Understanding Hair Growth

There are approximately 80,000 to 150,000 follicles on the human scalp, however, not all are productive at the same time. Hair growth is cyclical and the hair grows for around 1,000 days (3 years) and then rests for about 100 days (3 months).

The 'hair cycle' varies between individuals and is influenced by age, diet, health, etc. When resting, the old hair from the last 'hair cycle' remains in the follicle and, if not dislodged by daily hair care procedures, is displaced by the new hair as it grows up the follicle.

Hair length is controlled by the length of the growing phase, which is called "anagen". The hair growth rate is approximately half an inch per month and so if you have a growing phase of say 3 years, then your hair will grow to approximately 18 inches.

Each scalp hair follicle is independent and while one hair may be growing, the next may be resting. Unlike some animals, humans have no recognized moulting periods, although some seasonal shedding has been observed in certain populations. It is natural to lose hair each day when brushing, combing, or shampooing.

Around 50 to 150 hairs can be shed normally and, while there is a wide individual variation, it is the change within an individual that is critical if you are concerned about excessive hair loss. As long as new hairs are being produced at the same rate as those falling out, there will be no difference in hair density.

However, if shedding is greater than production, hair loss occurs. For example, if an individual has been losing 50 hairs per day and this increases to 100, twice as many hairs would be observed when combing or shampooing.

Although a 100 hairs are still within the normal range, for this individual it represents a 100% increase and consequently noticeable hair shedding. The causes of these hair changes can be categorized into the 'Seven "H's" of Hair Lossİ'.