will provide you with the most satisfactory answers.
In reality, the hair strand we see is divided into two parts: the hair shaft and the hair root. The shaft is dead and lies outside the scalp, while the root (alive) is inside the scalp and is surrounded by hair follicles.
Hair Shaft
The hair shaft is divided into three layers: the cuticle, the cortex, and the medulla.
Cuticle: The outermost layer, consisting of 5-10 layers of transparent keratin scales overlapping each other, protecting the hair from external factors. Between the keratin scales, there is an adhesive substance called KIT. Additionally, this layer is covered by a thin lipid film that makes the hair water-resistant.
Cortex: The middle layer, formed by many small fiber bundles and containing the pigment melanin, which determines the color of the hair – whether it is blonde, brown, red, or black. The cortex is crucial for the hair’s strength and color.
Medulla: The innermost layer of the hair shaft, containing fat granules and air. If your hair is very thin, it means that your hair lacks a medulla or has very little of it.
The hair shaft, which is the part of the hair we see, is a “dead” structure and cannot repair itself.
Hair Root
The hair root, also known as the hair follicle, is located beneath the skin. It has a bulbous shape at the base and tapers off as it connects to the hair shaft that emerges from the scalp.
Each hair follicle contains numerous tiny blood vessels. The follicle acts as a filter, absorbing nutrients from the body to nourish the hair strand. The follicle is the only “living” part of the hair strand, enabling the hair to grow longer.
The longer, stronger, and shinier the hair, the healthier the hair follicle.
2. How Does Hair Growth Occur?
Under a microscope, each of your hair strands resembles a thick tube. This structure is called a hair strand. A tough protein known as keratin is the main component of your hair. Additionally, keratin is also the primary constituent of your skin and nails.
Inside the hair root is a hair follicle. This structure is where living hair forms, as your blood vessels supply nutrients to the cells within. The hair or hair cells then grow out of the follicle, which is when you can see the hair on your skin.
Next, a series of new cells are created to replace the old ones. This process leads to the formation of your actual hair strand. As the hair follicle continuously pushes out the old cells and generates new ones, hair takes root in the scalp and other areas of the body.
Each hair follicle has a distinct lifespan. Hair follicles go through growth, transition, and resting or shedding phases.
On average, it’s normal for your scalp to naturally shed between 50 to 100 hairs per day from the hair follicles. This occurs as the follicles enter a renewal phase, resting and temporarily halting the pushing out of hair strands.
Hair Growth Stages
Hair on the scalp grows about 3 to 4 mm each day, which is approximately 18 cm per year. Hair growth and shedding are random and not seasonal or cyclical. At any given time, a random number of hairs will be in one of three stages of growth or shedding: anagen, catagen, and telogen. The hair growth process is specifically manifested through the following stages:
Anagen (Growth Phase): This is the active phase where hair cells divide rapidly, and new hair forms. It can last between 2 to 7 years. The length of the anagen phase determines the maximum length of hair.
Catagen (Transitional Phase): This is a short transition phase that lasts about 2 to 3 weeks. During this time, hair growth slows down, and the hair follicle shrinks and detaches from the dermal papilla.
Telogen (Resting Phase): This is the resting phase that lasts around 3 months. During this time, the hair does not grow but stays attached to the follicle. After this period, the hair will shed, and the follicle will remain inactive for a short period before starting a new anagen phase.
Understanding these phases is crucial for effective hair care and growth treatments.
3. Proper Hair Care for Faster, Stronger Growth
Even though hair is made up of non-living cells, you can still care for your strands to ensure they look their best. Healthy, well-cared-for hair often appears shiny and resilient. Here are some simple and effective hair care measures:
Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Foods high in protein, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, D, and E can promote hair health. Consider incorporating foods like salmon, nuts, seeds, leafy greens, and citrus fruits into your diet.
Use Gentle Hair Care Products: Choose shampoos and conditioners that suit your hair type. Avoid products with harsh chemicals like sulfates and parabens, which can strip the hair of natural oils and cause damage.
Regular Trimming: Trim your hair every 6-8 weeks to remove split ends and promote healthy growth. Regular trims prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft and causing further breakage.
Avoid Heat Styling: Limit the use of heat styling tools such as hair dryers, curling irons, and straighteners. When you do use them, apply a heat protectant spray to minimize damage.
Scalp Care: A healthy scalp is essential for hair growth. Massage your scalp regularly to stimulate blood flow and use gentle, nourishing shampoos. Keeping the scalp clean and free from excess oil and buildup helps maintain hair health.
Minimize Chemical Treatments: Reduce the frequency of chemical treatments like coloring, perming, and relaxing, as these can weaken hair and cause damage.
Protect Your Hair: Shield your hair from environmental damage by wearing hats in the sun and avoiding excessive exposure to wind and pollution. Using silk or satin pillowcases can also reduce friction and prevent breakage.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your hair and scalp hydrated. Proper hydration is essential for overall hair health.
Reduce Stress: High stress levels can lead to hair loss. Practice stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or regular exercise to maintain overall well-being.
Use Natural Oils: Apply natural oils like coconut oil, argan oil, or jojoba oil to your hair for added moisture and protection. These oils can help repair damage and add shine.
By following these tips, you can help ensure your hair grows faster, stronger, and healthier.
Reduce Hair Loss and Stimulate Thick, Healthy Hair Growth with the Alika Product Line
We hope that through the article “How Does the Hair Growth Process Work?”, readers have gained valuable insights into caring for and restoring their hair. You now have more information on home hair care and suitable hair care products for your needs. If you have any feedback on the article or want advice on your hair loss condition, please comment below the article to get answers and recommendations for the most suitable improvement methods.
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