What is the structure of hair and how does it grow

As per AURA HAIR EXPERT, Hair has a complex structure and grows through a cyclical process. Here’s an overview of the structure of hair and how it grows:

Hair Structure:

1. Hair Follicle: The hair follicle is a small, tube-like structure located in the skin’s dermal layer. It serves as the foundation for hair growth. Each hair follicle contains a hair bulb at its base, which houses the actively dividing cells responsible for hair production.

2. Hair Shaft: The hair shaft is the visible part of the hair that extends above the skin’s surface. It’s composed of three main layers:

Cuticle: The outermost layer of the hair shaft, consisting of overlapping scale-like cells that protect the inner layers.
Cortex: The middle layer, comprising keratin fibers responsible for the hair’s strength, elasticity, and color.
Medulla: The innermost layer, often absent in fine hair. It’s a soft, spongy region that doesn’t contribute significantly to hair’s structural integrity.

Hair Growth Cycle:
Hair growth occurs in a cyclical pattern, consisting of three main phases:

1. Anagen Phase (Growth Phase): This is the active growth phase of hair. The hair follicle is producing new cells rapidly, and the hair shaft grows longer. This phase can last anywhere from 2 to 7 years, depending on factors such as genetics and location on the body. Hair grows around half an inch (1.25 cm) per month during this phase.

2. Catagen Phase (Transitional Phase): In this short transitional phase lasting about 2 to 3 weeks, the hair follicle shrinks and detaches from the dermal papilla (a structure that supplies nutrients to the hair bulb). The hair shaft is no longer growing during this phase.

3. Telogen Phase (Resting Phase): This is a resting phase that lasts around 3 to 4 months. During telogen, the hair follicle is in a resting state, and the old hair shaft remains anchored in the follicle but isn’t growing. At the end of this phase, the old hair is shed to make way for new hair growth.

After the telogen phase, the cycle typically re-enters the anagen phase with the growth of a new hair shaft, and the cycle repeats.

Factors Affecting Hair Growth:
AURA HAIR EXPERT BELIVE Several factors influence hair growth, including genetics, age, hormones, health, and nutrition. Hormones like androgens (e.g., testosterone) can influence the growth cycle and hair thickness. AURA HAIR EXPERT ALSO BELIVE THAT Hair growth can also be affected by external factors such as stress, medications, and certain medical conditions.

As per AURA HAIR EXPERT Hair growth patterns and characteristics can vary among individuals due to these factors, resulting in differences in hair length, texture, and thickness.