Hair Loss in the Woman

By Ángelo Cervantes

Seeing, after combing, a dozen hairs that have fallen out, many begin to panic and take immediate measures to preserve them. Some take vitamins (without control) for hair loss, others try to wash and comb less often so as not to see them disappear. But almost everyone gets carried away by the slogans on the packaging that promise "miracles".

The truth is, beautiful hair is an integral part of a person's image. Many are faced with the problem of hair loss and honestly do not know what direction to take. This book is a true guide based on proven scientific facts. It will explain how our hair is composed, what happens to it in her life, and how to treat it with love so that it will accompany us for a long time. It indicates what problems you may be facing, and what solutions to take in each case. Scientifically certified products, and natural medicine that you can do at home. A chapter reserved for the treatment of dandruff complements this manual.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ediciones Afrodita
• Release date: Mar 29, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215103999

Book preview

Chapter 1

General notions of hair

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Hair is a living organ

The appearance of our hair often reflects our physical condition. In fact, they can be dull and brittle in case of temporary fatigue or, on the contrary, shiny when we are in good shape or when we take the right care. In addition to its aesthetic appearance, the hair is a very particular organ of the family of appendages whose main function is to protect the head and scalp. Composed of keratin, it is very strong and can support a weight of 100 g without giving way.

Hair (from the Latin capillus) is made up of a pocket, fold, or layer of tissue that extends from the epidermis into the dermis. The deep part of the hair is thus in the dermis, but it is connected to the epidermis. The emerging part crosses the dermis, then the epidermis, to reach the outside and constitute the visible part of the hair.

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The composition of hair.

Implanted more or less obliquely in the skin, our hair takes root in the hair bulb. This invisible part is actually the source of active hair growth as it is made up of living cells. By benefiting from the contributions of the blood vessels located near the hair bulb, the root is stimulated and thus allows hair growth. The visible part of the hair also called the hair shaft, is devoid of living cells. This free part of the hair is made up of 3 layers:

• The CUticule: very protective, this layer of the hair gives shine and softness thanks to the horny plates in the form of scales that partially overlap.

• the bark: full of melanin, this part determines the color of the hair, as well as its main characteristics (strength, elasticity, etc.).

• the marrow: This is the innermost part of the hair shaft. Made up of a series of proteins, it does not play any particular role.

Beyond water, lipids, or melanin, it is above all keratin that is the main component of each hair. This fibrous protein is particularly rich in sulfur amino acids, minerals, and trace elements that ensure the strength of the hair.

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Hair is made up of 95% keratin, a fibrous and helical protein (in the form of a helix), which is part of the composition of the skin and all skin appendages (hair, nails, etc.).

Synthesized by keratinocytes, keratin is insoluble in water, which guarantees hair impermeability and protection.

18 amino acids enter the composition of the hair, such as proline, threonine, leucine, or even arginine, keratin is particularly rich in cysteine (a variety of sulfur amino acids) that form sulfur bridges between the molecules, conferring its rigidity and resistance.

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The anatomy of the scalp

Hair grows from the follicle. This is housed at the junction of the deep dermis and the hypodermis and takes the name of the bulb.

The blood supply is ensured by a small vessel that penetrates the inside of the hair shaft, providing the hair with all the vital elements it needs to be healthy, such as amino acids, mineral salts, or even vitamins.

Glands surround the hair shaft, the most important of these glands is the sebaceous gland which produces sebum, the hair's natural lubricant.

On the surface of the scalp, the pores evacuate the sweat produced by the sweat glands.

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The role of melanocytes and keratinocytes

The hair cortex also contains melanin. Produced by specialized cells called melanocytes, melanin is the pigment responsible for hair color.

Located near the hair bulb, the melanocytes will inject their pigments into the keratinocytes of the hair shaft in formation.

The color thus lasts throughout the hair cycle from its genesis to its end, when the hair falls out.

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The life cycle

All hair is born, lives, and dies: this is the hair cycle. Not all hair is at the same stage. A cycle lasts an average of 3 to 4 years and has 3 stages:

Anagen phase – Growth

85% of the hair is in the growth phase. Hair is formed at the level of the bulb and grows by the multiplication of keratinocytes, the cells that synthesize keratin. The keratinocytes move away from the growth zone, harden to form the hair shaft, and then die. The hair bulb also contains a second type of cell, melanocytes, which synthesize melanin, the pigment responsible for hair color. The speed of hair growth is 0.9-1.3 cm per month. It varies according to the type of hair, the fastest being the Asian type.

Catagen Phase