In this comprehensive guide, we will take a closer look at hair follicles, their function, and how they relate to the overall health of your hair. We will also examine common factors that can negatively impact follicular hair health the lifestyle changes you can make to promote healthy hair growth.
What Is a Hair Follicle?
A hair follicle is a small cylindrical structure located in the upper layers of your skin. Millions of these follicles cover your entire body and produce various types of hair which are specialized by their location. Located at the bottom of each follicle is a hair bulb, where cells multiply to form the hair strand.
The blood vessels near the hair follicle nourish these cells and deliver hormones and other substances that modify hair growth and structure over time.
Functions of Hair Follicle
A hair follicle’s primary role is to facilitate the growth of hair. However, it carries out several other crucial functions, including:
- Assisting in skin regeneration following an injury or damage.
- Contributing to the formation of new blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis.
The Hair Growth Cycle
Hair doesn’t just grow continuously. It goes through a cycle that includes growth, rest, and shedding phases. For a healthy scalp hair follicle, the entire cycle takes several years to complete.
- Growth phase (anagen): This is the active growth phase where the cells in the hair bulb divide rapidly, creating new hair growth. It is the longest phase of the cycle lasting 2-6 years.
- Resting phase (catagen): Here, the hair stops growing but doesn’t fall out. This phase lasts 2-3 weeks.
- Shedding phase (telogen): This is when the hair falls out, marking the end of one hair growth cycle. After 3 months a new hair begins to grow marking the beginning of a new cycle.
Factors That Impact Follicular Hair Health
Follicular hair health can be influenced by a variety of conditions. Here’s a detailed look at some of the most common factors that impact follicular hair health:
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is an inflammation or infection of the hair follicles that can occur anywhere on the skin. It appears as small red bumps or white-headed pimples around hair follicles and can cause itching, discomfort, and hair loss if left untreated.
The condition can be caused by bacteria, yeast, or fungal infections, and it can also result from irritation due to shaving, tight clothing, or certain skin conditions.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the hair follicles, causing hair loss. It often results in one or more round patches of hair loss and can affect hair all over the body. While the exact cause is unknown, it’s believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Stress
Stress can have a significant impact on follicular hair health. When you’re stressed, your body may push more hairs into the shedding phase of the hair growth cycle (telogen), leading to a condition known as telogen effluvium, which is characterized by excessive hair shedding.
Androgenetic Alopecia
Androgenetic Alopecia is the term used to describe genetic hair loss in men and women. It’s a genetic condition that causes a slow and steady decline in hair follicle health resulting in male and female pattern hair loss.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory condition of the scalp that causes a buildup of dead skin cells and scalp oils resulting in dandruff and in some cases hair loss.
Tests for Follicular Hair Health
Determining the health of your hair follicles often necessitates a combination of physical examinations, medical history evaluations, and specific tests. Here’s a brief overview of the typical tests your hair loss doctor might use:
Pull and Tug Test
The pull and tug test is a simple procedure where your hair doctor will gently tug on a small section of your hair to see how many strands fall out. This test is performed on different sections of your head. It can provide insight into the severity and nature of your hair loss.
Blood Test
In some cases, a few simple blood tests are required to check for underlying conditions that could be causing your symptoms. The most common lab tests are a complete blood count (CBC) to assess your overall health, an anemia test to check for iron deficiency, thyroid function as well as testosterone and estrogen hormone levels, a C-reactive protein test to measure inflammation in your body and an ANA (antinuclear antibody) test to rule out autoimmune diseases. These are the basics and other tests may be done based on scalp examination findings.
Biopsy
In a biopsy, your hair restoration doctor will take a small tissue sample from your skin to examine under a microscope. This can help identify any abnormalities in the hair follicles or surrounding skin that could be contributing to hair loss or other issues.
How to Maintain Follicular Hair Health
Maintaining follicular hair health requires a holistic approach:
- Eat a balanced diet: Ensure you’re getting all the necessary nutrients for hair health. Include protein-rich foods, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats in your diet.
- Avoid harsh treatments: Overuse of chemical treatments, heat styling tools, or tight hairstyles can damage hair follicles. Try to minimize these practices and opt for gentle hair care products.
- Manage stress: Regular exercise, meditation, and adequate sleep can help manage stress levels, promoting overall and hair health.
- See a hair doctor: If you’re experiencing severe or persistent hair loss, it’s best to consult a hair loss doctor as they can create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Follicular Hair Healthcare near Seattle, WA
If you’re concerned about the health of your hair follicles and are seeking professional advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at Northwest Hair Restoration. We are committed to helping you understand your hair loss and providing innovative solutions to restore and maintain your hair.
Reach out to us at (253) 572-2949 or request a consultation online today to start your journey towards healthier hair. We look forward to serving you!
