We find it on nearly every human being and on nearly every part of the body, but how does hair grow, why does it fall out, and why does it have a tendency to change with age? The answers to these questions comes from understanding the human hair growth cycle.
There are three stages of the cycle, which vary substantially in length. They are known as the anagen phase, the catagen phase, and the telogen phase and are used universally to describe the stages of all human hair growth.
Anagen Phase
The first phase is called anagen. This term is used to described the period of time when the follicle is actively working to grow and protect a hair. Each follicle operates independently, which means that even those positioned closest on the body can be at completely different stages of the growth cycle. Scientists do believe, however, that the vast majority of hairs on the body are in the anagen cycle at any given time. The reason for this assumption has a lot to do with the period of time that can pass while in this stage; up to eight years for one follicle.
Catagen Phase
When the follicle shrinks and moves away from the nourishing blood supply deeper beneath the scalp, the hair is pushed up slightly. This process, known as the catagen phase, can take up to two weeks or longer, depending on the individual follicle. From this point forward, the hair is not receiving nutrients from the body and the follicle begins the final stage of the growth cycle.
Telogen Phase
The final part of the journey is called the telogen phase and it is when the follicle is completely at rest. The hair may remain in place throughout this phase, but it will soon fall out, in order to make room for the next hair, as the cycle begins again.
Hair Changes with Age
As the body ages, certain changes occur within it, including fluctuations of hormones. The hormone levels play a very important role in hair growth, so as these levels change, so does the condition of the hair on the body. Hair loss is quite common, especially as a person ages. This is due to the fact that reductions in hormone levels slow the growth cycle. Therefore, there are fewer hairs on the body at any given time. On the other hand, the fluctuations can also cause hair to grow in new places, such as the ears, nose, back, or, for women, on the face (as a result of estrogen levels being reduced).
Hair may also become more brittle and drier due to decreased natural oil production. Known as sebum, these oils are responsible for keeping skin and hair soft and healthy. When production slows, there may be a need for moisturizing shampoos or conditions to improve hair health.
New Hair Growth
The new hairs in unwanted places are also associated with hormone fluctuations. Fortunately, there are many ways to combat this problem today.
Austin laser hair removal is very frequently utilized for exactly that reason.
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115 Sundance Pkwy #230
Round Rock, TX
(512) 733-2639
Cadiz Laser Spa
5656 Bee Caves Rd #E201
Austin, TX
(512) 306-1619
