Hair loss is something that many people worry about, and it can be a bit upsetting. Let’s dive into the science of why hair loss happens, how hair grows, and what causes balding.
Did you know that a full head of hair usually has between 100,000 to 150,000 strands? Hair not only makes us look good but also keeps our heads warm and protects our skulls. Hair is mostly made of keratin, a protein that comes from dead cells pushed up as new cells grow underneath.
Hair grows in a cycle with three main stages:
This is when hair is actively growing. Hair follicles make hair fibers, and hair grows about one centimeter each month. Depending on your genes, this phase can last from two to seven years.
After the growth phase, hair follicles start to shrink. This phase lasts a few weeks and cuts off the blood supply to the follicle, creating club hair, which is ready to fall out.
This phase lasts about 10 to 12 weeks. During this time, around 10 to 15 percent of hair follicles stop being active. People usually shed about 100 to 200 club hairs each day. Once the old hair falls out, the cycle starts again.
Not everyone goes through a full hair growth cycle. Many men, especially in their 30s, might get stuck in the telogen phase, leading to hair loss, also known as alopecia. While balding mostly affects men, women and kids can also lose hair.
One big reason for hair loss is the hormone testosterone, which turns into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Some people’s hair follicles are very sensitive to DHT, making them shrink and produce thinner hair. Eventually, these follicles might stop making hair altogether.
If you notice more hair falling out, it’s a good idea to talk to a dermatologist. They can help and suggest treatments like special hair oils or shampoos. Washing your hair regularly is also important for keeping your scalp healthy.
By age 50, about 85 percent of men experience some balding, mostly due to genetics, called androgenetic alopecia. Understanding why hair loss happens can help people take steps to keep their hair healthy.
Hair Growth Observation: Over the next week, observe and record how much your hair grows. Use a ruler to measure a small section of your hair at the beginning and end of the week. Discuss with your family or friends if they notice any changes in their hair growth. How does your hair growth compare to the average growth rate of one centimeter per month?
Protein and Hair Connection: Since hair is made mostly of keratin, a protein, explore foods that are rich in protein. With the help of an adult, make a list of protein-rich foods you eat in a week. Discuss how these foods might help in keeping your hair healthy. Can you think of other parts of your body that might benefit from protein?
Understanding Hair Loss: Create a simple chart to track the number of hairs you find on your pillow or in your hairbrush each day for a week. Remember, losing 100 to 200 hairs a day is normal. At the end of the week, calculate the average number of hairs lost per day. Discuss with your class or family if this number seems normal based on what you learned about the hair growth cycle.
