SKINPEDIA
HOW TO SUPPORT HAIR GROWTH NATURALLY
SCIENTIFIC HAIR CARE
As a beauty industry expert with a deep scientific commitment, I find the complexity of hair fascinating. While we often think of hair simply in terms of what we see on our heads, it's actually a sophisticated mini-organ that performs multiple functions and responds to various internal and external factors. Let me share with you the science behind hair and how this knowledge can help you better care for yours.
Laura Zackarya
This understanding of hair biology has helped shape many of our hair care products at #PROSTO COSMETICS, where we focus on supporting both the visible hair shaft and the living follicle beneath the surface. By working with nature's processes rather than against them, we can achieve better and more sustainable results in hair care.
THE BASIC STRUCTURE OF HAIR: UNDERSTANDING HAIR ANATOMY & HEALTH
When we look at a strand of hair, we're only seeing part of the story. Each hair has two main components:
When we look at a strand of hair, we're only seeing part of the story. Each hair has two main components:
- The hair shaft - the visible part above the skin
- The hair follicle - the living part beneath the surface
- The cuticle (outer layer) - overlapping cells that protect the inner structure
- The cortex (middle layer) - determines hair's strength, texture, and color
- The medulla (center) - present only in thicker hair types
HOW THE HAIR FOLLICLE WORKS
The hair follicle is remarkably complex, containing:
An outer root sheath with valuable stem cells
An inner root sheath that guides and shapes the growing hair
The hair bulb, where actual hair production occurs
The dermal papilla, which controls hair growth and characteristics
As Martel et al. (2024) explain, the dermal papilla acts like a control center, producing growth factors that determine your hair's thickness and color. This is why factors affecting blood circulation to the scalp can impact hair growth and health.
The hair follicle is remarkably complex, containing:
An outer root sheath with valuable stem cells
An inner root sheath that guides and shapes the growing hair
The hair bulb, where actual hair production occurs
The dermal papilla, which controls hair growth and characteristics
As Martel et al. (2024) explain, the dermal papilla acts like a control center, producing growth factors that determine your hair's thickness and color. This is why factors affecting blood circulation to the scalp can impact hair growth and health.
THE GROWTH CYCLE: 3 KEY PHASES
Current science recognizes four distinct stages of hair growth:
ANAGEN (Growing Phase)
Current science recognizes four distinct stages of hair growth:
ANAGEN (Growing Phase)
- The longest phase, lasting 2-7 years
- 85-90% of your scalp hair is in this phase
- Determines your maximum hair length
- Brief period lasting about 2 weeks
- Only 1-3% of scalp hair in this phase
- Hair follicles shrink and growth slows
- Hair separates from the bottom of the follicle
- Lasts 2-4 months
- About 10-15% of scalp hair is in this phase
- Ends with the hair shedding naturally
Losing 50-100 hairs daily is normal
MAINTAINING HEALTHY HAIR GROWTH
Science-backed strategies for optimal hair health include:
NUTRITION FOR HAIR HEALTH:
- Focus on protein-rich foods (lean meats, fish, beans, legumes)
- Essential nutrients include: Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Iron (especially crucial for women), Zinc, Folic acid, Vitamin B12
- Telogen effluvium (accelerated hair loss)
- Trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling)
- Alopecia areata (autoimmune hair loss)
- Regular yoga practice
- Meditation
- Breathing exercises
- Professional counseling when needed
PROPER HAIR CARE PRACTICES
Choose products suited to your hair type
Avoid very hot water when washing
Gentle towel drying (hair is most vulnerable when wet)
Reduce heat styling temperature
Use appropriate conditioning treatments
Choose products suited to your hair type
Avoid very hot water when washing
Gentle towel drying (hair is most vulnerable when wet)
Reduce heat styling temperature
Use appropriate conditioning treatments
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Hair growth follows a mainly 3 phase cycle
- Healthy hair starts with proper scalp care
- Normal daily hair loss (50-100 strands) is part of the natural cycle
- Nutrition and stress management play crucial roles in hair health
- Environmental protection is essential for maintaining hair quality
- Remember, while hair concerns are common, many are treatable when addressed early. If you notice significant changes in your hair's quality or quantity, consult a dermatologist for proper evaluation and treatment.
For the love of skin science,
always yours, Laura Z.
Sources:
always yours, Laura Z.
Sources:
- Buffoli B, Rinaldi F, Labanca M, et al. The human hair: from anatomy to physiology. Int J Dermatol. 2014;53(3):331-41.
- Martel JL, Miao JH, Badri T, Fakoya AO. Anatomy, Hair Follicle. StatPearls Publishing. 2024.
- Paul, J., Roland, J. "What Are the Four Stages of Hair Growth?" Healthline. 2024.
- Paus R, Ito N, Takigawa M, Ito T. The hair follicle and immune privilege. J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc. 2003.
- Murphrey MB, Agarwal S, Zito PM. Anatomy, Hair. StatPearls Publishing. 2023.