All about hair

Hair is also known as 'Pilous Follicle'. A single hair is made up of a bulb rooted in the cavity of the epidermis. Hair is made from a protein called keratin, which is dead as it leaves the hair follicle. Hair is encased in a stocking like structure called a sheath, this is sometimes visible on waxed or plucked hairs. Hair grows about 1cm per month however this is dependent on various factors, including body area, nutritional balance, seasonal and hormonal influences e.g. menopause and pregancy.

There are three types and growth phases regarding hair.

Hair Types

Lanugo Hair

Lanugo hair is very fine and soft and present all over the body of a foetus from third to fifth month of gestation. A foetus lacks pigment and Lanugo hair acts as a protective covering. Lanugo hairs are shed from the body during the final trimester and replaced with a second generation of lanugo hair followed by vellus and terminal hairs with offer greater protection to for specific areas of the body.

Vellus Hair

Vellus hairs are thin (around 0.1mm and short under 2cm). They form a downy covering on a large majority of the body. Vellus hairs have shallow roots and generally lack pigment. If stimulated, vellus hairs in certain parts of the body may be transformed into terminal hairs.

Terminal Hairs

Terminal hairs are thicker (around 0.6mm) and longer (over 2cm). They develop from deep seated roots and are found protecting more vulnerable areas of the body. Terminal hairs are pigmented and form the coarse covering of vulnerable areas associated with:

The scalp, eyelashes and eyebrows in children; present at birth and known as asexual hair.
Underarms and pubic hairs which develop at puberty together with the hair of the lower legs and forearms of both male and females.
The coarse facial and body hair in males post puberty and the coarse male pattern hair growth that may be present in females due to a hormonal imbalance, e.g. menopause.

Hair growth pattern

Anagen

The active growing phase which can last from a few weeks to several years depending on the area of the body. Normally about 3 years. Ideally hair will be removed at this stage in order for waxing to be most successful. Hair removed at the anagen phase will have a visible black bulb, may also have a point at the end of the bulb. Sometimes the root sheath can be seen.

Catagen

A changing or transitional stage where the hair remains in the follicle but becomes detached from the blood supply, generally lasting approximately 2 weeks. Hair removed at this stage may have a small black bulb or a blunt end.

Telogen

This is the resting stage where the follicle shrinks and the detached hair will eventually work its way out of the follicle. In the lower part of the follicle new hair cells may be developing, this stage lasts generally 3/4 months. Sometimes a new hair and an old hair will both appear at the entrance to the follicle.

Ingrown hairs

Ingrown hairs can occur at any time, when the skin is dry, inadequate exfoliation or even if your hair is curly. Over exfoliation can actually make ingrown hairs worse. The hair becomes stuck under the skin due to a build up of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. You can help prevent ingrown hairs by moisturising and exfoliating regularly. Always remember to exfoliate gently by using a loofa, mitt, a home made or over the counter exfoliation product.

To get the most out of your waxing, you should ideally be waxed every 4 weeks - this is to encourage the anagen stage of hairs to grow at the same time. However this could take a few weeks to a few months depending on your hair growth rate, hormones etc.