Discover the Role of Hair Anatomy in Hair Growth
Hair loss begins at the follicle, but understanding what is happening requires knowing how healthy hair is structured and how it grows. Each hair consists of a follicle beneath the skin and a hair shaft that extends above the scalp. Changes within the follicle, the hair growth cycle, hormones, genetics, aging, and other factors can influence whether hair continues growing normally or begins to thin.
Hair consists of two key components: the Hair Follicle and Hair Shaft.
The Structure and Function of Hair Follicles
Description:
A tube-like structure located in the skin that encloses the hair root.
Components
• Bulb: The base of the follicle, where hair growth originates.
• Dermal Papilla: Supplies nutrients and growth signals to the hair.
• Sebaceous Glands: Produce oil to condition the hair and scalp.
• Arrector Pili Muscle: Small muscle causing hair to stand (goosebumps) when contracted.
The Structure of the Hair Shaft
Description:
The visible part of the hair that extends above the skin's surface.
Layers:
• Cuticle: The outermost layer, composed of overlapping cells that protect the hair.
• Cortex: The middle layer, providing strength, color, and texture to the hair.
• Medulla: The innermost layer, which may be absent in finer hair.
Hair Anatomy Matters
Both the hair shaft and hair follicle are both derivatives of the skin. The essential unit for the generation of hair is the follicle. Hair follicles have a continuous growth and rest cycle, which is referred to as the hair cycle. The hair shaft is the visible hair that grows out of the follicles and consists of keratin.
Why Hair Follicles Matter in Hair Loss
The follicle is particularly important when understanding hair loss because changes in follicle activity can affect the thickness, length, and growth of the hair it produces. In some forms of hair loss, follicles gradually produce finer and shorter hairs. In others, the normal growth cycle may be interrupted.
When Changes in Hair Growth Become Hair Loss
Not every change in shedding or hair density has the same cause. Genetics, hormones, age, medical conditions, medications, nutrition, inflammation, and other factors can affect the follicle or normal growth cycle. There are approximately 100,000 hair follicles on the scalp and it is normal to lose up to 100 hairs each day and usually, the lost hair grows back. The duration of growth and rest phases is affected by the endocrine, vascular and nervous systems in addition to other systems in the body.
Concerned About Hair Loss?
At Springs Hair Restoration, Dr. Zack Charkawi evaluates the pattern, progression, and characteristics of hair loss before discussing appropriate options. Depending on the individual, those options may include surgical or non-surgical approaches.
Our offices, located at Sandy Springs and Johns Creek, are easily accessible to patients in the Metro Atlanta and Greater Atlanta areas, including Atlanta, Alpharetta, Cumming, Roswell, Duluth, Dunwoody, Marietta, and more near by cities.
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Show moreAs a healthcare provider, I am very particular who I choose for my own healthcare needs. I completed my 4th hair restoration procedure with Dr. Zach, and I am extremely pleased with the outcome. Dr. Zach's professionalism was evident at my initial consultation, where he spent time discussing the procedure, pertinent research, and most importantly the realist expectations; he did not "over sell" the procedure. He also is the only practitioner that I am aware of who uses a specific anesthesia technique that dramatically decreased the procedural discomfort. He was very thorough during the procedure, covering all of the necessary areas. I highly recommend him and his staff without reservations! View this review on Google
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My husband had a fantastic experience with Dr.Zack! It took him a while to find the best doctor for hair transplant. He had many consultations before choosing his clinic. The polish and professionalism of Dr. Zack and his team is excellent! My husband was very happy with the results of the procedure. We could never have asked for a better experience! I will be highly recommending him to my friends!
Show moreLong Post Alert...but worth the read! - A few months ago, I decided to consider a hairline transplant in Atlanta. After doing some research, I became interested in the FUT process. I was still determining where to begin, so I initially went to what I had seen for years on TV, Bosley. The consultation was excellent, but I felt too many people between me and the surgeon performing the procedure. I wanted that direct interaction to ensure I got what I wanted in my design. I went to a second, Dr. P, but it wasn’t the right fit for me, then I was referred to Dr. Zack Charkawi. From the moment I sat down with him at his desk, I knew he was the one...
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