| Hair Basics – A brief on hair growth
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In this modern & fast paced world, there are many factors which are responsible for our ill-being. Among them, skin & hair are the most effected as they are exposed to external climatic conditions most of the time. Other health problems like stress, diseases etc. are also responsible for speeding up the curse called hair loss. People usually judge each other from their personalities and hair plays an important role when it comes to the looks. If there are signs of hair loss, or maybe even thinning of the hair, it might cripple their appearance as healthy hair is a sign of well-being & youth.
Exposure to too many chemicals or treatments like dyes, bleaches etc. upset the natural keratin structure in the hair strand thereby weakening its tensile strength.
Basic Hair Structure
1) The outside layer (the cuticle) - It comprises of a flat, overlying scale-like formation. It has a protein matter known as keratin. It also determines the condition of the hair.
2) The middle layer (the cortex) - It lies under the cuticle and also has keratin. It Provides strength & gives bulk to the hair. It shelters the hair’s color pigment known as melanin.
3) The core layer (the medulla) consists of central hub of circulated & stretched out cells. It is present only in some of the strands of hair.
The Hair Growth Cycle
Each strand of hair is produced inside a hair bulb deep in a hair follicle. The follicle is a very small but a very potent unit. Each hair continues to grow for many years; during this time it will be exposed to constant shampooing, conditioning and various other chemical treatments & harsh climatic conditions etc. All these factors may not affect the growth of hair inside the hair bulb directly but can cause harm to the hair shaft. There are certain drugs which are used for the treatment of cancer, these drugs can obstruct the growth of hair. Lastly, the hair falls out, the follicle rests temporarily, and then starts to form another new hair. Hair shedding is a normal phenomenon which occurs due to the normal hair cycle. But it can be a cause of alarm if the quantity is more than 200 strands. Illness, stress & other factors tend to make hair to enter the resting (telogen) stage of the hair growth cycle. And this in turn becomes the primary cause of hair shedding. There’s a scientific evidence which shows that hair grows at a different pace in different parts on the head in some people.
Factors which may control a normal hair growth cycle
Having a diet with a balanced & proper level of nourishment.
Positioning of the hair on the body (head or elsewhere)
Environment
Age
Sex
Hereditary
Presence of certain types of diseases
Chemotherapy
Factors for slow hair growth
Lack of thyroid hormone and/or stress is a few reasons for a slower hair growth. Our hair is in constant need of vitamins, calcium & minerals to grow that it gets from the bloodstream. So if one wants to pace up the process of hair growth one should cut down the consumption of fats & salts. Also, supplements of vitamins & minerals are a good alternative. Among them, minerals selenium, zinc and magnesium are a few of the minerals that fulfill the needs of our hair. B Vitamins & amino acids are also immensely good for hair growth.
Hair Basics to follow beforehand
Drink plenty of water. Water not only hydrates your skin and body, it also hydrates your hair.
Don’t fret on the issue of what causes your hair growth to be slow, seek medical advice as soon as possible. Your Physicians & dermatologists will diagnose & offer treatment as per your condition.
Always check on various scalp disorders, this might also help in checking the problem of hair loss arising due to them.
Slow hair growth is also credited due to the absence of veggies & fruits in your diet. These are rich in proteins and other natural vitamins and minerals which are essential for a normal hair growth.
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