Hair follicles grow virtually everywhere on the human body and some hairs is so fine they are virtually invisible to the naked eye. Hair itself is made up of a protein called keratin that is produced in hair follicles in the outer layer of skin. As follicles produce new hair cells, old cells are being pushed out through the surface of the skin at the rate of about six inches a year. The hair you can see is actually a string of dead keratin cells.

At any one time, about 90% of the hair on a person's scalp is growing. Each follicle has its own life cycle that can be influenced by age, disease, and a wide variety of other factors. This life cycle is divided into three phases:

  • Anagen -- active hair growth that lasts between two to six years
  • Catagen -- transitional hair growth that lasts two to three weeks
  • Telogen -- resting phase that lasts about two to three months; at the end of the resting phase the hair is shed and a new hair replaces it and the growing cycle starts again.

The average adult head has about 100,000 to 150,000 hairs and normally sheds anywhere from 50 to 100 of them per day so if you happen to notice a few hairs in the sink, pillow, or brush, there is no need to worry. However, if you see an acceleration of your hair loss, find a local hair loss professional that offers Trichology and/or hair enhancement services. Natural hair loss preventive measures are available that can slow down or even stop hair loss dead in its tracks.

If hair loss is affecting your life and would like to get answers about restoring or preserving your hair, call Elite Solutions Hair Loss Specialists of Sacramento and let us help you find your way back to a natural full head of hair. Book your free assessment and analysis today!