Hair Growth

Our hair is one of our most important external distinguishing features. It makes us attractive, makes us unmistakable and adapts perfectly to our personality thanks to countless styling options. At the same time, it also fulfils important tasks: Hair protects our head from cooling, infrared light (heat radiation) and excessive UV radiation. Incidentally, evolutionary scientists believe that hair growth gradually regressed over the course of time and that we used to be as hairy all over our bodies as we are on our heads. However, when humans began to wrap themselves in furs to protect themselves from the cold and wet, body hair gradually became superfluous. What has remained is hair growth on the head, as we still expose our heads uncovered to sun, wind, heat, cold and moisture.

Even in ancient times, beautifully groomed hair was considered a status symbol. People used combs made of bone, wood or bronze, cleaned their scalp and hair with potash and bleached it with an aggressive stain made of butyric acid, sour milk and lime lye. Later, women in particular turned to milder alternatives: rose water, egg yolk, nettle juice and beer were considered insider tips for full, shiny hair. Until recently, softeners such as silicones were an integral part of countless hair care products, but fortunately the trend is now moving back towards more natural ingredients.

Hair structure

Around 95 per cent of our hair consists of keratin, with the remaining five per cent made up of pigments, minerals, water and lipids. The visible part of the hair that grows out of the skin is known anatomically as the hair shaft, which is around 0.05 to 0.08 millimetres wide. Below this is the hair root, which is anchored in the connective tissue of deeper layers of the skin and is partly responsible for hair growth. Only the hair follicles contain living cells. They are encased in a hair root sheath and are surrounded by sensitive nerve cells. These in turn ensure that our hair straightens, for example in shock situations or in the cold. An important part of the hair follicle is the hair papilla, which consists of connective tissue that is supplied with blood. The tissue surrounds the hair root and supplies it with important nutrients. The hair papilla also contains cells (melanocytes) that release pigments into the hair and thus determine its colour. At the boundary between the hair root and the hair papilla, the root is slightly thickened and looks like a tiny onion. This contains the hair matrix, which forms horn cells, which in turn are hardened by keratin. The greater the number of horn cells produced, the further they push upwards and a new hair is formed.

Hair growth and its phases

The first phase of hair growth lasts around two to six years. During this growth phase, which varies in length depending on genetic predisposition, the hair root continuously produces the required hair substance so that a hair grows around 0.35 millimetres per day and can reach a total length of 25 to 70 centimetres. For a smooth growth phase, it is very important that the hair root is constantly and sufficiently supplied with nutrients. In healthy hair growth, around 85 per cent of all hair is in the growth phase.

This is followed by a one- to two-week transition phase. The hair root cells temporarily stop cell division and hair production and the lower end of the hair becomes keratinised. Normally, one to three per cent of all hairs are in the transition phase during hair growth. In the subsequent resting phase, the hair remains in the hair root for around one to three months. Then it falls out: perhaps when combing, perhaps when washing, but perhaps also due to the hair growing back directly. If hair growth proceeds normally, up to 100 hairs fall out in this way every day. Around 15 per cent of all hair is in the resting phase.

After these three phases, hair growth starts all over again. However, as this is a very complex process, hair growth can be severely disrupted by various factors. These factors can include hormonal influences, stress and an unhealthy diet. However, blow-drying too hot, regular straightening with a hair straightener, frequent colouring and perm treatments can also have a negative effect on hair growth over time.

How to support hair growth

If hair growth is disturbed by various factors, it is now possible in many cases to provide targeted help, provided there is no disease-related cause. Special formulations with valuable plant extracts (such as millet or soya and wheat germ), trace elements, vitamins and nutrients tackle the root of the problem. For example, dexpanthenol and the protein building block L-cystine are known to stimulate hair growth. If the hair root is nourished with important micronutrients, the cell metabolism improves and the three phases mentioned run much more smoothly. Hair often appears much fuller and healthier after consistent treatment.

The topic of hair growth is ideal for the production of your cosmetics. Together with Cosmacon, you will develop your product so that it is sure to be a successful start to building your own brand.

Hair care products for healthy hair growth

The most important part of hair care is a good shampoo. It should be able to cleanse the hair gently and thoroughly, build it up from the roots and give it suppleness and volume. With special repair shampoos, the hair structure can be strengthened from the inside out so that a damaged hair surface is repaired. Silicones and parabens should not be included. And while a shampoo primarily cleanses the hair, a conditioner closes the open cuticle layer after shampooing so that it is protected from drying out and does not lose moisture. However, a conditioner does not replace a hair treatment or mask. Conditioners and masks are like a balm for damaged hair, giving it an extra portion of care and helping to regenerate it.

Styling products such as gels, mousses, hair sprays and hair lacquers can also be used. For healthy hair growth, however, it is also important here that the products are gentle and contain as many natural ingredients as possible.

We like to work with these hair growth-promoting active ingredients:

High-quality hair care products from Cosmacon

Discover the secret of full, shiny hair with Cosmacon’s high-quality hair care products. Our focus is not only on quality, but also on innovation. In our research and development department, we rely on the latest findings and raw materials in hair care to create innovative formulas. Whether it’s combating stress-induced hair loss, revitalising damaged strands or caring for the scalp, at Cosmacon we are focused on developing products that are not only effective but also gentle.

Sources:

Histology, Hair and Follicle.; Brown TM, Krishnamurthy K.2022 May 8. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022
A Comment on the Science of Hair Aging.; Trüeb RM, Rezende HD, Dias MFRG.Int J Trichology. 2018 Nov-Dec;10(6):245-254

Hair Cosmetics for the Hair Loss Patient.; Dias MFRG, Loures AF, Ekelem C.Indian J Plast Surg. 2021 Dec 27;54(4):507-513.