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Hair growth
About Hair Growth
There are three steps in hair growth. The first is anagen, which is the growth stage of the hair growth cycle. During this stage protein and keratin are produced continually for 4 to 6 years. Anagen hair represents 90% of the hair on your head at any given time. During anagen, the hair contains an abundance of melanin, the pigment which gives your hair its color. The second stage is catagen, the transitional stage, is when the lower part of the hair stops growing but is not shed, and the follicle is reabsorbed. This is when hair stops growing, and lasts 2 to 3 weeks. The third and final stage is called telogen, the resting stage, is when the old hair falls out in preparation for the development of new hair. During this stage the hair sits on the head waiting to fall out. Once it does, a new budding hair is ready to replace it as the anagen stage of hair growth begins.
Ways to help stimulate hair growth
A balanced diet rich in amino acids and B vitamins will contribute to a healthy head of hair. Because hair is dead protein, a diet high in protein will also be beneficial. Vitamins and foods such as vitamin B, folic acid, magnesium, calves liver, eggs, fish, yogurt, soy protein, brewer's yeast, wheat germ, and beta-carotene should be included in your diet for healthy hair. Beta-carotene is turned into vitamin A and can be found in yellow and green fruits and vegetables. It is also suggested that you cut back on fat, caffeine, carbonated beverages, sugar, smoking, and use of hot water and hot blow dryers. Also make sure to get plenty of rest and moderate exercise. These steps are not only vital for healthy hair, but for a healthy life style as well.
Some other remedies for hair growth are:
- Stimulate hair follicles with weekly scalp massages.
- Hot oil treatments to help protect the scalp from damage of styling devices and sun.
- Healthy diet rich in amino acids and B vitamins
- Exercise and sufficient amount of sleep
- As little wear and tear as possible ie. Treat your hair as delicately as possible
- Note: cutting your hair does not stimulate hair growth. It simply gets rid of spliced ends.
Hair Facts
- On average, hair grows ½" per month; 6" per year
- 20 to 100 hairs are lost per day
- Combing is less damaging than brushing
- There are an average of 100,000 hairs on your head
- Red hair: 90,000; black hair: 100,000; blonde hair: 140,000
- Female hair grows slower and is less dense than male hair
- The diameter of one hair is 0.1mm
- Hair will stretch in humidity
- Frequent washing does not increase hair loss
- Wet hair is more sensitive, and should not be rubbed
- Hair grows faster in the summer versus the winter
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