We have included this page on our hair blog to help you better understand the actual makeup of hair and its structure so as we work in the salon and converse you will have a better idea of why we are moving through the processes that we are and how each process can effect the hair and where.  The more you understand about the actual makeup of hair the better and informed your decisions on where to head with your image will be placed.

Hair consists of 3 primary layers or parts​

An innermost layer or medulla which is only present in thick or coarse thick hair and at times not at all or intermittently.

The middle layer known as the cortex provides the primary strength and is home to the color molecule and water molecule that gives hair its elasticity.  It is also the area that is most effected by chemical and other damaging issues. Hence when we repair hair this is the main area we must concentrate on.  It is the focus of my treatment system​

The outermost layer is known as the cuticle is thin and colorless and serves as a protector of the cortex, much like scales on a fish for a better analogy.  It is also extremely important that you protect this area for if not the cuticles become raised and you lose your shine.  The same effect as if you rand sand paper over a piece of shinny wood.

​
Structure of the hair root​
​
Below the surface of the skin is the hair root, which is enclosed within a hairfollicle. At the base of the hair follicle is the dermal papilla. The dermal papilla is feed by the bloodstream which carries nourishment to produce new hair.

The dermal papilla is a structure very important to hair growth because it contains receptors for male hormones and androgens. Androgens regulate hair growth and in scalp hair Androgens may cause the hair follicle to get progressively smaller and the hairs to become finer in individuals who are genetically predisposed to this type of hair loss.

​
​​The Hair Growth Cycle​

Hair follicles grow in repeated cycles…One cycle can be broken down into three phases.

Anagen – Growth Phase
Catagen – Transitional phase
Telogen – Resting Phase
​

Each hair passes through the phases independent of the neighboring hairs, meaning that the hair is in a constant state of flux and passing all three stages at once.​

Anagen Phase – Growth Phase​
Approximately 85% of all hairs are in the growing phase at any one time. The Anagen phase or growth phase can vary from two to six years. Hair grows approximately 10cm per year and any individual hair is unlikely to grow more than one meter long.​

Catagen Phase – transitional phase​
At the end of the Anagen phase the hairs enters into a Catagen phase which lasts about one or two weeks, during the Catagen phase the hair follicle shrinks to about 1/6 of the normal length. The lower part is destroyed and the dermal papilla breaks away to rest below.​

Telogen Phase – resting phase​
The resting phase follows the catagen phase and normally lasts about 5-6 weeks. During this time the hair does not grow but stays attached to the follicle while the dermal papilla stays in a resting phase below. Approximately 10-15 percent of all hairs are in this phase at an one time.
At the end of the Telogen phase the hair follicle re-enters the Anagen phase. The dermal papilla and the base of the follicle join together again and a new hair begins to form. If the old hair has not already been shed the new hair pushes the old one out and the growth cycle starts all over again.​

If you are trying to grow your hair out it can often be difficult to determine the best method for keeping your hair strong and preventing structure damage. In this article we can provide some tips on how you can improve hair structure and growth so that when you go to see your stylist at the best hair salon, you can get a great experience. Here are some top tips for maintaining hair structure and growth:

Reducing anxiety and stress: If you have extra anxiety and stress in your lifestyle it can often be quite difficult to grow hair in a healthy way. One of the main stress responses that we can experience actually starts to cause hair loss over time. Going to the hair salon if you’ve been stressed or anxious could make the process of getting a good style more difficult.

Changes in hormones: hormonal changes can also result in hair loss and stress issues for your hair. Tracking some hormonal changes with regards to medication or even changes in your body can be important.

Proper nutrition: before going to the hairstylist, you need to make sure that you are eating well and getting proper nutrition. Your nutrition can ultimately affect the way that your hair grows and the total number of split ends or issues that you can be effected by.

Your hair care products: using harsh chemicals can ultimately affect the hair structure and growth of your hair over time. With proper hair structure improvements, you can make sure that your hair can be strong and easy to brush/style.

Keep some of these top ideas in mind regarding hair structuring growth and how you can enjoy a better style appointment at your next chair visit with the hairstylist.