by Richard Kerns
Hair is a type of protein, more specifically a filamentous bio-material. Only mammals have hair, but other organisms such as insects and plants have hair-like growths that are not actually considered hair.
The human body is covered with hair, except for the nose and ear which has cilia, which again is not considered to fit the true charicterization of hair.
Hair grows through the skin from a follicle, and takes the form of a rope-like strand of keratin. The only living part of hair is that which is in the follicle. Once the hair leaves of the follicle it is considered dead. Each hair is made of three parts: the medulla, the cortex and the cuticle. The medulla is the nucleus of the hair. The cortex is the middle layer and the cuticle contains the color of the hair. The cortex is the source of the hair strength. The shape of the follicle generally determines the shape of the hair fibers, which in turn dictates the texture of the hair. Oval shaped fibers are usually more wavy or perhaps curly.
Scalp hair grows in three phases. The anagen phase is the active growth phase. The cells at the root of the hair grow rapidly and cause growth to proceed about one centimeter every 28 days depending on the genetic coding of the individual. This active phase of growth can last for up to seven years. At the end of the anagen, a code is sent causing the follicle to launch in the catagen phase of growth. The catagen phase is a short transition phase occurring while a 'club hair' is formed. A club hair is the final product of the follicle. Then the follicle falls in the telogen phase in which it rests. This is the point at which the hair is 'dead' and may fall out. It is common for 50 to 100 hairs to shed from a normal scalp in one day. Eyebrow and eyelash hair cycles through the growth phases at an decelerated rate with the telogen phase being the longest at nine months.
Trichoptilosis is often referred to as split ends. The most common cause of split ends in scalp hair is damage from physical stress. Heat from styling implements also causes split ends, as well as harshly pulling with a fine tooth comb. Excessive use of harsh dyeing chemicals or permanents can strip protective oils from the hair causing dry split ends to occur. The best prevention of split ends is reducing the aforementioned causes as well as having the hair trimmed five to ten times per year.
Androgenic Alopecia is more commonly known as male pattern baldness. According to Medem Medical Library's website, 40 million men in the United States are affected by male pattern baldness. Some choose to embrace the loss and shave their head entirely, others choose to camouflage with hair pieces or implants. A common theory for Androgenic Alopecia is the genetic inheritance from the maternal grandfather, however evidence is now being shown that both biological parents contribute to the condition. Another cause of hair loss is Traction Alopecia, caused by excessive pulling on the hair for the purpose of ponytails or cornrows.
It is very common for women who have recently given birth to experience some hair thinning. There are many theories for this phenomenon, but the most likely cause is the massive hormonal change that occurs in their body. Anxiety surrounding the birth and care of the infant can also contribute to the loss. Several easily remedied physiological disorders cause hair thinning or loss. Anemia, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and any autoimmune related illness such as mononucleosis.
Our hair is, in a way, a gateway to our internal health. If we eat a healthy diet, get lots of rest and don't relay too much on chemical products then chances are we will keep our hair longer in life.
Kissaki Shears.com has been selling <a href="http://www.kissakishears.com/">hair shears</a> and Razors for the Professional Hair Stylist since 2001. We sell worldwide and have tens of thousands satisfied clients. Our success is attributed to our high quality products at a great value and our emphasis on customer satisfaction. Visit online today.
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New Unique Article!
Title: Anatomy of Hair
Author: Richard Kerns
Email: article@beanstalk-inc.com
Keywords: hair shears,hair cutting,hair,style,beauty,women,men,health
Word Count: 643
Category: hairstyles
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