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| Hair Growth Cycle |
Our society has an increased interest in making healthy lifestyle choices. We pay closer attention to what we eat and how we exercise our bodies. We look to our bodies for signs of good health, and we know how to recognize potential trouble. Even with all of our knowledge, however, many of us don't know that our hair can be a great tool for measuring good health.
Determining whether your hair and body are truly healthy requires an overall understanding of the hair growth cycle. Knowing this cycle and reacting appropriately to the different phases will allow you to maintain healthier and thicker hair, prevent unnatural hair loss and reduce the chance of baldness.
Hair obviously grows continuously from the scalp. The rate of speed at which it grows will naturally vary from person to person, but the growth rate averages about six inches per year. From the time that a hair first appears above the surface of your scalp, it will grow in three different phases. These phases are essential, as the hair continually grows from your scalp.
The catagen is the first phase of growth that your hair will go through. This is also known as a transitional phase for your hair. When hair is in the catagen or "regressing" phase, it is actually getting ready to shed. The moisture, salt and water are released, and the growth of the hair will completely stop. This allows for the outer root of the hair to shrink and attach to the inner root. Catagen can last from two to four weeks. Different areas of your scalp are in this phase at all times, while other areas are in subsequent phases.
The "resting phase of hair growth is known as telogen. Again, some areas of your scalp will be in this phase at any given time. Telogen occurs directly after the catagen phase, lasts about three months and completes the formation of the hair. If you pull out a hair during the telogen phase, you'll notice that it has a hard, dry, white material at the root. You'll also notice some scalp irritation.
Anagen is the third and final stage of hair growth. Some healthy hairs are able to keep growing over time, yet others will become dead at the follicle. In the telogen phase, hairs that are unable to keep growing will fall out. Remaining hair will progress to "growth" phase known as anagen.
During this stage, the roots of the hair will begin to produce and divide new cells. The result is a new hair that will push through the open follicles in the scalp. This type of hair will stay active for two to six years. If your hair doesn't typically grow too long, it is because your hair has a shorter active anagen phase.
Baldness and hair loss occur when the anagen phase becomes less active. That's why it's so important to understand the growth cycle of your hair before you can properly respond. By knowing and appreciating the hair growth cycle, you can give your hair the boost it needs. You'll be able to find the best care methods for your hair and scalp, and you may even be able to help prevent the occurrence of premature hair loss.
There's more to good health than just knowing your body from head to toe. You need to be aware of yourself from HAIR to toe. Your hair is a great measuring stick for your overall well-being. Learn about the hair cycle and you can keep your hair and body healthy.
By: Venus Enock
Article Source: rightarticle.com
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