What is normal about hair loss?
by: Richard Mitchell
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 the hair growth cycle. Secondly, we'll assess the 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
the surface of the skin lies a cluster of active cells known as
the dermal papilla and it is from here that the hair grows into
its follicle.
This growing fiber eventually hardens and grows
out from the scalp. At this stage the hair fiber is dead with
only the root tip containing living cells.
In a little more detail, the 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 the hair shaft detaches
from the dermal papilla and moves up within a shrinking follicle.
3. Telogen stage - a resting period that lasts about
three months allowing the hair to detach itself from the follicle
before falling out. After this, the cycle repeats itself unless
other factors intervene to prevent repetition of the cycle.
Clearly time has a role to play in the development
of hair loss for both men and women. Humans are born with varying
amounts of soft and fine body hair. Through time some of this
hair becomes stronger and develops further characteristics such
as colour and texture. Up to the onset of puberty the hairline
is characterized by a low spread across the forehead. For men,
this continues only for a few more years.
As men progress through their twenties the hairline
takes on a more mature look typified by recessions to the frontal
temporal regions and accompanied by slight thinning elsewhere.
This concave appearance doesn't necessarily equate to premature
balding as it is all a question of degree.
The Norwood Scale is an extremely useful tool in
developing a hair growth strategy as it allows you to establish
your own degree of hair loss in a way that is understood by physicians
and other hair loss experts. More importantly, it can help to
set your mind at rest and allow you to differentiate between normal
hair loss that does not require remedial action and more extreme
loss that calls for immediate action.
You can assess the extent of your
own hair loss by following the link below. Please go to Normal
Hair Loss to find out more about the issues covered in this article.
About The Author
Richard Mitchell is the creator of the www.myhairlossadvisor.com
website that provides information and guidance to those suffering
from premature hair loss.
richard@myhairlossadvisor.com
