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Hair is the fastest growing tissue of the body, made up of
proteins called keratins. Every strand of hair is made up of
three layers: the inner layer or medulla (only present in
thick hairs); the middle layer or cortex, which determines
the strength, texture, and color of hair; and the cuticle,
which protects the cortex.
Hair grows from roots, which are
enclosed in follicles. Below this is a layer of skin called
the dermal papilla, which is fed by the bloodstream carrying
nourishments vital to the growth of hair. Only the roots of
hair are actually alive, while the visible part of hair is
dead tissue, and therefore unable to heal itself.
Alopecia, or hair loss, can occur anywhere on the body, it
affects us most when it happens on the scalp where the loss
can be embarrassing and difficult to cover up.
Most female hair loss occurs over the entire scalp. Women's
hair loss normally begins at any age through 50, or later,
and may not have any hereditary association. Woman
experiencing hair loss can seek advice from a professional
in hair restoration. Be aware that sometimes hair loss can
be a sign of illness.
In some women, improper care can cause hair loss. This would
be most common for women who wear their hair in pigtails or
tight cornrows. Pulling and tugging can cause hair loss and
promotes scarring of the scalp. If the pulling and tugging
is discontinued the hair will usually grow back normally.
Years of this type of abuse can cause permanent scarring
which can prevent regrowth of hair.
Approximately 35 million men in the United States suffer
from hair loss. It is called male pattern hair loss. This
hair loss usually starts at an early age and develops into
more extensive baldness due to inherited trait. DHT causes
hairloss in men, which is a hormone in men that causes the
hair follicle to shrink.
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