It’s time to discover the world of hair. From the microscopic world of hair follicles to the kaleidoscope of colours shaped by melanin. You’ll find out all about the building blocks of your locks, how we have different hair textures, and ways to keep your hair healthy.

1. Hair grows from hair follicles!

Hair growth is a process that starts from tiny hair follicles nestled in your skin.

These follicles act as the root of your hair.

Your scalp has around 100,000 to 150,000 hair follicles.

This is the average number of follicles on your head, and the actual number of strands you have can be influenced by genetic factors and age.

2. There’s lots of different hair colours because of the amount and type of melanin in the hair.

There’s so many hair colours from jet black to golden blonde, and it’s all because of melanin.

Melanin is a pigment present in your hair that comes in different amounts and types.

The unique combination of melanin in your hair determines its colour, making each person’s hair a natural work of art.

3. Hair is made up of a protein called keratin.

Zooming into the structure of a single hair strand reveals a fascinating composition.

Each strand is crafted from a protein called keratin.

This protein is the building block of your hair, with the outer layer known as the cuticle acting like a protective shield for the inner layers.

4. Hair grows around half an inch a month!

On average, hair grows about half an inch per month.

However, the rate of growth can vary from person to person.

Your scalp has around 100,000 to 150,000 hair follicles.

Professor Hallux tells you all about hair and nails here!

5. On average you can lose 50 – 100 hairs daily!

It might sound surprising, but losing some hair every day is entirely normal.

On average, adults bid farewell to 50 to 100 hairs daily as part of the natural hair growth cycle.

So, if you find a few strands on your brush, don’t worry – it’s just a routine shedding process.

6. The shape of the hair follicle determines if your hair is straight, wavy or curly.

Hair can be straight, wavy, or curly.

The shape of the hair follicle determines the texture of the hair.

People with round follicles usually have straight hair, while oval-shaped follicles result in wavy or curly hair.

7. People have been styling their hair for thousands of years!

The story of hair styling is as ancient as civilisation itself for example the braided wigs that Egyptian Pharaohs would wear.

For thousands of years, people have expressed their individuality through creative hairstyles from classic braids and ponytails to different colours and unique cuts.

8. Hair goes through a growth cycle!

Hair doesn’t just grow endlessly; it embarks on a growth cycle.

This cycle involves four stages: Anagen, Catagen, Telogen & Exogen.

Anagen

The Anagen Phase, also known as the Growth Phase, is when hair cells in the root divide rapidly, resulting in around half an inch of hair growth per month. On average, this phase lasts 3-5 years.

Catagen

The Catagen Phase lasts for 10 days and marks the end of active hair growth as individual hairs are disconnected from the blood supply and the cells responsible for new hair production. Lasting about 10 days, approximately 3% of all hairs are in this stage at any given time in the hair growth cycle.

Telogen

This is the resting period where hair strands remain in their follicles without active growth. Lasting about 3 months, an estimated 10-15% of hairs are in the Telogen Phase at any given time.

Exogen

This is the last stage where individual hair strands are released from their follicles and naturally fall out. This marks the completion of the cycle, allowing the process to begin a fresh with the growth of new hair.

9. Hair turns grey when you get older.

As people get older, their hair might start to turn grey or white.

This happens when the pigment cells in the hair follicles gradually die, and less melanin is produced.

Learn more about grey hair here!

10. It’s important to protect your hair from the sun.

Just as you shield your skin from the sun’s rays, your hair deserves protection too.

Wearing hats or using hair products with SPF becomes your hair’s armour against harmful UV rays, ensuring it stays strong and healthy.