Hair Growth
Hair is the fastest-growing tissue of the body, growing at a rate of 1/3 mm per day. Hair grows in periodic cycles–growth and hair loss. The first stage of growth is the ANAGEN stage, a high-activity growing stage. This stage lasts 4 to 6 years, followed by a transition stage, the CATAGEN stage, lasting about twenty days. During the catagen stage, the root gradually slows down cell division. Then the hair growth comes to a complete stop, this being the TELOGEN stage. The telogen stage lasts 3 to 9 months, identified by the falling out of hair during shampooing, combing, etc. Even a completely bald head is actually covered by downy hairs! Hair growth rate depends greatly on a number of factors, such as androgen hormone levels, eating a proper diet, the body’s vitamin D levels, and other trace elements.
Hair Loss
The fall-out rate of hair may increase after pregnancy, and the amount of hair follicles decrease in old age by about 10%. The root and structure of hair are also genetically determined. A full head of hair consists of 100,000 to 120,000 hairs, losing between 50 to 100 per day, shedding most commonly in the spring and fall. Abnormal forms of hair loss may be due to a condition known as Alopecia. Alopecia is a technical term used to describe any abnormal form of hair loss. Alopecia senilis is a form of baldness occuring in old age, usually permanent. Alopecia prematura is a form of baldness starting any time before middle age, through a slow thinning process and Alopecia areata is the sudden falling out of hair in circular patches, or spots of baldness. Some causes of alopecia may be due to conditions such as anemia, injury to the nervous system, or effects from a serious disease. Patches of hair loss can range from 1/2 inch, to 3 inches in diameter. Regardless of the amount of hair one has, the utmost care and caution should be taken during daily combing, brushing, and styling, and protecting the hair from sun damage.
Wigs and Alternative Procedures
Wearing a hat to spare whatever hair is left in balding individuals can be one of the worst habits! The scalp needs good circulation to increase blood supply and keep it alive. So take an extra few minutes when washing or conditioning, and massage your scalp. Some professional hairstylists offer routine scalp treatment services, which allow for a more relaxing experience, and involve treatments and scalp massage, as well as suggestions in the appropriate product choices for you.
Having the right attitude regarding hair loss also helps to win the battle; being concerned daily that you’ll lose another hair will only make living with baldness disappointing. Thinking positively makes you feel better, look better, and it will help bring out all the other wonderful aspects of yourself that you have to offer. Baldness is very attractive and stylish when worn with the right attitude.
If baldness becomes too much to "bare", and you find it extremely necessary to be wearing hair, there are some alternative solutions or procedures available, such as wearing hair wigs, or hairpieces, or having more advanced procedures such as hair transplants.
Wigs can be made from human hair, synthetic hair, known as modacrylic, or a blend of the two. The quality depends greatly on whether the wig has been constructed by hand, or by machine. Human hair wigs cost far more than machine made wigs, as machine made wigs are very economical to make and the supply is unlimited. Human hair wigs offer the options that real hair has, such as being able to chemically change the texture or colour by perming or colouring the hairpiece. Apart from being very economical, synthetic wigs have a number of advantages, such as the ability to keep the head cooler, and having a lighter feel; and synthetic wigs do not shrink when shampooed. Head measurements for proper fit, selection of quality, colour, length and style, all need to be considered before purchasing a wig. With the help of a professional, finding the appropriate piece can be a very fun and exciting experience. Professional wig specialists or hairstylists can help the wig wearer keep their styles up to date, colours refreshed, and provide the appropriate wig care solutions such as wig shampoo and conditioners.
Other types of more permanent solutions for hair loss involve having surgical procedures, such as hair transplanting. Professional consultations and prices vary for these costly types of procedures, but they do have amazing permanent results.
When deciding to have hair, or baldness, remember to take good care of all the hair out there, even the little downy ones.
