Do you dream of radiant hair of beauty and health? Here are 10 facts about the hair to know it better and take better care of it on a daily basis.
1- A hair is essentially composed of keratin
Hair has the same structure as other hairs in the human body. It is a dander made up of more than 90% keratin, a protein naturally synthesized by the body. Hair is made up of two distinct parts: the root and the hair shaft. This is the visible part of the hair. This is where the keratin is concentrated, which guarantees the structure, resistance and elasticity of the hair. Keratin is produced at the root level by keratinocytes. To multiply and ensure hair growth, these cells feed on nutrients and oxygen provided by the many blood vessels and nerve endings that surround the hair root.
2 - The lifespan of a hair is 2 to 7 years on average
Hair is alive and follows a natural growth cycle called the “hair cycle”.
It consists of three essential phases:
The anagen phase: it corresponds to the hair growth phase and lasts from 2 to 7 years on average.
The catagen phase: shorter, this phase extends over 2 to 3 weeks. During this period, the hair goes to rest, its development is very slowed down, or even completely stopped.
The telogen phase: this stage leads to hair loss. It lasts about 3 months. The hair that falls out is then replaced by a new hair that enters the anagen phase.
3 - The growth of a hair is about 0.3 mm per day
The growth of a hair is on average 0.3 to 0.5 mm per day or 1 to 1.5 cm per month and therefore 12 cm per year. If you dream of waist-length hair, remember that the best way to optimize your hair growth is to keep it healthy. To do this, some good habits can help:
Frequent scalp massages: to promote nutrient supply at the root level and stimulate hair growth.
A healthy hair routine: with care adapted to the needs of your hair and reduced use of heating appliances (hair dryers and straighteners, especially at high temperatures).
A cure of food supplements: by nourishing your hair with essential micronutrients, food supplements are your allies to bring strength, vitality and shine to your hair
4 - Hair naturally loses between 50 and 100 hairs per day
Healthy hair naturally loses between 50 and 100 hairs per day. No need to worry if you regularly find hair clinging to your brush or in your shower tray: this is completely normal. Depending on the period, hair loss can increase. This is the case during the change of seasons, especially at the arrival of autumn, when the body feels the blow of the start of the school year. This harmless phenomenon is called seasonal hair loss. Hormones can also have an impact on the hair's life cycle. It is common to see significant hair loss after pregnancy or during menopause. During these periods, a food supplement for hair helps support and maintain them from the inside.
Note: temporary hair loss should not last more than three consecutive months. Beyond that, it may be a chronic hair loss problem such as androgenic alopecia. If in doubt, do not hesitate to speak to your doctor.
5- Hair color depends on melanin
Blond, red, brown, brown... hair color is determined by genetics. It is melanin, produced by melanocytes at the root of the hair, which gives hair its color. It diffuses its pigments in the heart of the hair shaft in formation, which means that the hair is colored at the same time as it grows. The more concentrated the amount of melanin, the darker the hair. White hair is simply the consequence of the cessation of melanin production.
6 - Once the hair grows white, it always grows back white
Also called canities, the appearance of white hair generally takes place around the age of 30. Their spread increases around the age of 45-50 and then gradually spreads throughout the hair over the years. Over time, the melanocytes responsible for hair color become rare and decrease by 10 to 20% every 10 years. The hair then begins to grow white. An interesting thing to know is that once a hair grows white, it always grows back white. So you can snatch it whenever it catches your eye.facing the mirror, unfortunately this will never restore its original color.
7 - White hair is more fragile than colored hair
If it gives hair color, melanin also acts as a shield for the hair fiber. Deprived of their protective pigments, white hair is unfortunately more vulnerable to external aggressions (UV rays from the sun, pollution, aggressive hair routines, etc.). They tend to dry out, dull and break more easily. Taking a food supplement rich in specific active ingredients (lithothamnium, brewer's yeast, burdock or even borage flower) for the health and beauty of the hair is therefore particularly useful.
8 - Healthy hair is well-nourished hair
What you put on your plate plays an essential role in the beauty and health of your hair. Remember, the hair is nourished by the nutrients brought by the circulation of the blood at the level of the hair root. In the event of an unbalanced or deficient diet, you expose yourself to various hair problems: hair loss, slow growth, lack of shine, brittle fiber... Hence the interest of adopting a healthy diet throughout the year. , with a maximum of fresh products, naturally rich in vitamins and trace elements.
Be aware, however, that certain nutrients are particularly beneficial for the hair:
Group B vitamins: more particularly vitamin B8 (or biotin) and vitamin B6 which contribute to good hair growth and the synthesis of cysteine, an amino acid that is part of the composition of keratin. You can find them in meats, eggs, fish, seafood, whole grains, vegetables and dried fruits, wheat germ...
Zinc: it is involved in the formation of keratin and ensures supple and shiny hair. Zinc is present in oysters, liver, wheat germ, sesame, dark chocolate, nuts or beef.
Copper: it helps to preserve the natural pigmentation of the hair. It is on the menu in organ meats, seafood, nuts, seeds and some whole grain products.
Lithothamnium: it provides a supply of calcium of natural origin which promotes hair growth. This seaweed is consumed in the form of a food supplement.
Brewer's yeast: rich in minerals and group B vitamins, brewer's yeast is known to strengthen hair and improve hair growth by stimulating keratin synthesis. It is consumed as a food supplement or in flakes to sprinkle on your dishes.
All these active ingredients can be found in the CAPIVIT food supplement from Laboratoire Lescuyer. This phyto-micronutritional complex provides the nutrients necessary to maintain beautiful hair, but also beautiful nails. It is recommended to do 3 months of supplementation to obtain optimal results.
9- Your lifestyle influences the health of your hair
Hair is the barometer of your overall health. In parallel with a balanced diet, it is important to take care of your lifestyle to maintain healthy and robust hair. On a daily basis, drink enough (at least 1.5L of water per day), to smooth the transport of nutrients within the blood vessels and ensure the good growth of your hair. Since stress can be the cause of hair ailments (weakening of the scalp, hair loss, premature appearance of gray hair, etc.), it is also advisable to practice relaxing activities and get enough sleep (between 7 and 9 a.m. per night) . Finally, reduce your cigarette consumption to display beautiful shiny and silky hair.
10 - Hair needs softness
To display hair that shines with beauty, softness is essential. Avoid attacking them on a daily basis with too frequent washing, too energetic brush strokes, excessive use of heating appliances, or even too tight hairstyles. In terms of care, don't forget that hair needs hydration and nutrition, regardless of its nature (straight hair, curly hair, curly hair, frizzy hair, etc.). Favor natural products, without sulphates and without silicones which tend to suffocate the hair fiber. Finally, a visit to the hairdresser from time to time is beneficial to chase away split ends and reboost the hair.
