Hair Growth Facts

Share on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on Pinterest

Here is a mini lesson on the structure of hair and hair growth facts. I will not go into depth but this will provide an overview for you because I do reference some of these hair growth facts through out the site.

Parts of human hair

Human hair has 2 main parts: the hair root which is below the scalp and the hair shaft which is basically the part of the hair you see.

Hair Anatomy Diagram

Hair Anatomy Diagram

Selected hair structure definitions:

Follicle– tube like area that contains the hair root

Sebaceous gland– gland of the skin that secretes the oil sebum, sebum provides lubrication to the skin, hair and scalp.

Hair shaft– the part of the hair which grows out from the skin. It consists of an outer layer called a cuticle, a middle layer called the cortex, and an inner layer called the medulla (fine hair does not always have a medulla layer)

 

 

The Hair Growth Cycle

Understanding the facts about the hair growth cycle is important because there are many myths surrounding how hair grows. There are 3 phases of the hair growth cycle; these phases repeat. On average a person grows about 1/2 inch or 1.25 cm of hair each month.

Anagen Phase– new hair grows, this phase usually last from 3-5 years but can be longer for some people. When you see individuals with extremely long hair they probably have a longer than average anagen phase. About 90% of hair is in this phase at one time.

Catagen phase– the hair begins to transition into a rest phase, it is the end of the growth phase. About 1% of hair is in this phase at one time. This is the shortest phase and usually only last a couple of weeks.

Telogen phase– the hair is no longer growing and eventually sheds. About 10% of hair is in this phase at a time; it typically lasts 3-6 months.

Hair Growth Cycle Diagram

Hair Growth Cycle Diagram

 

Click here for more hair growth facts




 

 

Source Milady’s Standard Cosmetology (c) 2004

 

Natural Hair Growth Update

Natural Hair Growth Update

So I know I mentioned to you all that I was seriously thinking about cutting my hair.  I was just tired of the time it was taking me to style it at this length particularly with a new baby.  Long hair of any texture takes time.  This is something to really think about if you’re […]

Read More →

Curly Kids Coloring Book

Curly Kids Coloring Book

Whenever the slightest thought of giving up on my natural hair journey crosses my mind I think of my daughters. Yes even after almost 15 years as a natural I sometimes think about giving it up, but my daughters keep me motivated. I want them to know that they are beautiful in all of their […]

Read More →

Should I cut my hair?

Should I cut my hair?

    So after about 5 years of having waist length hair I am seriously considering cutting my natural hair.  I have 2 children and a busier lifestyle than I did when I first decided to grow my hair long.   Yes I keep it simple but caring for long natural hair still takes time. Overall […]

Read More →

Advertise with Us

Advertise with Us

  Interested in advertising on Natural Hair Growth 101? Want Ms Lala to come and speak at your next event? We offer various forms of advertising. Contact us at info@naturalhairgrowth101.com for more information.  

Read More →

4 Steps to Long Locs

4 Steps to Long Locs

Over the years I have often considered letting go of my fro and locing my natural hair.  However after much consideration and research I realized that locs require quite a bit of work and time to maintain just like loose hair.  I have met women with natural hair who decide to loc to make hair […]

Read More →

Serayah’s Fabulous Curly Hair on Empire

Serayah’s Fabulous Curly Hair on Empire

On Wednesday nights my guilty pleasure is Empire.  Great acting, engaging story lines,  and good music, but… another thing that keeps me coming back is Serayah.  Serayah McNeil is the lovely singer and actress who plays Tiana on Empire.  Not only is she talented, but her hair is just gorgeous and I think she is […]

Read More →

MSM for Hair Growth

MSM for Hair Growth

If you’re trying to grow longer hair faster or prevent hair loss you may be considering hair vitamins or a supplement.  While you should not rely on supplements to reach your goals, they can be beneficial to helping you reach your hair growth goal faster.  One that I personally like is MSM (methylsulfonylmethane).  Simply put […]

Read More →

5 Benefits of Proper Heat Use

5 Benefits of Proper Heat Use

Now I will be the first person to tell you that ditching the excess heat was one of the best things I did to help grow my hair.  However, heat is not “the devil” to be avoided at all costs.  While heat is definitely not essential to hair growth, there are some benefits to using […]

Read More →

Viola Davis’ Natural Style at the SAG awards

Viola Davis’ Natural Style at the SAG awards

Viola Davis looked absolutely lovely at the Screen Actors Guild Awards.  With grace and style she accepted her award and addressed issues of diversity and beauty standards in Hollywood.  In reference to her role in “How to Get Away with Murder”, Davis thanked her producers for believing a “mysterious woman could be a 49-year-old, dark-skinned, […]

Read More →

Winterizing your Natural Hair Care Routine

Winterizing your Natural Hair Care Routine

Winter time is here and it is important to adjust your natural hair routine accordingly.  In the summer time my hair just seems to flourish.  My hair loves the warmth and humidity. I’m originally from Chicago and they don’t call it the Windy City for nothing, it can get really cold and can damage fragile strands. […]

Read More →

Post a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Top