Where Does Hair Come From Naturally?
Although it might be worrisome if you’re experiencing hair loss, it’s usually only part of your body’s natural hair processes. New hair constantly grows in and replaces older hair strands that have fallen out from your roots.
So, how does the natural hair cycle work, anyway? Let’s talk about how and where the hair naturally grows, and where you can go for an evaluation if you are concerned about hair loss.
Where Is Hair Formed?
The hair shaft is the visible part of your hair. Underneath your skin, each strand of hair extends down to the inner layers. This section of the hair is called the root, and it is surrounded by the hair follicle.
At the base of each strand, inside the follicle under the surface of the skin, is the hair bulb – where new hair is continuously formed. It is fed by tiny capillaries which bring nourishing blood to the hair follicle because the hair is alive underneath the skin’s surface. The shaft is not alive, which is why it does not hurt to cut the hair.
How Does Hair Grow Naturally?
Each follicle of your hair grows in three phases. The follicles are all at different stages at any given time, otherwise, you could suddenly become bald or suddenly have so much hair that it hurts your skin to support it.
The growth phase of a hair follicle is called the anagen phase, and the length of time in which this phase lasts can vary, based on several factors. It can be as long as six years for the follicles on the top of your head. On the other hand, your eyelashes, eyebrows, nasal hair, and ear hair all grow out in relatively shorter periods.
The other two phases are the transitional (catagen) phase and the resting (telogen) phase. In the transitional phase, the hair at the root underneath your skin is separated from the papilla – which nourishes the root. This separation cuts off the blood supply from the strand completely, and then the hair follicle is at its final resting phase.
The telogen phase of your hair is where it gets pushed out of the skin gradually, resulting in natural hair loss. Then, in any “empty” hair follicle, new hair cells begin to multiply. At this point, the cycle starts all over again.
Hair Restoration Doctor in Liberty, MO
Some individuals experience hair loss faster than their hair growth can replace the follicles. In these cases, you should consult with an experienced hair restoration expert to explore your treatment options.
Here at Darling Hair Restoration, our own Dr. Scott Darling can assess your hair condition and recommend a personalized treatment plan for you. He can prescribe and provide both surgical and nonsurgical methods to restore your hair.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Darling, call us today at (816) 792-3400. You may also fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to serving you!
