The hair growth cycle is ongoing, and on an average day, 90% of your hair is in the resting phase while the other 10% is either growing or shedding. Balding occurs when the hair sheds, and no hair re-grows to replace it. Hair is made of keratin, the same material that makes up your nails and the outer layer of your skin. Hair is really a dead structure while the follicular bulb is the growing center.  Because the actual strand of hair is not alive, hot curlers, chemical processing, hard plastic combs can cause damage and lead to split ends and fracturing of the shafts.

The hair growth cycle begins with the anagen or growth phase. During this phase cells in the root of the hair divide to add to the hair shaft. Depending on your genetics, the growth phase can last anywhere from 2 to 6 years. As the anagen phase comes to an end, an unknown signal tells the hair to enter the next stage. The hair grows about a fourth of an inch each month, and though it is technically dead, a healthy hair care regimen can keep it looking beautiful while it’s in the anagen phase.

The catagen stage follows the anagen phase and is made up of a 2-3 week transitional period in which the hair is no longer growing. During this stage, a club hair is formed. A club hair occurs when the section of the hair follicle attaches to the hair shaft, cutting the follicle off from its blood supply and the cells that produce new hair. This club hair leads to the next stage of the hair growth and shedding cycle.

The final stage of the hair growth and shedding cycle is the telogen or resting phase. During this two to four month phase, the hair begins to shed at normal levels, and the anagen phase begins again producing new hair.

The average person sheds around 100 telogen-stage hairs a day between brushing the hair, showering, and other activities. High-stress and trauma like high fevers, nutritional deficiencies, pneumonia, and accidents can cause hair to shed in higher than normal amounts. Patterned baldness (androgenetic alopecia) occurs when hair production slows and beings to produce weak, shorter hairs, eventually ceasing to grow completely in some areas.

Men and women often lose hair for different reasons and should be properly diagnosed before beginning any hair restoration treatment. Depending on the cause of your hair loss, there are both surgical and non-surgical treatment options including hair restoration surgery and medications like Propecia®, Rogaine®, and Proscar®.

For more information on hair loss causes and hair restoration, contact the Griffin Center of Hair Restoration and Research. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter for more hair regrowth news and updates.

While studying the genetic defect vitiligo (a condition marked by patches of bleached skin that lack pigment), European scientists noticed that bleached skin was essentially caused by elevated levels of hydrogen peroxide in the skin that was negatively affecting and blocking the enzyme catalase. The scientists began to wonder if the same was true of graying hair. It was found that the natural build up of hydrogen peroxide in hair cells can similarly work to block pigment (melanin) in the hair – ultimately bleaching it and turning it gray or white.

Scientists are hopeful that this may help explain the link between gray hair and stress, but they are careful to note that heredity is still the number one influencing factor in graying. They are also careful to note that, while gray hair may make people look older, there is no link whatsoever to graying and premature aging.

For more information on hair, hair restoration, and/or hair loss contact Dr. Edmond Griffin of the Griffin Center of Hair Restoration & Research.

     While scientists have not been able to pin point direct environmental causes  that lead to increased hair-loss beginning in the spring, many speculate that exposure to sunlight is directly related.  As we know from research findings regarding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), the amount of sunlight we’re exposed to during the day can directly affect hormone levels and emotions.  Findings from experimental studies suggest that hair-loss might be controlled by limiting amounts of direct sun exposure, thus changing the melatonin secretion rate and its effects on the hormone receptors located in the scalp.  Probably a wise decision as over-exposure to Ultraviolet light can have less than favorable dermatological effects.  

     One thing that is scientifically known is that shedding hair is a completely normal part of the hair growth cycle.  The hair growth cycle is composed of three phases:  anagan (growth phase), catagen (degradation phase), and telogen (resting phase.)  Normally, individuals shed anywhere from 50-150 strands of hair on a daily basis.  The rate of seasonal hair loss varies greatly from person to person, but like hair loss during any other part of the year can usually be minimized by maintaining a proper diet, not smoking, avoiding harsh chemical hair treatments, and seeking medical attention for any known hormonal imbalances. 

If you have any questions about hair-loss or hair restoration, call our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Edmond Griffin, or visit our website.

Wearing a baseball cap without adequately shampooing can be unhealthy for your hair and scalp though. Especially in the warmer months, wearing a hat leads to a buildup in sweat, dirt, and dead skin, which over long period of time, may lead to scalp irritation or clogged pores. Shampooing everyday and wearing a clear cap will help prevent any problem and will not increase your chances for going bald.

If you are a man losing your hair, it is most likely the cause of male pattern baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia, which is a trait frequently seen in men due to the influence of the hormone dihydrotestosterone. Patten baldness in men most frequently causes balding on the top and or front of the head, while the hair on the back and sides remains intact.  This type of baldness can be attributed to genetics, and unfortunately is progressive, and permanent. Baldness is very common, with at least 80 percent of all men affected by at least some degree of it.

If you are experiencing baldness or would like to ask questions about some other hair loss myths you have heard, contact Dr. Edmond Griffin of the Griffin Center for Hair Restoration & Research.