Understanding hair growth
Hair growth is not something that many people take the time to study until it becomes a problem for them. Yet, understanding the hair growth cycles and the factors that affect them can be hugely beneficial, especially when it comes to understanding hair loss. Take a look below to learn more:
The four phases of hair growth
Hair growth can be broken down into four phases: anagen, catagen, exogen and telogen.
The anagen phase can be viewed as long-term growth. This cycle lasts two to six years. This cycle is responsible for hair length. As people age, however, the anagen cycle shortens, making it a slower process for older individuals to grow their hair out.
The catagen phase is much shorter. It only lasts for a few weeks. In this phase, hair follicles begin to shrink and detach from the scalp, as they are preparing for new growth.
In the exogen phase, those detached hair follicles will finally fall away from the scalp, making room for new hair to grow in.
The final phase of hair growth is the telogen phase. During this time, the follicles are resting as old hairs fall out and are replaced by new hairs. If the telogen phase begins too early, people may experience periods of thinning hair.
"Hormone imbalances, aging and genetic predisposition are some of the factors that can cause hair loss."What causes hair growth to slow down?
There are a number of factors that can impede on hair growth. Some of the most common are hormone imbalances, aging, genetic predisposition and medication side effects. Hormones are the body's signals to perform certain functions. If they are out of balance, the body may not be able to do what it needs to do correctly. This applies to hair loss as well. Additionally, aging has an effect on the rate of hair growth. Aging naturally slows all biological processes down, which is why many older individuals experience hair loss or thinning. Genetics are another culprit for slow hair growth. If your ancestors were prone to balding and hair loss, there is a good chance you will be as well. Finally, certain medications can disrupt the hair growth processes. You doctor can inform you if your prescriptions list hair loss as a side effect.
How to improve hair growth
There are a number of ways to improve hair growth, though it is worth noting that the results will be different for everyone. A good place to start is consulting with a hair restoration specialist. He or she can offer you advice on the best course of action for your specific case. The specialist may suggest that you consider a hair transplant procedure or micropigmentation. You can also make small changes on your own, such as improving your diet and changing your exercise routine. An increase in specific vitamins and a reduction of stress can also promote hair growth. If you have a hormone imbalance that could be slowing hair growth, you can speak with your physician to see if hormone therapy is right for you.
Understanding hair growth and its phases can give you a better understanding of how to approach hair loss. It can also help you better understand what your hair restoration specialist may recommend for you. You can always consult your specialist with questions or concerns – or to let them know you are ready to schedule a procedure.
For more advice on hair health and hair restoration news, visit Marotta Hair Restoration today.
