It is important to note that shedding of hairs is a natural process with anything from 100 to 300 hairs randomly shed each day. In this article we'll look at two distinct aspects of normal hair loss. Firstly, we'll examine what is actually involved in
hair growth cycle. Secondly, we'll assess natural progression of hair loss over time.Hair is composed of long, twisted keratin fibers that are protected by a coating of keratinized cells. Just below surface of skin lies a cluster of active cells known as dermal papilla and it is from here that hair grows into its follicle.
This growing fiber eventually hardens and grows out from scalp. At this stage hair fiber is dead with only root tip containing living cells.
In a little more detail, hair growth cycle, consists of three distinct stages:
1. Anagen stage - a phase of growth that can last between two and seven years. On average, each hair grows about six inches (15cm) per year.
2. Catagen stage - a phase of transition that lasts roughly two to four weeks. At this time hair shaft detaches from dermal papilla and moves up within a shrinking follicle.
3. Telogen stage - a resting period that lasts about three months allowing hair to detach itself from follicle before falling out. After this, cycle repeats itself unless other factors intervene to prevent repetition of cycle.
