Hair Biology: Structure and Growth
Understanding how hair grows begins with understanding the scalp, the follicle, and the natural phases each strand moves through. At Hair Styles Unlimited, we believe education helps clients make confident decisions about thinning hair, shedding, scalp health, and hair restoration options.
Anatomy of Hair
Hair is more than what we see above the scalp. Each strand grows from a follicle located within the skin, supported by blood supply, sebaceous glands, nerves, and surrounding tissue.
The follicle is the living structure responsible for producing hair, while the visible hair shaft is made primarily of hardened keratin. When the follicle environment is healthy, it can better support stronger, fuller-looking hair.
Learning the basic anatomy of hair helps explain why changes in the scalp, hormones, nutrition, aging, medication, illness, stress, or genetics may affect density, shedding, and overall hair appearance.
The Hair Growth Cycle
Hair grows in a repeating cycle. The main phases include anagen, catagen, telogen, exogen, and the return to early anagen growth.
Anagen is the active growing phase. Catagen is the transition phase. Telogen is the resting phase. Exogen is the shedding phase, when older hairs naturally release. Then the follicle may return to a new growth phase.
Because every follicle operates on its own timeline, some daily shedding is normal. When shedding becomes excessive or thinning becomes noticeable, a professional consultation can help determine the next best step.
What This Means for Your Hair
Hair thinning and shedding can happen for many reasons, including genetics, stress, hormonal changes, scalp conditions, illness, medication, nutrition, and aging. Hair Styles Unlimited provides private, compassionate consultations to help clients better understand their options, from styling support and scalp care to wigs, toppers, and customized hair loss solutions.
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