Hair Follicles

What Hair Follicles Have to Do with Hair Loss

The hair is an important part of the human body. In more primitive times, its major role was to provide protection. Today however, the hair also plays an important role in creating physical appeal among both men and women. This is why losing one’s hair could be a source of frustration. Hair loss usually happens when hair follicles die or are damaged.

Follicle Structure

It is easier to understand hair loss by understanding hair follicles first. These are the structures in the skin that make hair growth possible. A full set of follicles are usually present as early as the fifth to sixth month of life. From this period on, hair follicles begin to mature and grow hair.

A follicle is not a mere container for hair. At its bottom is found papilla which is responsible for nourishing the hair. Connected to the papilla is the bulb which is where hair growth begins. At the sides of hair follicles are double sheaths. The external sheath is linked to sebaceous glands.

The sebaceous glands that are part of the hair follicle structure produce sebum. This substance is made up of fats and is released through the hair shaft and out into the skin. Sebum is what makes the skin and hair oily. This natural oil provides waterproofing, protection and moisture to the hair and skin. Connected to these glands is the erector pili which can make the hair stand out straight.

Hair Follicle

Follicles and Hair Loss

Under normal circumstances, hair follicles and hair follow a hair cycle. The growing phase is known as anagen while the resting phase is called telogen. At any point in time, there will always be at least 10% of hair in the telogen phase while the rest are in anagen or in the brief transition phase between anagen and telogen. After the resting phase, some of the hair is shed. New hair is supposed to grow from the vacated hair follicles.

Among some individuals, the hair does not grow back. A substance in the sebaceous glands known as 5-alpha reductase transforms the hormone testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which shrinks the hair follicles, making hair loss possible.

Both men and women suffer from hair loss. Men however tend to experience complete baldness over an area. Women on the other hand experience a more diffuse type of balding. Both types of balding however are linked to hormonal causes.

Treating Hair Loss

Since DHT and 5-alpha reductase are the main culprits to hair loss, one possible solution is to block these substances. Some lab generated and natural substances are believed to have the ability to spare hair follicles from the effects of DHT. Some synthetically produced substances have been approved for market distribution. Natural solutions however require more extensive studies to validate their DHT blocking effects.

Although both men and women suffer from similar hair loss conditions, it is not advisable for women to take solutions intended for male use. This is because certain chemicals may produce negative hormonal effects among women.