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32 WWW.UNWLA.ORG “НАШЕ ЖИТТЯ”, БЕРЕЗЕНЬ 2015 HAIR FACTS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW by Ihor Magun, MD, FACP Everyone admires and would like to have a gorgeous head of hair. After all, it plays such a vital role in our confidence and appearance. Many people believe that only our genet- ics has the final word when it comes to beautiful hair. Is this belief really true? Although we cannot change what nature gave us, knowledge about hair can help us outsmart nature and maxim- ize our look to be its best. (All references in this article will pertain exclusively to scalp hair.) A hair follicle consists of many parts. A “living” component—also known as the “bulb”—is present only in the skin. The shaft of a hair folli- cle, or the visible hair itself, begins under the skin and is made up of a hard protein that is no longer living. The inner layer of the shaft is called the medulla, the next layer is the cortex, and the outer layer is the cuticle. The medulla and the cortex give hair its color, and the cuticle is much like the bark of a tree—protecting the delicate interior of the hair shaft while allowing moisture in and out. It is strong and flexible, but also porous and per- meable. We are born with a finite amount of hair follicles on our scalp. This hair grows roughly six inches per year and is found in one of three stag- es. The growing period is referred to as the anagen phase, in which there is rapid cell division in the root and the hair is literally pushed out. The cells in this phase stay active for two to six years growing at a rate of one centimeter every twenty-eight days. Genetics determines the dura- tion of growth and, thus, the total length of the hair. For this reason, some individuals can grow long hair, and others simply cannot grow long hair due to a shorter active growth phase. The next stage is called the catagen or transitional stage, which lasts two to three weeks and in which there is no growth. Approximately three percent of hair is in this phase. Finally, telogen , or resting phase, accounts for roughly eight percent of all hair. Its duration is about one hundred days, and the hairs that we normally shed daily are in this phase. (There are one hundred thousand follicles on your scalp at birth, but their activity and num- ber decrease with aging.) Now that we know some information about hair, here are some additional facts to uti- lize to improve the look of the hair on the top of your head! Prevention of hair damage is always our goal. Therefore, keep in mind that hair is suscepti- ble to sunlight, pollution, and mechanical forces such as curling, pinning, binding, col- oring, perming, and bleaching. Choose hair products wisely, and avoid tight braiding, tight ponytails, or anything that constantly pulls on your hair. It goes without saying that proper use of all methods of hair care are al- ways necessary and that damage to the scalp can lead to hair loss, infections, and other is- sues. Curly hair is more vulnerable to cuticle dam- age due to its structure and a lower amount of internal moisture. If you have curly hair, you should moisturize more intensely and fre- quently. It is normal to lose eighty to one hundred hairs a day. Emotional stress, poor sleeping habits, and major illness can shift scalp follicles into a resting, telogen phase. This shift interferes with the necessary blood supply and leads to more than usually hair loss, but is reversible once the stress passes. Higher levels of estrogen seen during preg- nancy extend the active anagen phase result- ing in a fuller head of hair. Conversely during menopause, estrogen levels drop, causing hair loss. Good nutrition is crucial to good hair. Despite our genetics, adequate amounts of vitamin B complex, vitamin D, and a normal iron level are essential for maximizing healthy hair growth. Daily hair washing will not result in addition- al hair loss; however, it may deplete necessary oils for some individuals. The sebaceous (oil) gland conditions both the hair and scalp giv- ing hair a natural source of shine and promot- ing vital scalp health. When washing hair, use your best judgment, but do not wash your hair to the point that you remove this crucial oil. If you must wash your hair more than one time a day, it is advisable not to shampoo twice. Wet hair is fragile and can break easily. Exer- cise caution when brushing, combing, and es- pecially blow drying. Try to "towel-dry" your hair as much as possible, and if you blow dry, keep the dryer at a reasonable distance, and consider a lower heat setting. Do not be taken in with advertisements pro- moting gorgeous, flowing hair, and be vigilant about products that promote hair growth. Rogaine (minoxidil) is the only confirmed
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