At least once a day we come to think of our hair. Some think a lot about it while others not much. Nevertheless, everyone should know that hair is not only a natural covering on our head but also plays a more significant role.

Hair thickness

It is about 42 to 95 micrometers and differs according to its location. The strongest ones are those found at the back part near the neck. Women have stronger hair than men.
 

Hair count

One square centimeter consists of about 180 to 320 hair follicles. The average number of hair strands on the head for black and brown hairs is approximately 80,000 to 100,000. Blond hairs however have 1/3 more than these. Also, those with thinner hairs have more.
 

Hair lifespan

A single strand grows for 2 to 4 years. An average healthy adult could have 15 to 100 falling hairs everyday.
 

Hair growth

Hair grows about 0.3 to 0.4 mm. everyday or approximately 1 cm. a month.
 

Do you know that...

• The human body is comprised of 70% water; a healthy hair contains 10%. This moisture gives the hair a beautiful appearance.
• Hydration of the hair has the same importance to that of the skin. Water is essential for the health, strength and density of the hair.
• The highest water content is in the hair roots. It is where you can find the highest quantity of amino-acids. Conversely, hair water content is least at the tips.
• Optimal water content makes it possible to make the hair cells intact. The smoothness of the hair helps in withstanding against harmful elements in the environment.
• Fading of the hair is the loss of the hair’s ability to maintain water. Due to aging, amino-acid and lipid contents are lower which is vital in the creation of cell membranes.
• Changes on the hair and hair surface are evidenced by slower hair growth, thinner hair, loss of color and luster and hair surface is rougher
• During adolescence, there are about 620 to 630 hair follicles per 1 cm. squared, and after 50’s there would only be 450 at that same surface. Follicles are smaller and produce weaker hair.
• Hair graying is caused by the lower productivity of melanocytes.
• Oxygen is also important for the hair. Research shows that during the age of 25-30 only 30%-40% oxygen is held compared when younger.
• Dandruffs can already affect infants at 3 months old.
• During pregnancy, the embryo begins growing hair at 20 weeks.
• Consuming more vitamins and minerals affects the quality of hair.
• UV rays affect the oil content on the hair structure. It lowers cellular cohesion resulting to dehydrated, dry and brittle hair.
• UV rays could harm the skin on the head. Particularly UVB, which could lead to erythema, burning sensations, solar keratosis or skin cancer.
• It is recommended that we also protect the hair scalp with sun-tan cream. The skin surface on these parts is thinner.

 
Hair life cycle

The growth, fading, changes of the hair takes place even as early as childhood. In fact, the biggest changes are usually during puberty and after that not much more. Given the number of hair follicles a person have, it is sufficient enough for his entire lifetime. On the head alone, there are about 100,000 hair strands and grows about 0.3 to 0.4 mm. everyday.
Hair restoration takes place gradually and continuously does not depend on any season of the year. Each hair strand grows independently without regard to any other hairs and cycles alternately as active and then inactive. This means that hair grows, dies and then fall such as the eyelashes that lives for 100 days, hairs on the scalp for 3 to 4 years and little hairs as long as 4 to 9 years. However, changes in the depth of hair follicles decrease the hair’s ability to take in nutrients therefore, producing lesser quality hair. Hair follicles that cannot produce hair anymore are stored in the lower layer of the skin.
Hair color is greatly influenced by the type of hair color used and the optical illusion caused by the light’s reflection. About 70% to 95% of light is absorbed by the hair’s surface. Natural hair color is caused by melanin from hair follicles. The most common form of biological melanin is polymer in nature.

Hair and the Moon

Believe it or not, but our hair has something to do with a particular phase of the Moon and the horoscope. On the day of the New Moon, it is the phase of dark hair shades and the moment for cosmetics and beauty products believed to be most effective. Facial masks, use of hair care products and hair dyeing are also most effective on this day. Crescent or First Quarter Moon is the cycle when the moon revolves 90 degrees from the sun. This cycle is for the growth of strong and thick hair. Hair fixtures and extensions executed during this cycle yield the best results. Full Moon is the phase when the Sun and the Moon are exactly on the opposite sides of the Earth. This is the phase for hairs with lighter shades and is the best time for dyeing or cutting your hair. Also, using hair and beauty products intended for nourishing and moisturizing the hair and skin is most effective during this phase. Waning or Third Quarter Moon is the cycle when the moon revolves 90 degrees from the sun and is best for perming and hairstyling with best and lasting results. The hair is at its strongest form and is a good time for regenerating hair care, protected from dandruff and also cosmetic products are very effective.
 

Hair defines a person

Not only clothes define a person, but how they pose their hair as well. The clothes you wear reflect much of your personality as much as you style your hair. In general, women give more attention to make them look fantastic, not necessarily with astounding beauty but an appropriate hairstyle always helps. Celebrities like Catherine Deneuve or Sharon Stone poses that beautiful appearance is not a matter of age and grooming one’s self is not only for famous personalities.
 

Linda Evangelista, model, has long been regarded as “chameleon” because of her adaptability to look beautiful with any fashion trend. She was once a blonde, brunette or even a red-hair. “I was a good model, and whenever I decide to have a new hairstyle, my career just gets even better”, she said in an interview.
Claudia Schiffer, a blonde labeled as the “German Bardot” and up to this day still styles her hair the same way. Madonna is the “icon” because she always surprises everyone with a new image.
Oliver Smith, longtime hairdresser, wrote the book “Hair! Attractive Hairstyles”, persuades the readers to choose the right hairstyle that reflects their personality and gain satisfaction with the results. The 10 step hair analysis helps you to find the ideal hairstyle for your age and personality.