Before we dive in, let’s flashback to science class for moment; there may be a pop quiz so pay attention to Professor Vassell! :-) In order to maintain healthy hair, I believe it’s important to know and understand the three phases of the growth cycle – Anagen, Categen, and Telogen. First up is Anagen, the Growth Phase. Approximately 85% of the hair on your head is in the growth stage at any given time. This period lasts for about 2 – 6 years. As I’m sure you’ve already reasoned this phase determines the length of your hair. Obviously, the longer your hair remains in the Anagen Phase, the longer it will grow. Clients always ask me, “Why doesn’t my hair grow longer?” You now know this is due to a short active phase growth.
Next is Categen, the Transitional Phase. When the Anagen Phase ends, hair enters into a Categen Phase which lasts about 2 -3 weeks. During this time the outer hair follicle shrinks to about 1/6th of the normal diameter. The root is diminished and the dermal papilla (group of cells that form the structure directly below the hair follicle) breaks away and rests below the scalp.
Finally there is the Telogen, the Resting Phase, which lasts about 5 – 6 weeks. Approximately 10 to 15 percent of all hairs on your head are in this resting phase at any given moment. At the end of this stage, the hair follicle re-enters the growth phase. The dermal papilla and the base of the follicle join together again and a new hair begins to form. In some cases, the new hair will push the old hair out of the way and the hair growth cycle starts all over again.
So now that you know all about the growth cycles, how do you maintain healthy hair? I think most people focus on the stuff they put on their hair. However, research shows that more attention is needed to the stuff we put into our bodies. So apart from the good shampoos and conditioners I recommended in my previous blog, you have to eat foods that support healthy hair growth. According to webmd.com, "If you eat a healthy diet, you will grow stronger and healthier cells throughout your entire body -- inside and out."
To get you on a path to “good” hair here are some foods you can incorporate into your diet:
1. Salmon - Rich in omega3 fatty acids
2. Green Veggies – Leafy green vegetables are an excellent source of vitamins and nutriments. Romaine lettuce, broccoli and spinach is a good place to start.
3. Beans- chock full of biotin (biotin deficiency can promote hair loss)
4. Nuts - Such as brazil nuts & almonds
5. Oysters – You’d better pack up on those oysters! Not only are they known as an aphrodisiac, it’s an antioxidant and a great source of zinc.
6. Whole grains
In addition to eating a healthy diet, there are some basic steps you can take to pamper your tresses. Brush your hair often. Brushing stimulates the scalp and blow flow, which in turn promotes hair growth. Trim ends about every 4 -8 weeks, deep condition weekly or biweekly by using Moroccanoil Hydrating Mask or Mizani Renew Strength Reconstructing Masque. Top it off with a good leave-in conditioner, such as Mizani Thermasmooth Smooth Guard Smoothing Serum.
Pop quiz! So what are the three phase of the hair growth cycle? Name three foods that nourish your body and hair? What two things should you do to your hair often? If you answered with ease, you are on your way to super healthy hair. If not, you have a little more studying to do. Until next time…
Nadia Vassell
One popular misconception about trimming your hair is that if you trim your hair every six to eight weeks, it will promote hair growth". Where is the Jeoprady buzzer when I need it!!!
ReplyDeleteHair grows from its roots and not its tips, Im not gonna get all scientific on you, but it is the activity in the root, the hair follicile, that predict the speeed of growth. Cutting the tips of the hair does nothing, it only gives your hair a cleaner more beautiful look.