Your hair is the fastest growing tissue in your body. Made up of proteins called keratins, each strand of hair is comprised of three layers. They are: the medulla [the inner layer], the cortex [the middle layer] and the cuticle [the outer layer].
Interestingly, the medulla is only found in thick hairs, while the cortex determines the color, strength, and texture of your hair. The cuticle meanwhile protects the cortex.
Everyone knows that hair grows from the roots, but only a few are aware that the roots of our hair are alive. They are covered in follicles. Below the roots is a layer of skin called dermal papilla. The dermal papilla feeds on nourishment that the bloodstream provides which are absolutely vital for hair growth. The lack of such nourishment to the roots is one reason why baldness could occur.
The scalp is equally important and one must maintain it well for good hair growth. The hormone called androgens determines hair growth. It could cause hair to start thinning which could eventually lead to baldness. On an average count, each scalp contains approximately 100,000 – 150,000 hair follicles and hairs; of which 90% are constantly growing.
Hair growth has three stages: anagen, catagen, and telogen. Anagen is the first stage of hair growth, and this is where hair grows actively. This stage lasts longer for women than men. The second stage, catagen is when the hair falls out. This stage does not cause baldness. Loss of hair is natural, and an estimated hair loss of 100 hairs per day is considered normal. The final stage, telogen, is when hair stops growing, and ‘rests’.