Lots of people who used to pull their hair out, worry that it won’t grow back.  Reach out if you are in any doubt.  

Permanent damage to hair roots from compulsive hair pulling (trichotillomania) is VERY rare, but may occur after 20+ years of pulling.  Full regrowth for scalp hair may take up to 7 years but in someone aged under 30, usually takes place within one to three years pull free.

Systems like interlace or hair extensions can cause permanent damage to hair roots which have already been damaged by hair pulling.

The Structure of Hair

Understanding the Structure of Hair: An In-Depth Look

Hair is a fascinating and complex structure that plays a significant role in our appearance and protection. Whether you’re dealing with hair loss, interested in hair care, or simply curious, understanding the structure of hair can provide valuable insights. Here’s a detailed look at the anatomy of hair and how it functions.

The Anatomy of Hair

Hair is composed of two main parts: the hair follicle and the hair shaft.

The Hair Follicle

The hair follicle is a tunnel-like segment of the epidermis (outer layer of the skin) that extends down into the dermis. The follicle is the living part of the hair and is responsible for its growth. It consists of several parts:

Bulb: The base of the hair follicle, where cells divide and grow to build the hair shaft. The bulb is fed by tiny blood vessels that deliver nutrients and oxygen to the cells.

Papilla: Located at the bottom of the hair follicle, the papilla contains blood vessels that supply nutrients to the growing hair.

Beard hairs and eyebrows can be easier to damage from hair pulling.

FOLLICLE DAMAGE

When you pull a hair the hair follicle will try and repair any damage that has occurred. The human body has a remarkable way of repairing itself but this can take some time. If you pull a hair and the root is not pulled out this means that the hair is in its resting phase, however if you pull a hair with the root attached the hair is in the active phase which means it is actively growing. If you pull part of the root out this can damage the hair follicle.

The BLACK tip you see on some hairs is the area responsible for color pigment. While the hair follicle is repairing the hair will grow but the MELANIN (which gives hair its color) will not have ‘fused’ with the protein cells that are our hair, causing the hair to grow in grey or white. In time your normal hair color may re-establish itself, but this is not always the case. The follicle may be repaired enough to grow but the formation of melanin can cease which causes the hair to stay grey or while. Hair can also grow in different eg- if you have straight hair it may grow in curly.

If you pull the hair and the whole follicle comes out with a RED tip, you have just detached the blood supply and muscle. This is permanent damage. This means that the hair will NOT grow back.

Matrix: Surrounding the papilla, the matrix is where new hair cells are produced. These cells harden and form the hair shaft as they move up the follicle.

Inner and Outer Root Sheath: These layers protect and shape the growing hair.

The Hair Shaft

The hair shaft is the visible part of the hair that extends above the skin’s surface. It consists of three layers:

Cuticle: The outermost layer, made up of overlapping cells that protect the inner layers. A healthy cuticle gives hair its shine and smoothness.

Cortex: The middle layer, which provides strength, color, and texture. It contains melanin, the pigment responsible for hair color.

Medulla: The innermost layer, which is often absent in fine or light-colored hair. It may contribute to the hair’s overall strength and structure.

Hair Growth Cycle

Hair growth occurs in cycles and is divided into three main phases:

Anagen Phase (Growth Phase): This is the active growth phase, where hair can grow about half an inch per month. It can last from 2 to 7 years, depending on your age and health factors. This is why hair regrowth after hair pulling can take up to 7 years.

Catagen Phase (Transitional Phase): Lasting about 2 to 3 weeks, this phase is when hair growth stops, and the follicle shrinks.

Telogen Phase (Resting Phase): This phase lasts about 3 months. Hair does not grow during this period but remains attached to the follicle. At the end of this phase, the hair falls out, and a new hair begins to grow in its place, starting the cycle anew.

Factors Affecting Hair Health

Several factors can impact the health and growth of hair, including:

Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, C, D, E, and B-complex, along with iron and zinc, is crucial for healthy hair growth.

Hormones: Hormonal changes due to pregnancy, menopause, thyroid issues, and other conditions can affect hair growth and health.

Genetics: Your genetic makeup plays a significant role in determining hair thickness, texture, and growth patterns.

Stress: Physical and emotional stress can lead to hair loss and affect the hair growth cycle.

Hair Care Practices: Using harsh chemicals, excessive heat styling, and inadequate scalp care can damage hair and impede growth.

Conclusion

Understanding the structure of hair is essential for maintaining its health and addressing issues such as hair loss or damage. By recognizing the roles of the hair follicle and shaft, the phases of hair growth, and the factors that influence hair health, you can take better care of your hair and promote its natural beauty and vitality.

By now you will hopefully be receiving lots of lovely compliments about your hair. Trichotillomania Support recommend that you write them down in your own handwriting, to remind yourself why your recovery remains important to you. Reading them back can refresh and boost motivation when times seem rough.

Basically; your hair is set to get better and better!

Thank you so much for reading to the end of the page. You get extra appreciation for that!