Most of us give attention to the strands visible on the head, as far as the health of our hair is concerned. And yet, the magic really lies behind the scenes–at the hair follicle. This little organ in your flesh is the foundation of all hair, of all power, and of all life. The last place to start in the pursuit of healthier, fuller hair is in the hair follicle.
What is a Hair Follicle?
Basic Anatomy of a Hair Follicle
The hair follicle is a hollow formation of the epidermis (outer layer of skin). It is the place where every hair strand grows. It consists of:
- Dermal Papilla -transfers nutrients through blood.
- Sebaceous Gland – This gland secretes sebum (natural oil).
- Bulb- It is the part of the body where hair grows and cell division takes place.
Function and Role in Hair Growth
Each hair grows out of a follicular unit where each hair comes from, the follicle, and this unit has a natural growth-rest cycle which determines how long and how thick your hair can grow.
Location and Density in the Body
They are all over your skin, except on your soles, lips and palms. There are approximately 100,000 hair follicles on your scalp alone and each has its own growth cycle.
Anagen (Growth Phase)
It is the most active period and your hair follicle has been busy developing hair forming cells. It may be between 2 and 7 years.
Catagen (Transition Phase)
A brief 2-3 week interval in which the follicle becomes smaller and is deprived of blood supply.
Telogen (Resting Phase)
The follicle has a 3 months rest. Old hair remains and new hair is waiting to grow.
Exogen (Shedding Phase)
This happens again after the old hair has been dropped. It is normal to lose 50 to 100 hairs per day.
Factors That Affect Hair Follicle Health
Nutrition and Vitamins
Biotin, zinc, iron, and vitamin D are the nutrients required for the strength of hair follicles. Inadequacies will hinder the growth of the follicles and limit growth.
Hormonal Imbalances
Several health conditions like PCOS, thyroid and menopause disorder affect the hormonal balance and cause the contraction or inactive condition in the hair follicles.
Stress and Lifestyle
Stress increases cortisol levels in your body, which affects the cycle and can cause telogen effluvium (sudden hair loss).
Scalp Health and Hygiene
Healthy scalp is needed for healthy follicles. Your follicles can get clogged with dandruff, product residue or infection, which can speed up hair growth.
Hair Follicle Damage: Signs and Symptoms
Thinning Hair and Bald Spots
In the early stages of particulate follicle damage, there is excessive shedding, noticeable thinning or areas with no regrowth.
Folliculitis and Inflammation
It is caused by bacteria, shaving, even tight hairstyles and can be accompanied by redness and bumps or pain in the infected follicles.
Scalp Sensitivity and Pain
Itching, tingling or tenderness indicates that your hair is inflamed or stressed.
How to Strengthen Your Hair Follicles
Topical Treatments and Serums
Look for ingredients like:
- Minoxidil
- Caffeine
- Peptides
These directly stimulate your hair follicles and boost blood flow.
Scalp Massage and Stimulation
Regular massages help to increase the flow of blood and this transports more nutrients and oxygen to your ovaries.
Nutrient-Rich Diet
To support your follicles internally, eat more leafy greens, nuts, seeds, eggs and fish.
Avoiding Heat and Harsh Chemicals
Excessive use of heat styling devices and chemical treatment may eventually destroy follicles in the long run. Have an off day with your hair.
Advanced Hair Follicle Treatments
PRP Therapy
The platelet rich plasma is injected to the scalp to stimulate inactive follicles. It takes your own growth factors in the blood.
Microneedling
Both micro-injuries in the scalp are caused by tiny needles which induce the production of collagen and the activation of follicles.
Hair Transplant Procedures
This is a surgery that involves transplantation of active hair follicles to bald regions. It works best with permanent follicle loss.
Stem Cell Therapy (Future Potential)
Studies are in progress, but it is hoped to be able to clone or regenerate follicles by using your own stem cell.
Common Myths About Hair Follicles
“Hair Follicles Die Forever”
False. Even the dormant follicles can be reactivated through good care and treatment.
“Cutting Hair Makes It Thicker”
False. Even the dormant follicles can be reactivated through good care and treatment.
“Washing Daily Damages Follicles”
Consistent washing helps healthy follicles by keeping a scalp clean as long as you are using a mild, sulfate-free shampoo.
Gender and Age Differences
Male vs Female Hair Follicle Patterns
In men, there is shrinkage of follicles at the top or temples (male pattern baldness) and diffuse hair loss in women.
How Follicles Change With Age
As we grow older, finer hair is produced by the follicles and it grows at a slower rate. Others will cease to generate hair altogether.
Natural Remedies for Hair Follicle Stimulation
Rosemary Oil – Some studies have indicated that this is as effective as minoxidil.
Peppermint Oil- Enhances circulation.
Aloe Vera – Treats scalp and helps stimulate follicle health.
Use with carrier oils and rub them on the head to achieve maximum results.
Hair Follicle and Skin Health Connection
Healthy hair follicles are the healthy skin. The follicle environment can be disrupted by conditions of the scalp such as psoriasis or eczema. Care of the skin enhances the quality of the hair as well.
Final Thoughts
All your hair starts and has its strength in your follicle. It should love you as much as your hair that you can see. You need to look after your hair follicles both internally and externally if you want to prevent hair loss, reverse thinning or literally have a fuller mane. Good nutrition, quality hair care and innovative treatment solutions are only a few of the opportunities available.
Remember–you have to start your hair journey below the surface.
FAQs
Yes, if the follicle is not completely destroyed, it often can be reactivated using good care.
Some of such characteristics would be: thicker healthy hair growth, a clean unclogged scalp with little shedding.
Yes, products or oils or dead skin can clog up the follicles and influence growth.
Leafy Greens, eggs, fatty fish, nuts, seeds, and berries help in hair follicle function.
1–2 times a week is enough. However, oil is another component you should be careful of as excess oil can clog your follicles.