Our skin is the largest organ of the body, covered with hair, especially on the head. The beauty of our hair depends on shiny and thick hair. Hair originates in the hair follicle in the dermal layer of the skin, where cell division takes place. The main constituent of hair is keratin (80%). The hair shaft has three layers: the pith, the cortex and the cuticle. The key part of the hair shaft is the hair follicle, which forms the hair bulb. The papilla, which is rich in blood vessels, controls hair growth.
The sheets lubricate the hair on the scalp, creating a protective emulsion coating that prevents the growth of micro-organisms and protects against drying and UV light. This coating is quickly restored, despite the imbalance caused by washing. The protective coating of the hair is composed of dead cells of the epidermis and secretions from the sebaceous and sweat glands. This emulsion protection prevents the proliferation of micro-organisms and protects against drying and UV light. Despite the imbalance caused by washing, this layer is quickly restored.
The hair shaft (medulla) contains imperfectly branched cells, fat grains and air sacs. This core is difficult to affect with cosmetic products. The hair cortex, which accounts for 90% of the hair’s weight, is made up of hair cells and pigment, which determines the colour of the hair. As we age, the pigment cells die, leading to greying.
The hair cuticle is made up of several layers of cells that partially cover the hair. When in good condition, the scales are close together, giving the hair a smooth and shiny appearance. Damaged hair cuticles are rough and lustreless. The density of the hair depends on the number of hair follicles; fair-haired people have the most and red-haired people the fewest. Hair is regenerating, so new hair grows every day.
Hair growth varies from person to person and averages about one centimetre per month. Growth takes place in three stages:
- The anagen phase lasts 3-5 years, depending on sex and genetics. During this phase, the hair grows and strengthens continuously, with an increase in the concentration of keratin in the hair follicle. Approximately 90% of all hair is in this phase.
- The catagen phase is a transitional phase lasting about three weeks. The hair remains on the head but does not grow. The hair follicles shrink and the hair moves towards the epidermis, causing a decrease in volume.
- The telogen phase is the resting phase, when hair starts to fall out. The hair follicle is inactive for about three months, until the new hair displaces the old one.
The hair growth process can change rapidly due to factors that accelerate the hair life cycle and cause faster hair loss. Androgens can accelerate the anagen phase, leading to a telogen phase before the development of quality keratin.
This creates a vicious circle: faster hair production leads to earlier loss of existing hair. Hair becomes weaker and shorter, and follicles eventually become unproductive. In people prone to baldness, hair quality and thickness deteriorate even faster, leading to the growth of thinner hairs.
Androgenetic alopecia is a hereditary condition affecting both men and women. Men can start losing their hair as early as their teens or twenties, while thinning in women usually starts in their forties or later. In men, male pattern baldness occurs, manifesting itself in the raising of the forehead and hair loss from the temples, while women show a general thinning of the hair, most pronounced on the temples.
It is natural for people to lose between 50 and 100 hairs per day, but factors such as ageing, hormonal changes, stress and nutrient deficiencies can cause excessive hair loss.
Hair loss is a common phenomenon that we see every day, as hair loss is accompanied by new hair growth. As mentioned earlier, hair growth is a cyclical process that can be influenced by many factors. Temporary hair loss often occurs at certain times of life and can be caused by:
- inadequate nutrition,
- hormonal disorders,
- different forms of treatment,
- infectious diseases,
- stress,
- childbirth,
- excessive weight loss.
TIPS FOR STRENGTHENING HAIR
Now that you know the structure and growth of your hair and the causes of hair loss, here are some useful tips to help you strengthen your hair. Follow these simple steps to achieve healthy and beautiful hair.
Take vitamins and minerals essential for hair health (biotin, vitamin E, zinc).
Wash your hair less frequently to preserve the natural oils.
Apply the shampoo to the scalp and the top third of the hair for extra cleansing.
Apply the conditioner to the ends and leave it on as a mask.
Rinse your hair well after shampooing and conditioning.
Rinse hair with cold water for added shine
Air-dry your hair whenever possible.
Lower the temperature when blow-drying and styling hair and use protective sprays.
Avoid tight hairstyles.
Use the appropriate brush for your hair type and comb your hair only when it is dry.
By following these tips, you’ll help to achieve healthier, stronger and more beautiful hair. It’s important to be consistent and pay attention to your hair’s needs.
Beautiful and strong hair is a beauty ideal that can be achieved with the right care. With these tips and by choosing the right products, you can achieve healthy and shiny hair. Remember that taking care of your hair is a time-consuming process that requires consistency and love for your hair.
