How does hair growth happen?

From the outside, hair doesn't look like living cells. However, in terms of cells, not all hairs are dead, they actually contain living components, growing and dying in cycles, manifested through hair growth and hair loss. Proper hair care can make all the difference in helping your hair grow longer and look healthier.

Have you ever stopped to think about what your hair is actually made of? You probably know that hair is made up of tough proteins and that each hair grows from a corresponding hair follicle, located in the scalp.
Surely many of us have tried to make our hair grow faster by trying multiple layers of products that are said to stimulate hair growth. However, it is a fact that none of these products really work. The reason for this is simple: nothing you put on your hair can make your hair grow faster, because all the hair you can see on your body is made of it. from non-viable cells.
This does not mean that your entire hair is dead. Read on to better understand this surprising phenomenon and how it affects the hair growth cycle.

No matter where on the body, you can find hair. Hair grows from hair follicles on almost every part, except for places like: lips, palms, and soles of feet.
On some areas, such as the scalp, hair can grow up to several tens of centimeters. In other areas, your hair is softer, lighter, and relatively short. But all the hairs you see on your body have at least one thing in common: They're actually dead.
Under the microscope, each strand of your hair or hair looks like a thick tube. This structure is called the hair shaft. A tough protein called keratin, the main building block of your hair. In addition, keratin is also the main component of skin and nails.
Inside the hair root is a hair follicle. This structure is where living hair forms, as your blood vessels supply nutrients to the cells within. Then, hair or hair cells grow out of the follicle, which is when you can see the hair and hair on your skin.
Next, a sequence of new cells is created in place of the old cells. This process leads to your actual hairline appearance. As hair follicles continuously push out old cells and make new ones, hair will take root in the scalp and skin in other areas of the body. This is why any home remedy or over-the-counter treatment for hair growth focuses on the scalp and hair follicles, not the visible part of the hair. That's also why when you cut your hair, you don't feel pain at all because there are no living cells to transmit pain sensations to your brain.
Each hair follicle has a different lifespan. Hair follicles go through growth, transition, and resting phases, or hair loss. On average, it is normal for your scalp to naturally release 50 to 100 hairs a day from your hair follicles. This happens when the hair follicles enter the renewal phase, resting and temporarily taking a break from pushing the hairs out.

Although hair is made up of cells that are no longer living, you can still take care of your strands to help them look their best. Healthy and well-groomed hair often has a shiny and flexible appearance. Here are some simple and effective hair care remedies:
Keep your hair clean. This doesn't always involve washing your hair every day, but it does mean you have to figure out how often to wash your hair and what products are best for your hair type. Do not take a bath that is too hot. Hot showers can actually damage hair strands and rob them of moisture. Ending each shower with a splash of cool water to seal and protect your strands is advisable. Limit heat styling when possible. Styling your hair with heat will make the hair shaft dry from the inside and more prone to breakage. Limiting heat styling to once or twice a week and giving your hair more rest are among the tips for healthy hair. Cut your hair regularly. Get a haircut every 10 to 12 weeks to get rid of split ends. Good nutrition. Try to eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in protein, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. Maintaining a healthy diet as well as combining proper hair care will help stimulate hair growth and limit damage to your hair.
For more great tips about your own hair and scalp, you can visit the website of Vinmec International General Hospital to get more useful information.

Reference source: healthline.com