🧬 Hair Follicles: How They Work and What’s Ahead for Hair Growth

By Jackie Boatwright-Daus

What Is a Hair Follicle?

A hair follicle is a small but complex structure inside the skin that produces hair. At its base, tiny blood vessels deliver oxygen and nutrients, allowing new hair cells to form. As these cells multiply and move upward, they combine to create the visible strand of hair that grows out of the scalp.

Think of a hair follicle as a tiny powerhouse — always working behind the scenes to grow, rest, and renew your hair in a natural rhythm.

The Hair Growth Cycle

Human hair follows a repeating cycle with four stages:

1. Anagen (Growth): A long-lasting phase when hair grows actively and becomes thicker.

2. Catagen (Transition): A short stage when the follicle shrinks and growth slows down.

3. Telogen (Rest): Hair remains in place but no longer lengthens.

4. Exogen (Shedding): The old strand is released so a new one can take its place.

Because of this cycle, it is normal to shed 50–100 hairs every day.

🌟 Fun Facts About Hair Follicles

• People are born with about 5 million follicles, and no new ones develop later in life.

• Roughly 100,000 follicles are located on the scalp.

• Hair is the body’s second fastest-growing tissue, behind bone marrow.

• The shape of each follicle determines whether hair grows straight, wavy, or curly.

• Even a single strand of hair is surprisingly strong and can support up to 100 grams.

🚨 When to See a Trichologist

You may need advice from a hair and scalp specialist if you notice:

• Rapid or unusual shedding.

• Bald patches or a widening hair part.

• Ongoing pain, itching, irritation, or flaking of the scalp.

• Hair that suddenly weakens, breaks, or changes texture.

Seeking help early improves the chances of protecting follicles and supporting healthy regrowth.

🌿 New Treatments on the Horizon

Researchers continue to study newer approaches that may help calm scalp inflammation, improve circulation, and encourage dormant follicles to regenerate. While these options are still being investigated, they suggest a hopeful future for people experiencing hair loss.

✅ Takeaway

Hair follicles may be tiny, but they are remarkably powerful. By moving through cycles of growth, rest, and renewal, they ensure that your hair remains healthy over time.

If you notice unusual shedding or scalp changes, don’t wait—get professional guidance. The earlier you act, the better your results may be.

✨ Call to Action

Ready to take the next step toward healthier, fuller hair? 📞 Call today to schedule your consultation and explore the best options for supporting your scalp and hair growth.

“Because every strand deserves something Juanderful.”

✨Jackie Boatwright-Daus,

📍 3006 Clairmont Road

📍Suite 112

📍Brookhaven, GA 30329

📞 678-369-0346

🌐 www.juanderfulaesthetics.com