All About Hair

Hair count

Approximately 90% of the hair on the scalp is in the anagen phase, which means it is still growing. This phase can last anywhere from two to six years. The remaining 10% of hair is in the resting, or telogen, phase which lasts for about two to three months. The final stage, catagen, begins when the hair falls out.
When a hair falls out, a new hair forms in the same follicle, initiating the anagen cycle once more. Hair grows at a rate of 0.37mm to 0.44mm per day, but this volume of growth naturally decreases with age. Natural blondes typically have a fuller head of hair, with about 140,000 hairs on average, compared to brunettes with about 105,000 hairs, and redheads with around 90,000 hairs.

Normal hair loss

Most hair falls out at the end of its natural cycle, and given the high number of total hairs on the head, it is quite normal to lose between 50 to 100 hairs per day.

Excessive hair loss

If hair loss is excessive, the problem lies within the skin, and consulting a dermatologist is advisable. This is because, without medical advice, using lotions, rubs or creams for hair regrowth can be futile and sometimes even harmful. Similarly, the intake of vitamins or minerals is often entirely useless.

Hair formation

Hair originates in a structure called the pilosebaceous follicle, situated deep within the skin of the scalp. Meanwhile, sebaceous glands produce sebum, a specific fat that helps maintain soft skin and lustrous hair.

Hair composition

The hair is composed of plaque-like cells that adhere to each other, similar to the way roof tiles lie. The cells are made of keratin, the same protein that forms the nails and the outermost layer of our skin.

Why hair gets dirty

Hair is particularly adept at absorbing greasy or oily substances. Hair dirt comes in two types: sebaceous and environmental. The former is caused by the sebum that is found on the skin’s surface with which the hair comes into contact. Meanwhile, environmental dirt is mainly caused by air pollution.

Hair washing

Dirty hair appears weighed down and dull, and tends to stick to the skin. When this happens, it creates an environment for bacteria that are responsible for bad odors and worsening dandruff to thrive.

When to wash your hair

Hair should be washed whenever it is dirty. It is not true that frequent washings can damage hair. For example, there are many athletes who train twice a day or more, and who wash their hair after every session without experiencing issues.

How to wash hair: DermaClub recommends

For washing hair, specific soaps known as shampoos are used. Shampoos are a mixture of detergents and help to degrease the hair. Proper washing requires using a small amount of shampoo, massaging the hair and not the scalp, and then rinsing immediately. Although often seen on television advertisements, if shampoo is massaged onto the skin, it can cause inflammation known as detergent dermatitis, which can provoke itching and dandruff. DermaClub recommends using Dermictiol Shampoo, a non-foaming detergent that rinses out quickly.

Alternatives to shampoo

When the scalp is prone to redness, itching, or dandruff, shampoos can be aggressive and can worsen the situation. In such cases, it is better to use modern washing creams such as Eudermic Cleansing Base for hair washing. This is a cleansing formula that is low-foaming and non-irritating to the skin.

Drying hair

After washing, hair should be dried with a cotton towel to eliminate water, followed by a drying with a hairdryer to remove residual moisture. Be aware that using a hairdryer for too long can weaken the hair, cause skin dryness and itching, and stimulate sebum secretion.

Combing hair

Hair can be combed daily, however each stroke of the brush or comb causes traction on the hair due to its resistance to the brush. The hair’s resistance to combing is greater if the hair is long, curly, treated with lacquers or gels, bleached, wet, or salty. To make the hair more manageable, it should be conditioned with a balm and thoroughly dried.

Hairsprays and gels

Hairsprays and gels are used to style hair. While these products do not damage the hair, they can increase dirt absorption, which may mean hair needs to be washed more frequently.

Hair coloring and bleaching

Hair coloring or bleaching do not pose particular problems to the hair if done by a professional. Doing it yourself, however, can result in allergies to the dyes or damage to the hair structure.

Ethnic hairstyles

Some ethnic hairstyles, used to decorate the head and currently in fashion, subject the hair to excessive traction, risking breakage. Ethnic hairstyles are suitable for some ethnicities with particularly robust hair.

Hair cutting and shaving

The hair can be cut and shaved at will. It is not true that cutting the hair will make it stronger, but it can improve its overall appearance.

Conclusion

Hair is a valuable asset to our appearance and should be treated adequately using new developments in knowledge and dispelling long-held myths.